'Artemis Fowl' author to write for adults

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While many high-profile adult fiction writers have recently tried their hand at children's books, bestselling children's book writer Eoin Colfer is planning a move in the opposite direction, due to publish his first original novel for adults in 2011. Announced June 10 by The Bookseller, the novel will be a "noir crime-thriller" set in New York and Jersey.

Irish author Colfer is best known for his ongoing Artemis Fowl fantasy series, which has sold well over 18 million copies and was shortlisted for Irish Book of the Decade. That series, as well as his additional series ( The Supernaturalist, Benny Shaw) and standalone novels ( Airman, Half Moon Investigations), is geared toward readers aged 9 through 12. The author's previous writing for adults includes a sixth installment in Douglas Adams's The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, published in 2009.

Plugged, Colfer's upcoming book, will focus on an Irish man "who lives just this side of the law but gets embroiled in things outside of the law," according to Marion Donaldson, who bought the book's British Commonwealth rights.

"Obviously, this is intended for the adult market - there is a certain amount of violence in it - but you can still hear his voice in it," said Donaldson.

Colfer's plan to write for adults follows recent moves by adult fiction writers John Grisham, Harlan Coben, and Candace Bushnell to begin writing for young readers.