Crowley, Linden team for 'Dogs'

John Crowley has signed to direct The Dogs Of Babel for Mandate Pictures.

Based on the bestselling novel by Carolyn Parkhurst, the story concerns a linguistics professor who returns home to find his wife dead. He attempts to teach the only witness to her death - the couple's dog - how to speak in order to discover what happened.

Jamie Linden will pen the screenplay with Harry Potter producer David Heyman steering the movie.

Heyman, who collaborated with Crowley on the upcoming Is There Anybody There?, told Variety: "I am thrilled to be working with John again. His passion and sensitivity for this material makes him the perfect choice to direct."

Crowley, a theatre director-turned filmmaker, previously helmed Colin Farrell vehicle Intermission and acclaimed drama Boy A.