Dig into a great book in Newport

Mysterious graves, family secrets and a haunting return home will all be on the agenda this Saturday, May 10, when author Stacy Johns comes to Newport Public Library.

Johns will read from her chilling debut mystery, “What Remains of Teague House,” followed by a Q&A session.

Set in rural Oregon, the novel follows the Rawlins siblings — Robby, the wayward wanderer; Sandra, haunted by dreams of their late father; and Jon, grieving the loss of his wife — as they return to their childhood home after their mother’s unexpected death. But grief is only the beginning. The woods surrounding Teague House conceal more than memories — they hide shallow graves and secrets long buried.

Told from multiple points of view, this character-driven mystery is perfect for fans of gripping suspense, complex sibling dynamics, and stories that blur the lines between past and present. Johns masterfully explores themes of grief, trauma, and the lengths we go to protect those we love.

Johns is a longtime librarian who lives in the Willamette Valley. A graduate of the Kidd Creative Writing Workshops at the University of Oregon, she is an award-winning writer in the 2020 PNWA mystery category and a Nancy Pearl finalist. When not writing or reading, she enjoys running and cooking healthy treats.

Saturday’s reading, which is free and open to all, will run from 2 to 3 pm at 35 NW Nye Street.

For more information, call 541-265-2153 or go to www.newportlibrary.org.