Local Author to Debut Novel During Dillon Art Walk

DILLON — Local author Devienne Weekes will debut and sign copies of her first novel, What the Lake Knows, during the upcoming Art Walk at The Bookstore on Friday, May 8 from 5-7 p.m.

The novel is rooted in the landscapes and histories of small-town Montana, blending mystery with emotional storytelling centered around memory, faith, resilience and the lasting impact of the past. Readers familiar with Southwest Montana may recognize inspiration drawn from the area’s rural communities and scenery.

What the Lake Knows follows Emily and her friends after a receding Montana reservoir reveals the remains of a long-forgotten town beneath the lake bed, including weathered foundations, a cemetery and unanswered questions buried for decades.

As the water slowly begins to rise again, the group races to uncover the truth before the evidence disappears once more. According to the book description, Emily soon begins to feel an unsettling connection to the vanished town and the secrets hidden beneath the surface.

“Some towns disappear beneath the water. Others refuse to be buried,” the novel’s description states.

Weekes, who lives near Lima with her husband and son, brings more than a decade of experience in education to her writing. Organizers describe her as “an exciting new voice in literature,” with stories shaped by land, memory and truth.

Copies of the book will be available during the signing event at The Bookstore as part of the Art Walk festivities. Those wishing to reserve a copy or learn more can contact the bookstore at 683-6807.