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26 days and 13:51:22
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Lakeside Murders #1
Four & Twenty Blackbirds
Not yet published
Expected 19 Jan 27Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 13:51:22
50 copies available
U.S. only
Wren Peters is home from college on winter break and is just hoping to avoid Archer Sullivan, the son of her family’s mortal enemies. If she doesn’t think too much about the sparks that fly when they’re together, everything should be fine.
When Wren starts dreaming about a murder, she doesn’t want to dwell on that either. The island may be home to a host of urban legends and supernatural stories, but Wren doesn’t believe one word of them.
But when a resident of the island dies, and Wren’s sister and Archer’s brother suddenly go missing, the pair find themselves pulled into a twisty web of hauntings, history, and old money. Things aren’t always what they seem, but 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, no one will be safe . . . not even Wren.
When Wren starts dreaming about a murder, she doesn’t want to dwell on that either. The island may be home to a host of urban legends and supernatural stories, but Wren doesn’t believe one word of them.
But when a resident of the island dies, and Wren’s sister and Archer’s brother suddenly go missing, the pair find themselves pulled into a twisty web of hauntings, history, and old money. Things aren’t always what they seem, but 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, no one will be safe . . . not even Wren.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 19, 2027
About the author
Susan Dennard
26 books9,453 followersSusan Dennard is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series (now in development for TV from the Jim Henson Company), and the Something Strange and Deadly series, in addition to various other fiction published online.
Before becoming an author, she got to travel the world with her M.Sc. in marine biology. She also runs the popular newsletter for writers, the Misfits and Daydreamers. When not writing or teaching writing, she can be found rolling the dice as a Dungeon Master or mashing buttons on one of her way too many consoles.
You can learn more about Susan on her website, blog, newsletter, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Before becoming an author, she got to travel the world with her M.Sc. in marine biology. She also runs the popular newsletter for writers, the Misfits and Daydreamers. When not writing or teaching writing, she can be found rolling the dice as a Dungeon Master or mashing buttons on one of her way too many consoles.
You can learn more about Susan on her website, blog, newsletter, Twitter, or Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited when I heard about the premise of Susan Dennard’s “murder quartet,” or the Lakeside Mysteries, and thus was overjoyed when I received my Netgalley approval for this. From the beginning I was smiling--the author writes small town dynamics so well, evidenced by her previous Luminaries trilogy, and I have no doubt the subsequent 3 books in this series will follow suit. Another thing I love about her writing is the loveable side characters--Grandma Trudy made me grin here. I raced through reading this, and was delighted that I didn’t predict the plot twist near the end.
My only quibble (without describing larger spoilers) was how quickly everyone accepted Wren’s visions. Still, that is a minor thought compared to how much I enjoyed this book.
This was such an easy and enjoyable read, a breath of fresh air especially when compared to the amount of disappointing romantasy books I’ve read this year. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the books in the series!
Many thanks to Harper Collins Children’s and Netgalley for my free e-ARC! It has not affected my honest review.
My only quibble (without describing larger spoilers) was how quickly everyone accepted Wren’s visions. Still, that is a minor thought compared to how much I enjoyed this book.
This was such an easy and enjoyable read, a breath of fresh air especially when compared to the amount of disappointing romantasy books I’ve read this year. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the books in the series!
Many thanks to Harper Collins Children’s and Netgalley for my free e-ARC! It has not affected my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Four & Twenty Blackbirds” by Susan Dennard was such a fun surprise. It's a cozy-ish murder mystery with a creepy supernatural edge, a ridiculously entertaining family feud, old secrets, and a romance that I actually cared about.
Wren Peters is home on Blackbird Island for winter break, hoping to survive the holidays and make it back to college without getting too involved in the endless drama between her family and the Sullivan family. The feud goes back generations, so naturally the two families are still carrying around approximately 47 years of grudges and resentment. Because apparently nobody on this island believes in letting things go. Then Wren starts having bizarre dreams about being murdered.
And because this is a murder mystery, of course someone is actually murdered in the exact location from her dream. Then Wren's older sister Gilly disappears.
And so does Chase Sullivan, one of the Sullivan brothers. And suddenly Wren is teaming up with Archer Sullivan, the one Sullivan she doesn't completely hate, to figure out what happened to their missing siblings and whether the murders are connected.
I really enjoyed the combination of mystery, paranormal weirdness, and forbidden/enemies-to-lovers romance. The mystery kept me guessing, and I loved how the clues were scattered throughout the story in a way that made everything click together once the pieces finally started connecting. I had theories, changed my theories, came up with new theories, and generally suspected everyone at some point.
The supernatural elements were also handled really well. Wren's dreams and strange experiences add just enough of the unexplained to make everything feel eerie without turning the book into a completely different kind of fantasy. I especially liked that people around Wren actually take her experiences seriously instead of immediately responding with, "You're imagining things." Even the police are willing to listen to her, which was honestly refreshing.
And then there's Wren and Archer. These two have that delicious "our families hate each other, so obviously we should not be doing this" energy, and I ate it up. Their relationship develops alongside the mystery rather than completely taking it over, which I appreciated. Archer also turned out to be much more interesting than Wren initially gives him credit for, and I really liked seeing the two of them slowly change how they viewed each other.
There is a little fake-dating situation, which could have been painfully contrived, but surprisingly it actually worked for me because of how ridiculous and organic the whole thing is. Wren basically starts it on impulse, and somehow the rumor itself becomes more important than actually pretending to be together. It also gives Archer an opportunity to push back against his family, while giving Wren and Archer another reason to spend time together.
Honestly, the writing does a surprisingly good job of making little details serve multiple purposes. Things that seem insignificant early on can come back later in ways that connect to the mystery, the characters, or the themes.
The late-1990s setting was another unexpected treat. This takes place in 1997, which means no smartphones, no instant Google searches, and no texting someone every five seconds when something suspicious happens. People actually have to investigate things the old-fashioned way, and that adds a different kind of tension to the mystery. Plus, there are plenty of little late-'90s details sprinkled throughout, so if you enjoy nostalgia, then you will definitely enjoy this book.
My only real complaint was that there are a lot of characters, and it took me a while to keep track of everyone and remember exactly who belonged to which family. Once I got everyone sorted out, though, it wasn't nearly as confusing. I also thought the final supernatural developments got a little wild and confusing compared to the more subtle paranormal elements earlier in the story.
Plus, Wren herself also makes some questionable decisions along the way, because apparently protagonists in murder mysteries are physically incapable of just waiting for the authorities. But she was still an easy character to root for, and I liked that she wasn't perfect.
Overall, I love Dennard’s books, and this one might be a new favorite. I can’t wait to read more of the Lakeside Murders series.
“Four & Twenty Blackbirds” by Susan Dennard was such a fun surprise. It's a cozy-ish murder mystery with a creepy supernatural edge, a ridiculously entertaining family feud, old secrets, and a romance that I actually cared about.
Wren Peters is home on Blackbird Island for winter break, hoping to survive the holidays and make it back to college without getting too involved in the endless drama between her family and the Sullivan family. The feud goes back generations, so naturally the two families are still carrying around approximately 47 years of grudges and resentment. Because apparently nobody on this island believes in letting things go. Then Wren starts having bizarre dreams about being murdered.
And because this is a murder mystery, of course someone is actually murdered in the exact location from her dream. Then Wren's older sister Gilly disappears.
And so does Chase Sullivan, one of the Sullivan brothers. And suddenly Wren is teaming up with Archer Sullivan, the one Sullivan she doesn't completely hate, to figure out what happened to their missing siblings and whether the murders are connected.
I really enjoyed the combination of mystery, paranormal weirdness, and forbidden/enemies-to-lovers romance. The mystery kept me guessing, and I loved how the clues were scattered throughout the story in a way that made everything click together once the pieces finally started connecting. I had theories, changed my theories, came up with new theories, and generally suspected everyone at some point.
The supernatural elements were also handled really well. Wren's dreams and strange experiences add just enough of the unexplained to make everything feel eerie without turning the book into a completely different kind of fantasy. I especially liked that people around Wren actually take her experiences seriously instead of immediately responding with, "You're imagining things." Even the police are willing to listen to her, which was honestly refreshing.
And then there's Wren and Archer. These two have that delicious "our families hate each other, so obviously we should not be doing this" energy, and I ate it up. Their relationship develops alongside the mystery rather than completely taking it over, which I appreciated. Archer also turned out to be much more interesting than Wren initially gives him credit for, and I really liked seeing the two of them slowly change how they viewed each other.
There is a little fake-dating situation, which could have been painfully contrived, but surprisingly it actually worked for me because of how ridiculous and organic the whole thing is. Wren basically starts it on impulse, and somehow the rumor itself becomes more important than actually pretending to be together. It also gives Archer an opportunity to push back against his family, while giving Wren and Archer another reason to spend time together.
Honestly, the writing does a surprisingly good job of making little details serve multiple purposes. Things that seem insignificant early on can come back later in ways that connect to the mystery, the characters, or the themes.
The late-1990s setting was another unexpected treat. This takes place in 1997, which means no smartphones, no instant Google searches, and no texting someone every five seconds when something suspicious happens. People actually have to investigate things the old-fashioned way, and that adds a different kind of tension to the mystery. Plus, there are plenty of little late-'90s details sprinkled throughout, so if you enjoy nostalgia, then you will definitely enjoy this book.
My only real complaint was that there are a lot of characters, and it took me a while to keep track of everyone and remember exactly who belonged to which family. Once I got everyone sorted out, though, it wasn't nearly as confusing. I also thought the final supernatural developments got a little wild and confusing compared to the more subtle paranormal elements earlier in the story.
Plus, Wren herself also makes some questionable decisions along the way, because apparently protagonists in murder mysteries are physically incapable of just waiting for the authorities. But she was still an easy character to root for, and I liked that she wasn't perfect.
Overall, I love Dennard’s books, and this one might be a new favorite. I can’t wait to read more of the Lakeside Murders series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wren is home from college for winter break just hoping to get though unnoticed before she returns for spring semester, but when you live on a small island it’s hard not to go unnoticed, and especially hard to avoid running into the Sullivans, your family’s mortal enemies. Then the unusual starts to happen and Wren begins dreaming about murders that are happening on the island. Combine that with the fact that her older sister and one of the Sullivan boys have gone missing, and Wren knows she must work together with Archer Sullivan to try and solve the mystery behind the murders and find her sister and his brother.
I have to start by saying I’m not a huge fan of the supernatural, but I had a hard time putting this one down. I was hooked by the mystery and kept coming up with my own theories behind what was happening as I read. I was really drawn to Wren’s character and appreciated her faults all the while finding myself identifying more with Archer. The plot was full of twists and turns and there was never a dull moment, all while letting the romance take a back seat to the main driving force of the novel. That being said, I found myself skimming through some of the more supernatural elements because of personal preference.
4 Stars Ages 15+ Some language throughout and a few sexual innuendos
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I have to start by saying I’m not a huge fan of the supernatural, but I had a hard time putting this one down. I was hooked by the mystery and kept coming up with my own theories behind what was happening as I read. I was really drawn to Wren’s character and appreciated her faults all the while finding myself identifying more with Archer. The plot was full of twists and turns and there was never a dull moment, all while letting the romance take a back seat to the main driving force of the novel. That being said, I found myself skimming through some of the more supernatural elements because of personal preference.
4 Stars Ages 15+ Some language throughout and a few sexual innuendos
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC while I was at the ALSC National Conference in Buffalo, and read it on my way home on the plane. I was exhausted, and missed getting coffee, and I wanted to sleep but could not, and I was getting crankier by the minute.
Until I remembered I had this book in my backpack, and it totally captivated me - right from the opening sequence - and totally distracted me from the stress of a re-arranged layover, a cramped middle seat, and the discomfort of having to sit in the very last row where the seats do not recline.
I know that is nothing about the book, but just to show how effective this author was at corralling all my attention. How exactly? I think she's good at pacing, the main character and her family were intriguing, side characters had something to offer, too, there was a believable and surprisingly interesting winter setting on a small, icy island in the US very near Canada (did I just fly over it?!?), and then the evolving combination of a murder mystery, missing persons mystery, supernatural mystery, and a romance!
You do not have to read the rest of this until after you've read the book. I am a notoriously hyper-critical reader, and I'm going to reveal parts of the mystery when I explain why I gave the book 3.5 stars.
Despite my nitpicking, I would recommend this book. In fact, I am thinking of the person I want to hand this ARC to, right now...
Until I remembered I had this book in my backpack, and it totally captivated me - right from the opening sequence - and totally distracted me from the stress of a re-arranged layover, a cramped middle seat, and the discomfort of having to sit in the very last row where the seats do not recline.
I know that is nothing about the book, but just to show how effective this author was at corralling all my attention. How exactly? I think she's good at pacing, the main character and her family were intriguing, side characters had something to offer, too, there was a believable and surprisingly interesting winter setting on a small, icy island in the US very near Canada (did I just fly over it?!?), and then the evolving combination of a murder mystery, missing persons mystery, supernatural mystery, and a romance!
You do not have to read the rest of this until after you've read the book. I am a notoriously hyper-critical reader, and I'm going to reveal parts of the mystery when I explain why I gave the book 3.5 stars.
Despite my nitpicking, I would recommend this book. In fact, I am thinking of the person I want to hand this ARC to, right now...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay this book took me by surprise. I couldn't put it down! It's the fastest I've read something in ages. And I think there were a couple of main factors.
The chemistry! I loved Wren and Archer. They felt well realised all by themselves but as a pairing they were electric. I felt the initial curiosity and the rising tension so acutely. I wanted them together so bad, because they just fit like two puzzle pieces. I think the author did a great job making this relationship organic and believable, while being filled with angst. The Romeo and Juliet spin can feel tired, but here I thought it was executed well. The other characters were also well developed and distinct and I loved that Wren had a whole support network with her friends and family, not just a hot boy. Even Gillian and Chase, who aren't on page as much, were well realised.
Secondly, the mystery was really compelling. The island and the atmosphere were crafted expertly, keeping me wanting to learn more and visit more locations. The feeling of constant cold was so palpable I had to burrow deeper under my blankets. But then the heat of Wren and Archer hit more (wink wink). I didn't have a clue where it was all going but once revealed it made a lot of sense.
Lastly on the writing. It was a little simple but it fit well with the YA genre (I just don't read that as much anymore). But the simplicity and directness probably contributed to how quick and addicting this read was.
My one complaint would be that I wanted several things to be more fleshed out at the end. I
Some minor spoilers: believe the next book in the series is about new characters so we wont get an opportunity to have these questions answered which is a bummer.
The chemistry! I loved Wren and Archer. They felt well realised all by themselves but as a pairing they were electric. I felt the initial curiosity and the rising tension so acutely. I wanted them together so bad, because they just fit like two puzzle pieces. I think the author did a great job making this relationship organic and believable, while being filled with angst. The Romeo and Juliet spin can feel tired, but here I thought it was executed well. The other characters were also well developed and distinct and I loved that Wren had a whole support network with her friends and family, not just a hot boy. Even Gillian and Chase, who aren't on page as much, were well realised.
Secondly, the mystery was really compelling. The island and the atmosphere were crafted expertly, keeping me wanting to learn more and visit more locations. The feeling of constant cold was so palpable I had to burrow deeper under my blankets. But then the heat of Wren and Archer hit more (wink wink). I didn't have a clue where it was all going but once revealed it made a lot of sense.
Lastly on the writing. It was a little simple but it fit well with the YA genre (I just don't read that as much anymore). But the simplicity and directness probably contributed to how quick and addicting this read was.
My one complaint would be that I wanted several things to be more fleshed out at the end. I
Some minor spoilers: believe the next book in the series is about new characters so we wont get an opportunity to have these questions answered which is a bummer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Highly enjoyed this one! Wren is wrestling with thoughts of whether or not she should return to college after the winter holidays. In the meantime she’s back home on Blackbird Island for the winter break preparing for the island’s annual New Year’s Eve Festival. Oh and she’s having strange dreams in which she’s being chased and it ends in her death. But also like in the dream she could tell she wasn’t quite herself. Then someone dies, and they were found in the exact place Wren died in her dream. To make things more complicated her sister has disappeared along with Chase Sullivan. The Sullivan’s have a deep rooted family rivalry and hatred with Wren’s family that goes back to their grandfather’s. There is no reason her sister should have been anywhere near Chase, so why are they both missing? She’s not alone in wanting answers, Chase’s brother Archer does as well, he’s the only Sullivan that Wren doesn’t actively hate. The two work together to try and find their missing siblings, all while Wren continues to have strange dreams and visions. It’s clear something sinister is going on and if they don’t hurry they may just lose one or both of their siblings. But the more time Wren spends with Archer the more she sees him in a different light, will their growing closeness cause more issues between their families? And will digging just end up putting Wren and Archer into terrible danger? I loved the mix of enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, mystery, and supernatural in this one! Susan Dennard had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down! The wintery Island vibe added to the intensity and added a little creep factor as well! I loved the twists and turns in this thrilling story, can’t wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy
Dancer, math nerd, and college student Wren Peters returns to her quaint island home expecting to continue loathing the Sullivan family (who stole land from her family decades ago) while bonding with her two best friends over a dance routine they'll perform at the upcoming 1998 New Year's Day Ball. But when she witnesses a murder in a visceral nightmare and wakes to news of an actual murder that may or may not have been committed by her older sister (Gilly) and Gilly's archnemesis (Chase Sullivan), who have both mysteriously disappeared, Wren sets out to find Gilly, clear her name, and ease her own conscience--but to do so, she'll need help from Chase's brother, Archer, who may be less boring (and a lot hotter) than he seems.
A frigid winter landscape adds tension to a paranormal, romance-driven mystery that finds Wren using dance and math to untangle bitter family secrets that compromise her own life. First in a new series set on an island "where weird things happen."
A frigid winter landscape adds tension to a paranormal, romance-driven mystery that finds Wren using dance and math to untangle bitter family secrets that compromise her own life. First in a new series set on an island "where weird things happen."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man oh man this was so good! I love Wren and Archer so much. They are so well fleshed out it's almost hard to believe they're not real. AND THEIR CHEMISTRY. off the charts crazy I was kicking my feet giggling like mad they're just so good together. beyond the writing and character work, I really enjoyed the mystery and supernatural elements of the plot. everything clicks together in the most satisfying way, but I didn't see it coming together at all because of how cleverly it's pieced together. I can't wait for everyone to read this and experience the masterpiece that is yet another spooky Susan Dennard romantic mystery hehehehe
August 21, 2026
I just finished this book in one sitting! The characters are well-rounded and I always love a mystery with a touch of the supernatural.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All I’m saying is that weird stuff happens on Blackbird.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds is a cozy murder mystery with plenty of twists and a romantic sub-plot that I quickly grew attached to. A Capulet and Montague-esque rivalry kicks off the story, but this doesn’t stop Wren and Archer from working together to solve a mystery that involves their siblings. There’s a hint of the paranormal, with Wren having prophetic dreams, but it’s enough to keep the story engaging and interesting.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this story takes place in 1997. Savage Garden was mentioned multiple times (much to my delight) which provided a hint at the general time frame early on. I enjoyed the late 90s setting for the stakes that it adds. This was a time before everyone had cellphones and research required far more effort (oh sure, the internet existed, but not like it does today).
While this is not my favorite Dennard book (depending on my mood, that title belongs either to The Exectioners Three or Bloodwitch), this was an enjoyable read that I devoured and absolutely adored. I’m excited for more entries in the Lakeside Murders series.
I received a free copy via NetGalley and am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds is a cozy murder mystery with plenty of twists and a romantic sub-plot that I quickly grew attached to. A Capulet and Montague-esque rivalry kicks off the story, but this doesn’t stop Wren and Archer from working together to solve a mystery that involves their siblings. There’s a hint of the paranormal, with Wren having prophetic dreams, but it’s enough to keep the story engaging and interesting.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this story takes place in 1997. Savage Garden was mentioned multiple times (much to my delight) which provided a hint at the general time frame early on. I enjoyed the late 90s setting for the stakes that it adds. This was a time before everyone had cellphones and research required far more effort (oh sure, the internet existed, but not like it does today).
While this is not my favorite Dennard book (depending on my mood, that title belongs either to The Exectioners Three or Bloodwitch), this was an enjoyable read that I devoured and absolutely adored. I’m excited for more entries in the Lakeside Murders series.
I received a free copy via NetGalley and am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews