Beyond thrilled to report that, in addition to the fabulous STARRED review in Publishers Weekly last week — “An exceptional psychological thriller from Rouda …. Suspense fans will be amply rewarded.” — THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER was featured on Bustle with an exclusive excerpt! You can read the entire piece here. A sampling for you below:

EXCERPT: The Favorite Daughter

SUNDAY

THE NIGHT BEFORE

6:30 p.m.

“I loved you, Mary.”

“Who are you talking to?” David materializes behind me. He thinks he snuck up on me but I heard him coming. I see the judgment in his dark blue eyes as he shakes his head.

“Nobody.” We lock eyes. He looks at the photo in my hands and I know he thinks I’m talking to myself. Another “creepy” habit of mine, as he says. I place the photo back where it belongs.

He’s changing in the closet. I hear a swish as he tugs off his tie and know he’s hanging it neatly next to the rest of his collection. Next he’ll open the drawer to find a casual shirt. He reappears in jeans and a white T-shirt, dark brown Gucci loafers. He’s brushing his teeth. We make eye contact in the mirror. Sometimes he knows I’m watching him. Most of the time he doesn’t. I wonder if he has decided to stay with me for dinner. Perhaps I should have changed into a dress? I still can. I smile. “I’m looking forward to our romantic dinner.”

He thinks he snuck up on me but I heard him coming. I see the judgment in his dark blue eyes as he shakes his head.

“Did you sleep well last night?” He spits into the sink, ignoring my statement.

I check my face in the mirror and decide I don’t look too bad. I doubt he notices the circles under my eyes. I’m an expert with concealer. Tomorrow, I’ll look amazing. It’s day one.

I lie. “Yes. Like a baby.”

He tilts his head, slaps his expensive cologne on his neck. How manly, like he’s the Old Spice guy or something. “Are you sure you can handle the Celebration of Life ceremony tomorrow?”

No. What a stupid name. I’m sure this is all his assistant’s idea. I answer, “Of course, I have to be there. I’m the mom. Star of the show.” I meet David’s eyes. I am the lead actor in this house, in this family, I’m reminding him. Every mom is. And I will be there tomorrow for the ceremony. It’s my duty, even though I’m not sure I’m up for it. Even though I didn’t want this memorial service and didn’t plan it. Despite all of that, of course I’ll be there. She was my daughter.

I know he’d like nothing better than to soak up all the attention, both from the attendees and the event planner. The perfect father. He loves the spotlight, hosting parties, chatting with friends. But he’s not going alone. I’ve been preparing myself for this week. I’m looking forward to reviving my role: his adoring, beautiful wife. I reach over and run my hand along the limestone countertop between our two sinks, the stone cool to the touch. I tap my nails, a slow drumbeat.

“I’m coming to the ceremony,” I say and walk to the bedroom, then pause next to our king-size bed. Large enough we don’t bump into each other at night. I touch my favorite pillow.

I know he’d like nothing better than to soak up all the attention, both from the attendees and the event planner. The perfect father.

“I can take care of it, host it alone, if you’re not up to it.” He is behind me. I feel his eyes on the back of my neck.

“I’ll be fine.” I turn to face him. “Dinner should be here any minute. Tonight will be lovely, and tomorrow night, at the ceremony, I’ll be right by your side, David, as you will mine.”

I’m back. I smile at his frown. He doesn’t like my answer.

His shoulders drop. “I can’t stay for dinner. But you eat the pasta. You need to gain some weight. People in The Cove are talking.”

“Oh, are they? About my weight? I don’t think that’s the hottest topic in the neighborhood.” I glance at the bed. After he leaves, maybe I’ll take a nap? I may be able to fall asleep even though it’s barely past seven. It’s been so long since I’ve slept. I’ve been so busy.

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