I am excited to share an extract today ~ thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for organizing.
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Genre: Mystery thriller suspense
Publication Date: August 28, 2025
Estimated Page Count: 401
Standalone Novel
Purchase link: https://amzn.to/4qk2CZU
Extract:
Conference Room B was a sterile space with a table that had seen better days and windows that offered no escape—just a view of another building across a narrow courtyard. Vega positioned himself with a clear view of the door and windows, old habit from years of interviews where subjects sometimes bolted. He arranged his notebook and pen with deliberate precision, creating the impression of organized authority. The lights hummed constantly overhead, a low-level buzz that seemed to vibrate in his teeth.
When the three nurses arrived, Vega could immediately sense the weight of loyalty settling over them like armor. They sat close together, a united front, but he caught the subtle tells—Morris’s rigid posture, Torres’s exhausted slouch, Kim’s darting glances. The air in the room grew thicker, heavy with unspoken agreements about what could and could not be said.
Before starting, Vega read the room. Morris sat like she was running the meeting—back straight, steady eye contact, the kind of professional composure that came from years of managing surgical chaos. Torres looked beat down, probably pulling doubles, her shoulders curved inward with fatigue. Kim kept glancing at Morris like she needed permission to breathe, her anxiety a palpable thing in the sterile air.
“This is a voluntary interview—you are not under investigation,” Vega said, meeting each of their eyes. “If you would prefer HR present, you are entitled to that. But I would appreciate your cooperation.”
Sandra Morris, the oldest of the three, spoke first. Her name tag identified her as a Charge Nurse, and she carried herself with the confidence of someone who had managed surgical chaos for decades. “Detective, we heard what happened to Dr. Stratton. Terrible thing.”
But even as she said it, Vega caught something in her tone—not shock, not surprise. Relief, maybe. Or just the absence of grief where you would expect to find it.
“I am speaking with staff who worked with Dr. Stratton—just building a picture of his routine and relationships. This is not about assigning blame—I am just trying to get a sense of his workplace relationships. Was there anyone he was particularly close to, or any dynamics worth noting?”
Morris exchanged a look with the other nurses—one of those loaded glances that hospital staff seemed to specialize in, the kind that said volumes without words. Vega felt his pulse pick up slightly, recognizing the moment when people decided whether to trust him or protect themselves.
“This is a murder investigation,” Vega said, letting the weight of those words settle in the sterile air.
“I know, but…” Morris glanced toward the door, then back at him. Her voice dropped to almost a whisper. “Off the record, then?”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Vega made note of the hierarchy: Morris would speak first, Torres would add details, Kim would follow their lead. The unspoken choreography of survival.
“If you are asking who he was closest to,” Morris said carefully, each word measured like she was walking through a minefield, “that would be Dr. Mallory James. No question about it.”
“They were dating?” Vega asked, watching Kim’s subtle flinch at the question—a physical recoil that made his own muscles tense in response.
Janet Torres, younger with dark circles under her eyes that spoke of too many double shifts and too little sleep, leaned forward slightly. “Dating. Living together. Whatever label you want. Everyone knew about them. It has been going on over a year now.”
Lisa Kim, the quietest of the three, shifted uncomfortably but added, “She was the one constant. Dr. Stratton had… others. But Dr. James stayed.”
Vega caught that—the pause before “others,” the way Kim’s voice went flat. “Stayed through what, exactly?”
Morris answered first, voice flat as hospital linoleum. “Through all his other women. Stratton did not bother hiding it. Pharmaceutical reps. Visiting doctors. Residents. It was all right in front of her.”
The words hung in the air like smoke. Vega felt his jaw clench involuntarily, his hands growing restless on the table. The casual cruelty of it made something cold settle in his chest.
Torres’s voice hardened, and Vega saw her fingers curl into loose fists. “Until Chicago.”
Book blurb:
Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe thought estate law was safe. Then her mentor dies, leaving her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a double-murder case that could resurrect her career—or destroy what’s left of it.
Dr. Ian Stratton, a respected Harbor Point surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress are dead from lethal injections. The evidence points straight to Mallory: a volatile affair, public threats, and a mountain of motive. But as Jordan builds her defense, she uncovers something bigger—a hospital drowning in secrets, cover-ups, and dangerous enemies.
Inside Harbor Medical, three shadowy suspects emerge:
- Dr. Blake Rowe — Stratton’s betrayed best friend with deadly drug knowledge
- Evelyn Grant — a disgraced tech stalking Jordan’s niece
- Sarah Rowe — Blake’s wife, lying about her access to the victim
When Grant’s obsession turns violent and surveillance evidence leaks, Jordan must protect her family while fighting manipulated witnesses, missing evidence, and a system built to bury the truth. The deeper she digs, the more she questions Mallory’s innocence—and her own role in defending her.
In a world where everyone lies, Jordan must decide how far she’ll go to win. Because the most dangerous predator… is the one you never see coming.
Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, and Melinda Leigh, Contagion of Lies delivers a relentless legal thriller where courtroom drama collides with psychological suspense—and every decision carries a cost.
Purchase Links
Author Bio
From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick’s life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a thirst for adventure.
Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care. This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom scene crackles with authenticity.
But Kathleen’s story does not end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture, politics, and societal nuances of the time.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published twelve thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.
And when she’s not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.
