Twenty-four hours until Liberty Night Commences. Long gone are the days of pronoun police and participation awards. In New Texas, there’s only one celebration that Liberty Night, an annual evening of government-backed carnage and lawlessness – an homage to a new dawn that’s “free for all”… But ten year old Rae-Ann Richardson pays that no mind. She’s hours away from turning eleven and her gift this year? A secret pact between her and southern belle, Bailee Martin, the bestest friend south of the old American border. So what if Rae’s ma has to sell off her favorite presents every year to help them get by? The only gift lil’ Rae truly needs comes in the form of a pigtailed girl who’s as sweet as she is generous – including with her punches… Four hours until Liberty Night Commences. In present day New Texas, Rae's now seventeen going on eighteen and can only say one thing for she hates Bailee Martin. So what if an ungodly amount of her day is spent actively avoiding thoughts of the dang smile that used to light up this shitty town? But none of that matters right now, because Rae’s just won her semi-final soccer game and with an American scout in town to witness the win, it might just be her ticket to freedom from both New Texas and the Martin family… but both of their worlds are about to be turned upside down with a crash. Across town, brains-and-bombshell duo “PC” and Mercy are on a mission to get paid, featuring a side of arson, a healthy helping of theatrics, and a whole load of backup plans. What should be a small but meaningful payday doesn’t turn out to be as smooth sailing as Mercy hoped but not even a gun to the face can keep this femme fatale from getting her bag. Mercy’s meant for more than a petty, untelevised death, and her baby cousin will happily follow her into battle to repay the safe haven they’ve found with Mercy their whole life. Paths’ collide, and an alliance is if Rae and Bailee can help the cousins score an insane amount of cash, neither of them will need scholarships or revolvers to avoid ever seeing another Liberty Night again. At the end of the day, the crew all want the same freedom – whether from New Texas, from their fears, or freedom to live authentically. Murderous clowns, vengeful Devils, and controlling fathers be damned, they’ll get what they want, and they might just derail a sinister school initiative while they’re at it. A rag tag group of townies teaming up for a high stakes heist should be a no brainer. They’ll just have to put the past aside and work together – make it to safety, or die trying. And it’s going to take some serious guts… literally. It’s Rae-Ann Richardson’s birthday and her gift this year? A night of complete and utter chaos – and maybe, just maybe, a second chance. Dead of Night is for the scorned who have retained their whimsy – or need some of it back. It’s for the fighters, the undefined, the anarchists, and the awkward. It’s a ride for readers middle grade to 100, with a little something special for the lovers.