Laguna Beach Author Introduces Suspense: 'The Favorite Daughter'

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —When it comes to looking at the gorgeous Laguna Beach coastline, suspense and danger may not be the first thing that comes to mind. For Laguna domestic suspense author Kaira Rouda, her imagination runs wild with the depths of that mighty Pacific and the secrets that some people hold.

In "The Favorite Daughter," Rouda weaves the story of Jane Harris, who is living in the perfect home, with the perfect family, but has devolved into the perfect lie.

Not life. Lie.

That hooked us.

Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. Lost in a haze of anti-depressants, she’s barely even left the house. Now that’s all about to change.

It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Her husband has been working long days—and nights—at the office. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive. And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl—dutiful and loving. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed?

The bonds between mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives should never be broken. But you never know how far someone will go to keep a family together…

Praise for the story include Kirkus Reviews: "Delightfully wicked fun," followed by USA Today's "Compulsively readable and deeply satisfying psychological suspense."

Rouda is no stranger to suspense, with her 2018 hit "Best Day Ever," a convoluted suspense told by the villain.

She creates characters that many describe as "chilling yet charming" and psychological thrillers that one reviewer called "pure genius."

She has received numerous awards for her community service, including the national Kiwanis Service to Mankind Award, among many others.

She lives in Laguna Beach with her husband, Congressman Harley Rouda, and her four twenty-something children. She will speak in celebration of her new release on May 28 at the Laguna Playhouse.

For more information, kairarouda.com