International publishers and film rights buyers have paused their pursuit of Jerry Falade’s unpublished debut novel, *Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body*, after questions emerged about whether artificial intelligence was used during its creation. The episode matters because uncertainty over AI involvement can complicate copyright ownership and the chain of title needed for publishing, film and television adaptations.

Minotaur/Macmillan reportedly agreed a $2.4 million deal for the novel and a follow-up, while foreign-rights and screen interest had been growing. Although Falade had reportedly assured representatives that AI was not used, foreign-rights agent Sandy Hodgman withdrew the manuscript after saying its development could no longer be fully authenticated; the article says the resulting rights sales are now uncertain.