Transplanted from Minneapolis to the small coastal Carolina town of Tryon’s Cove, nurse and single mom ZENA CARRAWAY falls in love with her physician employer but almost immediately runs afoul of the natives’ attitudes and redneck mentality when she insists on minor social changes. 

When she suspects that her small daughter has been abused at the local daycare, she raises a tempest in the community.  Four trashy KKK types rape her right before her daughter’s eyes. Zena recognizes the ringleader as the handsome man who owns and operates the daycare, has his arrested and tried, and is furious when he is found not guilty—mainly because of the efforts of the defense attorney, the famous southern lawyer, “BEASTIE” HAMMOND. 

Zena then forms an intricate plan of revenge on her tormentor, which she carries out, only to be arrested and charged with murder herself.  Her Doctor lover and a few friends stick by her, however, and hire that same lawyer for her own defense.  “Beastie” performs brilliantly, and springs a monumental surprise at the climax of her trial, which results in Zena’s freedom.

(Note:  There is considerable courtroom drama in this novel of murder, revenge, and justice…)

Copyright © 2006 by Tom E. Lewis, All rights reserved.