Dumping Grounds

Joshua Stokes Mysteries #1

by Lila Beckham

Set in the mid 1970s rural Alabama, Dumping Grounds tells the tale of Joshua Eugene Stokes, the charismatic sheriff of Mobile County who is known for his manners, strength, and old-fashioned approach and Emma Marie Carr, a teenage loner from a dysfunctional family that has had its share of tragedy.
So far, Emma's young life has been filled with disappointment. Finishing high school has been her greatest accomplishment.
Frustrated by her parent's lifestyle and trying to decide what to do with her life, Emma gets a tattoo to celebrate her eighteenth birthday and then goes on a solo camping trip.
She witnesses a vicious murder.

Visited by ghosts of the former Caledonia Plantations slaves and owners, aging County Sheriff, Joshua Eugene Stokes spends a great deal of his free time sitting on his porch drinking and reminiscing the past.
His passion for maintaining the pride and chivalry of the Old South make him a desirable lawman; however, the discovery of the mutilated, decapitated corpse of a young woman by a state worker, leads Joshua Stokes on the most challenging quest of his career.
The case forces him to question his beliefs, his integrity, and to recollect events in his life and career that have brought him to the present day. It also places his life in eminent danger, as unseen forces seem to work against his every move.
A tired, disillusioned Joshua must pull himself together if he is going to be able to save this young girls life.

Genres: Southern, Mystery, Horror

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2013

About the author

Lila Beckham lives in L.A. that is 'Lower Alabama' for those of you who do not know ;) She lives along the coast and enjoys anything to do with horses. She has three dogs, seven cats, and a slew of wilderness critters she enjoys watching when she takes a break from writing. She is currently working on the next installment of her Joshua Stokes Mysteries as well as several other books. Lila is laid back and quiet spirited. She is a recluse and says that she enjoys the solitude of writing. She says that all of her stories should come with a warning and at least an 'R' rating and oftentimes slip into an 'X' rating. Lila encourages reviews and says that she wants an honest opinion; no sugar coating. If you don't like it, say so. She also writes under Lila M Beckham Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Caroline Waddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off like any other drama and quickly spun crazily out of control. It is thrilling, disturbing, and impossible to put down.

[Sandy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read ! Susan Cobb Beck, writing as Lila Beckham, pulls you in immediately with this story. When I say it is gripping, I mean it ! It grabs hold, and will not let go. One hell of a read !

[denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

Wonderful book

very interesting, loved the characters, especially the sheriff. Can't wait to read more of her books. Hated to see the end, but couldn't wait to see how the book ended.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Really enjoyed this book. In the beginning it referred to things that happened in the first book which I have not read. The book stands on it's on though and gets better with every page. The end was shocking.

[Debra]

awesome!!!! received her other book from library...can't wait to start it.

[Beverly Demouy · Rating 3 out of 5]

read it due to its local setting and on the recommendation of a friend. it was a good book. a little too creepy but I finished it. I bought the next book, fallout, but haven't started it yet.