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 🙂
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 😉
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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.
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This is so exciting!! I just finished Deepest a few minutes ago and I’m definitely up for more! I’d love to see the novella from a different POV, much as I enjoy Casey. Be really good to get more insight to someone else. Personally I’d love to have it from Eric’s pov, but I will happily read it regardless.
Woohoo!! I was very sad when I finished the last book. This news has made my day!!
Ooh this is what I had hoped for …a spin off!! I would love to see this written from Eric’s point of view given this would be his first time moving out of the only place has he has ever known…a novella with Isabel insights would be really interesting as well. That all being said, sticking with it written from Casey’s pov will not have grown old for me
I love the idea of a spin and it would be amazing to see possibly different chapters narrated by different people. I would love to hear April’s point of view as someone on the spectrum, and I am so excited to read what’s next for these characters
I would like to see Eric at least starting the process to having a legal identity. Getting a drivers license, pilots license, ged, and “maybe” start working on an online criminal science degree.
I can see Haven’s Rock maybe having a library with a dozen limited access computers while some of the leadership essential workers have unlimited in their homes. The committee did have something of a point about the need for at least limited technology needed, and maybe using composting toilets as well as solar and wind power
Never had a series keep in suspense and listening to the final credits! Rockton has been the best series I’ve ever the pleasure to read/listen to! And the narrator is perfect. Rockton and the residents have all become so familiar and I am beyond excited for it to continue on and on. Cannot wait for this new adventure to begin. Thank you Kelley Armstrong for the gift of Rockton!!!!!
I am thrilled that there will be more Casey, Eric and company books!!
Would enjoy hearing from any of the former Rockton resident characters POV; however, Eric is my first choice.
Any chance that each resident could get a POV novella (in between Haven’s Rock book releases)? 🙂
I am so happy that you are going to continue writing about these characters. I would love a story from Eric’s point of view
My first thought (after Yay, more!) was to alternate POV so we could get a peek into all their heads – or as many as you were comfortable showcasing in a novella;-)
p.s. I also like the idea of a non-murder mystery after the highest yet (probably) body count
Fab news, I’d love some Eric POV, especially around his childhood etc 🙂
I’m so glad Rockton will continue! Now the dreaded (for authors ) question: WHEN can we expext Murder at Haven’s Rock to be released?
Was very sad, I hate to see it end. Maybe April’s point of view.
Thanks for writing more. I would love it from Eric’s POV.
I have so loved listening to this series! I’ve been taking my time listening to the last book because I don’t want it to end, but to hear this news that I can still visit Eric & Casey: yippee!! As for the novella’s POV….I’d love to hear Isabel’s. She got a strong character & doesn’t mind telling it like it is. <3
Oh I love Eric’s or Isabel’s. I loved to learn more about her past.cant wait
I’d love to be inside Eric’s head for a little bit! And I’m so excited the series is continuing. I love these characters and their unique little world.
Oh, YAY. (Seriously – I was starting to create fanfic in my head about these characters, because I couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye. But there are many reasons I’m not an author, and I was quickly reminded of *all* of them when I tried to do this. 🙂
As for a novella narrator, I think it probably depends on the plot. Eric could be wonderful, as could Eric/Jacob. I could also see a case for April and her unintentionally sardonic observations. (And as a fellow autistic woman, I’ll always love more April.)
I’d love to see one from Sebastian’s perspective – aside from Eric and Jacob, he’s got the most ties between groups at the moment, which would be interesting.
As much as I love Isabel, I don’t know if she’d be a great one to narrate a bridge story. I guess I feel like I don’t know her well enough yet to jump into her brain as the first non-Casey narrator? If you take up the idea of future novellas, though, I’d *love* to learn more about her interior world.
Whoever you pick as the narrator, though, *thank you* for letting us join in with these folks as they build their new community. I’m really looking forward to it. <3
Was so scared this was the end, I only started the rockton series about a year ago and have read it 3 times since. I would love to have Casey continue to be the POV for the story.
Please continue writing I can’t wait for the next book!!!
I’d love to read more from April’s point of view, but whatever POV I am all in, keep writing I will keep reading. Thank you for creating characters and stories that I am not done with.
I am very happy to hear there will be morr!
E! As for the Novella I would love it to be from Erics point of view. As others have said it would be great to have Novellas along the way from the other characters POV. Mathias, Sebastien, Jacob, Isabel, Petra, Cypher(maybe a prequel) and April would be amazing.
Im so invested in them all!