kairarouda

We’re all unreliable narrators of our personal stories, to some degree, whether we’re comfortable admitting it or not. That may be why these fictional characters intrigue many of us on some visceral level. We recognize the impulse. Most of us are on social media these days where we share our filtered and carefully curated version of our lives. The perfect couple. The perfect day. A perfect illusion. On a more basic level, we tell friends that “everything’s fine” when we’re hurting or soften the truth about real life for our children. We reserve, perhaps, the most undependable actions for the one we love the most. Romance, in its first blush, is far different than a relationship six months, a year or decades later.  Maybe domestic suspense novels featuring unreliable narrators are so popular because they shine a light on our society’s obsession with illusion. We recognize ourselves [...]

“Domestic violence” is such a non-specific, dismissive phrase. It glosses over the atrocity of the action, the awful truth of the cycle of violence. The local news features stories of domestic violence almost every night. “The husband killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself,” the young reporter will say, staring into the camera. “A tragic case of domestic violence.” Well, yes, but it’s also murder. I wish we would call it that. Back in the early 1990s I was a contributing writer for Columbus, Ohio’s city magazine, and I was assigned a chilling story. I was asked to interview some of the 25 women Governor Richard Celeste had granted clemency to as his last act in office. These women were murderers, all convicted of killing or assaulting husbands or companions. At the time, it was the first mass release of “battered women” (the [...]

I couldn't resist wishing you a BEST YEAR in 2018...I've been talking about BEST DAY EVER for, well, forever it seems and loving it. Last year was so filled with blessings and I just can't wait to see what 2018 has in store. I hope you feel the same. A new year offers so much promise, so many possibilities. One thing I don't do is resolutions. Instead, I like to dream. And dream big. Why not? My family and I spent the first moments of the New Year watching fireworks light up the sky, and the bridge, and the water, in Sydney, Australia. What a magical site and a beautiful bucket list trip. We felt blessed.The next day, our family of six was scheduled to fly in a seaplane to a special lunch on an island. That morning, as we woke up we saw on the [...]

This year has been full of blessings, big and small. And of course, it has also been pierced by heartache, struggles, and loss. Because, that's life. Each day is a blessing and no holiday better signifies and reminds us of that than Thanksgiving. (Of course, I realize if we take into our hearts the horrible legacy of our treatment of Indigenous People then, I suppose, we have a whole other reality of life to discuss.) But on the surface and as a holiday to treasure, I love Thanksgiving. I love the lack of gifts and the ability to slow down. To spend time with those you love, and make memories to last through the highs and lows of the coming year. It's truly the best embodiment, to me, of family above everything. I really cannot wait to be in the same place with all four of [...]

The Strand Magazine asked me to write an article about my favorite unreliable narrators. I had fun writing about it, and thinking about all of these great characters. After writing my unreliable narrator Paul Strom in my book Best Day Ever, I’m often asked to name my favorite unreliable narrators out there who inspired me, whether I realized it at the time or not. We’re all unreliable narrators of sorts in our own lives, of course. Especially with social media – we can filter our lives and shade them however we’d like. Here are my top ten top unreliable narrators. I’m sure you have your own. Any truth is, of course, a matter of perspective, right?1.     Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnProbably the reason I’m having the opportunity to write this list for you, Gone Girl blew open the domestic suspense and unreliable narrator world with not [...]

It seems like I've been waiting for this book, BEST DAY EVER, to be out in the world FOR FOREVER! And now, the day is finally here. It's a dream come true. I hope you'll consider giving BEST DAY EVER a read. I mean, BA Paris "loved" the book. This is what she said: "Had the best day ever reading Best Day Ever. Great narrator in Paul, LOVE his voice! Fabulous book." -B.A. Paris, New York Times  bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors and The BreakdownWho else liked it? Heather Gudenkauf said: "Best Day Ever could be the best thriller of the year." -Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of Not a SoundPopSugar called it a must-read fall book, and Barnes & Noble lists it as a must-read. I'm thrilled by all of this support and cannot believe BEST DAY EVER was in Entertainment Weekly this week. [...]

And to celebrate the September 19th release, this awesome trailer just premiered! Hope you enjoy it. #creepyPaul 

Librarians are the best! I had the chance to attend the ALA 2017 conference this weekend, and wow, what a special time. First, my publisher, Graydon House | Harlequin surprised me with a huge poster in the lobby, and a special dinner for librarians Friday night at a hip Chicago restaurant. Saturday was a book signing and a chance to meet even more librarians, and some authors who I've been friends with online - but got to meet in real life. Like, Jamie Raintree, (Perfectly Undone) one of my fellow Graydon House launch authors, and Margaret Dilloway who was signing her children's book in the Disney booth! On Sunday, J.T. Ellison (Lie to Me), A.F. Brady (The Blind) and I were on a panel hosted by Publisher's Weekly where we spoke about unreliable narrators and discovered the three of us have a blast together! I really enjoyed [...]

Those of you in the know in the book world already know about Book Expo, aka BEA, the world's largest gathering of book people that takes place annually, usually in New York City at the Javit's Center. And of course, I've heard all about it every year since I began this fiction writing journey in 2011. I never dreamed I'd be invited to go by my publisher, Harlequin/Graydon House! When the invite came, I was thrilled. Imagine my complete surprise when I walked into the huge convention center and saw my book cover on a six-story high banner at the entrance lobby of the expo. It was one of the most exciting moments of my career. And then, once inside the Book Expo, the Harlequin booth showcased BEST DAY EVER in the most spectacular way. It was surreal, the entire weekend. It still is.The best [...]

Exciting times over here, especially when I had the chance to hold the ARE of BEST DAY EVER in my hands! My biggest, and perhaps best, book baby ever. Even though the title doesn't publish until September 19th, my awesome publisher Graydon House, a new imprint coming this fall from Harper Collins/Harlequin, printed these gorgeous reader editions. I'm telling you, they're gorgeous, complete with French flaps, deckled edges, a textured cover and more. I'll be hosting a couple giveaways through my eNewsletter and Facebook page, so perhaps you will have the chance to hold one!BEST DAY EVER is available for request on NetGalley and will be a Goodreads Giveaway during #mysteryweek, May 1-8! It's of course available for Pre-Order from all your favorite online retailers, and you'll be able to hold it, in hardcover, September 19th! Pinch me. This is all a dream come true!