Freeing Nicole
My eighth novel, Freeing Nicole, was published on October 1, 2025. This is a standalone novel and the second to feature Hank and Joyce, the Idaho Falls detectives. This twisty whodunit can be read on its own and is a great place to start my books.
What is the book about?
A small town shattered. A girl silenced. A truth worth killing for.
The long-awaited performance by the special needs class should have been a triumph—a celebration of courage, perseverance, and joy. But when one student is violently killed, the celebration turns into a nightmare.
Nicole Morgan was there. She saw it happen. But now, haunted and withdrawn, she’s barely speaking. It’s not the first time she’s witnessed death, and her silence may be the only thing keeping her alive.
As Detectives Gardener and Powers dig into the case, they uncover troubling secrets buried deep within the school—secrets some would do anything to protect. Meanwhile, Nicole’s mother, desperate to help her daughter, turns to those who may not have her best interests at heart.
Was it a tragic accident… or a calculated murder? And if Nicole holds the key to the truth, will she be freed in time—or silenced forever?
Freeing Nicole is a gripping, emotional, and suspenseful mystery that proves sometimes the most vulnerable are the bravest, and the most dangerous secrets are hiding in plain sight.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ “The plot was unique, fast-paced, and left me wanting to read “just one more chapter” every night. There were a few times that I thought I figured it out, but I was wrong. Even when I thought I had it figured out, the book kept me guessing. ”
★★★★★ “This book had me on the edge of my seat sometimes, others made me feel uneasy, and others left me feeling happy. Especially when you get to Gardner and Powers’ banter. Absolutely loved this story!”
★★★★★ “This twisty whodunit pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The characters were believable, and the story was well written. The personal connection with the author and the real Nicole was enjoyable to read. You could feel the love that was poured into this book. It made me love it even more. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would!”
★★★★★ “Freeing Nicole is equal parts heart-wrenching and edge-of-your-seat suspense. DJ Maughan takes a small-town tragedy and layers it with secrets, danger, and raw emotion. Nicole’s silence is chilling, the mystery is twisty, and the stakes never let up—a story that makes you hold your breath and race through the pages!”
★★★★★ “Such a good book and storyline! Very well written. I can’t wait to read his other books!”