Is It Over?

SPOILERS AHEAD. I’ve hidden this page–and even given it a vague title–to keep those who haven’t read “The Deepest of Secrets” from stumbling over it. If you somehow have, please turn back now šŸ™‚

If you know someone who also wants these answers, feel free to pass them the link. Please do not post any of these details online. There will be a more formal announcement of the new series this spring. For now, shhh… People are still reading šŸ˜‰

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Still here? Then you’ve read “The Deepest of Secrets” and know that Rockton is no more. Literally no more, having been not only closed down but physically dismantled.

I have always said that I won’t continue a series past the point where my narrator has accomplished the primary goal, and for Rockton, that was solving the mystery of the hostiles and breaking free from the council’s control.

As readers could see the series winding down, they made it clear they weren’t done with these characters. My publisher also wasn’t done with the series and asked me to consider a spin-off. I happily pitched them a concept. I had the trifecta I needed to continue: readers wanted more, the publisher wanted more, and I was happy to write more.

As a reader, you may be saying you’re done, thanks. And that’s okay! I know that some readers feel an obligation to continue reading a series even after they’ve tired of it, and that’s where Deepest really can mark the end point. Rockton is now a complete series, and those readers can set it aside and move on.

For those who want to return, I’m sure you know what my “spin-off” will be. In Deepest, Casey and Eric committed to the huge step of creating their own Rockton, where they can feel they are fulfilling the promise they make to residents–that they have come to a place of sanctuary. Their new town name reflects that: Haven’s Rock (for sanctuary and a shout-out to its origins)

How well does this plan go? Well, the first book will be called “Murder at Haven’s Rock” LOL Don’t blame Casey and Eric too quickly–they’re still living down south when they’re called in to investigate the disappearance of two construction crew members. But this is a mystery series, and Casey and Eric are going to discover that being in charge doesn’t mean being in control. It just means that when things go wrong, you don’t have anyone else to blame. There will be a learning curve as they deal with their new environment, new neighbors and new procedures for vetting residents.

I’m also planning a novella to bridge the two series (taking place between the two.) There will be a mystery. It might not be murder (they really do need a break.) I haven’t decided whether it will be from Casey’s POV or another character’s (Eric? April? Isabel?) If you have a preference–Casey’s POV or another specific characters, please comment below.

164 thoughts on “Is It Over?”

  1. I think depending on the novella it might be really interesting to have a Nicole/Jacob, Nicole/Casey, or Eric/Jacob POV.

    1. Awesome news! I love this series and cannot wait for more. I would like to hear Eric’s pov. Thank you!

  2. I vote Casey and Eric

  3. The wait for ā€œDeepestā€ was so worth it. Great writing šŸ™‚ I am equally happy to know the stories of these engaging characters will continue. I have enjoyed things from Caseyā€™s POV, and think to bring Erics POV, equally with Casey’s Or individually, would be great. The second choice would be Isabel. She is a fascinating character with the possibility of layers of her that would be interesting to peel away. Thank you for this series and posting the update.

  4. I get immersed in the worlds and characters you create. I loved Nadia but really loved Casey. Very relieved to hear they will continue in another adventure. I vote for continuing in Casey’s POV.

  5. While I’d love an Eric pov for the nevella, or some of it, because it’s always fun when your guys tell stories, April’s my other pick. She won’t have much to do if her skills aren’t required, but given how much knowledge and respect for her sister Casey has amassed over the series, seeing the mirror of that in April–and why she shouldn’t be a detecttive–could be interesting.

  6. Jenn Oā€™Brien says:

    This made my day!!!!

    POV – Eric is the obvious, but I really like the idea of a novella from Mathias or Isabellaā€™s perspective.

    And thank you so much for not being done with this group!!!!

  7. Glynis Tweddell says:

    Thank you! I am glad the characters will continue on in a new adventure! It might be interesting to have the novella in omniscient POV.

  8. Chelsea Eads says:

    Deepest was such a great read, the whole series was. I read it early and have been waiting for this good news. I will definitely read it and everything else you write.

  9. I am excited to continue reading with a spin off, I would love Eric’s pov,however I think exploring any of the characters you mentioned would be interesting

    1. Great that it will continues. Eric would be the most obvious choice but April would be fascinating!

  10. Great that it will continues. Eric would be the most obvious choice but April would be fascinating!

  11. So thrilled to have the newest installment! As with all your books, I just couldnā€™t put it down! My husband turned to me last night as I was on the last few chapters and said, ā€˜Didnā€™t you just start that?ā€™ Iā€™m so excited for the new series and would be fascinated to read the novella from Aprilā€™s POV. Iā€™ve really enjoyed her and Caseyā€™s interactions, learning how to work together as adult siblings.

  12. Christine says:

    I think from anyone other than Caseyā€™s POV would be interesting. But as itā€™s Ericā€™s sense of home that has shifted the most, Iā€™d vote for his POV.

  13. I think Ericā€™s POV would be really interesting, to see how he tracks and how his brain works would be really wicked.

  14. Oh thank god! All I could think at the end was that I really really need to know how the new Rockton turns out!

  15. Ann Bresnan says:

    I don’t care! I’m just thrilled we aren’t losing these characters šŸ™‚ Love your writings, Kelley!

  16. Helga Holmes says:

    I’m so happy these characters are not disappearing! I am excitedly waiting for more stories. Thank you for continuing.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Ericā€™s POV might be interesting.

  18. Too obvious to be Ericā€™s POV and we already have a good chunk of his back story whereas we know very little about Isabel, yet she commands respect. An Isabel POV unravelling some of her backstory would be great & a much more compelling offering than Eric swooning & worrying over Casey or April who frankly, seems a bit one dimensional & again, we know quite a bit of her backstory from Casey.
    Please go with Isabel šŸ™‚
    Love your work Kelly

  19. Iā€™m so glad there will be more stories with our Rockton characters in them. I was so afraid you were finished with them. I would buy whatever you decide the POV should be but my vote is for Isabel. Thank you so much for all the characters you introduce to us!

  20. I am happy to hear that there will be a new series. I really enjoyed reading and connecting with the characters. I think the novella should be either Jens or Kens point of very. Somebody who was a main character but not a main character. I really hope your bringing Jen along for the ride. She was great.

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