Sometimes you find truth in the strangest places. Yasmin Angoe explores this in her latest novel, Behind These Four Walls.
Tell me about your latest book.
Isla Thorne had a rough start in life. Orphaned young, she spent her formative years in a group home where she met her best friend, Eden Galloway. At sixteen, they decide to run away to LA… but Eden never makes it. It’s been twelve years since Eden vanished. And Isla’s determined to find her.
She begins at the last place Eden visited: the Corrigan mansion in Virginia. Eden claimed to have unfinished business there. Posing as an aspiring journalist, Isla insinuates herself into the wealthy family’s home and begins searching for the truth.
The more she digs, the more Isla discovers Eden isn’t who she thought she was. Was she even a victim, or did Eden plan this all along? Desperate for answers and to keep her identity hidden, Isla finds an ally in one of the Corrigan sons. But as she wades deeper into this power-hungry family’s secrets and lies, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a bloodline that’s more lethal than loyal.
Why did you decide to write it?
There’s no real reason except an idea popped up in head to write about a woman infiltrating a very powerful and wealthy family. How would she go about it? What could compel her to do so? That’s how it all started, and then everything went from there.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I want readers to take from the story what they will. I just like writing about Black women in all sorts of situations that I hope can speak to any reader who picks it up.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
That would be when I was in elementary school. Books and the library took me to other worlds that I loved being in. I wanted to be able to create that level of joy and awe when people read my books. I want to create the kind of escapism for my readers that was created for me when I picked up a good book.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Probably a cop…or a spy. Maybe military. I find I really enjoy investigations and all of that.
What’s the best part of being an author?
Hearing from readers how something from the story or a particular character resonated with them. When they fly through the book, I’m equal parts excited that they liked it that much and worried that now they’re looking for another book from m,e which is going to take another year or so. LOL.
What’s the worst part of being an author?
The constant worry if the story meets expectations for the reader.
What books have you read lately and loved, and what books are you looking forward to reading?
I’m about to read Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite, which I’m excited about.
What’s next for you?
I just turned in my next adult thriller, the first of a series and am in the process of revising that. Behind These Four Walls comes out January 1, 2026, so gearing up for that. I also have a YA fantasy horror coming out March 2026, which I’m excited about because it blends my Ghanaian heritage and folktale with one of my favorite topics to read about, vampires. It’s titled She Drinks the Light.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Just that I hope everyone gets Behind These Four Walls and dives into the world of Isla Thorne. Thank you for having me.
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To learn more about Yasmin Angoe, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: https://yasminangoe.com/
Instagram: Instagram.com/author_yasminangoe
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