Joanne Moore is a young woman who moves to Chicago to pursue a career in publishing. She grows up very quickly when she marries David, who becomes her worst nightmare. Not even a divorce can protect her from his constant harassment and threats to kill her. However, before her problem with David can be solved, she learns that her friend and mentor, Miss Crittendon, an old-maid librarian, has died -mysteriously. A note left by her friend presents an even greater problem than David-a multi-million dollar one. Along with the mystery of her friend's death is a fortune stashed in several safe-deposit boxes. How did her friend really die, and how did she amass such a fortune? Joanne soon finds out when a "Mr. Smith" calls to inform her that the contents of the safe-deposit boxes belong to his employer, who wants them back-or else. To unravel the mystery, she must read the journals left by her friend. Not only do they reveal a woman Joanne does not recognize, but they also provide the answers to the contents of the safe-deposit boxes. Once Joanne gets over her surprise and fright, she gets angry and fights back. She'll have to employ everything she knows-hints from Miss Crittendon's journals, long hidden secrets, and help from her friends-to deal with David, Mr. Smith, and her friend's legacy. It will require more than cunning; it will involve a little bit of larceny.
What does a naive young girl do when she finds herself confronted with two life-threatening situations? Run back to her small hometown in Iowa? No, Joanne Bell gets angry.
About Darlene Cox
Darlene Cox resides in Seattle, Washington.
You may visit her at www.outskirtspress.com/darlenecox,
Joanne Moore is a young woman who moves to Chicago to pursue a career in publishing. She grows up very quickly when she marries David, who becomes her worst nightmare. Not even a divorce can protect her from his constant harassment and threats to kill her. However, before her problem with David can be solved, she learns that her friend and mentor, Miss Crittendon, an old-maid librarian, has died -mysteriously. A note left by her friend presents an even greater problem than David-a multi-million dollar one. Along with the mystery of her friend's death is a fortune stashed in several safe-deposit boxes. How did her friend really die, and how did she amass such a fortune? Joanne soon finds out when a "Mr. Smith" calls to inform her that the contents of the safe-deposit boxes belong to his employer, who wants them back-or else. To unravel the mystery, she must read the journals left by her friend. Not only do they reveal a woman Joanne does not recognize, but they also provide the answers to the contents of the safe-deposit boxes. Once Joanne gets over her surprise and fright, she gets angry and fights back. She'll have to employ everything she knows-hints from Miss Crittendon's journals, long hidden secrets, and help from her friends-to deal with David, Mr. Smith, and her friend's legacy. It will require more than cunning; it will involve a little bit of larceny.
Darlene Cox resides in Seattle, Washington.