High Desert Detective

Designer Fiona Marlowe and cowboy buckaroo Jake Manyhorses meet up again in the high desert of southeast Oregon when she goes west to take possession her bunkhouse on Opal Crawford’s ranch. She doesn’t bargain for the claim the land makes upon her city slicker heart or her increasing attraction to Jake. Mysterious bones in a hot spring pique her detective instincts. Cattle are disappearing from Opal’s ranch, and Jake has to determine if friend, foe or relatives are involved. In helping Jake, Fiona finds herself learning the rhythm of ranch life and enjoying it. But only she can decide if the high desert is a place where she can live and love forever.

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Opal's Iced Tea

In High Desert Detective, Opal is forever serving folks iced tea. The original recipe is my mother, Margaret's, and it still is my favorite way to enjoy iced tea.

Boil two quarts of water. Turn off the fire.
Steep five Lipton's tea bags in water for maybe an hour, less if you want it not as strong. Take out tea bags while still warm and stir in 1/2 cup of sugar. When cool add juice of one lemon. Cool in frig and enjoy over ice. Yum.

Harney County

The book is set in a fictional place called Harney Valley which for real is in Harney County, Oregon where I live. Rocky Point is the original name of the promontory that became Burns, Oregon.  I tried to stay as authentic as possible about ranch life and the people of the county. It is a wonderful place to live because the people are great. The weather is harsh so it will never be a big retirement place. It remains a well kept secret.