“A bold, fresh story about the ghosts that haunt us and the ones we overcome. Paulette Kennedy explores loss and humility through the eyes of a saucy flapper who may bend the rules, but not her sense of morality. This book will linger in your heart like the fond memory of a loved one.” —Mansi Shah, Indigo bestselling author of A Good Indian Girl
“THE ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE is an utter gothic delight. Kennedy’s signature use of an atmospheric southern setting, evocative prose and gothic suspense create a winning combination. Kennedy keeps readers hooked until the very last page. Pitch-perfect pacing combined with very real—very human–characters make this a novel that will stick with you long after the final pages.” —Jess Armstrong, USA Today bestselling author of The Curse of Penryth Hall
“With THE ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE, Paulette Kennedy continues her streak of writing brilliant gothics. Part Dorian Gray and part exploration of the dark legacy of family trauma, I adored every twisty, gorgeously written page. Don’t miss this one!” —Kris Waldherr, author of The Lost History of Dreams and Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women
For a young caregiver in the Ozarks, an old house holds haunting memories in a ghostly novel about family secrets, sacrifice, and lost loves by the bestselling author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.
Paulette Kennedy is a fan favorite of gothic fiction as she has a “distinct vintage vibe” (Library Journal), crafts stories that are “perfect for historical fiction readers who enjoy a bit of witchcraft, folklore, and mystery” (Booklist), and has “a genuine literary flair for creating memorable characters, as well as the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that fully engages the reader’s attention from cover to cover.” (Midwest Book Review)
Set in the Ozarks in the 1920s, THE ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE is Kennedy’s latest domestic gothic novel, a stunning story set on an eerily beautiful estate, about family secrets and overcoming the ghosts from our past (Lake Union; May 1, 2025). Kennedy effortlessly combines elements of history, mystery, romance and surrealism to tackle the themes of generational trauma, family dysfunction, toxic love, and the challenges and joys of being a caregiver. There is also the important takeaway that who we are as a person matters just as much when we are old as when we are young.
“THE ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE is close to my heart on many levels, but especially because Sadie’s role in the story was informed by my experiences as a caregiver to both of my parents,” Kennedy explains. “I do hope you’ll enjoy it!”
In the summer of 1925, the winds of change are particularly chilling for a young woman whose life has suddenly become unbalanced.
Devastated by her mother’s death and a cruel, broken engagement, Sadie Halloran learns that her great-aunt Marguerite, a renowned artist now in the throes of dementia, needs a live-in companion. Grasping at newfound purpose, Sadie leaves her desolate Kansas City boardinghouse for Blackberry Grange, Marguerite’s once-grand mansion sitting precariously atop an Arkansas bluff. Though Marguerite is a fading shell of the vibrant woman Sadie remembers, Marguerite is feverishly compelled to paint eerie, hallucinatory portraits of old lovers―some cherished, some regretted, and some beastly. All of them haunting.
With each passing night, time itself seems to shift with the shadows at Blackberry Grange. As truth and delusion begin to blur, Sadie must uncover the secrets that hold Marguerite captive to her past before reality―and Marguerite’s life―slips away entirely.
THE ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE is Paulette Kennedy at her best, full of unforgettable characters, classic gothic components, and page-turning suspense.
To help celebrate the publication of THE ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE, we are hosting a virtual book tour with this fantastic list of book influencers who will post reviews, features, and giveaways. We hope you will follow along!
Sunday, March 16 Stacy 40 Pages
Monday, March 17 We Love Big Books And We Cannot Lie
Monday, March 17 Linda’s Book Obsession
Tuesday, March 18 Books and Biewers
Tuesday, March 18 Meg’s Book Club
Wednesday, March 19 We Break For Books
Wednesday, March 19 Mel Ann Rosenthal
Thursday, March 20 Bethany Buried in Books
Thursday, March 20 It’s All About The Thrill
Friday, March 21 Andrea C Lowry Reads
Friday, March 21 Suzy Approved Book Reviews
Saturday, March 22 Purrfect Pages
Sunday, March 23 Travelisfers
Monday, March 24 Cassie’s Book Reviews
Monday, March 24 Books Cats Travel Food
Tuesday, March 25 Gwnedolyn Books
Tuesday, March 25 Nightshades Journal
Wednesday, March 26 Bookalong
Wednesday, March 26 Sarah’s Bookish Reviews
Thursday, March 27 Nik’s Bookshelf
Tuesday, March 27 Secret Reading Life
Friday, March 28 Journal of Jaida
Friday, March 28 Books and Biceps 9155
Saturday, March 29 Holly Read It
Sunday, March 30 Nissa The Bookworm
Monday, March 31 Library of Bookish
Monday, March 31 Love My Dane Dolly
Tuesday, April 1 Rebekah Dolmat
Tuesday, April 1 The Salty Islander
Wednesday, April 2 Lexijava
Wednesday, April 2 The Maddie Hatter
Thursday, April 3 Subakka Bookstuff
Thursday, April 3 Madi’s Mysteries
Friday, April 4 WBTB Book Reviews
Friday, April 4 Paperbacks N Frybread
Saturday, April 5 Madison Can Read (BookTok)
Monday, April 7 Dive Into A Good Book
Monday, April 7 Love My Books 2020
Tuesday, April 8 Pegt
Tuesday, April 8 My Bursting Book Bag
Wednesday, April 9 Danish Mustard Reads
Wednesday, April 9 Kera’s Always Reading
Thursday, April 10 Book Girl Brown Reviews
Thursday, April 10 Speed Readstagram
Friday, April 11 Book Boss 12
Friday, April 11 Belle Book Corner
