From the multi-award-winning master of crime, Denise Mina delivers a radical new take on one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history—the bloody assassination of David Rizzo private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots, in the queen’s chambers in Holyrood Palace.
On the evening of March 9th, 1566, David Rizzio, the private secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots, was brutally murdered. Dragged from the chamber of the heavily pregnant Mary, Rizzio was stabbed fifty six times by a party of assassins. This breathtakingly tense novella dramatises the events that led up to that night, telling the infamous story as it has never been told before.
A dark tale of sex, secrets and lies, Rizzio looks at a shocking historical murder through a modern lens—and explores the lengths that men and women will go to in their search for love and power.
Rizzio is nothing less than a provocative and thrilling new literary masterpiece.
Review
The private secretary to Mary Queen of Scots is a man named Rizzio. He has the queens ear and a lot of power. Needless to say, Mary’s husband despises Rizzio. But, could he instigate his murder?
This is one of my favorite time periods. So, I was expecting more of the same. That is not the case at all! This is dramatic and terrifying. I knew a little about this, but not the extent of the horror of Rizzio’s murder.
Plus, Mary Queen Of Scots is a portrayed a bit different. More like she is detached from her realm and it’s needs. I knew she ignored a great deal but the way the author portrayed her, it made her more real. Makes this a unique read for sure!
Wow! Need a good historical murder…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novella from the publisher for a honest review.
Nothing like a rocky start between enemy coworkers stuck together on location to prove that love isn’t just a ploy for ratings—it’s a force of nature.
Alia Dunn has finally gotten her big break. After years of working her way up at TV’s top outdoor travel channel, she gets the green light from network executives to bring her dream project to life: produce a series about Utah’s national parks. It’s a touching tribute to her late apong, who sparked Alia’s passion for travel and the outdoors as a kid.
Alia is thrilled—until she meets her newest crew member, Drew Irons. The same Drew she had the most amazing first date with two weeks ago—who then ghosted her. The same Drew who has the most deliciously thick forearms and who loves second-guessing her every move on set in front of the entire crew. It’s not long before the tension between them turns hotter than the Utah desert in the dead of summer, and their steamy encounters lead to major feelings.
But when the series host goes rogue one too many times, jeopardizing the entire shoot, Alia realizes that she’ll need to organize one hell of a coup to save her show—and she’ll need Drew’s help to do it. It’s the riskiest move she’s ever made. If she pulls it off, she’ll end up with a hit series and her dream guy . . . but if it all goes wrong, she could lose both.
Review
Alia has always wanted to honor her grandmother by doing a travel series about the Utah State Parks. She has finally gotten approval for her idea. She is excited and extremely nervous. But, when she is forced to take on a problem actor as the host, she knows she is going to be having some major issues.
On top of that problem, another one shows up! One of the newest crew members turns out to be Drew. Drew happens to be a guy she met on the subway, had fabulous drinks with and he was supposed to call…but he didn’t. Alia is determined to be professional in all aspects of this project. But, as situations start to unfold…you will just need to read this to find out!
I enjoyed the locations almost as much as I loved the characters. My friend visited some of these parks this summer and all her pictures are stunning. So, when the author described some of these places, I really could visualize the fascinating landscapes. Add Alia and Drew into this mix and I was hooked.
Alia and Drew work well together…until they don’t. You get the drift. It is a romance. So, of course, the characters have to have fights now and then. And then they have to make up!
Need a good romance in a unique location…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
I loved it and devoured it with fury, straight to its blazing end.” —Lily King, author of Writers & Lovers
“An unputdownable knock-out.” —Lauren Wilkinson, author of American Spy
The eagerly awaited novel from the New York Timesbestselling author of A Land More Kind Than Home, a tender and haunting story of a father and daughter, crime and forgiveness, race and memory
When the roar of a low-flying plane awakens him in the middle of the night, Sheriff Winston Barnes knows something strange is happening at the nearby airfield on the coast of North Carolina. But nothing can prepare him for what he finds: a large airplane has crash-landed and is now sitting sideways on the runway, and there are no signs of a pilot or cargo. When the body of a local man is discovered—shot dead and lying on the grass near the crash site—Winston begins a murder investigation that will change the course of his life and the fate of the community that he has sworn to protect.
Everyone is a suspect, including the dead man. As rumors and accusations fly, long-simmering racial tensions explode overnight, and Winston, whose own tragic past has followed him like a ghost, must do his duty while facing the painful repercussions of old decisions. Winston also knows that his days as sheriff may be numbered. He’s up for re-election against a corrupt and well-connected challenger, and his deputies are choosing sides. As if these events weren’t troubling enough, he must finally confront his daughter Colleen, who has come home grieving a shattering loss she cannot fully articulate.
As the suspense builds and this compelling mystery unfolds, Wiley Cash delves deep into the hearts of these richly drawn, achingly sympathetic characters to reveal the nobility of an ordinary man struggling amidst terrifying, extraordinary circumstances.
Review
Sheriff Winston Barnes and his wife are awaken in the middle of the night by a low flying plane. Winston, even though he is getting on up in age, refuses to pass off his duty. He heads out to find out exactly what is going on. He soon discovers more than he bargained for.
If you are from the south…you know all about Sheriff Winston Barnes. We all had one just like him in our hometowns. However, I believe this one is more honest than most. Winston is a stand up guy and he really cares about his people. He is not afraid to take on his enemies!
This is a slow burn of a read and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I usually am not a fan of books like this. But the characters are amazing and I just had to find out why all these strange things were happening in this small town.
Need a quick, murder mystery with a kick! THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
A story of bravery, betrayal, and redemption – from the winner of the National Jewish Book Award.
Chicago, 2018: Ole Henryks, a popular restauranteur, is set to be honored by the Danish/American Association for his many civic and charitable contributions. Frequently appearing on local TV, he is well known for his actions in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II – most consider him a hero.
Britta Stein, however, does not. The 90-year-old Chicago woman levels public accusations against Henryks by spray-painting “Coward”, “Traitor”, “Collaborator”, and “War Criminal” on the walls of his restaurant. Mrs. Stein is ultimately taken into custody and charged with criminal defacement of property. She also becomes the target of a bitter lawsuit filed by Henryks and his son, accusing her of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Attorney Catherine Lockhart, though hesitant at first, agrees to take up Mrs. Stein’s defense. With the help of her investigator husband, Liam Taggart, Lockhart must reach back into wartime Denmark and locate evidence that proves Mrs. Stein’s innocence. Defending Britta Stein is critically acclaimed author Ronald H. Balson’s thrilling take on a modern-day courtroom drama, and a masterful rendition of Denmark’s wartime heroics.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press
Review
Britta Stein has been caught. And she is being sued. But, this 90 year old lady has nothing to hide and she is determined to get her story out there for the whole world to hear.
Ole Henryks is a popular restaurant owner in Chicago. He is about to be honored for his charitable contributions. But, Britta knows a secret from WWII and she is spreading the word by painting disparaging words on the side of his restaurant. Ole Henryks is not taking this lying down. He is suing Britta for defamation of character.
Catherine Lockhart has decided to take the case. It is going to be difficult to prove Britta is telling the truth. It has been around 75 years since the war. Plus, Britta and Ole are in their 90s. This trial is going to be very strenuous to both parties.
Britta is a character which pulls at your heart and your soul. As she tells her narrative, the reader is captivated by her country, her family and their situation.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. I devoured this story. It is so well researched and so well written. I also believe the uniqueness of the Danish situation in WWII is another reason for my fascination. I do not think I have ever read about the Danes during the war.
Gabra Zackman is the narrator and is excellent! She was Britta. No doubt in my mind. She made this character come alive.
Need a fantastic story with a unique setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
In 1931 England, Astra Davies defies all the conventions. Clever, witty, and determined, she smokes, drinks, plays a mean piano, and gallivants around London with her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But she finds herself in a tight spot when her parents die suddenly, leaving her with a raft of debts. With few marketable skills and a closet full of family secrets, she has two choices: find a rich husband or make her own way.
A fiercely driven woman like Astra is not about to cast her lot in with a man, especially out of desperation. And since the only man she fancies – Jeremy Harris, the Earl of Dunreaven – is as hard up as she is, her way forward is clear. But the path to independence is a bumpy one fraught with hazards and heartbreaking choices: a blackmailing socialite threatens to derail Astra’s reputation, a brainless business partner just might drive her even further into debt, and a series of bruising scandals dogs her every step of the way.
From the bustle of London to the country estates of the aristocracy, Astra embarks on a journey that tests her brains, wit, and mettle as never before. But one way or another, Astra Davies is dead set on proving she’s no ordinary Bright Young Thing.
Review
Astra has recently lost her parents and her wealth. She has moved in with an aunt as she sorts through the financial mess her parents left behind. She soon discovers many secrets and scandals about her family. So, Astra has had to grow up quickly and use her brains to survive.
I love this cover! Covers are a huge draw for me. But, this story fell a tad bit short. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. But, way too many conversations about little or nothing tended to slow down the flow of the story.
Astra is a character which I enjoyed. However, she is a little too wishy washy for my taste. She did redeem herself in the end.
I will say if I had been physically reading this book, I would have probably put it aside. I have a bit more patience when it comes to an audio book. Plus the narrator is wonderful and this helped me enjoy this novel more than if holding a book in my hand.
This is a good historical tale with lots of family secrets! GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
They have different ideas about the fate of an old inn…until it brings them together.
When Sarah Lewis inherits a run-down B&B from her late grandmother in coastal Blue Moon Bay, the logical thing to do is sell it and focus on her life in L.A. But when she learns that interested buyers will only tear it down in its current state, she feels a sense of obligation to her grandmother to get it back to the landmark tourist destination it once was…even if that means hiring the best contractor for the job, who happens to be her old high school crush.
Wes Sharrun’s life has continued to unravel since the death of his wife three years before. Now with a struggling construction company and a nine-year-old daughter, he sees the B&B as an opportunity to get back on his feet. Unfortunately, despite trying to keep his distance, his daughter has taken a liking to Sarah, and his own feelings are tough to deny.
As they spend more time together painting, exploring a forgotten treasure trove of wine in a basement cellar, and arguing over balcony placement, the more the spark between them ignites. But will saving the B&B be enough to convince them both to take a second chance at love?
Review
Sarah’s grandmother has recently passed away and left her a run down B&B on the beach of Half Moon Bay. Sarah wants to sell it as is and get back to LA. But Wes, her childhood crush, talks her into fixing it up first. The more time these two spend together, the more sparks fly!
I love a book with great characters and this one is full of them. I love Sarah. She is introverted but adorable. Wes is heartbroken but strong. Then there is Marissa. She is Wes’ 9 year old daughter and she is super smart. She and Sarah connect over computers and code. Yes…you heard me correctly. She is a computer nerd and so is Sarah.
Sarah and Wes take a little while to realize they need each other…isn’t this true for most romances. The author did a fabulous job intertwining their shared love of the B&B and Marissa. When these two finally get together, you can’t help but grin!
Need an all around good romance with a great cheaters and a wonderful setting…THIS IS IT!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
The clock ticks down in a heart-pounding crusade for justice
Susan Lentigo’s daughter was murdered 20 years ago – and now, at long last, this small-town waitress sets out on a road trip all the way from Upstate New York to North Dakota to witness the killer’s execution.
On her journey she discovers shocking new evidence that leads her to suspect the condemned man is innocent – and the real killer is still free. Even worse, her prime suspect has a young daughter who’s at terrible risk. With no money and no time to spare, Susan sets out to uncover the truth before an innocent man gets executed and another little girl is killed.
But the FBI refuses to reopen the case. They – and Susan’s own mother – believe she’s just having an emotional breakdown. Reaching deep, Susan finds an inner strength she never knew she had. With the help of two unlikely allies – a cynical, defiant teenage girl and the retired cop who made the original arrest – Susan battles the FBI to put the real killer behind bars. Will she win justice for the condemned man – and her daughter – at last?
Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Harlan Coben.
Optioned for film – with Leonardo DiCaprio attached as producer.
Review
Susan’s young daughter was murdered years ago. The man accused of her murder is now about to be put to death. Susan is determined to see it through. However, as she travels to his execution, she comes across some new information. The accused may be innocent. Susan must do everything she can to correct this. An innocent man is about to die and this is not going to happen on her watch.
Susan is a character which tore at my heart. She lost her daughter then she lost her marriage. She has struggled to just go on with her life. But, she cannot let go of her daughter. The key to this case is a necklace. It is just a necklace of cheap beads. But they made it together and her daughter was wearing it the day she died. And the necklace has never been found.
While on her trip to the execution, Susan discovers something about the necklace. And it is not what you expect. You will have to read this to find out!
This definitely would make a great movie. It is intense and alarming in places.
Need a quick, fierce read….oh boy! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE! Grab your copy today.
Everyone knows Lily Atwood—and that may be her biggest problem. The beloved television reporter has it all—fame, fortune, Emmy awards, an adorable seven-year-old daughter, and the hashtag her loving fans created: #PerfectLily. To keep it—all she has to do is protect one life-changing secret.
Her own.
Lily has an anonymous source who feeds her story tips about others—but suddenly, the source begins telling Lily inside information about her own life! How does he—or she—know so much?
Lily understands that no one reveals a secret unless they have a reason. Now she’s terrified someone is determined to destroy her world—and with it, everyone and everything she holds dear.
How much must she risk to keep her perfect life?
Review
Lily is an award winning reporter. She has an anonymous source which is feeding her tips about news stories. But, this source does not turn out to be the gravy train Lily thinks it is. It turns on her pretty quickly and threatens her perfect life!
Let me just say, Lily, for all her reporting skills, lacked something…not exactly sure what. She was just not a character that hit her mark. If she is such a hot shot reporter, she sure missed some big clues. I had a hard time connecting with her. But, her producer, Greer. She has a smart mouth and I enjoyed her one liners.
I love how this novel keeps you guessing. I never knew exactly where this story was going to end up! Another great one from this author!
Need a fast paced, twisted thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
About The Author:
USA Today bestselling author HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN has won five Agatha Awards in addition to Anthony, Macavity, Daphne du Maurier, and Mary Higgins Clark Awards. As on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, she’s won 37 Emmys and many more journalism honors, and her work has resulted in new laws, criminals sent to prison, homes saved from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in restitution for victims and consumers. A past president of National Sisters in Crime and founder of MWA University, her novels include Trust Me, The Murder List, the Charlotte McNally series (starting with Prime Time), and the Jane Ryland series (which begins with The Other Woman). Ryan lives in Boston with her husband, a nationally renowned civil rights and criminal defense attorney.
“Tense and twisty…You will read this in one sitting!” ―Julie Clark, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Last Flight
“There’s a reason Hank Philippi Ryan keeps winning so many awards–she is a master at crafting suspense around fully formed characters with real emotion and depth. A mesmerizing thrill ride!”―Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Dear Wife and Stranger in the Lake
“Her Perfect Life is a stunning, wonderfully tense thriller about deceit, grief, fame and perfection, and the secrets we carry beneath our skin. A magnificent, knockout thriller.” ―Christina McDonald, USA Today bestselling author of Do No Harm
“I loved this book! Reading Hank Phillippi Ryan’s Her Perfect Life made me paranoid–who’s watching me, who’s lying to me, who’s hiding from their prior life? My nerves were shredded by the time I reached the last chapter of this big-hearted page-turner.”―Rachel Howzell Hall, author of And Now She’s Gone
“When you read a Hank Phillippi Ryan thriller you are in the hands of a master! Her Perfect Life offers shocking twists, whip-smart turns, and a deep-dive into the dark side of celebrity. I devoured it.” ―Robyn Harding, bestselling author of The Swap
When conflict photographer Jackson Swann dies, he leaves behind a conflict of his own making when his three daughters, each born from a different mother and unknown to each other, discover that they’re now part owners of Maison de Madelaine, the family’s Oregon vineyard—a once famous business struggling to recover from a worldwide economic collapse. After a successful career as a child TV star, a disastrous time as a teen pop star, and now a successful author, Tess is, for the first time in her life, suffering from a serious case of writer’s block and identity crisis. Charlotte, brought up to be a proper Southern wife, has given up her own career goals to support her husband while having spent the past year struggling to conceive a child to create a more perfect marriage. On the worst day of her life, she discovers her beloved father has died, she has two sisters she’d never been told about, and her husband has fallen in love with another woman.
Natalie, daughter of Jack’s long-time mistress, has always known about both half-sisters. Still mourning the loss of her mother, the death of her father a year later is a devastating blow. And she can’t help feeling that both her sisters may resent her for being the daughter their father decided to keep. As the sisters reluctantly gather at the family vineyard, they’re enchanted by the legacy they’ve inherited, and by their grandmother’s rich stories of life in WWII France and the love she found with a wounded American soldier who brought her to Oregon where they started Maison de Madelaine
Review
Three sisters, one father and a world of secrets! Jackson, long time war photographer, passes away. He leaves an inheritance to his three daughters, Charlotte, Natalie and Tess. Tess is the oldest. She has not seen her father in years. And she has no idea that she has two sisters, plus a grandmother. Then there is Charlotte. She has some contact with her father but she is completely in the dark about her sisters and grandmother as well. Natalie is the youngest and she has spent summers at her grandmother’s famous vineyard and she adores her father. So, needless to say, there are some huge family issues!
These three sisters all come from different backgrounds but they are all creative, unique and highly intelligent. They all come with different problems and hang ups. I loved each and every one. I think Tess is my favorite. She is more independent and tough. But all three are excellent. Add in the grandmother and her history and you have a great read!
Need a wonderful family drama…DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Author Bio:
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author JoAnn Ross has been published in twenty-seven countries. The author of over 100 novels, JoAnn lives with her husband and many rescue pets — who pretty much rule the house — in the Pacific Northwest.
NEVER SAW ME COMING Author: Vera Kurian ISBN: 9780778311553 Publication Date: September 7, 2021 Publisher: Park Row Books
Book Summary:
“I’ve never met someone like me, but when I do, eventually, I think it will be like two wolves meeting in the night, sniffing and recognizing a fellow hunter.” Meet Chloe Sevre. Freshman honor student. Average-seeming, legging-wearing, hot girl next door…and diagnosed psychopath with an IQ of 135. Her hobbies include yogalates, frat parties, and plotting to kill Will Bachman, a childhood friend who grievously wronged her. Now Chloe and six other students at John Adams College are part of an unusual clinical study that includes smartwatches to track their moods and movements, in exchange for free tuition. The study, led by a renowned psychiatrist, has inadvertently brought together some of the most dangerous minds who feel no guilt or fear. When one of the participants is found murdered, it becomes obvious they’re all in danger. Chloe goes from hunter to prey, and joins forces with
two other psychopaths in the program to discover why they’re being targeted – if they could only trust each other. Wildly entertaining with compelling characters and a vividly conjured campus setting, NEVER SAW ME COMING will keep you up all night, pinned to the page, wondering why you’re rooting for a would-be killer.
Author Bio:
Vera Kurian is a psychologist and writer and a longtime resident of Washington DC. She has a doctorate in social psychology, specializing in intergroup relations, political ideology, and quantitative methods. She has studied fiction at Breadloaf, Sewanee, VONA, and attended juried workshops at LitCamp, Colgate, Juniper, and the Marlboro Summer Writing Intensive. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and was a semifinalist for the Mark Twain Royal Nonesuch Humor Writing Contest.
Social Links: Author Website Twitter: @vera_kurian Instagram: @verakurianauthor Goodreads
One Day 60 As soon as the door to my new dorm room closed, I went to the window, scanning across the quad for him. It wasn’t like there was any possibility he would just happen to be out there among the families lugging moving boxes or the handful of students sprawled in the grass. But there! A head of dirty-blond waves. Will. My mouth opened. Then the person turned and I saw it was only a girl with an unfortunate haircut. Seriously, you’d think she’d put in more of an effort for move-in day. I turned and faced my empty dorm room with its sad linoleum floors, mentally going through my to-do list. 1. Get rid of Mom. Check. She had already left and was probably speeding up the I-95, popping open a bottle of champagne now that she was finally rid of me. 2. Claim the most advantageous space be-fore my roommate, Yessica, arrived. 3. Make six to eight friends before 4. My mandatory check-in appointment at the psychology department. 5. Find Will. We had a double with two bedrooms, one clearly larger than the other. While my normal instinct was to claim the larger one, I immediately saw the problem with that. The larger bed- room had windows that overlooked the quad. What if I wanted to crawl in or out of my window in the middle of the night? People will record anything even remotely interesting on their phones these days, and I could be easily seen from the other dorms and academic halls that lined the quad—too much of an audience for my liking. I took the smaller room. My generosity would score me points with my new roomie, but more importantly, the room had a view of the brick wall of the building next to us and there was a metal fire escape attached directly to the window. Easy access in and out of my room without detection—perfect. I dumped some of my boxes into the room and made the bed, placing my stuffed plushie whale on top to clearly stake my claim. The voices inside the dorm were calling me and I had to establish myself quickly. I gave myself a brief once-over before leaving the room, reap-plying my lip gloss and fixing my hair. The hair had to be just right—a loose, effortless side French braid that actually wasn’t effortless. You have to be the kind of girl who “doesn’t put any effort in” but naturally rolls out of bed looking like a horny but somehow demure starlet. If you meet some standard of objective attractiveness, people think you’re better than you actually are—smarter, more interesting, worthier of existing. Combined with the right personality, this can be powerful. Brewser had one long hallway with rooms shooting off on either side. I peeked into the room next door where two brunettes were wrestling a duvet out of a plastic package. “Hi!” I chirped. “I’m Chloe!” I could be whatever they wanted me to be. A fun girl, a potential best friend, someone to tell secrets to over midnight snacks. This type of socializing was just me playing little roles for a few moments, but when I need to go all in, I can. I can make myself
younger when I want to, opting or looser clothes that hide my body and making my eyes shiny with dumbness—a whole costume of innocence. I can look older with makeup and carefully selected clothes, showing skin when necessary. It’s easy because people tend to see what they want to. I went door to door. Room 202. “Omigod I love your hair,” I said to a bubbly blonde I suspect will end up popular. Room 206. “You’re not brothers, are you?” I said shyly to two boys on the crew team (nice bodies but baby faces—not my taste). They grinned at me, looked at my boobs, and each vied to say something clever. Neither was clever. Room 212 was a pair of awkward girls. I was friendly to them but didn’t linger long because I knew they would never be key players. While I met a few more people, I was simultaneously assessing who seemed like they were going to be part of Greek life. Will was in a frat—SAE—and one of my first orders of business was to get in with that frat. The crew boys were already in the hallway loudly talking about going out to a club that night. That was good—an outing, and the crew boys seemed like they would be the type to pledge a frat. “I love dancing,” I said to what’s-his-name, the taller of the two, fingering the end of my braid. “It’s the best way to get to know people.” He smiled down at me, his eyes crinkling. If high school taught me any-thing, it’s that social life is a game that revolves around navigating hierarchies. Be someone guys want to fuck or you will be invisible to them. Be someone the girls want firmly tucked into their inner circles, whether as friend or enemy, or die the death of being totally irrelevant. Even from our brief interactions, I could tell no one in this dorm was in my program. I’ve never met someone like me, but when I do eventually, I think it will be like two wolves meet-ing in the night, sniffing and recognizing a fellow hunter. But I doubt they would put two of us in the same dorm—there were only seven and they probably had to spread us out to prevent a war from breaking out. I had to go then, leaving my new friends behind, to check in with the program. The psychology department was diagonally across the quad, visible from the windows of the common area of my room. The quad was lush grass crisscrossed with brick paths, with each brick having the name of an alumnus engraved into it—John Smith, class of ’03. Funny—Will was never going to get a brick, but I was. One of the larger dorms, Tyler Hall, had a massive banner hung on it that said WELCOME FRESHMAN!!! I stopped to take a selfie with the banner in the background: here’s a girl excited for her first day of college, busy doing college things! It’s practically destiny that I ended up at John Adams University. I knew I had to be in DC, which meant applying to Georgetown, American University, George Washington University, John Adams, Catholic University, and Trinity College—all of which are inside the District. As safeties, I also applied to reasonably close places like George Mason and the University of Maryland. I got into all of them except for Georgetown. Seriously, fuck them. My application was golden: I have an IQ of 135—five points short of genius—solid SATs and grades. I paid for most of my wardrobe with a business I set up writing papers for other students. Who knows how many of them got into college with a heartfelt essay about the dead cancer grandmother they didn’t actually have. I had been offered scholarship money at various schools, but nothing like what Adams had offered. Even if I had turned down the psychology study, I still could have gotten generous
scholarships given to students with my pedigree to entice them to a Tier 2 liberal arts school. But I didn’t care—Adams was always my first choice because of Will. Another bonus was the school’s placement in DC: a busy city with a relatively high murder rate. The campus was in the gentrifying neighborhood of Shaw, just east of bougie Logan Circle, and south of U Street, a popular going-out destination. A neighborhood that, despite the presence of nice restaurants, was also a place where drunk people occasionally got into fights and stabbed each other and pedestrians got mugged. Law enforcement was busy with the constant parade of protests, conferences, and visiting diplomats—they probably gave two shits about what was going on in the mind of a random eighteen-year-old girl with an iPhone in her hand and a benign look on her face. I liked the somber castle look of the psychology department. Its dark red bricks were covered with ivy and the windows, edged with black iron, were warbled like they had old glass in them. The inside was dimly lit by a hanging chandelier with flickering amber bulbs, and the cavernous foyer smelled like old books. When I walked through it, I imagined a camera following me, viewers worried about what dangerous things might come my way. I would be the one they would root for. I went up the curving staircase to the sixth floor where I was supposed to check in with my program. Room 615 was tucked at the end of the hallway, secluded. A placard on the door said Leonard Wyman, PhD, and Elena Torres, Doctoral Candidate. I recognized the names from my paperwork. I knocked and a few seconds later a woman flung open the door. “You must be Chloe Sevre!” She stuck out her hand. They probably had a whole dossier on me. I had had a bunch of phone interviews with a couple of screeners, then one with Wyman himself, and they had also interviewed my mother and high school counselor. The woman’s hand was bony, but warm and dry, and her eyes were chocolate brown and unafraid. “I’m Elena, one of Dr. Wyman’s grad students.” She smiled and gestured for me to come inside. She led me past a messy reception area, a desk cluttered with papers and three laptops, and down a hallway to a smaller office, hers presumably. She closed the door behind us. “We’ll get you all settled. Everything was fine with the financial aid office before you got here?” As one of the seven students in the study, I was granted a free ride to John Adams University. All I had to give in ex-change was my willingness to be a full-time guinea pig in their Multimethod Psychopathy Panel Study. I nodded, looking around. Her shelves were crammed with books and stacks of printed- out articles. Three different versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Tomes on “abnormal” psychology. Robert Hare’s book Without Conscience, which I had read. “Great,” Elena said. She pulled something up on her computer. She took a bite of the scone resting on her mousepad and chewed loudly. She was pretty in a grad student sort of way. Olive skin and a nice collarbone. You could picture her falling in love with some reedy nerd and trying to have children too late. “Here you are!” She clicked a few times and her printer came to life. When she stood up to retrieve the paper, I leaned over, trying to see her computer screen, but she had a privacy shield. I didn’t know if it was supposed to be a secret or some- thing, but I had found out how many students were in the pro-gram when one of the
reecaspieces 