Carnival Films Adapts Sarah Pinborough's Chilling New Novel for TV

Carnival Films has secured the rights to develop Sarah Pinborough's anticipated novel, "They Say a Girl Died Here," into a television series. The book, scheduled for publication in late August 2026, delves into a dark murder mystery set in the rural town of Harper's Creek.

The narrative follows Anna Maybourne, a university dropout who visits her family in Harper's Creek, a town haunted by the unsolved murders of two girls that occurred exactly three years prior. As Anna's grandmother succumbs to dementia, Anna finds herself increasingly consumed by the town's tragic past and the looming anniversary of the crimes.

With the town gripped by drought and fear, Anna becomes convinced that the killer is still present and that her grandmother may hold crucial, unspoken knowledge. The synopsis suggests a deepening obsession and a sense that the mystery is far from over. Pinborough, known for "Behind Her Eyes," is praised for her ability to create atmospheric and suspenseful thrillers.

This adaptation marks another significant project for Carnival Films, following their Emmy-nominated series "All Her Fault" and the returning hit "The Day of the Jackal." The production company, part of Universal Global Television, is also developing other projects based on popular novels, further solidifying their reputation for high-profile literary adaptations. Both the U.S. and U.K. editions of "They Say a Girl Died Here" are slated for release on August 25 and August 27, 2026, respectively.