Fresh from saying "I do" in response to the pledge to protect the people in the small town of Hotchkiss, ex-rancher Kate Fox is now the new Sheriff of Grand County, Nebraska. There are many in the small town who support her, especially her many brothers and sisters; but some don't, and the worst of those is her ex-husband and former Sheriff, Ted Conner.

Despite Kate's unease in handling Ted's gun and dealing with Ted's lingering Irish Spring scent in the old police cruiser, Kate hopes to do the right thing in the job. Just as she is leaving, the Sheriff's phone rings. As Kate answers, she quickly realizes she now faces an even bigger challenge then Ted's nasty tricks and her sister's surprise party. There has been a train accident on the BNSF train line about seven miles out of town, and it is bad. Is her father the conductor on the train that night?

The night is freezing cold and dark as only a prairie winter can be. The huge train engines throb, blue and red lights flash and Kate is sickened by the carnage she sees. It may be her first night on the job, but Kate vows to be a professional. She definitely is not going to be left out in the cold now that she realizes what is involved. Why would anyone want to kill the conductor? How did they know he was working? How can Kate ensure a proper investigation is done? Why is the state trooper trying to keep her away?

The dramatic DARK SIGNAL is written by Shannon Baker and is the second book in her Kate Fox series. DARK SIGNAL follows up on events started in STRIPPED BARE, and Baker's many fans will be thrilled with this latest addition in the series. DARK SIGNAL can also be easily read as a stand-alone mystery as Baker alludes to pertinent events in Kate's life that highlight how and why the character relate to Kate or align with others. Either way, at the end of the story, you will be eagerly waiting for the next in the series. I know that am!

Kate is a great character with guts and determination, and you will soon find yourself rooting for her. She knows she is inexperienced and is vulnerable to the gossip in town, but is determined to do her job, even if it means not being popular with some of the meddlings from her meddling clan and friends, be they well-meaning or not. She knows people talk in small towns and don't always care who listens. Will that help her or not?

Baker certainly knows her characters and their environment well, and her descriptions are sure to bring a smile to your face; yet, they ring true and authentic to who they are as they come vividly to life in your mind. People from small western towns and northern environments will nod knowingly to Baker's apt descriptions of weather, the darkness of an early evening, and the way people interact with each other. I am particularly impressed with how this award-winning author is able to so seamlessly integrate in her research on railways and related crimes in her discussions in DARK SIGNAL on the workings of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF).

DARK SIGNAL is a fast-paced page turning railway mystery, so be warned! Despite the freezing cold, Baker keeps the reader fascinated with her fast-moving plot and story lines as they shift from dangerous situations to tender moments of compassion. I found DARK SIGNAL to be a totally captivating read right from its shocking start to its explosive ending! So, check it out and see how this new female Sheriff works out the secret of the DARK SIGNAL! Enjoy!