What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life—Mary Oliver
April 2026
Murder. Mystery. Mayhem. Convention of mystery writers, readers, and all the others who make it possible.
September 3-7, 2025
JOURNAL 7/18/2025
Pre-order coming soon!
YA
Two teens, one enemy. Hope, survival, redemption.
JOURNAL 6/13/2025
Identical tatts with my oldest, commemorating their graduation from UCLA (with every pleasure, pain <snicker>).
author
of mysteries, young adult fiction, literary fiction (and anything else that falls onto the page).
HoneyButter
Writing as Emery Hayes. . .The Nicole Cobain Mystery series
Meet Nicole Cobain, a badass sheriff overcoming a troubled past while solving crime in one of the most beautiful, yet unforgiving, parts of Montana.
A cozy mystery meets police procedural series that will keep you reading past midnight. . .
COBAIN BOOK 3
It’s late August in Toole County. Fire season, and with two already blazing and making their way for Blue Mesa, Sheriff Nicole Cobain has her hands full coordinating evacuations, easing fears, and prodding reluctant citizens into life-saving action.
Amidst the chaos, murder. Cobain & Company tangle with a family feuding, horse thieves and lost campers while they race the clock, and the flames, to safety.
On the cozy front, Nicole and MacAulay are settling in as a married couple, but not without their challenges. A victim of a violent shootout (as detailed in Back from the Brink), MacAulay starts carrying a gun, and before the day is over, will find himself in a split-second decision to use it or lose it.
2026
Back from the Brink
BK2
Amazon 4.2 STARS
Barnes & Nobel 4.5 STARS
Goodreads 4 STARS
“This is turning into a really great series, as I hoped it might, and I’m now very much looking forward to the next one. Five stars.” Caitlyn, GR
“Back from the Brink is a riveting mystery with an atmospheric setting. . .with cunning twists and devious turns, Emery Hayes brings this exciting mystery to an action-packed, thrilling conclusion.” Kathy, GR
“A very good second book in this series. I love that Nicole is a true, honest, officer who will uncover the truth no matter who she has to take down. And wow, what an action-packed ending to this book. Great story, Emery, I always love it when there is a strong female character in the lead.” Darlene, GR
Cold to the Bone
BK1
Amazon 4 STARS
Goodreads 3.5 STARS
Barnes & Nobel 4 STARS
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Plenty of action and twists in the book to keep you hooked until the end.” Kate, GR
“. . .the characters are well-drawn, the setting is appropriately remote and forbidding, and the investigative work is excellent. The lead character is very appealing, and I look forward to more. . .” Virginia, GR
“The many twists and turns of the mystery keep you guessing, and the suspense will have your heart racing. It’s a good start to the series, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for Nicole.” Lisa, GR
