Comedy Central Creator And Court TV Exec Art Bell’s Debut Novel ‘What She’s Hiding’ Is A Modern Noir

Entertainment industry legend Art Bell’s debut novel, “What She’s Hiding,” is hitting bookstores next month.

Bell is perhaps best known for creating the Comedy Channel (now Comedy Central) in 1989 while working at HBO. After leaving Comedy Central, he became President of Court TV, producing true-crime series, documentaries and movies, along with overseeing live courtroom coverage, and even hired Savannah Guthrie as trial correspondent more than 20 years ago.

After moving from TV comedy to true crime, it makes sense that his next book — and his first novel — is taking a darker turn into thriller territory. The modern noir, set against the dark underbelly of New York City, offers suspense, intrigue and emotional depth.

According to the official synopsis, “What She’s Hiding” follows hotshot lawyer Henry Gladstone, “whose life is turned upside down when his ex-wife, Leslie Dunlop, reappears with a terrifying ultimatum: pay a quarter-million dollars, or theyll both be killed. As Henry goes deeper into Leslies dangerous world, hes forced to navigate a treacherous path through the glittering heights and shadowy corners of New York City, where deception lurks around every corner.”

Bell co-authored the humor book “Web Sightings: A Collection of Websites Wed Like to See” during his time at Comedy Central, and later published his 2020 memoir, “Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor.” Now, he’s turning his talent for storytelling to fiction, and his experience building a true-crime TV empire gives him a unique edge in crafting a gripping crime novel.

“What She’s Hiding,” published by Ulysses Press, is set for release March 25.