The Valley of Jewels

Willie Taft #2

by Mary Saums

Civil War professor Jada Winston is murdered. World-renowned opera star Althea Preston retires from the stage and returns home only to receive threatening racist letters. Two things connect these the haunting landscape of Northwest Alabama and a 135-year-old secret. Willi Taft returns to her roots to unravel ties still binding a town’s residents to the land and to a dark past.

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Mary Saums grew up in North Alabama. Her earliest memory is of her first trip to the library at age six. Both her mother and the well-meaning librarian refused to let Mary check out the book she wanted.Mary also writes poetry and short fiction.

Reviews

[Joan]

Well written with a good plot. Granted, the portrayal of race relations is sadly unrealistic but she must be given credit for her ability to write some lovely prose and display some delightful humor.