It’s a pretty typical belief that technology stands in the way of our collective ability to read a book or maintain a five-minute attention span (insert edgy comic art of headphones strangling teens here). In fact, technology has lead to groundbreaking developments in publishing. Here’s another one—the world’s top bestselling author, James Patterson, has released a jaw-dropping thriller for Facebook Messenger months ahead of its print release.

_{Image Via Theverge.com}

James Patterson’s latest, The Chef, is an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride following a respected officer fighting serious criminal allegations. Set amidst the revelry and decadence of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras festival, this crime novel will give you cause to celebrate (only after you’re done biting your nails and/or staying up until four in the morning to finish). Patterson writes: Police detective by day, celebrity food truck chef by night, now Caleb Rooney has a new title: Most Wanted. Users can find The Chef by searching for it in the app—but that’s not the only exciting new development. Patterson’s interactive story goes far beyond words on a screen.

_{Image Via Techcrunch.com}

Using the Internet’s potential to its full extent, Patterson has included sound clips and videos that connect with the story. This multimedia content will help readers to envision the novel’s thrilling locations and feel closer to its protagonists. There are also Instagram accounts for the major characters—all to enhance the feeling that these characters (and the dangers they face) are real and immediate. Best of all, the online release comes three months before the print version! Physical copies of The Chef will be available in February. There will also be Live Q&A with Patterson during which he will answer all your questions—unless your question is how does it end!? For that, you’ll have to keep reading and scrolling!

^{Gif Via Tenor.com}

Patterson, the world’s wealthiest author and recipient of the only ever nine-figure book deal, has made previous forays into the new frontier of electronic publishing—in fact, he broke yet another all-time record by becoming the first author to publish one million ebooks. Journeying into experimental publishing territory may be one thing that Patterson is not the first or only author to do. Recently, HarperCollins released the first ever Snapchat adaptation of a novel using source material from Suzy Cox‘s The Dead Girls Detective Agency. Still, it’s likely that Patterson’s multimedia breakthrough will be unprecedented in its success (unless, of course, it’s precedented only by him). 

Featured Image Via Engadget.com