This somewhat feminist, historical mystery/suspense novel takes place in 1861 in New Mexico Territory, where the Civil War is about to have a startling impact on a woman who calls herself Matty Summerhayes.
Matty is struggling to develop a horse ranch to make enough money to return to the East. A stranger dies in her barn, whispers tell of a lost gold mine on her land, and soon someone is trying to run her off her ranch. Her closest friend, a one-time slave, is accused of practicing voodoo and barely escapes stoning. But Matty herself is arrested for murder and with her land up for bail, she must find the real killer or lose everything. She unmasks a spy and murderer, but celebration is cut short when an officer comes calling, intending to claim his rights to not only her land but to Matty herself.
"Occasionally one of the thousands of books published each year just grabs the reader and won’t let go. This is one of those rare finds...this novel set in southern New Mexico during the Civil War is entertaining, informative, and beautifully written. ....The author could easily have turned this book into propaganda for women’s rights, but she has carefully avoided that... Be prepared to forget meals and stay up all night when you start reading this book. Matty’s word-pictures and unorthodox civil disobedience will hold your attention until the last page." -- Betty Parker, Southwest Book Views
“The pages turn themselves and the reader is unable to stop them... well written, researched, and edited...." -- Evelyn Muegge, All About Murder
"...vividly recreates the dangers of life in New Mexico Territory during the Civil War, and one woman's triumph over adversity. Penny Rudolph is a great story teller..." -- Timeless Tales
"Rudolph tells a wonderful story set in New Mexico at the beginning of the Civil War. From authentic sounding dialogue to historical accuracy, she creates an unforgettable treat, with characters you cry with." -- Western Writers of America Magazine
Penny Rudolph is the author of the contemporary mystery Thicker Than Blood and its sequel Lifeblood, as well as the historical mystery/thriller Listen to the Mockingbird. She has worked as a bartender, truck driver, chili picker, musician, science writer, and medical writer. She’s taught high school English, as well as journalism at New Mexico State University. A finalist or winner in five national fiction competitions, she has won more than 50 national non-fiction writing/editing awards, including an international Gold Quill. Penny has lived most of her life in New Mexico, with detours to the East and West coasts.
