Dug Up by Shari Marshall | Synopsis, Genre & Book Details

Dug Up by Canadian Independent author Shari Marshall is a standalone urban fantasy mystery novel. In a society where magic is regulated and in a town where dangerous secrets lie beneath the surface, the story follows Emaline Bo Vesper, a gemphagist hiding her magical abilities while attempting to build a new life in Gwenwick Creek. When a deadly mystery draws her into the community, Emaline must confront her hidden identity and uncover the killer before she becomes the next target.

Dug Up

New town. Hidden magic. A sleeping killer awakened.

A fresh start in Gwenwick Creek was supposed to leave Emaline Bo Vesper’s past behind. Instead, a murder investigation, a town suspicious of magic, and a dangerous new enemy threaten to expose the powers she’s kept hidden. To stop a killer—and save herself—Emaline must embrace the community—and the magical gift she’s hiding—before she becomes the killer’s next target.

Book Details

Book Title: Dug Up
Author: Shari Marshall
Genre: Urban Fantasy | Witch & Wizard Mysteries | Cozy Animal Fantasy
Publisher: Writing Sparkle Books
ISBN 978-1069283221(Paperback, 213 pages)
ISBN 978-1-0692832-3-8 (eBook)
Publication Date: June 26, 2026

About Emaline Bo Vesper

Emaline Bo Vesper is a former police officer turned private investigator, rebuilding her life in Gwenwick Creek after a series of devastating personal losses. A gemphagist with the ability to unlock different magical powers by consuming powdered gemstones, Emaline keeps her abilities hidden in a world that fears and distrusts magic. Witty, guarded, and resilient, she uses her unique gifts to solve cases while confronting her trauma, embracing her identity, and learning to let others into her life.

Dug Up Praise

BookLife: “At its core, the story celebrates friendship.”

IndieReader, starred review: “Take a crooked funeral home, then add in some small-town gossip, a family full of suspicious characters, and a witchy detective, and you have everything you need for a compelling mystery . . . It’s perfect for readers who enjoy hints of fantasy that don’t overpower the plot.”

The Prairies Book Review: “Readers drawn to paranormal investigations, emotionally wounded heroines, and gothic small-town intrigue won’t want to miss this one. A stunner.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Dug Up?

Dug Up is available as an ebook and in print from most book retailers.

• Indigo/Chapters | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Is Dug Up part of a series?

No. Dug Up is currently a standalone novel

What genre is Dug Up?

Dug Up is an urban fantasy mystery novel with cozy elements.

Who wrote Dug Up?

Canadian independent author Shari Marshall wrote Dug Up.

What is Dug Up about?

Dug Up follows Emaline Bo Vesper as she starts over in Gwenwick Creek, only to find herself caught up in unwanted magic and a deadly mystery. As a gemphagist hiding her abilities, Emaline must embrace her powers and uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim.

Other Fantasy Books by Shari Marshall

• Vizard (Prequel in The Ember Files Series)
• Ember Stone (Book 1 in The Ember Files Series)
• Chimera and Curses (Book 2 in The Ember Files Series)
• From the Ashes (Book 3 in The Ember Files Series)
• The Lost Goblin Map (middle-grade fantasy)

About Shari Marshall

Shari Marshall is a Canadian fantasy and nonfiction author and the author of Dug Up, a standalone urban fantasy mystery. She is also the author of The Ember Files series and The Lost Goblin Map.