The Wicked Girls: The Perfection’s Richard Shepard takes on Alex Marwood adaptation

Back in October, we heard that Richard Shepard, writer/director of the Netflix-released horror film The Perfection (read our review HERE) was teaming up with his co-writers on that film to develop a supernatural mystery called St. Donatus for the Peacock streaming service. Now Deadline has broken the news that Shepard has another interesting project in the works: he is set to write, direct, and executive produce a limited series based on Alex Marwood’s psychological thriller novel The Wicked Girls (pick up a copy at THIS LINK).

The Wicked Girls limited series is coming to us from All Creatures Great and Small producer Playground. The project is not set up at a network yet. Colin Callender, Scott Huff, and David Stern are overseeing the development of the show for Playground and serve as executive producers with Shepard.

The novel has the following description:

One summer morning, three little girls meet for the first time. By the end of the day, two will be charged with murder. Twenty-five years later, journalist Kirsty Lindsay is reporting on a series of sickening attacks on young female tourists in a seaside town when her investigation leads her to interview funfair cleaner Amber Gordon. For Kirsty and Amber, it’s the first time they’ve seen each other since that dark day when they were just children. But with new lives – and families – to protect, will they really be able to keep their wicked secret hidden?

The Playground executive producers provided this statement to Deadline: “Alex Marwood wrote a novel filled with complex female characters and page turning thrills. We were hooked from page one by the story of Kirsty and Amber and how their past secrets unravel to form a fascinating relationship that upends both their lives.“

I haven’t read The Wicked Girls, but after reading the description I have added it to my “must read” list so I can get to it before the limited series adaptation airs. Have you read the book? If so, what do you think about the story getting the limited series treatment? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.