Review: Muletrain to Maggody

Everyone in Maggody, Arkansas, gets stirred up when they are told about a historical society-funded Civil War documentary that is going to be filmed there. It’s not the documentary that has everyone stirred up, though, it’s the story that a Confederate soldier hid two saddlebags of gold up in Cotter’s Ridge outside of Maggody back in 1863. No one had ever heard this story before. Could the gold still be there?

Most everyone begins hunting for the gold. Cotter’s Ridge has never had so many people on it at one time.

Outsiders have been arriving in Maggody early for the filming – actors, authors, a filmmaker, and reenactors. Mrs. Jim Bob Buchanon, the Mayor’s wife, is beside herself trying to be the perfect hostess for those staying at her house. Then the genealogist of the Stump County Historical Society dies under questionable circumstances. Police Chief Arly Hanks begins investigating. It amazes her that with as many people as were on Cotter’s Ridge when he fell to his death, no one saw anything.

People are missing as well. None of them are totally suspicious disappearances, but yet Arly must investigate each one. Are they related? Where have they gone?

When one of the Buchanon clan becomes the victim of a vicious and fatal attack, Arly must tackle a very perplexing case. Could the same person have killed them both? Why? Who?

The many characters of Maggody really add to this story. I really enjoy this series. Ms. Hess has really captured the essence of the Ozarks and the people.

Ruby Bee, Arly’s mom, is a great character and really adds to the story. She is always getting on Arly. Arly is trying to get some time alone with Jack, the filmmaker, but the investigation keeps getting in the way.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Dawn Dowdle

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: Muletrain to Maggody

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.