Wanda M. Morris “interviews” Ellice Littlejohn of All Her Little Secrets
Named a “Most Anticipated” read by AARP, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Essence, CrimeReads, She Reads, and more!
All Her Little Secrets is a brilliantly nuanced but powerhouse exploration of race, the legal system, and the crushing pressure of keeping secrets. Morris brings a vibrant and welcome new voice to the thriller space.” —Karin Slaughter, New York Times and international bestselling author
In this fast-paced thriller, Wanda M. Morris crafts a twisty mystery about a black lawyer who gets caught in a dangerous conspiracy after the sudden death of her boss . . . A debut perfect for fans of Attica Locke, Alyssa Cole, Harlan Coben, and Celeste Ng, with shades of How to Get Away with Murder and John Grisham’s The Firm.
Everyone has something to hide…
Ellice Littlejohn seemingly has it all: an Ivy League law degree, a well-paying job as a corporate attorney in midtown Atlanta, great friends, and a “for fun” relationship with a rich, charming executive, who just happens to be her white boss. But everything changes one cold January morning when Ellice arrives in the executive suite and finds him dead with a gunshot to his head.
And then she walks away like nothing has happened. Why? Ellice has been keeping a cache of dark secrets, including a small-town past and a kid brother who’s spent time on the other side of the law. She can’t be thrust into the spotlight—again.
But instead of grieving this tragedy, people are gossiping, the police are getting suspicious, and Ellice, the company’s lone black attorney, is promoted to replace her boss. While the opportunity is a dream-come-true, Ellice just can’t shake the feeling that something is off.
When she uncovers shady dealings inside the company, Ellice is trapped in an impossible ethical and moral dilemma. Suddenly, Ellice’s past and present lives collide as she launches into a pulse-pounding race to protect the brother she tried to save years ago and stop a conspiracy far more sinister than she could have ever imagined…
Wanda Morris interviews Ellice Littejohn
Wanda Morris:
Welcome to Women Writers. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I feel like we’re pretty close and it’s always a pleasure for me to spend time with you.
Ellice Littlejohn:
Likewise, for me. Thank you for this opportunity.
WM:
So, let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
EL:
Certainly. I’m the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Houghton Transportation in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m responsible for overseeing the company’s legal matters as well as executive-level supervision of the company’s Legal Department employees. Prior to working for Houghton, I worked at the law firm of Dillon & Beck here in Atlanta. I earned my law degree from Yale University and my undergraduate degree from Georgetown University. I’m also an alum of Coventry Academy Prep in Virginia.
WM:
Your resume is very impressive. Have you always wanted to be a lawyer?
EL:
Yes, since I was a young girl.
WM: I understand you’ve recently been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Counsel after the unexpected death of Michael Sayles. Could you give us any details on what happened?
EL:
I’m sorry, no. I’m not at liberty to discuss that.
WM:
I understand. So, let’s talk more about you. You’re a high-level executive with a very demanding job. Tell us what do you like to do for fun?
EL:
Well … I … I guess, I enjoy reading.
WM:
Anything else?
EL:
No. Just reading. [Clears throat] I don’t mean to be rude Wanda, but as you know, I’m not in the habit of talking about my personal life in a public forum.
WM:
You’re right. I should know better. I apologize. Perhaps you can tell us a bit about your day-to-day work life.
EL:
Of course. The days are quite busy. I usually start by going through the emails at the top of the day to make sure I haven’t missed anything pressing since the previous evening. There’s usually a round of meetings with my colleagues to discuss the company’s matters and any legal pressing issues. I meet with my staff as well as others in the company to discuss ongoing legal issues. But lately, all those things have taken a backseat to what’s happened.
WM:
What do you mean? What’s happened?
EL:
Shortly after my promotion, I learned of Houghton’s involvement in a deal with an international company, but I couldn’t find any details about the deal. Of course, it concerned me. As general counsel for the company, I should be aware of all legal transactions we are involved in. I knew something wasn’t right. I had what my Aunt Vera calls a “God sense” about it.
WM:
I see. Have you discussed this with your colleagues? What do they think?
EL:
My new colleagues here in the executive suite are … shall we say interesting. And I don’t trust any of them. You wouldn’t either if you knew what I know.
WM:
So, what are you going to do?
EL:
I’m not sure. Things have taken a nosedive. Remember that personal life I mentioned that I don’t like to talk about? Well, once I began to dig into that mysterious international transaction, it seems as if my personal and professional lives have collided. Now, all my worst fears have come true. Suddenly, I’m caught in this impossible ethical and moral dilemma, and I have no way to escape. Things from my past that I’d rather leave in the past are starting to surface. I’m afraid this promotion could very well become my undoing. I may be in danger.
I … I’m sorry. I’ve already said more than I should. I have to leave.
BUY ALL HER LITTLE SECRETS HERE
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wanda M. Morris is a corporate attorney who has worked in the legal departments for several Fortune 100 companies. An accomplished presenter and leader, Morris has previously served as President of the Georgia Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel and is the founder of its Women’s Initiative, an empowerment program for female in-house lawyers.
An alumna of the Yale Writers Workshop and Robert McKee’s Story Seminar, she is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Crime Writers of Color.
Morris is married, the mother of three, and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.Learn more at wandamorriswrites.com or follow Morris on social media:
Instagram: @wandamowrites
Twitter: @WandaMo14
Category: Interviews, On Writing, Women Writers
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