Looking Ahead to 2026: The Cleansing, Film Momentum, and Abbey Rhodes’ Turning Point

As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on just how much has changed—and how much is still ahead.

A year ago, Watergrave had just been released. Today, we’re talking about Book Three launching in January, a film project moving toward production, and a calendar for 2026 that’s already filling up with book signings, book clubs, and conversations I never imagined having at this stage.

It’s humbling. And it’s exciting.

The Cleansing Is Almost Here

The third book in the Abbey Rhodes Mysteries, The Cleansing, is scheduled for release at the end of January 2026.

As soon as it launches, I’ll be heading into a season of signings and conversations:

• February: Two signings—one in East Tennessee, one in Middle Tennessee

• March: A signing in Illinois

• Book clubs: Two already scheduled (one in-person, one virtual)

If your book club would like to participate—whether live or via Zoom—I’d love to join you. The conversations that come out of these groups have been some of the most meaningful moments of this journey.

What Makes Book Three Different (Without Spoilers)

For those who’ve read Watergrave and The Least of These, you know the series has steadily raised the emotional and narrative stakes.

The Cleansing takes that several steps further.

Without giving anything away, this book shifts from isolated crimes to something far more personal and dangerous. The antagonist sees themselves as Abby’s equal—her opposite. A Moriarty to her Sherlock. And instead of solving a single crime, Abby is now racing to stop the next one before it happens.

The danger is no longer abstract. It’s moving closer to her world—closer to the people she’s beginning to trust, care for, and even love.

That forces Abby to face a hard question:Do you protect yourself by pulling back, or do you stay fully present and risk losing everything?

Trauma, Empathy, and the Cost of the Job

One of the deeper threads in The Cleansing is the emotional toll of the work Abby does.

I’ve spoken with professionals who live in this world every day—one retired criminal pathologist performed more than 5,000 autopsies and now struggles with PTSD. The images don’t fade. The weight accumulates.

That reality shaped Abby’s journey in Book Three.

How do you empathize without destroying yourself?How do you care deeply and still survive?How do you separate your work from your identity?

These are not just fictional questions. They’re human ones.

Why This Is a Six-Book Story

I’ve been asked why I pitched this series as six books instead of one or two.

The answer is simple: real healing takes time.

Abby’s trauma, faith struggles, and personal growth couldn’t be resolved quickly without feeling dishonest. Across Books One through Six, she changes—gradually, imperfectly, sometimes painfully. The Cleansing is a major turning point, but it’s not the end of her journey.

It’s the moment where everything becomes more personal.

The Film Is Still Moving Forward

The Watergrave film adaptation remains scheduled for July filming, and we’re currently navigating the legal and fundraising phases.

One encouraging sign: the casting director attached to the project has worked on films like The Help and The Green Mile. That level of experience gives me confidence in the direction we’re heading.

The current plan includes:

• At least one theatrical pilot screening

• Local previews

• Further development depending on audience response

Like everything else in this process, it’s moving step by step—but it is moving.

Writing Through Real Life

On a personal note, I’m continuing to work on Book Four while recovering from two spinal fractures—one hairline, one compression fracture. Sitting for long periods has been challenging, and pain medication can dull focus as much as pain itself.

Still, the story keeps calling.

Even in this season, I’m writing when I can—sometimes through discomfort, sometimes slowly—but always with the belief that the work is worth it.

Interestingly, I’m now writing with the actors in mind. Seeing Abby and Sam embodied by real people has subtly shifted how scenes feel on the page. Sam’s character, especially, is evolving—his musical side (inspired by Phil Vassar’s role in the film) may find its way into the books as a new layer of how he releases stress and grief.

Looking Forward

2026 already feels full:

• A new book release

• Signings and book clubs nearly every month through June

• Continued film development

• Ongoing writing and revision

And yet, the heart of it all remains the same: telling stories that connect, heal, and invite people into something honest.

If you’d like to stay connected—get updates on The Cleansing, film news, events, and behind-the-scenes moments—you can visit:

👉 https://mitchellskarnesauthor.comand sign up for the email list.

Thank you for walking this road with me.There’s more ahead.

— Mitchell S. Karnes