The wait is almost over: preorders for The Jacklighter are officially live in ebook, hardcover, and paperback, with delivery arriving right on launch day, October 27, 2026. (If audio is more your speed, the author-narrated audiobook is coming Q1 2027—I’ll share details as soon as it’s ready.)
And in the “pinch me” column: The Jacklighter briefly hit #1 New Release in Forensic Science on Amazon. It’s since slipped a spot or two (these rankings move fast), but here’s the fun part: it would only take one or two preorders to nudge it right back. If you’ve been on the fence, now’s a great moment to make the jump. 🙌
(If this book is your introduction to my work — my award-winning debut, Chained Birds: A Crimemoir, is out now in all formats too.)
What is The Jacklighter About?
For those of you just joining us, The Jacklighter tells the story of Martin Dillon, a small-town Pennsylvania attorney who went skeet shooting in the woods in 1976 and never came home. His death was ruled a tragic accident, and the only witness to the shooting was Dr. Stephen Scher—the man who’d been having an affair with Dillon’s wife. The doctor married the widow and quietly raised her children as his own for the next 20 years.
I started digging into this case 30 years ago as a young journalist, and the interviews I conducted in the 1990s would eventually become this book’s foundation—including access the Dillon family has never given to another writer. Three decades, two exhumations, and two stunning murder trials later, I’m finally able to tell the whole story: not just what happened to Martin Dillon, but the secret that could have changed everything, and why it stayed buried for so long.
Where I’ve Been Lately
If you’ve noticed the blog’s been quiet—just four posts since early June—here’s why: I was heads-down getting this book out the door. Between finalizing the manuscript, legal review, interior design, and distribution setup, there wasn’t much bandwidth left for anything else. That’s the unglamorous side of doing this as an indie author. But the pieces are finally falling into place, and I’m back. 😁
For Librarians and Library Readers
The Jacklighter is now listed in Edelweiss, which means librarians and other authorized users can request and download a digital copy ahead of ordering. If that’s you, I’d love for this one to land on your shelves. Library eBooks have already been distributed via Draft2Digital and should appear soon via OverDrive, Hoopla, and CloudLibrary.
On Bookstore Shelves, Too
The hardcover and paperback editions are live on Ingram, so any bookstore can order copies through their usual channel, no special requests needed. These print editions are showing up in all kinds of places besides Amazon. Check out this universal book link for all the places The Jacklighter can be preordered in eBook, hardcover and paperback.
I’ll also be visiting a number of bookstores and one library so far in person between late October and late November. As events are added, I’ll update this space, but the best way to stay on top of book signings is via my Substack newsletter Crimemoir Confidential.
Also, I’ll be sharing with my 6,000+ subscribers some terrific promotions and giveaways in the coming week, including:
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- A 3-book, signed hardcover copy of The Jacklighter courtesy of Famous Graves content creator Gary Sweeney
- A 100 eBook Goodreads giveaway
Sign up for my newsletter so you won’t miss out!
Where to Find Me This Fall
Before the bookstore tour even kicks off, I’ve got two book festival appearances on the calendar:
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- Collingswood Book Festival: Saturday, October 3, 10 am–4 pm, Downtown Collingswood, NJ. I’ll be at the Sisters in Crime Delaware Valley Chapter table alongside James McCrone, Joanne McLaughlin, and Michael Bradley.
- Easton Book Festival: Sunday, October 18, 2:30–4 pm, Sigal Museum, Easton, PA. I’m joining a Pennwriters panel discussion, Defending Authentic Women in Our Books, with Christina VandePol, Geraldine Donaher, Angel Ackerman, and Suzanne Mattaboni.
And a little further out: on December 1st, I’ll be the guest speaker at the Springfield Township Rotary Club’s lunch meeting at Phil’s Tavern in Blue Bell, PA, 12 noon. The public is welcome. If you’re local, come say hello. (And if your own club or organization is looking for a speaker, I’d love to hear from you—details are on my Speaking page.)
Want Me to Visit Your Book Club?
If your book club is within driving distance of the Philadelphia/Montgomery County area and you’d like to read The Jacklighter together, I’d love to join the discussion—in person if you’re close, virtually if that’s easier. Just reach out.
That’s it for this dispatch! Talk soon 😊
