Dedra L. Stevenson’s Desert Magnolia is a Southern Crime Mystery of Family, Faith, and Courtroom Drama.

In Desert Magnolia, Dedra L. Stevenson takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the tangled lives of Daniella Pierce, a Southern woman turned Muslim who now lives in Dubai.

Daniella’s world is upended when she learns her father has been murdered in a suspected hate crime, and her beloved cousin Leo stands accused of the brutal act. Determined to uncover the truth, Daniella returns to her small Southern hometown, stepping into a mystery that will reveal deep family secrets and force her to confront her past.

As Daniella battles the courtroom drama and racial tensions that have resurfaced, she delves into a web of jealousy, betrayal, and unresolved feuds linked to her powerful father, Ross Pierce II—a wealthy businessman with a history of enemies. Despite the odds and with only the support of a few family members and lifelong friends, Daniella must confront prejudice, embrace her faith, and reconcile her past to protect Leo and find justice.

Desert Magnolia is a page-turning crime thriller blending Southern mystery, courtroom suspense, and supernatural elements that will captivate fans of family dramas, legal thrillers, and stories of resilience.