There’s something deeply full-circle about launching a new book in the place where it all began. On October 7th, I’ll be returning to my hometown of Fremont, Michigan, to celebrate the upcoming release of my latest thriller, What Darkness Does, with a special pre-release author event at the Fremont Library. And let me tell you, it’s not just a book signing. It’s a homecoming.
A Library That Sparked a Series
When I think about the Coroner’s Daughter series, five books deep now, each one darker, twistier, and more emotionally layered than the last, it always leads me back to Fremont. The library there wasn’t just where I checked out Nancy Drew novels, participated in summer book reading programs, and wore my library card thin. It’s the place that helped shape my fascination with stories, and with the ways in which they help us make sense of even the darkest realities.
What Darkness Does continues the Emily Hartford legacy. In it, Dr. Emily Hartford, my resilient, relentless heroine, is called to investigate the murder of a young mother in a small Michigan lake town, and to uncover the mystery of a missing baby. But as with every book in this series, the crime is only part of the story. This one also delves into trauma, PTSD, and what it means to keep searching for justice even when the path forward is anything but clear.
A Party With a Purpose
The Oct. 7th event at the Fremont Library is a chance to grab a signed copy (though yes, I’ll be signing books and giving hugs like it’s my job), a chance to connect, and a way to thank my community. I will also share a few behind-the-scenes insights into how I developed this story, rooted in both real forensics and deep emotion.
And because no launch party is complete without a little something extra, I’m doing a Series Set Giveaway, all five Coroner’s Daughter novels, signed, wrapped up, and gifted to one lucky attendee. If you’ve ever wanted the full arc of Emily Hartford’s journey in your hands (or to introduce a friend to the series), this is your moment.
Why I Always Launch Here
Every book in The Coroner’s Daughter series has had its first big moment right here at the Fremont Library. And that’s not just a coincidence, it’s tradition.
When The Coroner launched, I knew I wanted my parents to be part of the celebration. After all, they are the whole reason this series even exists. As a small-town medical examiner in Michigan, his practice in our home gave me my first window into the world of forensics. My mother was part of the whole operation and a stabilizing force behind it, scheduling, billing, and helping the families of the deceased.
I grew up around death investigations—not in a morbid way, but in a deeply human one. My dad saw his work as a sacred responsibility to the truth and to the families left behind. That mindset shaped me as a writer more than any class or conference ever could.
So each time a new book comes out, I bring it home, to honor my parents, to celebrate with family, and to remind myself where this all began.
There’s something special about seeing familiar faces in the crowd, hugging the librarian who used to help me find Nancy Drew mysteries, and signing books for the same people who watched me grow up. It keeps the whole whirlwind of publishing grounded in something real.
Where Truth Meets Fiction
This series, and What Darkness Does in particular, wouldn’t exist without the blend of real-life cases, forensic research, and Michigan’s quiet-but-haunting small-town settings. This book is fiction, yes, but it was inspired by a real crime. A chilling case that still echoes in my bones. And where better to talk about the roots of this story than in the town where I grew up, where I first asked questions about death, justice, and the emotional cost of crime?
During the event, I’ll be sharing:
- The true crime that inspired What Darkness Does
- How I research forensic procedures (yes, even the gory ones)
- Why Emily Hartford’s journey still matters after five books
- What’s next in the Coroner’s Daughter universe
Let’s Make It a Night to Remember
If you’re anywhere near Fremont, or if you’re feeling up for a bookish road trip, I’d love for you to join us. Bring your book club. Bring your questions. Bring your love for small-town thrillers, strong female leads, and stories that dig deep.
📍 Fremont Library
📅 Monday, October 7th
🕕 Event starts at 6:00 PM EST
🎁 Series Set Giveaway + Book Signing + Special True Crime Panel!
That last part is one I’m especially excited about: a True Crime Panel featuring local experts and surprise guests to talk about the very real issues that What Darkness Does explores, missing persons, PTSD in law enforcement, and how communities respond to trauma.
Be Part of the Story
Every time I return to Fremont, I feel both like the girl who used to wander the stacks and the woman who now writes stories to fill them. This launch party is about celebrating that journey with the people who helped make it possible.
So whether you’re a longtime reader, a true crime junkie, or just someone who loves a good hometown moment, I hope to see you there. Let’s make it a night full of suspense, story, and a whole lot of heart.
With gratitude and excitement,
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Author of the Coroner’s Daughter Series
Want to stay in the loop for more events like this?
📬 Join my newsletter at jenniferdornbush.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram @jgdornbush
📚 And if you can’t make the party, What Darkness Does is available for pre-order now, wherever books are sold.
