Johnny

Johnny

Book 2: The Memphis Series

About the Book

Freedom was only the beginning.

He doesn’t need to find her.
He just needs the world to turn against her.

Newly released from prison, Johnny manipulates perception, gains influence, and entangles with a biker gang, exposing the origins of his power and escalating threat.

Welcome to Gaslight Nation.

Johnny shifts the lens to the man Memphis fled—and what happens when he’s no longer in the shadows. Spanning before and during book one, it follows Johnny Freedman’s descent into control, violence, and obsession.

Set both before and during (continuing) the events of Memphis (book one), this installment traces Johnny Freedman’s descent into control, violence, and obsession. Raised in a family where power, alcohol, and dominance defined manhood, Johnny is a product of generational dysfunction—charming on the surface, but volatile underneath. But this time, he’s not hiding.

Fresh out of prison, Johnny reemerges more dangerous than ever—no longer lurking quietly, but operating out in the open. With a new woman at his side—one who pulls him deeper into image, influence, and manipulation—Johnny begins to reshape the narrative, turning public perception against Memphis while tightening his control in more calculated, visible ways.

At the same time, he becomes entangled with a biker gang—adding a new layer of menace, power, and unpredictability to his world. As his past unfolds, including the influence of his brothers and the environment that shaped him, a clearer picture emerges of how control, entitlement, and rage were built—and how far he’s willing to go to maintain them. Dark, tense, and character-driven, Johnny exposes the mind behind the threat—and the storm that never stopped chasing Memphis.

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Content Advisory 18+

Book includes domestic violence and abuse, drug use, and profanity. 

Buy the Audiobook

Memphis is also available in audiobook from the following online booksellers:

Amazon Audio
Apple Books Audio
Spotify
Audible
Google Books Audio
Kobo Audio
Barnes & Noble Audio
Everand Audio
Chirp Audiobooks

Narrator: Holly May Cormier
Format: Unabridged
Runtime: 10h 32m

Book Reviews

“An enthralling and sensitive work of crime fiction. Cormier delivers a folksy, enthralling story that grows more exciting and complex as it progresses. Multiple perspectives are handled flawlessly, juxtaposing Memphis’ airy fantasies with the darkness of her reality. Characters are treated with care and nuance; none are stereotypical. Johnny is portrayed in a complex way that shows how he became toxic without condoning him. The result is a story full of twists, turns, and desperation, elevated by the passion of an advocate.”
Kirkus Reviews

“A gripping and evocative domestic thriller set in the 1970s. Cormier captures the social struggles women faced through raw, intimate prose and a story that lingers long after the final page.”
Readers’ Favorite, Editorial Review

“Oh my God! This book takes you on such an emotional roller coaster. I absolutely devoured this book and hope there is a second one. This is a must-read!”
Kristyn Schmidt, Goodreads Reviewer

“Amazing read! A story of a mom in an abusive relationship who finds the courage to leave to better her and her child’s life. It showcases the sad reality of abuse and how hard it is for victims to be protected. A wonderful story as the FMC slowly rediscovers her strength.”
Ashley Sutton, Goodreads Reviewer

“This book was absolutely amazing — raw, real, and deeply emotional. I was gripping the pages, my emotions in upheaval. I felt this story on a personal level. Reading Memphis was difficult at times, but I’m so glad I did. Memphis is a strong, inspiring woman, and once she found her footing, she fought to create a better life for herself and her son. This book is heartfelt, deep, and beautifully written.”
Michelle Shamy, Goodreads Reviewer

“Cormier’s writing is honest and lovely. Memphis Monroe had me rooting for her from the very first page. Her emotions and choices mirror many women in the real world. I love how her hope manifests as the color yellow — she’s finding her own song after years of silence. This book had some unexpected twists, which I enjoyed.”
Regan, Goodreads Reviewer

“Gripping and pulls you in to the end. A powerful story of a young mom escaping abuse and fighting for safety. Five stars!”
Barb Niles, Goodreads Reviewer

“Tugs on the heartstrings — I couldn’t put it down. As someone with a personal history tied to the book’s themes, Memphis helped me heal.”
Rachel Maynard, Goodreads Reviewer

“I felt completely emotionally invested in Memphis’s journey and couldn’t put the book down — I had to know how everything would turn out. I stayed up past my bedtime several nights in a row. This is Holly’s debut novel, and I already can’t wait for the next one.”
Leslie Prosko, Author of Instagram Moms Are Full of Sh*t

The Details

Genres:

  • Psychological Thriller
  • Domestic Thriller
  • Domestic Noir
  • Crime Thriller
  • Psychological Suspense
  • Dark Fiction
  • Women’s Psychological Fiction
  • Survival Thriller
  • Book Club Fiction

Tropes:

  • Wife vs Husband
  • Domestic Abuse & Survival
  • Gaslighting & Psychological Manipulation
  • The Cycle of Abuse
  • Generational Trauma
  • The Villain’s Perspective
  • Public Image vs Private Truth
  • Reputation Warfare
  • Power & Control Dynamics
  • Motorcycle Club Influence
  • Past and Present Collide
  • Long-Buried Family Secrets
  • The Breaking Point
  • No Safe Place
  • Psychological Cat-and-Mouse
  • Mother Protecting Her Child
  • Final Showdown
  • Choosing Freedom
  • Healing After Abuse

Word Count
70,000 words

Target Audience
Adults 18+

Release Dates
eBook — Early October 2026
Print Edition — Early October 2026
Audiobook — Early October 2026

ISBNs & Identifiers
ISBN (Paperback Edition): 978-1-0698134-4-2
ASIN (Amazon Paperback Edition): 
ISBN (eBook Edition): 978-1-0698134-5-9
ASIN (Kindle Edition): B0GY1SVQTS
ISBN (Audiobook Edition): 978-1-0698134-6-6

A dark psychological domestic thriller exploring control, manipulation, and survival. Johnny is Book Two of a Trilogy Series. Book One is Memphis. Book Three: Doris will be a prequel set for release in 2027.