But at this point, any place would be better than my prison cell. Hell, I’d even settle for that stupid little butler’s closet I used to call home.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I want to thank my readers—some of you are new to me, and some of you have been around for a long time, since I was writing in the indie arena. I appreciate all of you, old and new. Thanks for taking a chance on me and my stories. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’re reading my words…

My sincerest thanks to my brilliant editors, Jennie Rothwell, Eleanor Goymer, and Dushi Horti. Your vision for this book, from the cover design to the plot to the execution to the tiniest details, was utterly invaluable. Thank you for all of your help and guidance with this story!

Thank you to my extraordinary agent, Katie Shea Boutillier. She championed this book and all of my projects, pushing for me to be the very best that I can be and advocating for me every step of the way. I couldn’t do it without you, Katie! Thank you for believing in me and taking a chance on me all those years ago…

Huge thank you to all of the staff at One More Chapter and HarperCollins—the cover design made my heart soar. Thank you, Lucy Bennett! I’ve always wanted a cover with HOT PINK on it and you all certainly delivered. I adore the design! To the publicity team—thank you for working so hard to connect my books with the readers who love them. I see you working tirelessly behind and in front of the scenes to make our books succeed, and I can’t tell you how much it amazes me!

Thank you so much to all of the librarians, booksellers, bloggers, and influencers who help champion books and connect stories like mine with the readers who enjoy them.

To my family and friends for supporting my dream, from its rocky beginning to now. I appreciate the love and encouragement. I couldn’t do it without you all! Dexter, Tristian, Violet, and Shannon—I love you all so much.

To my mother, who loves New Orleans just as much or more than me… I promise to take you again someday soon. Bob Dylan was right: there are so many places I like, but New Orleans really is better!

Read on for an extract from The Secrets of Cedar Farm

Behind every family is a story. Within that story, there’s always someone like me.

The black sheep. The troubled one. Resident fuck-up. Whatever you want to call it … that’s me.

Sometimes the title is well-earned—we’re outsiders because we deserve to be. Other times, it’s for one reason and one reason only—we know too much.

Banish the person, banish the secrets…

Chapter One

STEP 1: HONESTY