“A humane portrait of often inhuman actions, Skinless is an eloquent crime novel about a woman’s relentless desire to survive.” — Benjamin Welton, Foreword Reviews

Street poetry. Beauty. Danger. Survival. 

At the turn of the millennium in New York City, fresh from teenage homelessness and childhood abuse, Charmay—a street‑smart, velvet‑voiced singer—develops a glittering alter ego, Cindy, to survive the PTSD she calls “skinless,” a raw vulnerability she drinks to numb and sings to soothe.

Over two turbulent years, chasing quick fixes and the American Dream, she’s pulled into a maze of small‑time hustles and crime that devolves into a dangerous game of secrets, lies, and power. By the final chorus, Skinless becomes a strange evocation of turn‑of‑the‑century America—the times we live in and the forces we live by—as Charmay must choose between the mask that kept her alive and the honest voice that could make her whole.

Skinless is a psychological crime novel for readers of Milkman, Cherry, In the Cut, The Basketball Diaries, Just Kids, and dark, voice‑driven literary noir.

Skinless, second edition, expanded and revised published November 12, 2025. Now with 30+ reviews, 4.67★

“Skinless is an eloquent crime novel about a woman’s relentless desire to survive… eloquently, Charmay vacillates between beauty and despair… her street poetry highlights the city’s colors and sensations in lush, sensual language.” — Benjamin Welton, Foreword Reviews

“A humane, unsparing portrait—wringing hope from the drug‑drenched, sex‑soaked streets of 1990s New York City.” — Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Reviews (Interview)

“Lyrical and unflinchingly honest, Skinless is a psychological portrait of trauma, trust, and the courage it takes to face your own truth. Perfect for readers who love the raw brilliance of The Bell Jar and the restless energy of Kerouac.” — Goodreads, 5★

“Raw, poetic, and fearless. Voice cuts to the bone. An unflinching act of emotional courage; both visceral and lyrical. Will stay with me.” — Goodreads, 5★

Additional Content 

The novel has a companion album, Skinless: Songs from the Book (Charmay & Maggie Moor), featuring songs written and performed by Charmay in the story—recorded by Maggie Moor. Available on all streaming platforms.

This novel has insider content: Substack, “Skinless: Inside the Story.” A 9 Spotlight series exploring themes, relationships, and the music of Skinless. 

 Foreword Interview w Maggie Moor | Booklife Profile: Publisher’s Weekly