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The outbreak tore the USA in two. The east remains a safe haven. The west has become a ravaged wilderness, known by survivors as the Evacuated States. It is here that Henry Marco makes his living. Hired by grieving relatives, he tracks down the dead and delivers peace.
Now Homeland Security wants Marco for a mission unlike any other. He must return to California, where the outbreak began. Where a secret is hidden. And where his own tragic past waits to punish him again.
In the wastelands of America, you never know who — or what — is watching you.
This is a book we learned about after it had been discovered by a young editor at Hodder and Stoughton, who herself had spotted it being published chapter by chapter online, where it gained a cult following of passionate fans.
It’s an exceptional book, which is very much in a genre tradition but from a writer who has invented a completely original character. We believe there is the potential here for a film that is faithful to its roots, but at the same time builds on this uniqueness to create a fascinating story that reaches beyond the confines of the genre. We are thrilled to be working with the author to bring this book to the screen.
“A hair-raising quest … Zito expertly piles on thrills, cliffhangers and numerous twists …” – The Guardian
From first page to last, ‘The Return Man’ is an astonishing read. With characters you genuinely give a damn about and a story that’ll keep you turning page after page, this is an outstanding debut.’ – David Moody, author of ‘Autumn