Trigger Warning Story - The Cleaners Series

When I started writing The Cleaners series, I knew from the beginning that the story would touch on some dark and intense themes. Violence, crime, emotional and psychological trauma—these are not just parts of the plot, but experiences that shape the characters and their journeys. Because of this, I made the decision to include trigger warnings in my books.

But why? Isn’t it better to let readers dive in without any preconceived notions?

Here’s the thing: trigger warnings aren’t about spoiling the story, they’re about being respectful to the reader. We all come from different backgrounds and have faced unique challenges. For some people, certain content can evoke intense emotional reactions, or even bring up traumatic memories. That’s why a little heads-up goes a long way.
In Clean Conscience, the first book in The Cleaners series, I address difficult topics like violence, manipulation, and emotional abuse. These are real issues that many people have experienced in one way or another. For some, reading about these subjects can be cathartic and healing. But for others, it can be overwhelming and painful.
Trigger warnings give readers the opportunity to make an informed choice. Maybe they’ll choose to read with caution, or maybe they’ll decide to set the book aside for a time when they’re ready to face that kind of content. Either way, they can approach the story on their own terms, and that’s what matters to me.

As an author, my goal is to immerse you in the gritty, emotional world of The Cleaners, but not at the expense of your well-being. Including these warnings is my way of saying: “I see you. Your mental health is important, and if this book is too much for you right now, that’s okay.”

At the end of the day, storytelling is a partnership between the writer and the reader. And I believe part of that partnership is making sure the reader feels safe and respected, even when the content gets a little dark.

So, if you pick up Clean Conscience, know that I’m not just throwing you into the deep end without a lifeline. The trigger warnings are there for a reason. They’re there for you.

Stay safe and keep reading,
Alyssa Cross