An Evening with Catherine Adel West

Join us for a chill evening hanging out and chatting with the amazing Catherine Adel West in conversation with Nancy Johnson

An Evening with Catherine Adel West
In Conversation with Nancy Johnson

Thursday, June 11th | 6–8PM
Da Book Joint

Join us for an unforgettable evening with bestselling author Catherine Adel West as she celebrates her newest release, Strangers Behind Closed Doors. Known for her rich storytelling and emotionally layered characters, West returns with a gripping, page-turning thriller that will keep you questioning everything.

She will be joined in conversation by Nancy Johnson, author of People of Means, for a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion you won’t want to miss.

About the Book

Perfect for fans of When No One is Watching and The White Lotus, Strangers Behind Closed Doors is a captivating thriller set against the backdrop of a luxury Chicago hotel, where power, privilege, and secrets collide.

Giovanni Mason has worked tirelessly to become the first Black head concierge at the exclusive Ivory Hotel — a role that demands perfection, composure, and control. But when a chance reunion with her former best friend, influencer Natalie Moore, turns into a heated public argument, everything begins to unravel.

That same night, Natalie disappears.

With a ransacked hotel room, bloodstains, and witness accounts pointing in her direction, Giovanni quickly becomes the prime suspect. But Detective Redding Stark isn’t convinced. Already investigating a string of unsolved disappearances involving Black women across the city, she believes there’s more to this case than meets the eye.

As Giovanni and Detective Stark dig deeper, they uncover a web of secrets hidden behind the polished façade of the Ivory Hotel—where not everyone is who they seem, and some truths are meant to stay buried.

The question remains: will they find Natalie… or become part of the mystery themselves?

What to Expect

✨ Author conversation
📖 Insight into the story and writing process
✍🏾 Book signing
🤝 Community connection

Ticket Information

🎟 This is a ticketed book event

• $20 Ticket – Includes paperback copy of Strangers Behind Closed Doors
• $2 Ticket - General admission for the event

Each ticket includes admission + a copy of the book.

About the Authors

Catherine Adel West is the author of the acclaimed novels Saving Ruby King and The Two Lives of Sara. Her work explores themes of family, identity, and resilience, often centering Black women’s experiences with depth and care. With Strangers Behind Closed Doors, she steps into the thriller space while maintaining the emotional richness she’s known for. She is a Chicago native whose storytelling continues to resonate with readers across the country.

Nancy Johnson is the author of The Kindest Lie and People of Means. Her novels explore race, class, and family with nuance and emotional depth. A Chicago-based writer, Johnson brings a thoughtful and engaging perspective to every conversation, making her the perfect voice to join Catherine Adel West for this special evening.

Seats are limited—secure your ticket early and join us for a powerful night of storytelling, suspense, and conversation.