A Novel
In Her Own Backyard
The story
New to the neighborhood and reeling from the traumatic birth of her second child, Marlowe Moore is barely holding it together. Battling postpartum depression and anxiety, she’s desperate for stability.
But when she learns that a woman who once lived in her family’s new home vanished without a trace, Marlowe becomes obsessed. As strange things happen and neighborly smiles feel like veiled threats, Marlowe can’t shake the feeling that someone is hiding something.
She spirals further into paranoia, fixated on the abandoned case and determined to seek justice. But how can a woman who feels lost find a missing person?
Juggling the demands of her beloved family and her harrowing mental illness, Marlowe doesn’t realize she is caught in a cat-and-mouse game that could cost her everything . . . including her life.
Ashley Hanna-Morgan, LCSW, PMH-CCalifornia LCSW #66494 Nevada LCSW #7719-CClient Notices
Every street holds a secret.
Why this story
In Her Own Backyard puts postpartum depression, anxiety, and traumatic birth at the center of a suspense novel, the kind of lived experience Ashley works with clinically, told as fiction. Learn about the author.
Get the book
The book
Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or request it at your local bookstore!
Buying through Bookshop.org benefits Postpartum Support International. Each link opens the retailer in a new tab.
The audiobook
Narrated by Samantha Griffin Moon.
Coming to Audible October 31.
Step into the backyard
Extras for readers of In Her Own Backyard.
Book club questions
Twenty questions for your group, and how to invite Ashley to a book club of ten or more. Contains spoilers.
Marlowe’s recipes
Kale and cannellini bean stew, sweet pea muffins, and Valorie’s chocolate beet birthday cupcakes.
Book recommendations
The books Ashley recommends on postpartum mental health, relationships, sleep, play, and healing, plus two poems.
Resources
Crisis lines, therapist directories, and support for every part of the perinatal journey.
Fun places to visit in Reno
Parks, coffee, bookshops, and favorite places to eat, if you feel inspired to take a road trip.
Listen to the playlist
Ashley’s playlist for the novel, on SoundCloud and Apple Music.
The playlist links open in a new tab.
The pitch deck
Ashley’s pitch for In Her Own Backyard as an eight-episode limited series. Read the story behind the deck.
More about the novel
Book-tour interviews and launch news for the novel are kept among Ashley’s articles on books, media, and events. Her festival and event appearances are on Speaking, Training & Media.
