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Four & Twenty Blackbirds

A Lakeside Murder Novel #1 / 2
by Susan Dennard
Four & Twenty Blackbirds (A Lakeside Murder Novel #1) by Susan Dennard
Unrated

Twin Peaks meets Riverdale in this thrilling, blustery, and romantic series starter from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Susan Dennard.

Sing a song of sixpence, a pocketful of rye . . .

Wren Peters is a dancer, a math nerd, and a loyal member of her three-person dance squad, the Inseparables. She’s home on Blackbird Island for winter break, helping prep for the annual New Year’s Festival and trying very hard not to think about Archer Sullivan. The Sullivans and the Peters have been feuding families for generations, and Archer—with his annoyingly blue eyes and boring-nice-guy routine—is off-limits. Period.

But when Wren has a vivid, visceral nightmare about a man being chased onto a frozen lake, and then he later turns up dead, she can’t help but be freaked out. Especially as her older sister and Archer’s older brother were the last ones to see the dead man alive—and now they both have vanished without a trace.

Four and twenty blackbirds, baked in a pie.

Forced into a secret alliance, Wren and Archer dig into the island’s buried history of old money and even older secrets. To complicate things, Wren’s dreams are getting worse. Strange visions keep bleeding into her waking life. And, oh yeah, that crackling connection between her and Archer? That’s getting worse, too.

If Wren doesn’t start listening to what her dreams are trying to tell her, the killer is going to strike again. And this time, Wren will be the number one target.

Ideal Blend of Genres: This romantic mystery with a splash of horror blends steamy romance, a supernatural atmosphere, and murder.Enemies to Lovers: Sparks fly when Wren and Archer, the son of her family’s mortal enemies, must work together.Cozy Romance: This blustery winter read begs to be read in front of a fire as snow is falling.Small Town Mystery: Wren and Archer have to put aside their differences to find their missing siblings before a killer can strike again.

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Release date: January 19, 2027

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Susan Dennard

Susan Dennard

Susan Dennard’s writing is a blend of adventure, magic, and unflinching self-discovery, making her one of the most exciting voices in young adult fantasy today. Known for her Witchlands series, Dennard has created worlds where power is both a gift and a curse, and where the bonds of friendship and loyalty are tested in the face of ever-looming danger. Her stories resonate deeply with readers who crave a mix of fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and complex characters.

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Raised in the United States, Susan’s love for writing took root early. Growing up with a fascination for both the fantastical and the scientific, she explored a range of stories—anything from classic fantasy to contemporary thrillers. This eclectic taste in books, combined with her years of study in creative writing, eventually shaped the author she would become: one who doesn’t shy away from deep emotional conflicts or the moral complexities of her characters.

Susan’s breakthrough came with Truthwitch, the first book in her Witchlands series, where readers were introduced to a world where witches control the elements, and magic runs deep. The book’s engaging characters, vivid world-building, and focus on friendship and self-empowerment quickly made it a fan favorite. Her exploration of themes like trust, loyalty, and identity in a volatile world struck a chord with those seeking a more nuanced and heartfelt fantasy.

The Witchlands series has since continued to captivate audiences with its blend of political intrigue, thrilling action, and complex, ever-evolving relationships. With each book, Susan deepens the stakes, showing not just the internal struggles of her characters but also how they respond to external pressures that shape their destiny. Her writing offers a reflection on the consequences of power, the strength it takes to fight for one’s beliefs, and the often messy path to self-acceptance.

Beyond her books, Susan has cultivated a warm, welcoming community of readers, providing writing advice and sharing her own journey through her blog and social media. She’s an advocate for aspiring writers, helping them navigate the intricacies of publishing while offering a glimpse into the process behind creating compelling stories.

When she’s not working on her next novel, Susan can be found indulging her curiosity for the natural world, traveling, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Her passion for nature and exploration frequently seeps into her stories, bringing an authentic, grounded feel to the high-stakes worlds she creates.

Susan Dennard’s works remain a testament to the power of friendship, the complexities of growing up, and the unyielding pursuit of personal strength in the face of adversity. Her unique voice in fantasy continues to inspire readers who appreciate both the fantasy and real-world elements that make her characters, worlds, and stories unforgettable.

A Lakeside Murder Novel

Four & Twenty Blackbirds (A Lakeside Murder Novel #1)
Unrated
Two for Joy (A Lakeside Murder Novel #2)
Unrated


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