M use Entertainment has partnered with Sydney-based prodco Pop Fiction Entertainment, a division of Pop Family Entertainment, to develop the Madison Knight detective novels.

Australian-born Canadian actor Hélène Joy (pictured), best known for her starring role on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, is attached to star in an 8 x 60-minute adaptation of the novels, written by London, Ont. author Carolyn Arnold.

Canadian novelist and screenwriter Lynn Coady (Diggstown) is working with Australian writer Justin Monjo (Storm Boy) to develop the drama series, while Australia’s Daniel Nettheim (Line of Duty) is attached to direct. Hong Kong-born Australian actor Orion Lee (First Cow) will also star.

The Madison Knight adaptation follows the titular detective who uses unconventional methods to catch criminals. The series will be a co-production between the Montreal-based Muse Entertainment and Pop Fiction, set in Sydney and British Columbia.

Executive producers on the series are Muse SVP Jesse Prupas, POP Fiction’s Carmel Travers, Matthew Lesher, Coady, Joy and Monjo.

“We are incredibly proud to have produced several female-led detective series such as Bellevue, Coroner and The Murders,” said Prupas in a statement. “Madison Knight is a continuation of this conscious decision to depict rich and complex leading female characters. We look forward to teaming with Pop Fiction Entertainment and working with Hélène, Justin and Lynn, who share our creative vision and enthusiasm to bring a Madison Knight series to its fans and viewers around the world.”