2016 International Book Award

Literary Classics Seal of Approval

2016 Laramie Award Finalist

What if you returned from a journey and your family was gone? What if someone else was living in your home, running what you used to manage - and trying to kill you? Wade Forester must stay in the shadows or be shot. His father has disappeared, and his sister won’t speak. Beautiful Patricia Laughlin is running the show. Few people gain her approval, though powerful landowner Bridger Calhoun has high hopes. Each in his/her corner, Wade must decide whether to risk his life for Patricia. Bridger must win Patricia’s heart, and Patricia must choose which killer to trust with her life.

Set in Nevada’s historic silver rush, the writing comes from intimate knowledge of the territory. Having lived off the land, Wilcox depended on his wit, grit, and strength (and his animals) for survival, just as these characters do. Wilcox and Beckstrand weave authentic detail and care for the country and its creatures into an adventure that will make your heart pound and fill your lungs with the rarefied air of the old Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Stand-alone with additional short story. Family friendly (ages 14 and up).

“A must read.…I loved reading this novel.…After reading the back cover…my curiosity of which man might be on the front cover lured me.… one of the two main men is the real bad guy; but which one—and will Patricia Laughlin find out before it’s too late? In this intriguing and realistic portrayal of the Western lifestyle I found myself drowning into the deepest part of the plot.…Which man will keep?…A romance…stunning masterpiece…an irresistible tale.… Mystery, suspense…has it all…five out of five stars.” (Danielle Urban, Universal Creativity) 

“A good read for all western fans.…The action starts with the first page and doesn’t stop…from start to finish. The dialogue was done well.…The characterization was good.…the authors did it very well.” (Paul Johnson, Readers’ Favorite)