The Medusa Pool

by M.K. Wren

Election day in Wesport, on the magnificent Oregon coast, changes everything for Deputy Cornelia Faith Jones, the only woman and the only African American in the Taft County Sheriff's Office. As a result of a write-in campaign that Neely did not encourage, she is elected Sheriff --a job she did not want.

Neely accepts, however, when Jan Koto's body is found submerged in the jellyfish display tank in the Oceanographic Center. The victim is marine biologist Jan Koto and Neely's lover.

Grief and rage drive Neely to find Jan's killer, and she learns the hard way that small towns are not exempt from racism, rape, violence, and murder --and greed. When ex-sheriff Giff Wills is also murdered, Neely discovers she is dealing with a wide-ranging conspiracy.

Genres: Mystery

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 1999

About the author

Martha Kay Renfroe was an Oregon writer, author of mystery and science fiction under the penname M.K. Wren. Her work included the "Conan Flagg" mystery series and the post-apocalyptic novel A Gift Upon the Shore, set along the Oregon coast.

Reviews

[Nan Hurley]

I like this book, by my friend Martha, better each time I read it. Like the Conan Flagg series and A Gift Upon the Shore, this book is based on the Central Oregon Coast where Martha lived and where I met her many years ago when I managed a book store near her home. I think was her last book. I miss you Martha.

[Sandra]

Great story. I can really relate to Neely as an African American woman living in a less diverse community. I was hoping this was a series, and was ready for Book 2. But alas... In my opinion most expletives should have been deleted, and would not have taken anything from the story.

[Dianne Astle]

Great story well told. Hope this is a series and there is more to come.

[Ruth]

a Nelly Jones mystery. Story of newly elected female sheriff in small Vermont town fighting racism while solving the murder of her lover. Good read!