Suzanne Phillips
Author of young adult fiction, upmarket fiction, and mystery.
HoneyButter
I hope to see you there!
3-8-2026
A CHATTER OF BONES & BABY’S BREATH is now available for pre-order, pub date 4/21/2026. “From acclaimed author Suzanne Phillips comes this compelling novella collection--gritty coming-of-age stories in narrative and verse that Kirkus Reviews calls "haunting and heartbreaking. . .an unflinching look at surviving trauma."
This is a Young Adult novel with a recommended reading age of 16+
2/9/26
Two screws does not make me bionic, but it does get me jogging again. #jaimesommers
I will be at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary!! So excited about this. I will serve as a moderator and am hoping to be placed on a panel. The panel topics I recommended:
*mystery across landscapes
*strong female protagonists
*mystery with a conscience
If you think of other super good topics, hit my instagram with suggestions! Hope to see you there!
www.instagram.com/suzanneswriting
You know it’s pretty bad when the cat puts himself in time out.
Because writing is a business and I refuse to miss even a self-imposed deadline, twenty 14-hour writing days = a completed novel. #cobain
Less than a mile away. There’s only one outlet for my neighborhood so we were on alert for this one.
Catching Up - March/April
I love that kids still play with chalk.
3-10-26
Also available for pre-order, I WILL COME FOR YOU, a supernatural thriller. This is an expanded anniversary edition that includes a strong romantic arc (yes, I do read and take to heart reader comments) and a few fixes. I started writing book two in this series (spoiler: Isaac is now 16-years-old and the sparse American desert has done nothing to inhibit his gift) and after going through comments on book one began implementing them in COLOR THE SKY BLUE (book two) but I like continuity, so a new and improved I WILL COME FOR YOU will be available in ebook and paperback on May 12, 2026. And look for the COLOR THE SKY BLUE in 2027!
As we get closer to launch, I’ll share some excerpts and a little about the storyline of book two.
12/25/25
Flowers, a good book, conversation & coffee, my children’s laughter, cookies & charcuterie, family games, late to bed but sleeping in, breakfast served, cat cuddles, all the lights of Christmas, hearing from near & far, photos shared, a long, brisk walk, festive pjs, family, family, family. My Christmas is filled with joy and contentment—and deep gratitude, for who am I to be so blessed.
What I am reading now: I’ll Have What She’s Having. It’s funny and real and so honest it sometimes feels like razor burn. It’s been so long since I read a memoir I forgot how much I love them.
On my Kindle I’m reading Notes on Being a Man which is engaging and insightful. It reads like a memoir but, so far, is infused with stats and artfully summarized studies.
12/19/2025
Anthropic, Holiday Cheer & Fear
A united front against the theft of our intellectual property is necessary and effective. Anthropic tried to siphon from my heart my experiences, hewn into words from sacred ground. Only humans (and possibly dogs) can experience complex emotions and shape them into stories that touch the human spirit and move hearts. I don’t believe AI will ever be able to move a reader as human authors do—it would require the collective numbing of human hearts. And I believe we are better than that. I believe we will always choose to feel at the deepest level and AI doesn’t have the capacity to touch that.
Current mockup of the paperback version.
Upcoming Events
April 13-16, 2026
April 18-19, 2026
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. . .
CURRENTLY WRITING 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), the quiet, country doctor-turned ME starts carrying a gun—and before the day is over, will find himself in a split-second decision to use it or lose it.
Back from the Brink
BK2
Amazon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Barnes & Nobel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
Goodreads ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
“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)
Goodreads ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
Barnes & Nobel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
“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
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