New Psychological Thriller “A Bad Day for Men” by Donna Lattanzio Explores Secrets, Betrayal, and a Missing Friend
September 2025 –Author Donna Lattanzio is back with her gripping new psychological thriller, A Bad Day for Men. Lattanzio builds upon her previous success with a thrilling tale of a missing woman, a group of friends, and the shocking revelations that follow.
In A Bad Day for Men, the lives of six close-knit friends are turned upside down when Betty Sorenson disappears during a Fourth of July block party, surrounded by people she’s known for years. Was her disappearance a result of foul play, an angry lover, or a bitter betrayal by one of her closest friends? As a blackout plunges the neighborhood into darkness, suspicion arises, and cracks in the seemingly perfect lives of these friends begin to surface. The truth is darker and more twisted than they could have ever imagined.
Donna Lattanzio, who previously debuted her psychological thriller, An Accident Waiting to Happen, once again proves her talent for creating unforgettable characters and intricately woven plots. In A Bad Day for Men, readers are introduced to a compelling new spinoff character, offering a deep dive into a multi-layered female protagonist who drives the heart of the story. This novel further showcases Lattanzio’s ability to craft chilling tales that keep readers at the edge of their seats long after the final page.
“I wanted to explore the complexities of female friendship and the impact of hidden secrets. A character from my first novel, An Accident Waiting to Happen, gave me an opportunity to expand her story and I was excited to dive deeper into her world,” said Lattanzio. “The thrill of unraveling lies, exposing betrayal, and watching everything fall apart was too compelling to pass up.”
A Bad Day for Men marks an exciting new chapter for Lattanzio, who has enjoyed a successful thirty-year career as an entrepreneur before transitioning to writing. When she’s not writing, Donna can be found watching The Handmaid’s Tale or Law & Order while enjoying a good Martini. She is an avid traveler, and has visited the Far East, Israel, and most of Europe.
Lattanzio’s latest work, written in conjunction with her longtime friend Ellie Nicholas is sure to appeal to women 30 and up, as well as fans of psychological thrillers. The book will resonate with readers who enjoy delving into complex human emotions, relationships, and the deep, often dangerous secrets that lie beneath the surface.
Q & A
What inspired you to write your book, and how did the idea come to life?
I wrote A Bad Day for Men because I wanted to explore the complexities of female friendship and the impact of hidden secrets. A minor character from my first novel, An Accident Waiting to Happen, allowed me to expand on her story, and I was excited to delve deeper into her world. The thrill of unraveling lives, exposing betrayal, and watching everything fall apart was too compelling to pass up.
Can you share your initial goals for publishing your book?
My initial goals for publishing this book were based on how much I loved the story, and I wanted readers of the psychological thriller genre to love it as much as I did.
What made you choose Gatekeeper Press as your publishing partner, and how did the experience meet or exceed your expectations?
Choosing Gatekeeper Press for a publishing partner was easy: they published my debut novel, An Accident Waiting to Happen. They delivered what they promised, and I will again be publishing with them on my third novel.
How would you describe the process of working with Gatekeeper Press, from manuscript submission to publication?
The process of working with Gatekeeper Press was excellent. I submitted my manuscript and was assigned to an Author Manager. Communications were answered quickly; book covers were professionally designed, and the print version of the book was of top quality. Their post-production team is also excellent.
What challenges did you encounter during your publishing journey, and how did Gatekeeper Press assist in overcoming them?
I did not encounter any challenges during either of my publishing journeys with Gatekeeper Press.
Were there any aspects of the publishing process that surprised you or differed from what you initially expected?
When I published my first novel with Gatekeeper Press, I was surprised by the ease of the process and thoroughly delighted with the outcome of the book that followed. I guess the third book will blow me away!
How do you hope readers will receive your book, and what do you hope they will retain from it?
There have been positive reactions to “A Bad Day for Men,” and it is likely to appeal to women over 30. I hope readers will enjoy a deep dive into a multi-layered female protagonist who drives the heart of the story.
What was your favorite part of the publishing experience with Gatekeeper Press?
My favorite part of the publishing experience with Gatekeeper Press was reviewing book covers, the final proofs of the eBook, and print copies.
Would you recommend Gatekeeper Press to other authors? Why or why not?
If an author is searching for a publishing partner, Gatekeeper Press is the way to go! No scams. No amateurs putting your book together. No hassles. And the best is that they offer a 0% interest on a payment schedule! They are the real deal.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors considering independently publishing their work?
My advice to aspiring authors who are considering independently publishing their work is to (1) edit, edit, and edit before submitting your manuscript. (2) Partner with a reliable, no-nonsense publisher. (3) Market, market, market. If you don’t want your book to linger on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc., consider using the marketing services provided by Gatekeeper Press.