James Patterson Cancels ‘The Murder Of Stephen King’ Out Of Respect For Author’s Family

James Patterson, the author of the bestselling "Alex Cross" series of crime thriller novels, announced the cancellation of his upcoming book "The Murder of Stephen King," which the author has removed from his publication schedule just barely a month before the book's release date.

The Telegraph reported that Patterson's upcoming book, "The Murder of Stephen King," which features a fictionalized portrayal of the title character, has been withdrawn from its Nov. 1 date of publication. Through a statement released by Little, Brown, and Company, Patterson explained that he reportedly did not want to cause any discomfort to either King or his loved ones and therefore has canceled the book's release "out of respect."

Though scarce in specific details, what is known about "The Murder of Stephen King" is that it was intended as a tribute to the celebrated horror author. The book would have told the story of an obsessed fan of King, with story presumably paying an homage to King's own "Misery," but learning of recent break-ins into King's home caused Patterson to reconsider the book.

Patterson co-authored "The Murder of Stephen King" with Derek Nikitas, of "Pyres" and "The Long Division" fame, and had intended the book as "a positive portrayal of a fictional character." Patterson also explained that, despite the title of the book, the story's fictionalized version of King "is not actually murdered."

Despite being the influence of the book, King himself apparently has no involvement in the writing process for "The Murder of Stephen King." King has also said nothing about its cancellation and the two authors actually have no personal relationship, though King has issued remarks against Patterson in the past.

It was back in 2009 that King called Patterson "a terrible writer" although he was also "Very successful," according to a report by The Guardian. Meanwhile, the author of "The Murder of Stephen King" himself has apparently nothing but respect and praise for King, with Patterson telling the Wall Street Journal that "it's fine" and that his own approach "is to do the opposite" and "heap praise."

With "The Murder of Stephen King" now canceled prior to publication, taking over its November 1 date from Patterson's schedule is "Taking the Titanic." The book's description on Fantastic Fiction indicates it will tell the story of two thieves who plan to rob the affluent passengers of the tragic ship, only to discover "a sensational scheme that could alter the fate of the world's most famous ship."