Blazes. It's Summer Already!
And my newsletter is late. Or is it?
When I was recently asked how often I release a scintillating (my opinion, if no one else’s) new edition of Notes from the Margin, my answer was: “When I have something to say. More or less monthly?” I try not to junk up your inbox, since mine is practically overflowing (not with junk necessarily) but with a lot of stuff. And meanwhile, in case you haven’t noticed (What? You’re not glued to my Instagram feed?), I’ve been running all around going to conferences and taking tons of selfies. Phew! It’s been nutty. So even if I’m running a tad behind, I do, in fact, have lots to say. So, I’ll get right to it.
CBS New York with Mary Calvi!
Omg. Look how perfectly my outfit matched with the fabulous Mary Calvi’s outfit. No, we didn’t even it plan it. That’s how amazingly we were vibing!
What an absolute thrill to sit down with this smart, funny, kind book lover and be featured on CBS New York. Mary Calvi and I talked about everything from my latest book SERVED HIM RIGHT to writing tips, from social media to sisterhood, and so much more. I felt like we could have kept talking for hours. I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy our conversation. Watch it here
Served Him Right
This little beauty hit the shelves on March 10th. And I’ve been on the road on and off since then. Wait! What? You haven’t read it yet? I think you’re going to love it. Run out and get your copy wherever you buy your books.
Here’s my favorite quote of the week:
“Deliciously twisty, you’ll like it if you like witches or just women who rhyme with them.” —Meredith Anthony, Deadly Pleasures magazine
It’s not really about witches. But it is most definitely about women who rhyme with “witches.” Ha!
Buy Now
Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Bookshop
Post Your Review
After you’ve read SERVED HIM RIGHT, please post your review and let your friends know if you love it. There’s nothing nicer you can do for an author than to spread the word. Thank you!
Aw, Look. I’m a Cover Girl!
I didn’t wake up this morning expecting to be a cover girl, but here we are! I loved sharing my favorite Sunshine State adventures with the Tampa Bay Times in their brand new feature “My Favorite Florida.” This is such a wild and wacky place, likewise some of the things I’ve done here since moving from New York City — (gulp) 26 years ago. A walk through the Everglades, a baby alligator encounter, and the charter where I caught my first ever fish. Hint: It was a big one. Read the article
The Safe Room
Coming July 1, 2026. That is so soon!
I’m excited about my new short story, hitting digital shelves on July 1st. This one is deeply personal, and I can’t wait for you to read. I hope you love it.
Private investigator Rae Donovan’s relationship with her father is distant to the point of estrangement. But when she learns he’s dying in hospice, she drops everything to be at his side. By the time she arrives, he’s already too far gone to speak, and a doctor says his death is consistent with poisoning.
As she scours his isolated Adirondack home for clues, she discovers a hidden room filled with surveillance equipment, weapons, and a safe full of cash—maybe her father wasn’t the unassuming retiree she’d imagined. Rae must decide whether knowing the full truth about her family is worth the danger of tracking it down.
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Hamptons WhoDunit, Edgar Awards, and Thrillerfest
Holy wow. Did I mention that I’m an extreme introvert?! But here I am on the road attending conferences galore. Hamptons WhoDunit (amazing!), The Edgar Awards Banquet (Aw, THE KILL CLAUSE didn’t take the Edgar but I still had a blast), and of course the most fun, dynamic, fabulous ThrillerFest EVER. Can I just say that I love these people so much? What a joy to share this writing life with these amazing author friends. I am blessed beyond measure. And tired! I’m really tired. But so, so happy.
Let me just say that if you’re a fan of The Hollows, you’re going to be very happy.
What I’m working on:
Oh wait. What’s the other thing I’m supposed to be doing? Does anyone remember? Oh, yeah. I’m a writer — not a party girl.
Of course, I’m writing. Always.
I’m putting the finishing touches on a project I have yet to announce for next year. So stay tuned about that. Let me just say that if you’re a fan of The Hollows, you’re going to be very happy.
I’m doing first pass (the final, final proofreading draft) on my 2027 novel. It’s called — no, not yet. It’s about — omg never! But I’m sure I’ll be doing at least a title reveal soon. Maybe. Haha. Stay tuned.
I’m writing my 2028 novel, which is number 25. I’ll be spending the summer head down on this. It’s a little bit strange because I actually know the ending to this one, or anyway how I think it’s going to end. Which is brand new for me. So I’ll keep you posted. But I’m getting in deep, getting to know the characters, watching their lives unravel. If you know me, you know that this part of my year, when I’m home and it’s all about the writing is all joy for me. So when you think of me, imagine me, nose to the keyboard click clacking way — and loving it.
What I’m reading and watching:
THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore is pure genius, character rich, layered, and haunting. A troubled young girl goes missing from the summer camp owned by her family, harkening back to the disappearance of her brother years earlier. Loving every minute of this, even though I’m late to the party. Moore’s gift for atmosphere, detail, and curiosity of character is mesmerizing.
I was lucky enough to score an early read of RAVEN by the inimitable Lyndsay Faye. I just started reading this gothic reimagining of Poe’s life and work through the story of an orphaned young woman, and I’m already hooked. This one doesn’t come out until October. But in the meantime, read any of Faye’s historical fiction — always with a dash of mystery, darkness, and the supernatural. She’s a gifted storyteller and you’re in for a treat if you’re just discovering her.
Jordan Sawyer’s debut SPEECHLESS is riveting and original from page one. A coma patient, with the help of a communication facilitator, begins to offer chilling messages about the accident that caused his injuries. I have a ways to go with this one, but the unique voice and high concept are fully engaging.
The Netflix version of LORD OF THE FLIES, which Junot Diaz took issue with in his New York Times opinion piece and made some interesting points, was a visual feast, deftly acted by some very young and talented players, and still riveting despite the age of the material. I agree with Diaz that other choices might have been made, that the world is so much more violent, terrible, and strange now than Golding could have conceived when he first penned the iconic 1954 novel. But there’s a lot of beauty here, some interesting camera work, and the story remains a powerful exploration of humanity and civilization — and how quickly it all unravels.
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (in theaters) was total eye-candy, pure fun, and I think in many ways more layered and interesting than the first one, with more to say about art, beauty, body image, female power, and the cultural moment. Definitely lite, of course. But another brilliant performance by the great Meryl Streep. Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, and Stanley Tucci were all fabulous. And the clothes!! Oh, the clothes!
WIDOW’S BAY on Hulu is totally bonkers and darkly funny. I adore Matthew Rhys, and his turn in this is notably different from his roles in “The Americans” (one of my all time favorite shows) or the more recent “The Beast in Me.” The talented young actor Kingston Rumi Southwick is a bright light. If you’re looking for some haunted island vibes with a little bit of fun, this one’s for you.
I always love sharing all my news with you. Thanks for being here.
Stay tuned for a little bit more about the upcoming 2027 book, and the deep dive I did into research for one of my characters, in a special edition of this newsletter — coming soon. In the meantime, happy reading!
I love reading about all your adventures! You’re awesome! I did buy your book, Served Him Right but in the midst of a couple of others but soon will be reading yours!
Thanks for keeping us updated on your exciting life! The pics are great!
Lisa, we just read God of the Woods at the Dunedin library Who Dunnit mystery book club. That is the same place I discovered you as an author. I know you live somewhere in the area, you should join us one month!