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The Church of The Last Word
A novel excerpt
Though it’s difficult for me to believe, 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of my second novel, Writer in Residence. I know that just as parents aren’t supposed to have favorites among their children, authors are supposed to love all of their books equally; we don’t, however, even if we say otherwise. Of the four novels in The Last Word series, this one is my favorite, and for its anniversary I am sharing the first chapter below.
Camden Templeton and Heather Morrison are returning from a late lunch. They are in no hurry, as the weather is perfect and being in the sun definitely beats being inside. As they reach the bookstore, however, they find several irritated customers standing outside the store, unable to enter, their way blocked by two large wooden shipping crates. Three burly delivery men in grimy coveralls are attempting, with no success, to move the crates inside. Just inside the door, nearly obscured by the crates, is Sal Terranova, shouting instructions.
“We’re gonna have to take them out of the crates” he says. “But be very careful.”
One of the men hurries to a nearby truck and returns with a crowbar. As he pries away at the crate, Camden pushes her way through the growing crowd and up to the door. Sal sees her and gives a thumbs-up sign.