An enjoyable if light read set in the mid-west in the late 19th century.. No longer a frontier town, Arahpot is moving up in the world and has aspirations. A stranger is then found dead. The Sheriff has a full palette of suspects although one is, himself, later found dead. There are plenty of characters - his lady love who runs the store, her pontificating cousin who upsets the Sheriff, an odd couple and his sister not to mention the almost obligatory ladies of the night and a simple-minded stable hand. With no deputy the Sheriff has a hard time questioning everyone although spends a lot of time eating meals with various of them. Definitely in the cosy category but at least without the annoying female who always has to be better than any men at detecting, ignores them but welcomes their saving her at the last minute. A gentle read then, not quite a Western per se - 3.5* rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and Sunbury Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a quick western read of historical fiction with likable characters…the book was sent to me for review electronically by. Netgalley. The story moves slowly at times and the vernacular, although time appropriate, takes away from the story for me. Others might really love this book, especially the readers who enjoy westerns…