(aka Emily Austin. And Jane Campbell. And…well, you get the picture)
Professional liar, semi-retired con artist, and unfortunately popular among serial killers

Today started like any other: with me waking up next to a woman whose name I didn’t know and a tattoo I really hoped was temporary. My hangover was whispering sweet nothings like “you deserve this” while I attempted to find my pants without tripping over the vintage mannequin in the corner of her apartment. Don’t ask.

By 9:00 a.m., I’d scammed my way into a free espresso by pretending to be a secret shopper from “Bean Boss International.” A clipboard, a stern expression, and a made-up badge go a long way in this world—especially if you look like you haven’t slept since the Biden administration.

By 10:30, I was trying to leave the café when I realized someone was following me. Again. Tall, looming, wearing a coat that screamed “serial killer” or “Tik Tok influencer.” Honestly, it’s hard to tell these days.

Now, I *could* have called the cops. But that would involve giving them my *real* name, and Amber Jamison is currently wanted in three states—none of which I’ve actually committed crimes in, but try telling Florida that. So instead, I ducked into a pet grooming salon, pretended to be the new hire (“Hi, I’m Carol”), and gave a poodle the worst haircut of its life while I waited for the guy to walk past.

Spoiler: he didn’t.

That’s when I knew this was serious. Not your run-of-the-mill stalker or ex-victim of a minor credit card fraud misunderstanding. This was Professional-Level Pursuit. So I did what any reasonable woman in my situation would do: I conned a guy into giving me his electric scooter in exchange for a sob story involving three children, a sick grandmother, and a Chihuahua with IBS.

I zipped down the street like a caffeinated raccoon, Serial Killer McCreepy in hot pursuit. Briefly lost him by darting into a Whole Foods, where I temporarily disguised myself as a kombucha sample lady (shoutout to Trudy for the hairnet and existential despair).

By mid-afternoon, I found myself in my happy place: a seedy little pawn shop where the owner thinks I’m a government agent specializing in antique surveillance teapots. I unloaded a “haunted” brooch I definitely *did not* steal from my ex-girlfriend’s roommate’s dead aunt’s jewelry box. I made $80 and three new enemies. A solid trade.

As night fell, I crashed at my best friend’s apartment, which is really more of a lair-slash-weapon-cache, because, fun fact: she’s a rogue serial killer hunter. (It’s like Uber Eats for vengeance.) She patched me up, handed me a cattle prod, and said, “You know he’s still out there, right?” I did. But at least now I had a snack and someone who’d watched me fake-die and still liked me.

So yeah, just another Tuesday.

If you’re reading this and thinking, *Wow, she’s a mess,* you’re absolutely right. But I’ve survived one terrible relationship, two serial killers, and three pyramid schemes (that I technically invented). So if this new serial killer wants a piece of Amber Jamison, he’d better be prepared to chase me through every dog spa, espresso bar, and emotionally unavailable situationship in the Vegas metro area.

Game on, creep.

Slaying You – An Amber Jamison Mystery, Book 2
Genre: Humorous Mystery
Release: May 2025
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

A wildly funny thriller about reluctant partners who hit the danger jackpot when they discover that a serial killer is on their heels . . . again.

Grace and Amber’s first encounter was anything but ordinary—they bonded over being stalked by the same psychopath. After narrowly escaping that ordeal they went their separate ways, determined to get back to their lives.

Surprise: neither of them is very good at being “normal.” Despite their best efforts, they both feel an irresistible pull toward the dark side.

So when they reunite for a Vegas wedding and discover that an even more dangerous killer is targeting their friends, it’s time to get the gang back together. Grace and Amber have outrun a murderer before . . . but can they do it again?

Meet the author
Michelle Gagnon is a former modern dancer, bartender, dog walker, model, personal trainer, freelance journalist, and Russian supper club performer. Critics agree that her performance at most of these professions was middling at best. Her bestselling thrillers have been published in dozens of languages worldwide and were nominated for a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense and a Thriller Award. While they failed to garner either of these prestigious prizes, the banquet dinners were lovely. In addition to writing, Michelle provides therapy to LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing homelessness or foster care through the LA LGBT Center. A native Rhode Islander (sort of), she is currently a reluctant Angeleno, where she lives with her family and way too many pets.