Content creator and distributor Brain Power Studio has optioned the rights to the mystery series The Fallen Angels Book Club from author R. Franklin James.

The company, based in Newmarket, ON, is now in development on a scripted crime drama based on the series, which follows an ex-felon paralegal who must investigate a series of murders at her book club when the police mark her as a suspect.

NAACP-nominated screenwriter Rhonda Baraka (Bobbi Kristina, Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta) is attached to write and executive produce the series, with Brain Power’s Beth Stevenson and Nancy Yeaman also serving as EPs. No broadcasters are currently attached.

Baraka is a prolific collaborator with U.S. network Lifetime as a writer and director. She is currently working with Unanimous Media, a California-based prodco launched by basketball star Steph Curry, on an original series for Lifetime and Paramount TV.

“The main character of this book series is an intelligent and intriguing woman whose criminal past has given her the unforeseen gift of solving crimes,” said Stevenson in a statement. “We are happy to be working with Rhonda Baraka to bring Rae James’ complex and diverse lead to the screen.”

Brain Power’s Yeaman and Stan Hum were promoted to EVP roles at the start of the year as the company aimed to expand its content slate. Its scripted series The Wedding Planners premiered on Citytv’s Fall in Love Fridays lineup in late March.