Four women. Four secrets. One thought that won't go away.
Nina Simmons is drowning—financially, emotionally, existentially. Then one thought begins to steady her. She is smart, meticulous, and she has learned a great deal from true-crime documentaries about how people get caught.
Rare Bird Books · Distributed by Simon & Schuster · Trade paperback · $22
He's Gotta Go
A wickedly intelligent domestic thriller about marriage, money, and the fantasies we nurture just to survive another school pickup line.
Nina Simmons is drowning—financially, emotionally, existentially. Trapped in a crumbling marriage to a passive husband, raising two struggling daughters, and caring for a deteriorating mother-in-law in the suffocating perfection of Hidden Hills, Nina's life has become an endless loop of sacrifice, resentment, and quiet despair.
As the bills pile up and the illusion of security evaporates, a single thought begins to steady her nerves and sharpen her focus: He's gotta go. What begins as a private mantra evolves into something far more dangerous. Nina is smart, observant, and meticulous. If she's going to do this, she intends to do it perfectly.
But Nina isn't the only woman harboring secrets. Darkly comic, sharply observed, and unsettlingly plausible, He's Gotta Go skewers wealth, marriage, motherhood, and the myths women are told about endurance and gratitude.
If she's going to do this,
she intends to do it perfectly.He's Gotta Go
Previous praise
“A perfect example of why every woman should start riffing on Heidegger in her stilettos. It cannot fail to enthrall even the most indomitable of men. A must read!”Lauren Frances, bestselling author of Dating, Mating and Manhandling
“A charmingly lusty, hilariously funny, page-turner. This first-time novelist is clearly gifted. I can't wait for more.”Jamie Rose, actress and author of Shut Up and Dance!
“An astonishing first novel. So many trysts and turns, dollops of Kant and Heidegger… Super smart, super sexy, a must read!”Dottie Dartland Zicklin, executive producer, Younger
“An education in itself on how showbiz works, and you will be very, very surprised.”William Stadiem, author of Marilyn Monroe Confidential and Mr. S
The first novel
Rare Bird Books · 2019
A young Yale philosophy student lands in Rome and becomes philosophy tutor to one of the world's most famous film directors. Inspired by Albert's own early career, The Tutor moves between intellectual ambition, sexual awakening, and the strange machinery of moviemaking.
About the author
From Yale philosophy to a film set in Rome to fiction about what people do when the life they're living stops working.
Marilee Albert studied philosophy at Yale before beginning her film career as Francis Ford Coppola's philosophy tutor in Rome. She later worked in film development at the RAI before returning to her hometown of Los Angeles.
After working in film development, Albert segued to screenwriting and producing. As CEO of Kepler Media Group, she has an eclectic slate that includes projects on the Cotton Club murders, the Cuban Revolution, country music, and the infamous Davis murders in Texas.
Albert is also the founder of One Village Green™, a nonprofit focused on teen mental health. Her first novel, The Tutor, about her time with Coppola, was published by Rare Bird Books in 2019.
Her greatest job is mom to two boys. Her greatest claim to fame: queen of the gross-out cake.
Press & media
For interviews, review-copy requests, speaking inquiries, or publication information, contact Marilee directly.
Get in touch
Press, review copies, events, or general inquiries.
marilee@marileealbertbooks.com