About the Book
In the scorching desert of the American Southwest, a mysterious young woman plays the violin on the high slopes of Smoky Butte, and she never lets anyone see her face. Joan French, daughter of a rancher at a hidden oasis, has a wild streak that her family struggles to control. By day she is a gentle, well-mannered young lady. By night, or whenever the desert calls, she becomes something else entirely: a fearless rider who handles a gun as well as any man.
When a drifting gambler named Louis Lane stumbles half-dead into the French oasis, his arrival stirs up old secrets. He recognizes the masked rider he met on the butte, and he is determined to find out who she really is.
The Story
Lane's search for the girl pulls him into the dangerous world of Brule, a ruthless outlaw leader, and his gang. Lane agrees to join them on a plan to rob a bank and a gambling house in the mining town of Raysville, mostly because it might bring him closer to Joan. As the raid turns violent, Lane and Joan are forced to flee together through a dangerous mountain trail. Their escape leads to a sheriff who sees more in the situation than either of them expected.
Why Read It
- A classic Western adventure full of gunfights, desert survival, and daring escapes
- A strong-willed heroine who refuses to fit the role society expects of her
- A slow-burning romance between two people who are more alike than they first believe
- Vivid descriptions of the desert, the mountains, and the mining towns of the frontier
Perfect For
Readers who love vintage Western fiction, fans of stories about independent heroines, and anyone who enjoys a fast-paced tale of outlaws, frontier justice, and unlikely love.