The Artist of Blackberry Grange

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 author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport.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.

“Kennedy has created an appealing character whose change from selfishness to empathy [is] at the heart of the book…” —Historical Novels Review

“Original, exceptional, and a fascinating read from start to finish, The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy is an extraordinary novel…Especially and unreservedly recommended…” —Midwest Book Review

“The Artist of Blackberry Grange is an utter gothic delight. [Paulette Kennedy’s] signature use of an atmospheric Southern setting, evocative prose, and gothic suspense creates 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

“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, bestselling author of The Direction of the Wind

“Paulette Kennedy is fast becoming a queen of gothic fiction. The Artist of Blackberry Grange continues her success with a chilling mystery, forbidden desires, and a heart-pounding chain of supernatural events that will keep you glued to the pages. Highly recommended.” —Christine Nolfi, bestselling author of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves

“Paulette Kennedy has once again proven herself to be a true master of gothic fiction. The Artist of Blackberry Grange is unsettling, atmospheric, and deeply moving, a haunting and heartfelt exploration of love and letting go. Perfect for readers who appreciate both the beauty and darkness of the human experience.” —Molly Greeley, author of Marvelous

“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

“Kennedy continues to outdo herself with a haunting tale that is both fresh in its takes on beloved tropes, as well as true to her oeuvre and the Gothic literary tradition. My favorite Paulette Kennedy book so far.” —Hester Fox, author of A Magic Deep and Drowning