In the quiet town of Blackwood, a year of terror has unfolded-an invisible killer striking without leaving a trace, each victim vanishing into the night. The murders have shaken the town, but with no evidence, no witnesses, and no suspects, the sheriff's department is at a standstill.
For Ivy Carter, the sheriff's 17-year-old daughter, the fear is personal. Months ago, her best friend, Emma, disappeared under chillingly similar circumstances. While her father remains tight-lipped, burying himself in the investigation, Ivy can't let go of her need for answers. Convinced there's more to the case than meets the eye, she decides to take matters into her own hands, secretly piecing together clues the police have overlooked.
As Ivy delves deeper, she uncovers a chilling pattern connecting the victims-and a hidden side of her seemingly idyllic town. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her investigation becomes. Someone is watching, and the killer is always one step ahead.
Now, Ivy must navigate a web of secrets, lies, and betrayal to expose the darkness lurking in Blackwood before she becomes the next target. In a race against time, she'll discover that the people she trusts most may have the darkest secrets of all.
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.
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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.