World renowned book publisher HarperCollins has bought the rights to a thriller vampire trilogy from acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro and award-winning novelist Chuck Hogan.

The unnamed series’ first book, The Strain, details the invasion of a vampire-like virus in New York City that was brought in from a plane touching down at the infamous JFK airport.

Del Toro says of the series, “The idea is epic in scope. The trilogy advances in unexpected ways and each book contains unique and surprising revelations about the history, physiology and lore of the vampiric race, tracing its roots all the way back to its Old Testament origins.”

The publishing house also speaks out about its new relationship with del Toro:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be publishing the first foray into fiction from one of the world’s most acclaimed and visionary directors. The strength of del Toro’s vision comes as vividly alive on the page as it does on the screen.”

The Strain is due to hit stores in summer 2009. The release of the second and third novels is to be determined since the dates may coexist with the release of del Toro’s film, The Hobbit.

It is not known whether Del Toro plans to adapt the trilogy for the big screen.