It's early October 1923, and three interesting things are going on in the generally dull town of Rosedale, New Mexico: the fall cattle drive, the fall rodeo, and a tent revival.
Annabelle Blue is excited about the first two events. The last one might be okay if it weren't for the Reverend Milo Strickland's sister, Esther, whose ethereal loveliness has captivated all the men in town, including Annabelle's long-time beau, Phil Gunderson.
In spite of this, Annabelle pitches in and helps prepare for the rodeo, which is always accompanied by a community-wide party and barbecue. This year's rodeo and barbecue are being held at the Gundersons' ranch, about twelve miles west of Rosedale.
Although Phil seems to hang around with Esther a lot more than Annabelle deems proper, she enjoys the rodeo with her best friend, Myrtle Howell-until one of the stars of the rodeo, Kenny Sawyer, falls ill and later dies.
Shocked to learn that Kenny was poisoned, Annabelle begins to do some snooping. There are a plethora of suspects to choose from.
Unfortunately, those suspects include her own brother-in-law, who appears to be enamored of a woman other than Annabelle's sister; Kenny Sawyer's erstwhile lady love; the husband of her brother-in-law's assumed lover; and even Annabelle's horrid twelve-year-old brother, Jack.
When Hazel Fish, the worst gossip in Rosedale, is killed after Annabelle gives in to her friend Myrtle's wheedling and goes to a revival meeting, life in Rosedale becomes downright frightening.
A fun, fast-paced mystery set in a tiny southwestern town at the beginning of the 20th Century.
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.