Hackman announces first solo novel

Gene Hackman has announced that his first solo book will be a Western titled Jubal's Bounty.

A press release by Pocket Books - an imprint of Simon & Schuster - confirmed that the novel will be published in July 2011. It is set in late nineteenth century New Mexico and "follows a brave young hero who is forced to take the law into his own hands after the murder of his family".

Explaining his inspiration for the story, Hackman said: "The Western territory's rich history inspired me to write this tale of proper justice."

The star, who confirmed his retirement from acting in 2008, has co-authored three fiction books since his final film Welcome to Mooseport.