Family feuds in the twenty-first century, amazing how these things have a life of their own. Generationally you’d think it would peter out but anger and mistrust have the ability to keep on simmering. So in SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE, Delores Fossen reminds us that the younger generation is definitely affected by these feuds.

So we have Leigh now sheriff of her small close-knit town, having taken over her dad’s position when he retired. Leigh and Connor have a brief interrupted history. Ill-fated romance torn apart by the bitter hatred of their fathers. But somehow that flame still simmers, not fully extinguished by their respective dad’s animosity.

But that’s not really the central tale of SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE. Seems there has been a murder committed in Connor’s house during a party. And as the story unfolds, page after page, the list of guilty parties grows exponentially. Pretty soon you begin to question your early choices as the possible murderer. So many folks with opportunity, but the question of motive remains murky.

SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE is a great exercise for those that consider themselves armchair detectives. My choice kept changing. Continually challenged by something new development. So many characters were in danger, but then you begin to question their credibility. Who is lying and who is being truthful? Won’t find out any time soon. But fun to watch Leigh team up with Connor to try to ferret out the criminal while staying alive.

Delores Fossen had to dig deep to create a race against time with so many folks in jeopardy. And at the same time, in the periphery working through some breath-taking scenes. Family dynamics are also faced head-on. Delores Fossen flexed her literary muscles in this tale. SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE is a great exercise in solving a crime. Great book for on the beach this summer.