Libby Brown is making some big changes in her life. She’s leaving the big city, Atlanta, where she worked as a journalist and moved to Lackaduck, WY where she’ll work on the small weekly paper and raise chickens. She’s always wanted a farm from the time she played with her Fisher Price toy farm. With no parents and a boyfriend who dropped her for her boss, Libby had nothing to hold her back from following her dreams.
Luke Rawlins lives with his parents on the ranch next to Libby’s. When he goes over to meet her, just being neighborly, he learns that his new neighbor has never lived in the country, much less out west. She’s got a lot to learn besides just the local lingo. They have ranches, not farms! Luke runs cattle, not cows!
Libby likes what she sees in Luke but what does she really know about him. He could be another Ted Bundy! Her fears aren’t put to rest when she learns of the mysterious disappearance of teenager, Della McCarthy. Intrigued by this two year old case, Libby starts asking questions only to find that someone doesn’t want her checking into Della’s case. Luke appears to want to help but does he really want to help or does he just want to distract Libby.
Cash McIntyre is the local sheriff. He’s blond and good looking but for some reason Libby just doesn’t warm up to him. He seems to be okay with Libby investigating Della’s disappearance but he wants to be there and take charge. Cash isn’t as bad as Luke’s friend, Crazy Mike. There is something seriously wrong with Mike!
Libby knows she’s ruffling more feathers than just on her chickens when she’s getting visits at her farm and they’re not exactly friendly.
Ms. Kennedy’s debut novel is a winner.
Her characters are refreshing and different. Libby isn’t exactly a girly girl from the city but she’s someone not afraid to get down and get dirty. She hasn’t glamorized farming but has actually researched what she’s getting into though she’s still a push over for some things. Luke is a man who is comfortable with himself and what he does. That doesn’t make him perfect, it makes him likeable. Cash likes being in charge. He likes having power and he likes that people have to listen to him. Everything is fine unless you step over the line that Cash has drawn. The other characters from Crazy Mike to Della to whomever are written with life and interest. They have histories which make them into the unique and interesting characters and they fit into the story.
There are two things going on in this story, the relationship between Libby and Luke and the mystery of Della. Each is done well and neither goes smoothly. Things aren’t always as they seem and people too frequently see what they expect and not what is there.
As I got involved in this book, I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. For me, this was the weakest part of the story. Not so much of who did what but that some how there were no visits to the hospital nor were their any police around. I felt as if I missed something. Yet, I loved the who done it part and the reflection from Libby on marriage.
A little romance, a little mystery, good looking guys and wide open spaces are a perfect combination for a really good story and Cowboy Trouble definitely reflects this. I’m really impressed with this first book and can’t wait to see what’s next.