Author D.L. Blanchard Releases New Southwest Mystery Novel "Blue Moon Bench"

Book blends desert landscapes, Native American traditions, and psychological suspense

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In her latest novel "Blue Moon Bench", author D.L. Blanchard takes readers on a journey through the breathtaking deserts of the Southwest, where a young illustrator named Jessica Dawson falls in love with a widowed anthropologist named Alex. As Jessica struggles with jealousy over Alex's late wife Rachel, whispers suggest Rachel's death on the Navajo reservation was no accident, forcing Jessica to confront the possibility that the man she loves may not be who he seems.

Why it matters

Blanchard's novel blends the timeless beauty of the Southwest with the pulse of psychological suspense, exploring themes of love, loss, betrayal, and resilience. The story's setting of the sacred Hopi Kachina dances and the silent depths of the Grand Canyon become integral parts of the mystery itself, showcasing the author's passion for the cultural richness and emotional depth of the region.

The details

"Blue Moon Bench" follows Jessica Dawson, a young illustrator who falls for widowed anthropologist Alex. As their whirlwind romance develops, Jessica struggles with jealousy and doubt over Alex's late wife Rachel. When whispers suggest Rachel's death on the Navajo reservation was no accident, Jessica must confront the possibility that Alex may not be who he seems.

  • The novel "Blue Moon Bench" was released on February 10, 2026.

The players

D.L. Blanchard

The author of "Blue Moon Bench", a Tibetan Buddhist now living on the western slope of Colorado. She is a fine artist and author who lived in Arizona for over 17 years and spent many days hiking in canyons and deserts in the Southwest.

Jessica Dawson

The young illustrator protagonist of "Blue Moon Bench" who falls in love with widowed anthropologist Alex.

Alex

The widowed anthropologist who Jessica Dawson falls in love with in "Blue Moon Bench".

Rachel

Alex's late wife, whose death on the Navajo reservation at the Grand Canyon is called into question in "Blue Moon Bench".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wanted to create a story that shows how fragile trust can be when secrets linger. The desert holds beauty and silence, but it also holds echoes of the past. My characters are forced to decide whether they will be consumed by those echoes or find the strength to move forward.”

— D.L. Blanchard, Author

What’s next

Blanchard is currently writing the second book in the "Blue Moon" series, titled "The Magic Shaman", which is expected to be released soon.

The takeaway

"Blue Moon Bench" blends the timeless beauty of the Southwest with the pulse of psychological suspense, exploring themes of love, loss, betrayal, and resilience. The novel's rich cultural elements and emotional depth will resonate with fans of character-driven fiction and mysteries set against breathtaking natural landscapes.