Flawless Witness: Flower Girl Novella Sequel by Merida Johns unfolds thirty-four years after the first installment of the Flower Girl sequel. It is June 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic and Suzanna Jordan finds refuge in her home in Honey Bear when she comes across an obituary of her narcissistic former husband, Jonathan Spencer III. The article portrays him as a respectable member of the community, bringing back bitter memories to Suzanna. Months later, she has an unexpected visitor who gives her a tell-all journal written by her ex-husband, which reveals shocking secrets and intimate details of a life filled with lies and deceit and confirms her darkest suspicions. Can she finally find freedom from all the abuses and learn to forget and forgive?

Merida Johns’ Flawless Witness is a chilling story that brings us into a relationship filled with emotional abuse and exploitation. It is a well-researched and highly informative read and should empower those who feel stuck in a relationship with a narcissist. The fact that it is written from the point of view of a survivor like Suzanna makes the story relatable. It’s frightening that the emotional scar caused by this toxic relationship is so deep that her ex-husband’s death does not give Suzanna peace of mind knowing that he can’t hurt her anymore. Flawless Witness expertly warns readers to beware of narcissistic partners who will drain the life and spirit from them and use them as emotional and sometimes literal punching bags.

Flawless Witness by Merida Johns is the sequel to her Flower Girl Novella. Over three decades later, Suzanna Jordan is enjoying some respite away from the masses and the anxiety and fear that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing. As she reads through a newspaper, enjoying a beautiful day, she comes across an article reporting the death of her abusive ex-husband. Although Jonathan Herbert Spencer III is dead and no longer a threat, his influence persists. A surprise visit from his eldest son brings Jonathan’s dishonorable and monstrous diary to light. Reading the shocking and sordid words Jonathan wrote causes Suzanna to question her feelings and sheds some light on a secret about which she had long held suspicions. The diary, albeit an unwelcome surprise, helps Suzanna get the closure that she and many others impacted by Jonathan’s lies and deeds so rightfully deserve.

Merida Johns has written a poignant story of overcoming abuse and the abuser. Although tragic, I thoroughly enjoyed the well-written tale. She delves deeply into the psychosis of the typical abuser – narcissistic, egotistic, and cruel. Flawless Witness paints a picture of how easy it is to become a victim but also shows that there is hope. You can escape your abuser and still live a fulfilling life. This is a story about forgiveness, but mostly forgiving yourself for the mistakes you may or may not have made. Merida expertly explores the psychology of her characters and paints a spot-on picture of a narcissist. She’s probably had to encounter too many in her lifetime, and with this, I can empathize. This is a wonderful novella with a profound message.