After Everyone Else

Leslie Hooton is the author of three novels. Her debut novel, Before Anyone Else, garnered a Zibby nomination. Leslie’s second novel, The Secret of Rainy Days, was a book club favorite. Her third novel, After Everyone Else, the sequel to Before Everyone Else, will be published June 28th. Kevin Wilson, Jane Rosen, Patti Callahan, Lisa Barr, and other wonderful writers have offered praise for Leslie’s novels. She has had essays published in “Moms Don’t Have Time to Grieve,” and she has an upcoming essay in Newsweek. Leslie attended The Sewanee Writers Conference for many years. Leslie has been a guest on numerous podcasts and her talks are engaging and thought-provoking.Leslie has often said some people have a stroke of luck, and she had one at birth. Having limited use of her right side and numerous surgeries allowed her to be a keen observer of human behavior. She refers to her body as her “bargain basement body” and doctors as the “men in white coats” because she has had a lifelong relationship with them. She uses dictation for each of her novels and often jokes “I haven’t typed a single word.” She brings this unique perspective to her writing with humor and heart.

“Marriage, mother-daughter bonds . . . and murder. Acclaimed author Leslie Hooton’s new novel After Everyone Else packs a powerful punch. Alternating between the past and present, what begins as a mystery quickly deep dives into the intricacy of relationships. Hooton doesn’t miss a beat as she deftly explores how far we go to protect those we love—a Must-Read.” —Lisa Barr, USA Today bestselling author of Woman on Fire“With After Everyone Else, Leslie Hooten has delivered another gem of Southern literature: funny but heartfelt, plot-driven yet profound. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next.” —Amy Greene, nationally bestselling author of Bloodroot“Warm-hearted and witty, After Everyone Else grabs you from page one and takes you on a journey of mystery and celebration as it explores relationships between mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives. Leslie Hooton does it again!” —Jane Rosen, New York Times bestselling author of Eliza Starts a Rumor and A Shoe Story“After Everyone Else brings us back into the life of Bailey Edgeworth, Leslie Hooton’s memorable, sparkling character from her first novel, but Hooton is such a gifted writer and natural storyteller that this story brings us new twists, new drama, new terrain, all in that witty, emotional resonant writing style. And, always, at the heart of Hooton's writing, there is an exploration of the past, how we are made, and how family and love open up new possibilities that we never expected.” —Kevin Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Nothing to See Here and The Family Fang“A big-hearted book that captures the delicate balance of marriage and motherhood.” —Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today bestselling author of This Is Not How It Ends