College. End of sophomore year. It buried the skeletons that haunted the lives of the Sutton University women's soccer team. For Cassidy Wolfe, the death of her team captain is an opportunity to step out of the shadows and lead the team to on-field victories. But, with soccer season approaching, the stench of death lingers. The former team captain may be six feet under, but secrets begin to resurface from the grave as the dust refuses to settle.
For Sam Berlinger, sophomore year ended with a burial. It was supposed to be smooth sailing after high school, but so far, it has been anything but. Ever since he attended the funeral of his best friend's sister, he can't seem to shake away the fear bubbling inside of him. As a ploy to heighten his spirits, he gets forced into attending another "big Sutton game." He never understood the hype of soccer season and why people get so crazy over it, but when the new team captain catches his eye, he knows there's no going back.
In a black and white town, a gray case slowly saturates the lives of those affected. No one goes unnoticed as everyone's side of the story finally comes in full color. For Cassidy and Sam, it's headfirst into a twisted madhouse of smoke and mirrors.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
***
Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.