MARQUETTE — Michael P. Boyle, an author from California with longstanding family ties to Marquette, has announced the forthcoming release of his new novel, “Bloody Mary of Arranmore.” Blending Irish folklore, island history, and a haunting sense of place, the book draws deeply from Boyle’s personal connection to Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Island) off the coast of County Donegal and to Beaver Island, Michigan.

Set against the rugged beauty and storm shaped culture of Arranmore, “Bloody Mary of Arranmore” follows a tale rooted in the island’s folklore — a story where myth and memory intertwine, and where the past refuses to stay buried. The novel combines elements of Gothic atmosphere, Irish humor and the resilience of island life, offering readers a story that feels both timeless and vividly alive.

Boyle’s inspiration for the novel comes from visiting Arranmore and immersing himself in its stories, landscapes, and people. “Arranmore has a way of getting under your skin,” Boyle said. “The island holds its history close — the laughter, the losses, the legends whispered across generations. This book is my way of honoring that spirit, and the communities I’ve called home along the way.”

A former resident of several regions — including Marquette, Superior, Wisconsin, and Southern California — Boyle brings a unique blend of Midwestern storytelling, island sensibility, and Irish heritage to his work. He also has an extensive network of relatives throughout the Marquette area, deepening his long-standing connection to the community. His writing often explores themes of ancestry, survival, and the quiet strength found in close knit communities.

“Bloody Mary of Arranmore” is scheduled for release on March 1. Updates, previews, and related stories can be found on Boyle’s blog, theboyleblogs, where he shares both fiction and reflections on the creative process.