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Even though Halloween is over and done, it appears as if studio execs in Hollywood are still prowling. They’re not looking for candy, though. As it turns out, all they want this holiday season is to find the next Twilight.

Variety is reporting that Unique Features and Constantin Films have signed writer Jessica Postigo, writer of the hostage drama Operation Checkmate, to adapt the first three novels in the four-book series The Mortal Instruments, from author Cassandra Clare. The series of children’s books — which includes City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass and the upcoming City of Fallen Angels — has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for more than two-straight months (as of June 2009).

The series follows the story of 16-year old Clary Fray and her battles with hordes of vampires, werewolves and other assorted monsters. Something in the same vein as The Spiderwick Chronicles, but with a twinge of angst — thus, the Twilight reference. Also, the books have a target audience primarily made up of teenage girls and middle-aged women, which fits right in with the cash-cow known as Twilight.

It certainly sounds more interesting than the brooding vampire-centric Twilight, with the addition of “assorted other monsters.” At least, that’s what I’m gathering from my limited knowledge of the book series and my ability to peruse the Wikipedia entry. The film is being lined up by Unique Features’ Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, who were instrumental in setting up the Lord of the Rings trilogy at New Line back in the day. The project is in good hands, so it will be interesting to see where it goes from here.