ITV Studios takes Bull Mountain, attaches Ed Bernero

The US division of ITV Studios has optioned crime drama novel Bull Mountain and attached Criminal Minds and Crossing Lines showrunner Ed Bernero to the project.

Bernero will write the pilot script and showrun the series. No broadcaster is yet attached.

The book was written by Brian Panowich and follows several generations of a crime clan and small town sheriff, who is a family member trying to distance himself from his relatives.

Panowich, who is currently working as a firefighter in East Georgia, released the novel last month with Putnam Books. His previous work includes If I Ever get off this Mountain and Coming Down the Mountain.

ITV Studios said it is ramping up its scripted line-up. It recently recruited former Endemol Studios boss Philippe Maigret (pictured) and its other US drama offerings include Hallmark’s Good Witch and History’s Texas Rising.