Publication Date: May 5, 2025

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BIRDENWHEEL features an ensemble cast of Deadheads in the 1990s who follow the iconic rock band, The Grateful Dead on their summer tour. Devon Maxwell, ex-con and Deadhead, longs to be a father to his seven-year-old daughter, but her mother tries to keep him away. At the same time, he seeks a metaphysical escape and wants to transform into a raven. He’s pulled between his ache to be with Emma, and the wish to fly on his bike across the country or in the skies.

Twenty-something Rowen avoids his own grief after the death of his mom by continually following The Grateful Dead. He lures a beautiful teenager, Cass, into the scene with him; she defies her mom as she enters the Deadhead world and navigates her first relationship. But she remains naïve to the complexities of Rowen’s escape from grief.

Meanwhile, Rowen’s grandmother tracks the mystery of an old quilt hanging on the wall of her remote New Mexico cabin. She connects with her musical ancestor from 1890s Appalachia who traveled the country looking for work and directs his influence toward her grandson. As the summer tour progresses, Cass becomes key for Rowen to feel and deal with his grief, and Devon protects his daughter before he can fly away. Stories that seem unrelated in the beginning turn out to be connected in surprising ways as the book reaches its climax. The ties between these characters are just as deep and mystical as the bonds between the dancing strangers in the thrall of great music.