RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
And today's last word in business is "The Casual Vacancy." That's the title of author J. K. Rowling's upcoming novel aimed at adults. Her publisher announced yesterday the book will be set in an English town, where the death of a councilman sets off quote, "the biggest war the town has ever seen." The publisher is also likely hoping that this title can conjure up Harry Potter-sized sales. That's the children's series which sold a record 450 million copies.
The new book is set for release next September, but eager buyers can already pre-order the title online. Though the novel is a departure from the fantasy world of Harry Potter, there is one element that sounds familiar: The councilman whose death is at the center of the tale, his name is Barry.
And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.