Aiken, October 12, 2025

News Summary

Author Marti Healy has announced the launch of her latest novel, ‘Are You Dead Yet?’, which is set in the fictional town of Selby, S.C. The story follows the Fitzrose sisters, facing personal struggles and family legacy as they navigate the memories of their childhood home. Healy is also hosting several book signing events in Aiken throughout December to celebrate the release.

Aiken, SC – Author and columnist Marti Healy has announced the release of her latest novel titled Are You Dead Yet?, marking her 10th book and the fourth novel in her publishing career. This intriguing narrative is set in the fictional town of Selby, S.C., which draws inspiration from the charming setting of vintage Aiken.

Are You Dead Yet? explores the lives of the Fitzrose family, focusing particularly on three mid-life sisters who symbolize the conclusion of the Fitzrose lineage. Each sister faces unique challenges that provide depth to the story. One sister is a concert pianist grappling with a refusal to perform, another is a writer who faces a creative block and sees her stories lost, while the third is a painter confined to creating only teapot artworks. Their shared experiences and burdens come to a head as they return to their deteriorating family mansion, a place filled with haunting childhood memories and feelings of regret.

The introduction of a singular stranger, a transient piano tuner, disrupts the sisters’ lives, weaving mystery and tension into their narrative. The novel’s characterization is a key highlight, showcasing Healy’s signature narrative style that immerses readers in the emotional landscape of her characters. The themes of family, identity, love, forgiveness, and grace ripple through the story, which maintains a gently mysterious tone throughout its progression.

To celebrate her new book, Marti Healy will be hosting several signing events throughout December. The events are scheduled as follows:

• H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on December 5 and 6 during the Christmas Craft Show.
• Aiken Center for the Arts on December 11 during the Night of 1,000 Lights.
• Holiday Bazaar at the Aiken County Historical Museum on December 14.

Additional signing events will be announced in the near future. Readers interested in obtaining a copy of Are You Dead Yet? can find it through various outlets nationwide as well as locally. For more information on Marti Healy and her works, readers can visit martihealybooks.com.

Background Context

Marti Healy’s writing career includes a blend of novels and columns, showcasing her ability to connect with readers through relatable themes and engaging narratives. With Are You Dead Yet?, she continues her exploration of deep familial ties in a fictional setting that mirrors the essence of her own experiences growing up in Aiken.

Upcoming Events

The scheduled events provide opportunities for readers to engage with Healy directly and celebrate the launch of her new novel amid festive holiday activities in Aiken.

FAQ Section

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Marti Healy’s New Book
• Wikipedia: Marti Healy
• Post and Courier: It Just Doesn’t Pay to Act Ugly
• Google Search: Marti Healy
• Post and Courier: Shopping Carts, Dead Plants, and Good Samaritans
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marti Healy
• Legacy: G. Byron Healy Obituary

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