LAPEER, MICHIGAN, February 15 – Something evil is lurking along the coast of West Michigan. You can read all about the devilish villain in the new suspense novel Devil in the Dunes by local writer Wendy Byard.
Byard has recently released a new mysterious crime novel set in West Michigan. Her book Devil in the Dunes is a gripping and deliciously twisted whodunit located in a sleepy Northern Michigan beach town – the fictional Harbor Cove. Under a midnight moon, as a beach bonfire slowly dies, the exceptional Cadie McLeod is abducted from the sand dunes. Six years ago, on the very night Cadie goes missing, her parents were murdered. Now the 18-year-old must escape her abductor if she's going to live and solve the mystery of her parents’ grisly deaths - murders for reasons no one could imagine.
Byard is a columnist for The County Press and taught creative, essay, and research writing at Mott College for over twenty years. She published a book for educators - Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles - in 2009 but has always wanted to write a mystery novel.
“I love a good Forensic Files or Investigation Discovery. I’m always trying to discover the bad guy as soon as possible!” Byard laughed. “I also read every Nancy Drew book as a girl and admired the main character for her calm and cool. My novel also features a strong female lead that readers will appreciate and root for.”
Yet, Byard wasn’t sure she could even write a novel or if she would enjoy it.
“Last spring, I was vacationing with my relatives, and both my father-in-law and I were reading Michael Connelly,” Byard said. “I mentioned I had an idea for a crime story. My father-in-law Gerry said I should go for it. He encouraged me to sit down and at least write one chapter. So, I did. Then I immediately wrote three more chapters! I quickly became immersed in Harbor Cove, its characters, and their fight for survival. I also loved situating my story in Traverse City, Leland, Mackinac Island, and other West Michigan locations,” Byard said.
More information and reviews on the page turner Devil in the Dunes can be found at wendybyardauthor.com. One website review reads: “The book makes you feel ‘all the things.’ You are totally invested from the first chapter. The characters pull you in. Just when you think you have it figured out, another twist, another turn. Your heart will be racing until the very end!”
“This spring, I’ll hold a book signing in Lapeer. I’m going to donate the proceeds to a scholarship I’m planning for a local student pursuing creative writing,” Byard said. “I’m excited to use my novel to help a student reach his or her writing goals.”
Devil in the Dunes is available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hard copy. Books also are available for purchase at Lapeer Hall of Frames (behind Blend) at 392 West Nepessing Street in downtown Lapeer. You can contact the author at wendybyard@wordgirlmarketing.com.