4 minute read
Byard - Devil in the Dunes
Wendy Byard has spent her life championing stories—whether nurturing personal narratives in her classroom, penning reflective essays for local publications, or crafting her own gripping fiction. A retired college English instructor and former high school teacher, she is now making waves in the literary world with her most recent novel, Devil in the Dunes. Set along the windswept shores of west Michigan, the book offers more than just an edge-of-your-seat mystery; it’s a layered exploration of betrayal, vengeance, love, and ultimately, redemption.
“I’ve always loved suspense,” Byard says, her voice warm with enthusiasm. “As a middle schooler, I used to sneak out of class just to read Nancy Drew in the library. She was my first literary feminist.” It’s no surprise then, that Devil in the Dunes centers around Cadie McLeod—a resilient, intelligent, and courageous young woman who vanishes on the anniversary of her parents’ brutal murder. What unfolds is a chilling journey through secrets, survival, and self-discovery.
But for Byard, the path to novelist was anything but linear.
A Life of Influence and Empowerment
After graduating from Michigan State University, Byard began her career in advertising in Chicago and Ann Arbor. Though creatively stimulating, the corporate world left her unfulfilled. “I wanted to make a deeper difference,” she reflects. That desire led her back to the classroom, where she earned her teaching certification and master’s degree in English Education from MSU. Over the following decades, she would inspire countless students, encouraging them to write boldly and believe in themselves.
Her impact, particularly on young women, runs deep. “I wanted to empower them through storytelling,” she explains. “When I taught memoir writing, it wasn’t just about grammar and structure—it was about self-discovery and building confidence.”
As Vice President of the Women’s Fund in Lapeer County, Byard continues her mission to uplift others. The organization supports initiatives that improve the lives of women and families across the region, focusing on education, health, and human services. “Empowerment starts with care,” she says simply. “Whether it's in the classroom or in the community.”
Writing with Purpose
Byard’s decision to finally write Devil in the Dunes was driven by a long-held dream—and a desire to bring something meaningful to the genre. “I didn’t just want a thriller,” she says. “I wanted to explore the power of love over hate, and create a female lead who truly inspires.”
The setting—fictional Harbor Cove—is inspired by her deep love for Michigan’s lakeshore, especially the haunting beauty of places like North Manitou Island, Traverse City, and Mackinac Island. “The landscape becomes a character in itself,” she explains. “It’s beautiful but dangerous, just like the mystery unfolding within it.”
Readers will also notice her signature blend of suspense and introspection, developed over years of thoughtful writing. “I love whodunnits for the critical thinking they demand,” she says, “but I also wanted to weave in important themes that speak to the human experience.”
Strength, Struggles, and the Power of Story
Like her protagonist, Byard draws strength from those around her—particularly her husband of 33 years, Keith, and her three accomplished daughters, Haley, Kacie, and Kellee. “They always have my back,” she says with pride.
She also credits her parents, who modeled perseverance through adversity. Her father’s favorite poem, Invictus, became the name of a scholarship she created for students facing personal challenges. “It’s about overcoming,” she says. “And believing in your own strength.”
That belief didn’t come easily. In high school, Byard was often underestimated—a “chatty cheerleader,” as she puts it. It wasn’t until a respected science teacher publicly praised her academic growth that she began to see herself differently. “That moment changed everything. I went from not seeing myself as smart, to realizing I could do something meaningful.”
Today, she hopes other women can take that same message to heart. “Confidence doesn’t come all at once,” she says. “But with every challenge we accept, we grow stronger.”
Why You Should Read Devil in the Dunes
Beyond its plot twists and cliffside thrills, Devil in the Dunes is a story about resilience. Cadie McLeod is more than a heroine—she’s a symbol of what it means to fight for truth, identity, and healing.
Set against a vividly drawn Michigan backdrop, the novel takes readers from windswept dunes to hidden family secrets, all the while exploring the emotional terrain of grief, vengeance, and hope. “It’s immersive and emotional,” Byard says. “It’s a mystery that stays with you.”
Whether you’re a lover of crime fiction, a champion of strong female leads, or simply looking for your next captivating read, Devil in the Dunes delivers on every front.
Learn MoreWendy Byard’s books, Devil in the Dunes and Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles, are available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IngramSpark, and select Michigan bookstores.
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