HYPERION TO PUBLISH THREE ORIGINAL EBOOKS IN BESTSELLING NOVELIST RICHARD CASTLE'S ACCLAIMED DERRICK STORM SERIES

New York City, February 20, 2012 - Hyperion today announced plans to publish three original eBook novellas by renown mystery writer Richard Castle, marking a return to his internationally bestselling and award-winning Derrick Storm series. The first eBook, titled A Brewing Storm, will be published in May 2012 and will bring the former CIA operative out of retirement. The as-yet-untitled second and third Derrick Storm eBooks are scheduled for release in July and August respectively.

Castle, whose eponymous hit television show "Castle" airs on ABC Monday nights at 10 PM, is also the author most recently of the bestselling Nikki Heat novels, based on his ride-alongs with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett with whom he solves crimes and trades barbs. The latest thriller, Heat Rises, debuted at #1 on The New York Times hardcover fiction bestsellers list in October 2011.

Mr. Castle said of the eBook deal, "While consulting with the NYPD on a recent case, I was inspired to re-examine the circumstances around the death of my beloved character Derrick Storm. It turns out, there was much more to the story than met the eye. I'm excited to be working with Hyperion to bring Derrick Storm fans a brand new adventure of mystery, action and intrigue."

The announcement of the new eBooks was made by Ellen Archer, President and Publisher of Hyperion. Of the deal, Archer said, "Acquiring new stories in Richard Castle's Derrick Storm series is a proud moment for all of us at Hyperion. We are honored to partner with Mr. Castle in bringing his popular character Derrick Storm back to life, and introducing him to a new digital audience."

Gretchen Young, VP Editorial Director for ABC Synergy, negotiated the deal. Young is Richard Castle's longtime editor of the Nikki Heat series. Hyperion retains World and eBook rights.

"Castle" premiered on ABC in March of 2009, featuring bestselling mystery novelist Richard Castle. In that debut season, the charming and charismatic Castle, (portrayed by actor Nathan Fillion) was paired for research ride-alongs with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (portrayed by actress Stana Katic), and with her found the inspiration for his fictional detective Nikki Heat, the intriguing main character of his next series. During the second season, Castle opted for a three-book deal to continue the Nikki Heat series over an offer to write three books in a not-to-be-named internationally bestselling spy series. The third season ended with a cliffhanger, which is reflected in Heat Rises. One thing is for sure - the smoldering chemistry between Beckett and Castle continues to sizzle in the precinct throughout the fourth season. Richard Castle currently lives in Manhattan with his daughter and mother, both of whom infuse his life with humor and inspiration. Follow Richard Castle via Twitter at www.twitter.com/WriteRCastle.

Hyperion, founded in 1991, publishes general-interest fiction and nonfiction hardcover, trade, and mass-market paperback books for adults, and includes the Voice and Hyperion eBook and Audio imprints. Hyperion is the adult trade book publishing unit of the Disney/ABC-Television Group, which is part of The Walt Disney Company. For further information, please visit www.hyperionbooks.com and follow at www.twitter.com/hyperionvoice.