Just Stay Away

Praise for Just Stay Away

“Nobody believes Craig when he insists nine-year-old Levi is the source of the mayhem in his life—which is regrettable, as Levi might be a troublemaker worse than Baby Teeth’s Hanna (so says the author of Baby Teeth). Just Stay Away is a tense page-turner that literally had me reading with my shoulders hunched.” —Zoje Stage, bestselling author of Baby Teeth and Mothered

“Cancel your plans and find a good chair because once you start Just Stay Away, you won’t be able to stop. A psychological game of cat and mouse evolves between a writer and his daughter’s creepy new friend in this superbly plotted, fantastically immersive domestic thriller. From the characters to the writing to the pitch-perfect ending, Wirt delivers on every level.” —Mindy Mejia, bestselling author of Everything You Want Me to Be and To Catch a Storm

“A relentlessly creepy and dangerously addictive read, Just Stay Away will have you checking your locks and jumping at shadows once you’ve finished. Using the unique perspective of a stay-at-home dad, Tony Wirt expertly crafts an atmosphere of ever-increasing isolation, claustrophobia, and gaslighting to ramp up from a sinister simmer into a full-blown nightmare. In doing so, Wirt explores gender roles, masculinity, and boyhood in the profound ways you find in the best of the genre. An absolute must-read—if you dare!” —Brianna Labuskes, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of A Familiar Sight

“In Just Stay Away, Wirt flawlessly weaves tension into everyday domestic life. The protagonist, Craig, finds himself in a suspenseful game of cat and mouse with a neighborhood child that will leave you wondering, What would you do to protect those you love?” —Elle Grawl, author of One of Those Faces and What Still Burns

Praise for A Necessary Act

Underground Book Reviews 2017 Novel of the Year, Reader’s Choice

“I literally could not put this book down. As far as thrillers and crime novels go, it ticked every box for me while also managing to be unique in its concept and style. Great characters, genuine bellyaching tension, and an ending that both surprises and satisfies…and yet is left wide, wide open…I truly hope there is more to come.” —Underground Book Reviews

“A Necessary Act grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go—even after I turned the last page!” —C. H. Armstrong, author of The Edge of Nowhere

“This book is filled with creepy and suspenseful moments that are sure to get anyone’s heart pumping. Just leave the lights on.” —Rochester Magazine