Check out the sequel to Michelle Gagnon's "Killing Me" book, "Slaying You."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
Honestly, I wasn’t ready to leave these characters — or this weird, campy version of Vegas — behind. After "Killing Me" came out, a lot of readers asked what was next for Grace, Amber, and the rest of their motley crew, and that got me wondering what their lives might look like a few months down the line. So I decided to find out!
I also wanted to explore the idea that people who typically exist on the fringes of society don’t always thrive in “normal” lives, even when they get the chance. It felt important to show that survival doesn’t automatically translate to healing — and that sometimes, community can be just as life-saving as escape.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
To me, it means making space in literature for the full spectrum of real-world experiences — something that was sorely lacking when I was growing up. If there had been an openly gay character in the original Sweet Valley High series, maybe I would’ve felt safe enough to come out as a teen.
It’s been incredible watching my kids grow up with books, shows, and films that offer such a phenomenal breadth of representation. They take that visibility for granted, which is why, for them, coming out often doesn’t feel like a huge deal. And that’s the power of representation — it doesn’t just affirm queer readers, it normalizes difference for everyone.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Because books both reflect and shape the world they exist in. The more perspectives we read, the more expansive our understanding of humanity becomes.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
I started writing this series during the early days of the pandemic, when everything felt especially bleak and hopeless. I desperately needed an escape hatch, so I built one. My only requirements were that it had to be fun, a little ridiculous, and full of characters I could really invest in.
I also wanted to center a group of strong women taking down a killer by relying on strengths that don’t always get celebrated — like forming deep relationships, multitasking, and thinking five steps ahead. And ideally, I wanted to crack myself up at least once a chapter. Hopefully, I managed to do the same for readers!
What can fans expect from your book?
Mainly, they can expect to laugh and root for a group of lovable misfits who rely on each other. There are also some killer one-liners, edge-of-your-seat moments, and a big, sprawling set piece that tips its hat to some of my favorite con movies: "The Sting," "Ocean’s Eleven," and "The Thomas Crown Affair."
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
Right now, I’m working on a television adaptation of the series with Flavor Unit Entertainment, Queen Latifah’s production company. It’s been both thrilling and surreal, and it’s given me the chance to reimagine these stories in a whole new way.
I also have an idea brewing for a third installment — though it’s too early to share much. But if it happens, I’m thinking it might be time to move the crew down to New Orleans for a little Mardi Gras magic!
