Mr Williams pipped Julie Nesbit, who chairs the Constables' Central Committee, for the job.

BBC: Steve Williams chosen as new Police Federation chairman

From Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit, excerpted with permission from Puffin Books.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Five Children and It'

Mr. Crichton's longtime agent, Lynn Nesbit, and his wife, Sherri Crichton, hinted that there may be more Crichton novels to come, but declined to offer specifics.

WSJ: Deciphering Michael Crichton's Clues for 'Micro'