March ’22 News

Happy Almost Spring!

My last days in Uruguay each year are always a little bittersweet.

March is almost always a very busy month for me. Is it for you, as well? Right now I’m preparing to leave Uruguay after nearly four months here, and trying to make progress on a long to-do list–and then mentally prepping for a bit of spring cleaning when I get back to the U.S.

March is generally a very hectic time for me as an author, too. I’m usually racing to finish one book while also gearing up for the launch of another. This month, for instance, I’m closing in on the last stretch of my 2023 novel, plus focusing on the upcoming release of THE SECOND HUSBAND on June 28–doing everything from selecting the voice-over actress for the audio version (hey, it’s kind of fun to play casting director!) to setting up events with my publicist. (I’ll be posting my book tour schedule soon, and I’d love to meet you if I’m going to be at a location near you.)

Concentrating on two books at the same time has always been a little stressful for me, but I never stop thinking how lucky I am to be working full time as an author. I also never lose track of the debt of gratitude I owe readers like you who support my efforts by buying my books or borrowing them from the local library. As I write this, it’s about 7:00 o’clock in the evening, and I’m in my lovely home office in Uruguay with a scented candle (cedar!) burning. Adding to the magic: there’s a great horned owl calling out not far from my open window (screened fortunately!). It’s a pretty special way to work.

No owls out my window during the day but lots of very chatty parakeets.

One More Thank You

I’d also like to take a minute to thank all of you who have already pre-ordered THE SECOND HUSBAND before its June 28 launch. It’s a gripping, unpredictable psychological thriller about a woman whose seemingly perfect second marriage is rocked when the police begin reinvestigating the brutal murder of her first husband. Lots of twists in this one, I promise!

Haven’t pre-ordered yet? To do so (and by the way, pre-orders are really beneficial to authors!), just click on your favorite book retailer below.

What I’m Reading/Watching

The Heights
By Louise Candlish

If you haven’t discovered suspense author Louise Candlish yet, you must! I loved her last two books, Our House and The Other Passenger (both are loaded with awesome twists and wickedly funny in spots), and can’t wait to start her newest, The Heights. Here’s a great interview with her to whet your appetite.

Pieces of Her
Netflix

Okay, full disclosure. Suspense author Karin Slaughter is a wonderful pal of mine, so I’m prejudiced. But I’m pretty comfortable saying you’ll probably really like this series based on Karin’s book of the same title. It’s the story of woman who tries to piece together her mother’s dark past after a violent attack, and in the process uncovers a whole bunch of scary secrets that threaten her life. Heads up: This one will not only keep you on the edge of your seat, but it will also make you jump out of that seat at the most unexpected moments.

Wallander HBOMax	Young Wallander Netflix

Are you a fan of the TV series “Wallander,” either the original Swedish version or the British version with the jaw-dropping Kenneth Branagh? I sometimes re-watch favorite episodes because I don’t always remember the ending, but I’m also enjoying “Young Wallander” on Netflix. It’s not nearly as haunting or compelling as the original, but I’ll take anything I can get with the word “Wallander” in the title.

What I’m Making

Herbed Mayo

My husband and I often eat a pretty big lunch in Uruguay, many times with friends joining us on our deck, and when I make dinner at night, it generally ends up being very simple (and after two years of endless cooking during the pandemic, I’m trying to significantly reduce my time in the kitchen! You too?)

Because tomatoes are still in season here, I might make a chicken salad with leftover chicken from lunch and add a side of sliced tomatoes with vinaigrette. But as devoted of a tomato fan as I am, I can only look at the same dish so many nights in a row. One night recently I considered switching vinaigrette for dabs of mayo, but figured that wouldn’t be very exciting, and then I had a brainstorm. I decided to doctor the mayo with some of the ingredients I use in compound butter—a little pressed garlic, grated lemon peel, chopped basil, mint, tarragon, chives, and thyme–and then I spooned it on top of the tomatoes. The result was heavenly and such a great change of pace! I feel like I’m probably the last girl to the party with this idea, but if by any chance you haven’t made herbed mayo yet, it’s worth a try. And you can use any herbs your heart desires.