Devil in the Dunes

by Wendy Byard

This thrilling new release is a great summer read! And a perfect beach read!

SIX YEARS AGO, CADIE'S PARENTS WERE MURDERED. NOW SHE'S MISSING.

In Lake Michigan's desolate dunes, under a midnight moon, Cadie McLeod disappears. As a crackling bonfire burns to ash, the popular, gifted, and wildly beautiful Cadie McLeod waves goodbye to high school friends, leaves the beach, and enters the dark, isolated Scenic Trail. All she wants is to retrieve her bike and head home to the warmth and safety of Aunt Marie's cottage. The young woman is nervous about the truck that parks outside late at night and the strange letter in her mailbox that said, "Don't worry. It will all be over soon."

Then, seconds later, like an evening breeze blowing across shifting sands, Cadie is gone. Horrifically, the 18-year-old goes missing from the dunes the same night her mom and dad were brutally murdered six years ago - their killer never caught. Thomas and Aileen were run down in brutal fashion as they walked hand in hand on deserted coastal highway M-22 along Michigan's west coast to get ice cream. Suddenly, a car lying in wait accelerates and, at fifty miles per hour, plows into them, obliterating the happy 35-year-olds.

Now, in this gripping mystery novel, Cadie 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.

Devil in the Dunes is a classic crime story that goes deeper. This psychological thriller about the disappearance of an empowered young woman quickly evolves into a gripping battle for survival and harrowing journey through the mind of a sociopath. Set in a sleepy northern Michigan beach town, where serene beauty collides with nature's fierce power, this mystery novel masterfully balances suspense, emotion, and an ever-present danger of evil lurking beneath the surface.

This suspense novel takes readers on a thrilling ride up the coast of dazzling - sometimes deadly - West Michigan as they learn Cadie's fate and the mystery of her parents' killing.

Genres: Thriller

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2025

About the author

Wendy Byard is the author of Devil in the Dunes, an engrossing kidnap suspense novel set on the charming - and often deadly - coast of Lake Michigan. Byard currently writes the column "Beyond Our Backyards" for a Michigan newspaper: The County Press. Byard is also the published author of Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles. She was a college English and composition professor for over two decades; a magazine writer for On the Town magazine; a Special Writer for The Flint Journal; a former high school English and history teacher; and an advertising and marketing account executive for Group 243 in Ann Arbor and Grey Advertising in Chicago. Byard earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history and a master’s degree in English Education from Michigan State University. She was a writer for The State News at MSU.
She resides in Metamora, Michigan.

Reviews

[Kendra Grenon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick thriller read. Made me want to visit up north Michigan soon.

[Haley Korbel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story! What begins as a classic whodunit about the disappearance of an 18-year-old woman quickly evolves into a battle for survival and harrowing journey through the mind of a psychopath. Set against the backdrop of northern Michigan, where serene beauty collides with nature’s fierce power, this story masterfully balances suspense, emotion, and the ever-present danger of evil lurking beneath the surface.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is gripping. I couldn’t put it down and was on the edge of my seat throughout the story. It’s the perfect amount of detail to make you feel like you can jump into the story. Highly recommended!

[Kellee Byard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you pick up this novel, you will hardly want to set it down. Flitting between various perspectives all swirling around one mystery, Devil in the Dunes will leave your mind spinning with theories every time you have to pause your reading. Katie McCleod is an intelligent senior in high school who suddenly goes missing on beach of Lake Michigan, and it takes the gusto and brainpower of a father-son duo to try and find her before something disastrous occurs. This novel combines the picturesque vistas of western Michigan with suspense and terror of "The Weirdo," whose sick obsession may lead to the heroine's demise. It's the perfect thriller for anyone who enjoys small town drama, whodunnit mysteries, and the cunning of a strong female lead. I don't want to spoil too much, so pick it up for yourself and find out what happens!

[Kacie Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil in the Dunes is a gripping and deliciously twisted whodunit set in a sleepy Northern Michigan beach town. Tragedy strikes a family that’s already coping with a traumatic cold case, intensifying distress across the community. This story explores the inner strife and monologues of several community members, good and evil, and invites readers to understand and empathize with each. Devil in the Dunes demonstrates the valiant effort of a small town, female empowerment, and the great lengths a young man will go for love. You won’t be able to set this story down until you know who took Cadie and what happened to her parents!

[Shirley Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a suspenseful crime story with endearing characters based in a resort town in Northern lower Michigan. Those native to Michigan will appreciate the local references and history of this well-researched book. The author masterfully builds the characters, giving insight into their motivations and personalities as the reader gets closer to the discovery of who took Cadie and what her fate will be.

[Susan Bullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book kept my attention and made me want to keep reading it. There are a couple typos in the first 1/3 of the book and one inaccurate part. At one point, the author states a driver had to stop the car to wait for a mother loon and her babies to cross the road. Loons do not (cannot) walk on dry land. Their legs are set too far back on their bodies. A loon and her young would never be walking across a road.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Gripping!
What an incredible thriller — I couldn’t put it down! The storyline was so well crafted and full of unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end. The way the author told the story made it even more powerful — every chapter pulled me in deeper. It’s one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page. If you love a story that’s smart, suspenseful, and impossible to forget, this one’s a must-read!

[Steven J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't aware of the author but I was intrigued by the setting in Northern Michigan. I expected to enjoy the book but ended up not being able to put it down. The characters were complex. The plot took plenty of turns. You can't help but root for Cadie. You have a sense of maybe knowing "the Wierdo" in real life. I picked the book up because of my appreciation of Northern Michigan but couldn't put it down because of Wendy's writing. I heartily recommend reading this book.

[Amy Pitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! As someone who goes to Benzie county and Crystal lake (my very favorite place on Earth) the setting of the book was unbelievable. I love a good suspenseful book and this one doesn’t disappoint. Easy read with twists and turns along the way. My only disappointment was the book itself was don’t bound correctly and pages kept falling out. Will definitely pass this book on other people who love northern Michigan too!

[Mitch Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I was drawn into it just inside the first chapter. I was hooked. I looked forward to every time I had a few minutes to read. I found myself easily invested in the characters. I was sad when it was done, I wanted more book. I’m anxiously awaiting Wendy Byard’s next novel.
What else can I say…just read it! It’s not a good read, it’s a great book.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book set in Northern Michigan. The author makes you feel as if you are part of the Michigan landscape. It’s one of those books that has you routing for the victim and wondering which character is the weirdo. This book is a wholesome novel that any age can read. It leaves any women feeling empowered and strong.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil in the Dunes is a delightful murder mystery set in a beautiful Lake Michigan town. The characters are relatable and down to earth. You find yourself routing for the good guys to win and the bad guys to lose. An aspect which makes a good mystery is if the author can surprise you with whom the culprit is and Wendy does just that!

[Theresa Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a can barely put it down book. The pace of it is brisk which keeps you engaged and wanting to know what happens next. If you are a Michigander the detail included in our state is great. Highly recommend just know, it won't take you long to read.

[Dawn LaBonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot twists and turns.

A great read. Mystery and crime and great plot twists kept me reading into the night. I enjoyed the Michigan references and history as well. It brought back summer vacation memories I had forgotten. I look forward to Wendy’s next novel.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the setting. I was familiar with most of the setting, that’s kind of fun. There were so many characters. I think the author got carried away with all her “red herring” characters. I like to think of Frankfort as idyllic, not with a lot of creeps living there! It’s hard to write a book.

[Jim Stiverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Intriguing story with a nice twist at the end. Great character development. You will truly care about the people in the story. Great location-verbal panorama- I felt immersed in Northern Michigan! Throw in a dash of creative mortality and I give it two thumbs up. Way up!

[Jewell Stahr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one being a Michigan author, but it was okay. I can look past some grammatical errors but the amount in it coming from an English professor was too much. Story was worth it overall

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful setting with a fast-paced story. If you love the Leelanau Peninsula / Benzie County area, this will be a fun read. Sadly, symptomatic of self-published novels, the writing was a pretty ham-fisted and sprinkled with grammatical errors (unforgivable from an English professor).

[Tressa Compton]

This Devil in the Dunes is a gripping mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are many unexpected twists in this psychological thriller. I recommend this book for those readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries. Great read!!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the Michigan references. I thought it got a bit bumpy in the end, and she was trying too hard to wrap it up. Overall it was a good book.

[Ivy Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It’s a quick read with lots of twists and turns. Perfect for anyone who loves a thriller! Very captivating and easy to read. I sent a copy to my mother and sister after finishing it!

[Samantha Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book on my visit to Frankfort! I didn’t want to put it down.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many twists and turns. Read in one afternoon. Recommend

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Makes you feel like you are up north in Michigan. Totally takes you away.

[Pierina Giacalone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! A MUST READ!!! 🇨🇦

[Dot Byard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great page turner and I almost stayed up all night reading it! The ending was so unexpected. More please!

[Marisa Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done book! I was highly entertained every page this is definitely a must read if your into true crime and crime mysteries

[Stacey Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thriller with all the small town feels we know and love in Michigan. I love the twists and turns along the way!

[Lyn Froehlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal, engaging, and enthralling crime thriller! The story is a nice distraction from the rest of the world. Crime thrillers are not my go-to genre, but the story is so worth reading! Byard knows how to write, tell a story, and keep your interest through the descriptions of the terrain, twists and turns as the Sleeping Bear Dunes harbor a secret. Northern Michigan's sandy beaches and beautiful setting capture the imagination from the first pages. I continued to wonder who would commit such a crime with the innocent protagonist Cadie until the closing chapter. This well-researched page-turner is cleverly and intelligently written and I highly recommend it for a summer read. This is Byard's first work of fiction, but clearly not her first story. I can't wait to read more about Cadie and this community.