POISON WOOD
From the author of Broken Bayou, a haunting psychological thriller about how far we’ll go to seize our dreams and shield our secrets―and the devastating consequences when we can’t do both.
BROKEN BAYOU
In this debut thriller, a troubled child psychologist returns to a small Louisiana town to protect her secrets but winds up having to protect her life.
My Books
Discover Poison Wood
Discover Broken Bayou
Indie bookstores & shops where you can find Poison Wood and Broken Bayou
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Slidell, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana
St. Francisville, Louisiana
Boulder, Colorado
POISON WOOD
Ambitious crime reporter Rita Meade is riding high after her docuseries on the Broken Bayou serial killer. But when an anonymous tip promises the story behind a skull found deep in the Louisiana forest, she hesitates. Because this one strikes too close to home.
As a teenager, Rita attended Poison Wood Therapeutic Academy for Girls in that forest, but the school shuttered its doors after a series of disturbing incidents. Now the man who confessed to the murder of her classmate has recanted, and Rita’s father, the judge who put him away, has fallen ill.
Summoned back to those haunted woods, Rita sorts through the mysteries of a rotting schoolhouse basement. She digs up emotions she buried along with her mother―and secrets she’s tried hard to forget. But when her investigation spreads to her family tree, the TV cameras swing her way. How far will she go for a story that could threaten everything and everyone she loves?
read the first chapter
The Research
Online, I discovered an abandoned school in the Kisatchie National Forest (Louisiana's only national forest) and once i sow it in person, i knew it would be the sun in my book that everyone would revolve around.
I also researched crime reporters by reading an amazing book called The Trauma Beat by Tamara Cherry. After reading it, I reached out to Tamara and she was kind enough to walk me through what it’s like, physically and emotionally, to be on the crime beat. Her knowledge and honest insight were invaluable!
In addition to visiting the forest and school, I spent some time in Natchitoches, speaking with a group of local women who graciously helped me understand life in a small town.
Poison Wood was written because Rita Meade would not leave me alone after Broken Bayou. She stayed in my head, insisting she had a story to tell. Boy, did she! At one point, I “interviewed” her and learned she’d gone to a boarding school that was now abandoned. That’s what led to a deep dive on abandoned schools in Louisiana.
How It Began
More about poison wood
I love connecting with my readers whether at book events, signings, or book club gatherings! Please click below to stay up-to-date on all three!
Upcoming Events
Stay In The Know
BROKEN BAYOU
Dr. Willa Watters is a prominent child psychologist at the height of her career. But when a viral video of a disastrous television interview puts her reputation on the line, Willa retreats to Broken Bayou, the town where she spent most of her childhood summers. There she visits her aunts’ old house and discovers some of her unstable mother’s belongings still languishing in the attic—dusty mementos harboring secrets of her harrowing past.
Willa’s hopes for a respite are quickly crushed, not only by what she finds in that attic but also by what’s been found in the bayou.
With waters dropping due to drought, mysterious barrels containing human remains have surfaced, alongside something else from Willa’s past, something she never thought she’d see again. Divers, police, and media flood the area, including a news reporter gunning for Willa and Travis Arceneaux—a local deputy and old flame.
Willa’s fate seems eerily tied to the murders. And with no one to trust, she must use her wits to stay above water and make it out alive.
read the first chapter
Broken Bayou Reviews
A surprise gem ... 'Broken Bayou' was a solid piece of writing along with great narration.
An atmospheric debut that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Broken Bayou had me hooked from the first page!
I am not gonna lie, this one was a little bit on the too scary for me side BUT ... I didn't want to put it down! This one kept me guessing right until the end. ... I would definitely recommend this book for thriller/ crime/ suspense fans!
Broken Bayou is a spine-tingling, binge-worthy debut from a fresh voice in suspense fiction!
A dynamite debut that will have readers clamoring for Moorhead’s next book.
