The Edge of Town

Murder and mystery disturb a Missouri farm girl’s summer in this romantic suspense novel by a New York Times–bestselling author.

“The Edge of Town is a heart-stirring love story spiced with suspense . . . this is a gift from the writer whose books keep giving long after the last page. . . . It’s impossible to choose a favorite character. I fell in love with them all, and relished every word of their heartwarming story.” —Sandra Brown

At 21, Julie Jones is convinced that life is passing her by. Her mother’s death four years ago left her in charge of caring for her father and five siblings, and dashed her hopes of meeting that special someone who would whisk her away to the glamorous big city. Then all at once, Julie’s predictable existence is overturned when her father finds love with an attractive widow, and Evan Johnson, the mysterious son of the town drunkard returns home and starts courting her. With his arrival, however, comes a series of devastating tragedies as Evan’s father is found murdered, and a series of brutal rapes rocks the town. In a rush to judgment, the townsfolk are all pointing to Evan as the guilty party, except for one person. Amid growing tensions, Julie Jones has been hiding a dark personal secret—and falling desperately in love.

“With settings and characters so authentic the reader believes they have a past and a future, Garlock's heartwarming romantic historicals are Americana at its best.” —Booklist