Jennifer Hartmann’s “Dead Things ”Is a High-Stakes Romance — Read an Excerpt (Exclusive)

**Jennifer Hartmann’s Latest Novel Explores Dark Themes in ‘Dead Things’**

Acclaimed author Jennifer Hartmann is set to release her new novel, *Dead Things*, on 23rd February 2027, via Kensington Publishing. This dark romance entwines elements of survival and psychological thriller, delving deep into the complex interplay between love, fear, and human psychology.

In *Dead Things*, readers follow the story of Blair, a forensic assistant whose life takes a turbulent turn following a series of brutal murders in her town. Blair’s professional relationship with Miller Banks, a forensic pathologist renowned for his steady presence, is shattered when he becomes a prime suspect in the crimes and mysteriously vanishes. Years later, Miller re-emerges, professing his innocence, prompting Blair to navigate the murky waters of trust, fear, and rekindled feelings as their relationship evolves.

Hartmann describes *Dead Things* as a compelling exploration of not only forensic science but also the darker aspects of human relationships. “I knew ‘dead things’ could refer to more than just literal corpses. It encapsulates dead secrets, dead versions of ourselves, and dead relationships,” she explains. Such themes resonate throughout the narrative, set against the backdrop of the rugged Adirondack Mountains in late October, a choice that amplifies the eerie atmosphere critical to the novel’s tension.

The author is no stranger to exploring emotionally charged narratives, having penned popular titles such as *Still Beating* and *Older*. However, she admits that tackling the plot of *Dead Things* has been uniquely challenging. “Love and fear are intertwined in ways we often overlook. Those we care about can inflict the most profound pain, which heightens the stakes of any relationship,” Hartmann reflects, adding that the story is not merely about surviving peril but also about revealing the essence of what individuals mean to each other in times of crisis.

The narrative constructs a sense of urgency and suspense as readers are drawn into a web of complicated relationships and moral dilemmas. As Hartmann explores survival romance, she intricately weaves her fascination with true crime and psychological depth into the storyline, creating a complex world where the characters must confront their fears.

Integral to Hartmann’s storytelling is the dynamic between Blair and Miller, whose relationship is fraught with tension and intertwined conflicts. “Both characters are intricately layered, grappling with their respective wounds,” she notes. “Their connection is compelling, and their magnetic pull towards each other exists even amidst their struggles.”

An exclusive excerpt shared reveals the novel’s opening scene, presenting readers with an immediate sense of the morbid setting and the emotional weight carried by Blair as she navigates her day at the morgue—a place filled with memories and trauma. The interplay between her father, who mentors her in this dark profession, and her reflections on her past experiences with Miller intensifies the narrative’s emotional stakes.

This exploration of relationships is further underscored by Hartmann’s insightful comments on the transformative nature of trauma and how it shapes connections. “What does danger reveal about the people we love?” she posits. *Dead Things* promises not only to delve into the grim realities of forensic work but also to challenge the characters’ emotional landscapes, forcing them to confront their darkest secrets.

As anticipation builds for the novel’s release, fans of Hartmann can expect a gripping tale that deftly combines romance with thriller elements while pushing the boundaries of psychological exploration. The novel is now available for pre-order, enticing readers with its compelling premise of survival amidst chaos and the complexity of love entangled with fear.

Hartmann’s *Dead Things* is set to be a must-read for enthusiasts of dark romance and psychological intrigue, inviting readers to lose themselves in a world where survival becomes an examination of the heart and soul.