Dahlia's Gone

More about the book

A promise can change a life, even a small, casual one. Sand Williams returns to her childhood home in the Ozarks for a much-needed rest after years as a journalist. She and her husband, Frank, a hydrologist, have moved into a cabin inherited from her father on the Seven Point River. A mile away lives Norah Everston, and their only connection is the boundary of their land. When Norah asks Sand to look after her children while she travels, Sand reluctantly agrees, having grown up believing in helping neighbors. Norah's son, Timothy, a handsome boy in a special class, and Lyman's daughter, Dahlia, an eighteen-year-old raising funds for college, struggle with their blended family dynamics and differing religious beliefs. The story unfolds with the murder of Dahlia, leading to profound changes for Sand, Norah, and Patty Callahan, the only female deputy in Weleda County, who investigates the crime. Patty harbors secrets, including a past connection to Sand's deceased father, the local newspaper's owner. This gripping narrative explores the aftermath of tragedy, the pursuit of truth, and the journey toward redemption. It highlights the beauty of hope and the soul-healing friendships that can form among women, as three unforgettable characters navigate their intertwined lives amidst drama and mystery.