Michigan author Wendy Byard is bringing her debut thriller, Devil in the Dunes: A Great Lakes, to two West Michigan venues this month. The novel, which weaves suspense into the familiar shoreline towns of western Michigan, was also nominated for the “Killer Nashville” reader’s‑choice awards.

Free reading in Kalamazoo

On Oct. 24 at 3 p.m., Byard will appear at the Sit and Stay Winery in Kalamazoo. The event is free to the public and will include a brief preview of her forthcoming novel, Shadows of Superior. Attendees can expect a short talk from the author, a question‑and‑answer session, and a chance to meet the writer in person.

Ticketed signing in Spring Lake

The second appearance will take place at the Lilley Mansion in Spring Lake on Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. Admission is $39, which covers the cost of the venue, food, drinks, and a signed copy of Byard’s debut. The evening will feature a full Q&A, a book signing, and light refreshments.

About the author and her work

Byard grew up along the Great Lakes and draws heavily on the region’s natural beauty and hidden histories for her storytelling. Devil in the Dunes follows a series of mysterious disappearances that lead a small‑town detective into a web of secrets that stretch from the dunes to the deeper waters of the lakes. Critics have praised the novel for its atmospheric setting and tight pacing.

In a recent interview with the FOX 17 Morning Mix, Byard discussed the inspiration behind her debut and hinted at the themes she will explore in Shadows of Superior, a story set near Lake Superior that promises to blend local folklore with a modern thriller plot.

Practical details

• Kalamazoo event: Oct. 24, 3 p.m., Sit and Stay Winery, Kalamazoo (free).
• Spring Lake event: Oct. 29, 5 p.m., Lilley Mansion, Spring Lake ($39 admission).
• Both events will include food, beverages, a Q&A, and a book signing.
• More information is available at wendybyard.com.

Local readers who enjoy suspenseful, place‑driven fiction are encouraged to attend. Byard’s events provide a chance to support a home‑grown author while discovering new stories that celebrate the unique character of Michigan’s lakeshore communities.

Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.