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Learn moreThere's a poisonous secret behind these bucolic scenes …
When a powerful development company sets its sights on Mason County, Virginia, as the location for a sprawling resort for the rich, the locals begin taking sides. Many residents see the resort as economic salvation for the small Blue Ridge Mountains community, while others fear the county will become financially dependent on a predatory company.
Few oppose the development more vocally than veterinarian Rachel Goddard. She sides with locals reluctant to sell their land and, in the process, complicates the life of her new husband, Sheriff Tom Bridger.
When a beloved couple is gunned down on the very farm they refused to sell, it seems supporters will stop at nothing to ensure the success of the resort. Now, disagreement in the community has exploded into civil war, with both sides lashing out. As the violence escalates, Rachel discovers the attacks are more sinister than they appear.
Can she bring the truth to light before her community tears itself apart?
Sandra Parshall, a native southerner, is the author of the Rachel Goddard mysteries, the first of which, The Heat of the Moon, won the 2006 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. A former newspaper reporter in South Carolina, West Virginia, and Baltimore, she now lives in northern Virginia with her husband, a longtime Washington journalist.
Tavia Gilbert is an acclaimed narrator of more than four hundred full-cast and multivoice audiobooks. She is the winner of the prestigious Audie Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She is also a producer, singer, photographer, and a writer, as well as the cofounder of a feminist publishing company, Animal Mineral.
Reviews
“Parshall perfectly plumbs the well of humanity in a small town, where longstanding feuds and deep-seated jealousies drive dark deeds—from backstabbing and betrayal all the way to bloody murder.”
“Farm families in southwestern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains struggle to survive in Parshall’s strong sixth mystery featuring veterinarian Rachel Goddard…Parshall does a good job depicting the close-knit community and the strife that arises when the residents are pitted against each other in a depressed economy. A fast-paced plot with plenty of false leads keeps the reader turning the pages.”
“Rachel is a likable amateur sleuth who displays genuine affection for her neighbors and the animals she treats. Readers will enjoy seeing series regulars appear throughout the story and appreciate a peek at how Rachel and Tom are getting along as newlyweds. A satisfying series addition.”
“Parshall expertly maintains the tension until the surprising conclusion.”
“Once again, Sandra Parshall delivers great characters and a twisty, suspenseful plot.”
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