Crime writer Lynda La Plante is set to return to the gritty world of her Prime Suspect characters for a prequel.
La Plante has revealed she has started work on a new book, titled Jane Tennison, which she will subsequently adapt into a script for a TV series.
It will start when tough homicide detective Jane Tennison joins the police force in the late 1970s or early 80s, The Telegraph reports.
Helen Mirren played Tennison in the 1990s TV series, based on La Plante's books, and the author is keen to bring The Queen star back for the new project.
She says, "I would love to even approach her to consider it but I feel she has carved out such an impressive career. I really doubt she would want to go back."
The book will be released in 2015 and the series is slated to air the following year.