Barrett Fuller's privileged life is about to change radically ... or else. Barrett Fuller is a world-famous and very wealthy children's author who writes under a pseudonym because he's a self-absorbed womanizer and drug-user. His life changes when he receives an extortion letter, challenging him to live up to the morals he currently espouses in his books. He is presented with a series of tasks to complete or face having his identity revealed to the public, resulting in the ruin of his financial empire. Richard Fuller, Barrett's nephew, has a secret too, and it's one no kid should bear. He knows why his father left the family and he's never told his mother. When the extortionist challenges Barrett to spend time with his nephew, their respective secrets move towards a collision that will change their lives forever.
"Over the course of Carter's surprisingly exciting and evocative tale, relationships among Carol, Richard and Barrett acquire meaning, though, initially, not through Barrett's free will."
Winnipeg Free Press
". . . Carter doesn't shy away from making this character unlikeable, but most impressive is that I was engaged and guessing until the 'big reveal' of the blackmailer. Also impressive is how Carter wrings every ounce of gut-wrenching tension and heartbreak from the reveal that could possibly be wrung without making it feel hokey."
On Fiction Writing
"[F]amed children's author Barrett Fuller...writes under a pseudonym so that fans (and their parents) won't know he's a narcissistic womanizer with a serious drug problem. Then one day, someone discovers his secret and sends him a letter: Live up to your imaginary morality or else...This is the terrific premise of Scott Carter's second novel and it's better than Blind Luck, his excellent debut."
