ONE
OF US

The story they want you to believe is a lie.

Novice Maggie Lilly has found purpose among the Good Sisters, baking bread in the convent kitchen. Then someone nearly kills her there.

A stolen habit, a forged love note, and carefully staged evidence point toward another sister. The city eagerly embraces the scandal: a jealous lesbian nun attacked Maggie.

Closeted homicide detective Mike Kelly doesn't buy it. Fighting alcoholism and the anonymity that has governed his own life, he recognizes the scene for what it is—a performance. His search for the truth draws him into an uneasy alliance with outspoken civil-rights advocate Eric Miller and toward a threat far larger than a single attack.

ONE OF US combines the momentum of a crime thriller with a character-centered story about faith, institutional silence, recovery, identity, and the hard-won courage of being known.

Michael H. Tipton

Michael H. Tipton spent much of his legal career as a criminal prosecutor, experience that gave him an intimate understanding of the justice system, criminal investigations, and the complicated human stories that exist on both sides of the law.

Born and raised Catholic, Michael has spent much of his life navigating the intersection of faith and identity. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, his own struggles with faith, acceptance, and belonging helped inspire the questions at the heart of ONE OF US: What happens when institutions meant to provide sanctuary instead demand silence? And what does it cost to finally allow yourself to be known?

Michael lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with Eric, his best friend and husband of 17 years, and their dog, Judge.

Enter The Chambers.

Go deeper into The Thomas Chronicles.

Step inside for character dossiers, places and institutions from the series, author notes, bonus material, and carefully guarded glimpses of what comes next.