Back in 2015, we were privileged to host author Jane Lythell at our Live’n’Local festival, spending a fascinating hour in her company.

Recently, I attended the launch of her fourth book, Behind Her Back, at which the exciting announcement was made that Jane’s debut novel, psychological thriller The Lie of You, has been adapted and will be released as a feature film later this year. 

Tuppence Middleton (War and Peace, The Imitation Game) plays Hannah, a disturbed woman who covertly joins her rival’s place of work. The object of her hatred is Kathy played by Lydia Wilson (Requiem, Star Trek Beyond), now married to Hannah’s former lover. Hannah’s jealousy tips into obsession as she attempts to destroy her rival. The top notch cast also features Rupert Graves (Sherlock, Doctor Who) and Luke Roberts (Ransom, Game of Thrones).  

Jane’s second novel, After The Storm, has also been optioned by Great Point Media (Lady Macbeth, Doc Martin). She says: ‘It is every writer’s dream that your book will be made into a film. This is a stunning cast and production team and I can’t wait to see the finished film.’

Laura Palmer, Publishing Director at Jane’s publisher, Head of Zeus, said: ‘Jane’s gripping novel of female jealousy, obsession and fear is perfect for the big screen. And these are two very juicy roles for actresses – I’m longing to see the cast in action.’

Prior to becoming an author, Jane was a TV producer for 15 years and was the Chief Executive of BAFTA followed by seven years at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Her latest two novels feature TV executive Liz Lyon, and is a timely response to the issues currently playing out across the film and television industry. Woman of the Hour introduced us to Liz, with Behind her Back continuing the insider’s story.

Jane’s novel is being adapted for the screen by the award winning playwright Rick Garman, who has several TV movies produced and/or in development, with directorial duties assigned to Richard Redwine aka Moon Molson, who most recently helmed The Bravest, The Boldest, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Lie of You is produced by Jennifer Handorf (Prevenge, The Watcher in the Woods) for Lexis Media, backed by Great Point Media, with Executive Producers named as Christina O’Shea-Daly (Caught, The Hollow) and Jim Reeve and Robert Halmi of Great Point Media.