The Contrary Blues — John Billheimer

Not much happens in Contrary, West Virginia--a sleepy town with failing coal mines, a few old moonshine stills, and an urgent need for revenue.  A federal grant for a nonexistent bus system seemed just the ticket . . . if only the government auditor, sent to look things over, hadn't drunk too much white lightning.  And ended up dead.

Now his successor, Owen Allison, has come down from D.C. to check out the situation.  Disgruntled with his life inside the Beltway, Owen is willing to give Contrary's officials the benefit of the doubt--and himself some time to romance Mary Beth, the alluring town controller.  He soon feels like seventeen different kinds of fool.  Because something has long been fermenting in Contrary besides corn mash.  Another body has been found.  And Owen may be next . . . unless he uncovers the big secrets hidden in the hearts of a small Appalachian town.