Suzanne Phillips
Author of young adult fiction, literary fiction, and mystery.
HoneyButter
What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
—Mary Oliver
1/13/26
Foot surgery on New Year’s Eve. The doctor told me I wouldn’t walk for 6 weeks. Yesterday, the stitches were removed and the doctor told me I would do no harm if I put some weight on it and walked with a crutch, but it won’t feel good so I might want to wait a week or two. So, I’m walking!! So happy about that. I am not one to be still. No speed walking yet, but PT is going well.
Happy new Year, everyone!!
12/25/25
Flowers, a good book, conversation & coffee, my children’s laughter, cookies & charcuterie, family games, late to bed but sleeping in, breakfast served, cat cuddles, all the lights of Christmas, hearing from near & far, photos shared, a long, brisk walk, festive pjs, family, family, family. My Christmas is filled with joy and contentment—and deep gratitude, for who am I to be so blessed.
What I am reading now: I’ll Have What She’s Having. It’s funny and real and so honest it sometimes feels like razor burn. It’s been so long since I read a memoir I forgot how much I love them.
On my Kindle I’m reading Notes on Being a Man which is engaging and insightful. It reads like a memoir but, so far, is infused with stats and artfully summarized studies.
12/19/2025
Anthropic, Holiday Cheer & Fear
A united front against the theft of our intellectual property is necessary and effective. Anthropic tried to siphon from my heart my experiences, hewn into words from sacred ground. Only humans (and possibly dogs) can experience complex emotions and shape them into stories that touch the human spirit and move hearts. I don’t believe AI will ever be able to move a reader as human authors do—it would require the collective numbing of human hearts. And I believe we are better than that. I believe we will always choose to feel at the deepest level and AI doesn’t have the capacity to touch that.
Instagram: @suzanneswriting
Upcoming Events
April 13-16, 2026
TBD-April 2026? The New York Public Library celebrates storytelling.
April 18-19, 2026
Writing as Emery Hayes…
The Nicole Cobain Mystery series
Meet Nicole Cobain, a badass sheriff overcoming a troubled past while solving crime in one of the most beautiful, yet unforgiving, parts of Montana.
A cozy mystery meets police procedural series that will keep you reading past midnight. . .
CURRENTLY WRITING COBAIN BOOK 3
It’s late August in Toole County. Fire season, and with two already blazing and making their way for Blue Mesa, Sheriff Nicole Cobain has her hands full coordinating evacuations, easing fears, and prodding reluctant citizens into life-saving action.
Amidst the chaos, murder. Cobain & Company tangle with a family feuding, horse thieves and lost campers while they race the clock, and the flames, to safety.
On the cozy front, Nicole and MacAulay are settling in as a married couple, but not without their challenges. A victim of a violent shootout (as detailed in Back from the Brink), the quiet, country doctor-turned ME starts carrying a gun—and before the day is over, will find himself in a split-second decision to use it or lose it.
Back from the Brink
BK2
Amazon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Barnes & Nobel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
Goodreads ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
“This is turning into a really great series, as I hoped it might, and I’m now very much looking forward to the next one. Five stars.” -Caitlyn, GR
“Back from the Brink is a riveting mystery with an atmospheric setting. . .with cunning twists and devious turns, Emery Hayes brings this exciting mystery to an action-packed, thrilling conclusion.” -Kathy, GR
“A very good second book in this series. I love that Nicole is a true, honest, officer who will uncover the truth no matter who she has to take down. And wow, what an action-packed ending to this book. Great story, Emery, I always love it when there is a strong female character in the lead.” -Darlene, GR
Cold to the Bone
BK1
Amazon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
Goodreads ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
Barnes & Nobel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4)
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Plenty of action and twists in the book to keep you hooked until the end.” Kate, GR
“. . .the characters are well-drawn, the setting is appropriately remote and forbidding, and the investigative work is excellent. The lead character is very appealing, and I look forward to more. . .” Virginia, GR
“The many twists and turns of the mystery keep you guessing, and the suspense will have your heart racing. It’s a good start to the series, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for Nicole.” Lisa, GR
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