The Gathering Storm — Barbara Warren

A blend of murder intrigue and suspense provides a puzzling set of clues to solve in this page turning book. Stephanie Walker had a nice and peaceful life until her estranged father, Marty Harrington, suddenly appears soliciting her help. Marty invites her to Harrington Lodge, in the beautiful Ozarks, but from past experience, Stephanie knows that whatever is going on with Marty she doesn't want any part of it, and declines his invitation. After Marty leaves, Stephanie discovers that her aunt's precious diamond necklace is missing with a note from Marty telling her to meet him at Harrington Lodge. Stephanie's anger escalates as she fights through the torrential thunderstom on her way to the lodge, all the while wondering what has Marty gotten her into now. Arriving at the lodge, Stephanie finds her father's lifeless body lying in a pool of blood. When the sheriff decides that Stephanie is a prime suspect in a murder case, and refuses to let her leave, Monica Harrington, the woman who destroyed her parents' marriage, insists she stay at the lodge. With the help of Brad Wilson, ex-con turned preacher, Stephanie is determined to find the killer, and prove her innocence.