Samuel W. Gailey's Blog

A boldly written mystery suspense novel revolving around the arrival of Tess, a deaf woman running from her past, who unwittingly sets into motion a chain of disturbing events as she is forced to share her secrets with the strangers around her. Tess's presence upsets the status quo amongst the residents of a small town in Pennsylvania, none more so than for Cap, the pastor of the local church whose life has been marred by tragedy. The morning a dead body is found outside the church, life as the town knows it is forever changed.

In the vein of Big Little Lies, both the killer and the identity of the victim is concealed until the climactic end, but everyone, including Tess and Cap, has a motive. Maggie, an unmoored woman who numbs reality with pharmaceuticals and strange crimes; Wade, whose philandering ways are town gossip; Butch, a teenager struggling over his parents’ divorce and his own identity; and Robin, who is desperate for a way out of her marriage to Chuck, a violent man driven by self-loathing.

The uber talented Jake Perrine narrates the audio version of The Guilt We Carry and knocks it out of the park—Jake captures the spirit and tone of the novel while capturing the verbal nuances of each character.

It took a long time coming, but 'The Guilt We Carry' is finally available in paperback.

Hope to have news on the release of my third novel soon.

Until then...Stay safe. Be respectful. Eat lots of chocolate.

Join local critically-acclaimed author, Samuel W. Gailey, and audio engineer, thespian & 'The Guilt We Carry ' narrator, Jake Perrine, in a candid conversation about the audiobook process, collaboration, and the art of the spoken word.

Fellow Orcas Islander, Jake Perrine (musician-thespian- audio engineer-author), narrated my audiobook, THE GUILT WE CARRY, and did one hell of a job. He delivers a powerful performance in bringing my characters to life. It's available on Audible and other audiobook services very soon.

THE GUILT WE CARRY has been selected as a finalist in the Fiction: Mystery/Suspense category with American Book Fest. I am in some great company…The Company of Demons by Michael Jordan, Little Lovely Things by Maureen Joyce Connolly, On A Quiet Street by J.L. Doucette, and The Judas Murders by Ken Oder.

The Guilt We Carry earned a glowing five-star review from
Thriller Magazine

“The thriller genre is often said to be over-saturated with veteran authors and new talents, making it a tall task to break into the genre and gain exposure. Finding a gem in the sea of novels can be difficult, but it is always worth it when you find a jewel such as Samuel W. Gailey’s ’The Guilt We Carry’.”

Click here for the full review: Thriller Magazine