In a major switch of publishers, bestselling thriller author Richard North Patterson is moving to Henry Holt from the Random group in a two-book deal signed with Holt president John Sterling for world English rights. Both books will, as usual for this author, have major political implications. The first, tentatively titled Trial, features a murder trial that could have an impact on international relations; it will appear in February 2007. The second, tentatively A Certain God, is about a presidential candidate who risks all by confronting the Christian right in his campaign, and is set for a year later. Sterling, who signed with Coast agent Fred Hill of the Frederick Hill—Bonnie Nadell agency, will edit the books himself. Patterson still has one novel left on his contract with Ballantine.