Series based on Glen David Gold's novel in development

AMC, home to the fully realized 1960s world of "Mad Men," has another period piece in its development pipeline.

The cable channel is working on turning Glen David Gold's novel "Carter Beats the Devil" into a series. It's one of two projects AMC is developing; the other is "Ice," a drama about a family of diamond merchants.

"AMC has built a reputation for creating original programming of the most cinematic quality, attracting some of the highest-profile creative talent in the industry," says Christina Wayne, who oversees original programming for AMC. "Each [new] project is unique, but all build on the network's mission to deliver compelling programming that stand side-by-side with the network's extensive library of classic films."

"Carter Beats the Devil" is about a 1920s magician who becomes implicated in the death of President Warren G. Harding. Wesley Strick ("Cape Fear," "The Saint") is writing the script, and John Baldecchi and Rich Silverman will executive produce. Gold is serving as a consultant on the project.

"Ice," meanwhile, will focus on diamond merchants in New York. Christian Darren ("Hustle: The Pete Rose Story") wrote the pilot, which Vadim Perelman ("House of Sand and Fog") will direct.

AMC is also beginning production on the second season of "Breaking Bad" this month, with star Bryan Cranston directing the first episode.