*By Jacqueline Corba*
James Patterson is a fixture on the vaunted New York Times bestseller list. But this year, the author of canon thrillers like "Juror #3," "Pop Goes the Weasel," "Zoo," "Jack & Jill," and the "Alex Cross" series is using an unlikely platform to deliver his latest work: Facebook Messenger.
"I call it unofficially 'a bookie.' It's a book meets a movie, there's a lot of text and then video," Patterson told Cheddar Monday. "Nobody has done that before."
Patterson, whose books are often adapted into films, said his latest work, "The Chef," will yield "a 360 experience."
For Patterson, sustaining his readership is a matter of staying current. And that means the web.
"It's so important to me that books keep up ー that they enter the modern age and who knows where it's going to end up. But wherever it goes a lot of it will end up online," he said.
The goal, he said, is to drive more readers to new platforms ー but ideally, the format will allow his fans to have a more immersive experience with his stories.
On Facebook ($FB), embedded videos and clues will enhance Patterson's latest whodunit.
"Unfortunately, the publishing business has been a little sleepy, and we keep trying to wake 'em up," he said.
Patterson's murder mystery "The Chef" will be available on Facebook Messenger on Oct. 30 and the print edition will be available in February of 2019.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/why-james-patterson-is-teaming-up-with-facebook-for-his-latest-novel).
With holiday shopping underway, people have to be aware of authentication when purchasing quality luxury gifts. Maya Ali, head of handbags at MyGemma, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to spot fake luxury bags.
You've never heard harmonica like this! Check out this group that gets together to jam out, picking out songs you don't typically think of when you think of the pocket instrument.
Wondering what to watch this weekend? This week we have a rebel cyclist, a rebel who built his own island, and some rebel children who entered a magical wardrobe.
Mattel is hoping to replicate the success of the Barbie movie by bringing new dolls to live action.
As the new year approaches, Fandango released its most anticipated list for 2024.
Roughly one in six American households are behind on utility bills as energy prices surge across the country to the highest level in nearly 15 years, according to reports. Here's how to save some cash on your heating bills.
Trevor Noah said he will return to host the Grammy Awards.
Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a resolution that officially recognizes 2023 as Pennsylvania's Taylor Swift era in honor of the singer's positive impact on the state's economy, voter registration numbers, consumer protection and pro labor practices.
'If,' a new family comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, aims to explain what happens to children's imaginary friends after they grow up.
A new installment in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise will see Eddie Murphy back as Axel Foley, a Detroit cop solving crimes in Beverly Hills.
