Los Angeles, CA – Tuesday, October14 – A+E Studios has optioned We Had a Hunch, the latest novel from Edgar Award-nominated and USA Today bestselling author Tom Ryan, to develop as a television series with Peter Johnson producing. Ryan will Executive Produce. The book, pitched as Nancy Drew meets Yellowjackets, will be published today, October 14 by Grove Atlantic in the U.S. and Simon & Schuster in Canada.
Set in Edgar Mills, Massachusetts, the story follows a group of once-celebrated teen detectives whose fame turned tragic after a brutal case in 2000 left two dead and the so-called “Janitor Killer” behind bars. Twenty-five years later, the friends – now scattered, scarred, and estranged -are drawn back together when a new murder echoes their past, and their imprisoned nemesis offers to help with the case upon one chilling condition.
“Tom Ryan has crafted a deeply atmospheric and emotionally charged mystery that perfectly fits A+E Studios’ commitment to character-driven storytelling.,” said Tana Jamieson, EVP and Co-Head, A+E Studios. “We Had a Hunch reimagines the classic teen sleuth genre with a modern, psychological twist, exploring how the past haunts and reshapes us. We’re thrilled to bring this compelling story to the screen alongside Tom and Peter.”
“What I love about We Had a Hunch is that it explores characters with the youthful optimism of having their whole lives in front of them and, 25 years later, the reality of who they’ve become through the lens of solving the crime that changed them all,” said Peter Johnson. “It’s about growing up, looking back, and confronting what we left behind — all wrapped in a gripping mystery that spans generations.”
“I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of childhood sleuths growing up and facing adult realities,” said Ryan. “Partnering with Peter and A+E Studios to adapt We Had a Hunch is an incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to see these characters brought to life for a new audience.”
Ryan’s previous novel The Treasure Hunters Club was an instant USA Today and Globe & Mail bestseller and a 2025 Edgar Award nominee. He is also the author of Keep This to Yourself and I Hope You’re Listening, both multiple award-winners.
We Had a Hunch hits shelves today from Grove Atlantic (U.S.) and is already out with Simon & Schuster Canada!
Tom is represented by Samantha Haywood and Amy Tompkins.
Congratulations, Tom!