Kirkus Reviewed Memphis — And Here’s What They Had to Say
Kirkus Reviews Recognizes Memphis — Here’s What They Had to Say
Today is a moment I’ve been dreaming about: Kirkus Reviews, known for their critical and often exacting standards, reviewed my debut novel Memphis. Receiving a thoughtful review from Kirkus is a huge honor, and I’m thrilled to share what they had to say.
“An aspiring singer struggles to leave her narcissistic, abusive husband in Cormier’s thriller.”
Kirkus goes on to describe Memphis as stuck in 1970s Nashville, a young woman who once aspired to be a singer but ended up in a controlling and abusive marriage with Johnny, a narcissistic addict. Memphis has been cowed into submission — “Memphis does as she’s told” — suffering frequent physical and emotional abuse as her young son, Michael, watches. Johnny is enabled by Memphis’ mother, Doris, whose selfishness and dark past keep Memphis under Johnny’s ruthless control.
When Memphis discovers Johnny’s affair, she packs up herself and Michael and flees to her cousin Lana’s home in Los Angeles. Johnny, intent on regaining control, follows them across the country, becoming a violent threat. Unaided by local authorities, Memphis must find a way to protect herself and her son — while also trying to achieve her dreams of becoming a singer.
Kirkus praised the novel as a “folksy, enthralling story that could have been the subject of a tragic country song”, noting that it “grows more exciting and complex as the narrative progresses.” Multiple perspectives are handled flawlessly, juxtaposing the airy freedom of Memphis’ fantasies with the darkness of her reality. Characters are treated with care, with none being stereotypical; every character gets a chance to explain themselves, whether the reader agrees with them or not. Johnny, in particular, is portrayed with nuance, showing how he became toxic while never condoning his actions.
The review concludes:
“A story full of twists, turns, and desperation, delivered with the passion and dedication of an advocate, which elevates the novel above standard thriller/crime fare. An enthralling and sensitive work of crime fiction.”
What This Means to Me
Memphis was written for the women who feel invisible inside their own lives.
For daughters who grew up witnessing abuse.
For partners who are still trying to find a way out.
For survivors rebuilding their lives from the ground up.
To have Kirkus see the heart of this book — the advocacy, the compassion, the complexity — is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my writing career.
Where to Find Memphis
Memphis is available now in ebook and print editions everywhere books are sold and for simplicity here is my universal book link to purchase everywhere. The audiobook will be released soon — awaiting final approval from Audible, Spotify, and Kobo.
If you love emotional Southern fiction or survivor-centered stories, this is a perfect gift for yourself — or for the women in your life — this holiday season.
This story is for anyone who has lived through domestic violence, felt trapped in a toxic relationship, or fought to reclaim their life. Memphis’ journey is one of resilience, strength, and ultimately finding freedom and hope.
Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me!
