Bethany Joy Lenz to Visit Raleigh for Book Talk

The author and actress will appear at Quail Ridge Books on October 21 to discuss her new historical fiction novel.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Basketball

Graphic illustration of a quill pen and inkwell on aged parchment, evoking the historical mood of Victorian-era fiction. — Author and actress Bethany Joy Lenz will visit Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh on October 21 to discuss her historical fiction novel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe fictionalized retellings of historical crimes are an effective way to humanize the victims?

Bethany Joy Lenz is set to release her debut fiction novel, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford, on October 20, 2026. The following day, she will host an author talk in Raleigh at Quail Ridge Books.

Why it matters

The novel aims to explore the parallels between physical and psychological violence while humanizing the victims of the historical Jack the Ripper murders. Lenz incorporates real news reports from the 1880s to ground her fictional narrative in the setting of 1888 London.

Lenz previously authored the 2024 memoir Dinner for Vampires and starred as Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill, which filmed in Wilmington from 2003 to 2012. Her new work is set against the backdrop of the 1888 Jack the Ripper murders.

The players

Bethany Joy Lenz

She is an author and actress known for her role as Haley James Scott on the television series One Tree Hill.

The details

Drawing from her personal experience departing a control group in Idaho, Lenz crafts a story where protagonist Cora Wexford struggles with internal doubts regarding her own happiness. The narrative blends historical research with fiction to examine the nature of violence.

One Tree Hill filmed in Wilmington from 2003 to 2012.
The novel is set in 1888.
A One Tree Hill reunion occurred at Trask Coliseum in late September 2026.
The Betrayal of Cora Wexford publishes on October 20, 2026.
Lenz will appear at Quail Ridge Books on October 21, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The author’s move into historical fiction follows a season of activity surrounding her legacy project One Tree Hill, which recently held a major reunion in North Carolina. This transition mirrors a broader trend of television performers expanding their creative portfolios into long-form literary fiction.

Readers attending the event at Quail Ridge Books can expect a deep dive into the author's research process regarding Victorian London news archives. The discussion will provide insight into how Lenz bridges her background in television with the craft of historical novel writing.

The takeaway

Lenz leverages her history in television and personal experience to create a narrative that scrutinizes the roots of human violence. Attendees should look for how the author balances the dark historical context of 1888 with the psychological journey of her protagonist.