The daughter of a local police detective, fifteen-year-old Ryann has spent most of her life studying how to pull off the most gruesome murders her small Colorado town has ever seen.
But killing is only part of it. Ryann enjoys being the reason the cops are frenzied. The one who makes the neighbors lock their doors and windows on a hot summer's day. The one everyone fears but no one suspects.
Carving out her own murderous legacy proves harder than she predicted. Mistakes start adding up. And with the police getting closer, and her own father becoming suspicious, Ryann has to prove once and for all that she's smarter than anyone else-or she'll pay the ultimate price.
*warning - some graphic content
Pretty Wicked is a mature YA novel intended for ages 16 and up.
"This creepy novel places you inside the mind of a twisted teen killer, which is even more unsettling because of how familiar and normal she seems. Be prepared to leave the lights on and look at the people around you in a whole new way."
-Eileen Cook | Author of WITH MALICE
"Dark and haunting, this witty thriller with its petite feminine anti-hero is an American Psycho for teens. Be prepared to sleep with the lights on."
-Lisa Voisin | Author of THE WATCHER SAGA
"Pretty Wicked is fresh, thrilling, and deeply haunting. I've never read anything like it! The story escalates from page one and will leave your pulse pounding as you wonder just how far Ryann will go. 5/5 stars."
-Tiana Warner | Author of ICE MASSACRE & ICE CRYPT
"Pretty Wicked is like a fun-house ride through the dark side of a small-town high school. Ryan Wilkinson is a blonde, beautiful cheerleader who looks like she has it all, but messing with her? Is murder. Her cut-throat ambition to be the very best takes readers on a rollercoaster ride--whiplash guaranteed!"
-kc dyer | Author of FINDING FRASER, A WALK THROUGH A WINDOW, & MS ZEPHYR'S NOTEBOOK & THE EAGLE GLEN TRIOLOGY
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
***
Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.