Brian Freeman's "Season of Fear"

Brian Freeman is the bestselling author of nine psychological thrillers, including Spilled Blood, which won the award for Best Hardcover Novel in the International Thriller Writers Awards.

Here he dreamcasts an adaptation of his latest novel, Season of Fear:

Readers have debated for years about who would star in a film or TV adaptation of my Jonathan Stride series. Russell Crowe? Kyle MacLachlan? As soon as I throw out a name, I get ten names back from readers with other ideas.

With my latest novel Season of Fear, we can start a new debate: Who should play Cab Bolton?

Cab may be an even tougher call than Stride. As the son of a Hollywood actress, Cab needs some star power on the screen. He’s charming and funny, and he has a distinctive look, too: six-foot-six, spiky blond hair, ski slope nose, diamond earring. When I envisioned Cab in my head, I saw him as something like a young Peter O’Toole.

But who would play him today?

There aren’t many stars with the sky-high stature of Cab Bolton. On the other hand, acting is all about attitude, and that’s what it takes to capture Cab. He’s the kind of hero who takes the world seriously — but himself not at all. He’s smart, and he doesn’t mind being underestimated by people who don’t think he looks like a cop. He always has a twinkle in his eye.

Ryan Gosling? He’s got that playful little smile and the intelligent eyes. I think he could fill Cab’s size 13 shoes.

Or — to really go out on a limb — what about Neil Patrick Harris? He’s immediately ingratiating, and so is Cab, and he’s got that nudge-nudge, wink-wink expression that says we should all relax and enjoy the ride.

Again, just like Cab.

So those are my ideas...now you can read Season of Fear and give me yours.

Learn more about the books and author at Brian Freeman's official website and blog.

My Book, The Movie: Stripped.

My Book, The Movie: Spilled Blood.

--Marshal Zeringue