A New Marshal in Town

Deputy marshal Jed Cooper navigates complex relationships and social issues in the small, Old West town of Dry Creek. Book Three in the Jed Cooper saga, the story begins with Jed’s interaction with Emma Sherwood, a progressive woman advocating for temperance and women’s rights, who is contemplating divorce from her alcoholic husband, Luther, who doubles as Dry Creek's marshal and only preacher. Tension rises as Jed struggles with his feelings for Emma while being engaged to another woman, Katie Lowry, the town's doctor. Their lives intertwine further when Emma’s husband is found dead after a confrontation with outlaws, including the flamboyant Percy Longfellow. The storyline explores themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of personal beliefs against social norms. The climax centers around the wedding of Jed and Katie, followed by a violent encounter with Longfellow, ultimately leading to the tragic death of Luther Sherwood and the emotional fallout for Emma.