Viola Davis Marks Literary Milestone with Courtroom Thriller Judge Stone

EGOT winner Viola Davis discusses her first fiction novel Judge Stone, her viral Michael B. Jordan tribute, and her transition from screen to crime literature.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 12:46 PM EDT

Source: Variety

A Viral Tribute Rooted in Theatrical History

The entertainment world recently buzzed over Viola Davis’s exuberant presentation of the Best Actor award to Michael B. Jordan for his role in "Sinners." During the ceremony, Davis quoted a powerful line from August Wilson’s "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone," telling Jordan he was "shining like new money." The moment, which quickly became a viral meme, was deeply intentional for Davis. She noted that the line represents a person stepping into their divine purpose, a sentiment she felt perfectly mirrored Jordan’s current trajectory as an actor and emerging director in the African American filmmaking landscape.

Fulfilling a Childhood Writing Ambition

While Davis is globally recognized for her prowess on stage and screen, her literary ambitions date back to age nine. She recalls writing dystopian tales and murder mysteries as a form of escape from a turbulent childhood. Although her 2022 memoir "Finding Me" earned her critical acclaim and a Grammy, "Judge Stone" represents her first transition into the world of fiction. Davis described the process of writing fiction as a liberating experience, allowing her imagination to roam freely in contrast to the heavy emotional processing required for biographical work.

The Strategic Collaboration with James Patterson

The development of "Judge Stone" began when Davis was approached by her agent to collaborate with legendary thriller author James Patterson. Initially hesitant about what she could contribute to Patterson’s established framework, Davis found her niche in deepening the character development of the protagonist. The story follows a small town Alabama judge presiding over a high stakes trial involving a 13 year old sexual assault survivor and a doctor charged with murder. Davis aimed to ground the thriller in a level of truth, ensuring the characters felt as significant as the fast paced plot.