Guest Review: True to the Law – Jo Goodman

He was on the hunt for a runaway beauty 

“Find her” is the only instruction that private detective Cobb Bridger receives from Richard Mackey. The scion of a wealthy Chicago family, Mackey is desperate to know the whereabouts of the woman who disappeared from his employ, taking with her something of great value. Intrigued as much by what Mackey won’t say about the missing item as he is by Mackey’s description of the missing woman, Cobb accepts the assignment.

And the one true lie that could destroy them both

Bitter Springs, Wyoming, has a new schoolteacher who may or may not be exactly what she seems. Upon making the acquaintance of Miss Tru Morrow, Cobb begins to question the guilt of this golden-haired lady—and the protective feelings she stirs in him. His investigation hinges on understanding where the truth lies. Can he believe in Tru? Or is she just another treacherous woman out to swindle this hardened detective’s heart?

Series:
Release Date:  May 7, 2013
Publisher:  Berkley
Source:  NetGalley
Buy the book at:

Reviewer’s Thoughts:

I loved this book.  Intriguing, sexy, and exciting, the author has put together a cast of fun, sharp witted characters who bring to life a western romance full of secrets, mystery and lust.  The pace is perfect, keeping the suspense in the air and the character development flowing beautifully.  The storyline is familiar, yet unique.  Set in Wyoming in 1889, True to the Law is so well written, reminiscent of a John Ford classic.

The heroine in the book, Tru, was my favorite character.  She is easily likeable and feisty to boot!  She stole the show in every scene she was in.  Her spitfire personality complimented that of each and every character in the book wonderfully.  She truly was enjoyable!  The rest of the characters, including Cobb, the upstanding “lawman”, added their own uniquely pleasant flavors to the story.

This was my first book by Jo Goodman, and I can honestly tell you that it will not be my last!

Cocktail Recipe

Maple syrup and spiced rum make this Sour a perfect fall and winter cocktail. It’s important to use a high-quality sloe gin in this recipe.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

3/4 oz. sloe gin

3/4 oz. fresh lime juice

1/4 oz. maple syrup

2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

1 pinch salt

Ice cubes

Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: Old Fashioned
Garnish: lime wedge

Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker. Shake briefly to integrate and strain over fresh ice into glass. Garnish.