SPRING

Rumors of dirty cops, midnight meetings on Friday the thirteenth, and a forested militia masquerading as a religious cult—these and other peculiar elements complicate the senseless murder of Deputy Sheriff Baxter Dunn, son-in-law of Christine Sterling’s best friend and mentor Zora Jane Callahan.

The subject may be frightful, but amateur sleuth Christine Sterling tackles it with her characteristic blend of snoopiness and tenacity, especially after Molly, her beloved border collie, is dog napped in retaliation for Christine’s intrusion into matters that are none of her business.

National media attention fuels the escalating conflict between Christine and the authorities. Constance Boyd, a renowned newswoman, arrives to launch her own inquiry into the murder. When she crosses paths with Zora Jane, a strong Christian with a heart for spreading the Gospel, she is confronted with Truth. Zora Jane challenges postmodern humanistic beliefs using scripture. But Miss Boyd clings to her perverted “religion.”

Suspicions develop concerning which of the lawmen can be trusted, if any. Truth is challenged on every side. When a second murder jolts the tranquil community, Christine gets tagged as the prime suspect. Who will rescue Molly if Christine ends up behind bars?