The book cover for J K Rowling‘s latest foray in to fiction has been released. The Casual Vacancy, Rowling’s first book for adults, has a bright yellow and red cover and what appears to be a ballot card.

The classic 1950′s style cover was designed by Mario J Pulice with illustrations and hand lettering by Joel Holland.

Little Brown have released the following statement about the story behind The Casual Vacancy:

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war [...] Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils… Pagford is not what it first seems.

The tale will follow the death of parish councillor Barry Fairbrother who dies unexpectedly in his 40s, thus leaving an opening on the council.

On its release on 27th September, the book will retail at £20 for the hardback, £11.99 for the eBook, £20 for the audio download, and £30 for the audio CD (audio reading will be read by Tom Hollander).

What do you make of this cover? Are you excited for the release? Let us know your reaction!

Gina Kershaw