Michael Caine Launches New Career As Thriller Author With Debut Novel

After hinting at it several times, English actor Michael Caine confirmed his retirement from acting on BBC’s Today show last year. “I keep saying I’m going to retire,” he said. “Well, I am now. I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews …What am I going to do that will beat this?”

To fans’ delight, Caine is not fading into the background but pivoting into a new career as an author. He recently debuted his first thriller novel, Deadly Game, and its storyline is much like Caine’s movies from the ’60s and ’70s. “Delighted to announce that my debut thriller, called Deadly Game, is coming this autumn,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

What to expect from Michael Caine’s new career as thriller author

According to Mobius Books, Deadly Game tells the story of a renowned criminal catcher, DCI Harry Taylor, who has no respect for red tape or political reputations. “All his unorthodox skills will be needed as an extraordinary situation unfolds on his doorstep,” the synopsis reads. “A metal box of radioactive material is found at a dump in Stepney, East London, but before the police can arrive, it is stolen in a violent raid.”

The main character, Harry, will “hit the streets in search of a lead” alongside his unconventional team from the Met. “They soon have two wildly different suspects, aristocratic art dealer Julian Smythe in London and oligarch Vladimir Voldrev in Barbados. But the pressure is on,” the synopsis hints further. “How much time does Harry have, and how many more players will join the action before the missing uranium is lighting up the sky?”

More on ‘Deadly Game’

Interestingly, the novel’s key player would remind readers of Caine’s famous vigilante role in 2009’s Harry Brown and his recurring spy character, Harry Palmer from The Ipcress File, Funeral in Berlin, and Billion Dollar Brain. “I hope readers enjoy getting to know Harry Taylor as much as I did,” Caine said.

The actor also shared how he nursed the idea of writing a thriller for many years until he finally went for it in 2020. “It’s the genre I most love to read, and I’ve really got a buzz out of working on Deadly Game and teaming up with Hodder once again to publish it,” he added. Eager fans can order signed copies of the book now!