The Six-Week Solution

by Paula Darnell

Never guessing that their very lives might be in danger, well-to-do women come from all over the country to stay at guest ranches around Reno to establish the six weeks' residency required for a quickie Nevada divorce in 1955.

When a Circle E Ranch guest dies after her Cadillac plunges off Mount Rose Highway, a mountain road between Lake Tahoe and Reno, Washoe County Deputy Sheriff Ben Cameron is assigned to investigate the accident. His inquiries lead him to question everyone at the Circle E, where he meets Mary, an attractive prospective divorcée from New York. Unfortunately, Mary soon has an accident of her own. In the meantime, Ben's case takes a turn as twisty as the Mount Rose Highway, and when Mary suffers a second accident, he figures that someone is out to get her. Unless Ben can discover who's targeting the out-of-towners, some of them won't live long enough to have their day in court.

301 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

An instructor at five colleges over the years, Paula Darnell most often taught the dreaded first-year English composition classes, but she's also been happy to teach some fun classes, such as fashion design, sewing, and jewelry making. Paula has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and a Master's degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Like Laurel, the main character in Death by Association, Paula enjoys all kinds of arts and crafts. Some of her memorable projects include making a hat and a cape to wear to Royal Ascot, sewing wedding gowns for both her daughters, exhibiting her textile and mixed-media artwork in juried art shows, and having one of her jewelry projects accepted for inclusion in Leather Jewelry, published by Lark Books. She sells some of her jewelry and hair accessories in her Etsy shop.

Paula's interest in DIY craft projects and fashion led to her writing hundreds of articles for print and online national publications.

Paula lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her husband Gary and their 110-pound dog Rocky, whose favorite pastime is lurking in the kitchen, hoping for a handout.

Reviews

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women flock to Reno Nevada to establish residency in order to get a divorce in six weeks. When several of them have fatal accidents Deputy Sheriff Ben Cameron suspect foul play after several seemingly occur with Mary. This is a police procedural; that reminds me of the works of Dell Shannon and Lesly Efan as well as the romantic westerns of Zane Grey. My copy was a free revview copy from the author.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do women get a quickie divorce in
Reno, Nevada in the year 1955?
Simple...establish residency in Nevada
by spending six weeks at a guest ranch
in the Reno area.
Only one problem, some of these women
end up dead.
Deputy Sheriff Ben Cameron has been
assigned to look into the death of a
woman staying at the Circle E Ranch.
He finds the investigation becoming
challenging when another woman starts
having freak accidents such as being
pushed off the sidewalk into the street,
someone trying to drown her and
someone trying to break into her room.
This woman is staying at the same ranch
where the deceased woman had been
a visitor. Then add discovering a few
previous mysterious deaths occurring
to women staying in the area for the
six-week period. The suspense builds.
Will Deputy Sheriff Cameron be able to
save the now targeted woman while
bringing the culprit to justice?
The reader will get a tour of this area
and learn about the nearby towns and
activities available at the ranch back in 1955.
A well written adventure with many twists
and turns plus an array of interesting,
colorful characters will keep the reader
on the edge of their seat.
I volunteered to read The Six-Week Solution.
Thanks to the author via the Cozy Mystery
Review Crew. My opinion is voluntary and
my own.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Six-Week Solution is an entertaining cozy mystery set in the 1950s with interesting aspects of life during that time frame woven into the story. After a fatal car accident, Deputy Sheriff Ben Cameron is given the opportunity to prove that he can handle the investigative duties of a detective. What is apparently a straightforward case turns out to be much more complex than Ben originally thought. Foul play and misidentification of the victim, who was a woman staying at a ranch in Reno for six weeks in order to obtain a divorce, complicate Ben’s efforts to easily close his first case as a fledgling detective. Things do not get any easier when Mary Garrison, a woman central to the plot, arrives in Reno seeking a divorce and is targeted by an unknown assailant.

Paula Darnell draws readers into the fictional world of her story by the use of wonderful descriptive writing. The setting comes alive in both time and place, and the backstory of the characters enables readers to understand the motives behind their actions. Readers also get a bird’s eye view into the reasoning behind all of the steps Ben takes along the way as he tries to figure out who might be responsible for criminal acts transpiring in Washoe County. Tension builds steadily throughout the story until it reaches a satisfying climax. A fun and light mystery to curl up with that is not only skillfully written but also maintains consistent pacing in the storyline along with great depictions of believable characters who feel knowable.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The six week solution refers to the divorce laws in Nevada. Set in the 1950s with wonderful and realistic description of the time period, women who had the means went to stay for 6 weeks in Nevada dude ranches in order to establish residency and be eligible for what used to be called a "quicky" divorce. When one of the women staying in a dude ranch dies, Sheriff Cameron comes to investigate and who really is that woman who goes over the cliff, all is not what it seems. But then when one of another women, Mary has an "accident" and then a second one, the Sheriff is convinced the women are being targeted. Why? Who wants these women dead? With lots of read-herrings and twists and turns the author leads us along with Sheriff Cameron on a crazy chase for a killer before he can kill again. You are kept guessing until the end! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author! Her descriptions and settings are so well written as to not get in the way of the story line, but on the contrary, they enhance the story line. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book that was different from any I have read lately. Set in 1950's Nevada, I learned about a piece of Reno history, I wasn't aware of. The description of life, fashion and etiquette of the '50s was very good. The story was great. We think this is only about the car accident and the victim who dies in the crash. But there is so much more to the story. Mary can't believe she is a target. Is her husband, soon to be ex- husband trying to kill her? Ben, finds out there may have been other similar "accidents" and his investigation takes him to Los Angeles and many calls to New York to make the connections necessary to solve this case. I would like to see a second book with the characters and setting of this book.

I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in 1955 Nevada. Nevada has a lax divorce policy compared to the rest of the country, so many people head to Nevada for a six week residency period. Once they have resided in Nevada for six weeks, they are considered residents and can file for divorce.

In this book, one of the ladies staying a a dude ranch to meet the six week requirement, died. While the local Deputy Sheriff, Ben Cameron, is in the process of investigating the first death, another person at the ranch has an accident. It turns out that there have been additional incidents in the past.

I found this to be a well-written and interesting story. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be looking for addtional books by this author.

[Vicki May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book. Deputy Ben Cameron thought his first big investigation was a simple car accident but soon finds it may be one of many crimes centered around the ladies who come to Reno for six week residency to get a quick divorce. The historical look at Reno and the divorce industry in the 1950s was wonderful while not overwhelming the mystery aspect of The Six-Week Solution. I loved the characters and found myself wishing for a series so I could learn more about them and see the relationships between them develop. I truly enjoyed The Six-Week Solution and happily recommend it to mystery readers.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step back in time to a place where ladies dressed to go to town and things seemed simpler even murder. The Six Week Solution explores a time and place that were a novelty. Moving somewhere for six week to obtain a divorce, everything was so civilized. Ranches dedicated to just that, lawyers who saw to every detail, until someone thought of another amenity- murder. A fun read, Ms. Darnel's descriptions of the atmosphere, place and just overall are very well done. Not overly complex, the story will hold your interest to the surprise at the end. Ben and Mary will surprise you.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. Set in 1950s Nevada due to easy divorce laws we get a lesson in history and a great view of the Reno area. The characters are wonderful and the mystery keeps growing. Really fun read!

[Marsha Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked to review this book and had no clue what the title referred to but I enjoyed previous books by this author.
I found out right away what the title referred to, the story grabbed my attention and kept me reading. The setting is in Nevada in 1955 on a dude ranch. Wealthy women are staying on the ranch to get a quickie divorce in 6 weeks. It seemed simple,but then a Cadillac goes off the highway and the woman driving was not who she had said she was. From here the detective in charge has mystery upon mystery to solve until he finally gets to the bottom of it.
There are interesting characters and twists you don't see coming in the six weeks of Nevada residency.
I appreciated the accuracy of the author's descriptions of the era as far as the dress, lack of cell phones, and how it was in those days!
It will keep you guessing!

[Ying_ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advance copy of the book and wanted to do a review.

A well-written mystery that most will enjoy. Washoe County Deputy Sheriff Ben Cameron’s investigation of a car crash that kills a woman who was establishing residency in Los Vegas in order to get a divorce puts him into contact with the other women at the ranch where she lived. As his case develops there is another death. Can Cameron solve the case and prevent another murder? Read it and see.

The plot develops well, the characters are interesting and well-drawn, and the solution can be determined if the reader pays attention to events. I enjoyed the book and wanted to review it.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t usually read historical fiction, the synopsis intrigued me enough to bring me out of my comfort zone to read this book, and I was glad that I did. I had never heard of the six-week solution before reading this book and was surprised to learn that hundreds of thousands of people came to Nevada to get a divorce in the 1900s. While I learned this fact after reading the book, the book did a really great job of cluing me into what the six-week solution actually was, without having to do any research outside of reading the book. I felt that the author included facts in a way that were part of the story-line and you did not feel like you were reading a history book, but you still knew what was going on in history at this time. This was a great aspect of Paula Darnell‘s writing.

Throughout the book, I sometimes felt a slight struggle to continue reading, as I felt the story became slower-paced, however, Paula Darnell then threw me a curveball that kept me reading to find out what was going to happen to Mary and why the black Cadillac drove off the Mount Rose Highway. While there were two separate mysteries going on, Paula Darnell did a great job separating them, while at the same time weaving them together. In addition, when I thought I had figured out each of the mysteries, Paula Darnell through a curveball that put me back at square one in figuring out what had happened and “who done it.”

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and read historical fiction. This book introduced me to author Paula Darnell and I will for sure be adding her to my list of authors to read!! In fact, I can’t wait to jump into her DIY Diva Mystery Series!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading it

This was an amazing action filled read. I didn't want to stop reading so I could see who done it. It had many twists and turns but not too much that you couldn't keep up with it. I didn't see the ending coming.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never guessing that their very lives might be in danger, well-to-do women come from all over the country to stay at guest ranches around Reno to establish the six weeks' residency required for a quickie Nevada divorce in 1955.
When a Circle E Ranch guest dies after her Cadillac plunges off Mount Rose Highway, a mountain road between Lake Tahoe and Reno, Washoe County Deputy Sheriff Ben Cameron is assigned to investigate the accident. His inquiries lead him to question everyone at the Circle E, where he meets Mary, an attractive prospective divorcée from New York. Unfortunately, Mary soon has an accident of her own. In the meantime, Ben's case takes a turn as twisty as the Mount Rose Highway, and when Mary suffers a second accident, he figures that someone is out to get her. Unless Ben can discover who's targeting the out-of-towners, some of them won't live long enough to have their day in court.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to see what the author brings us next!
Recommend reading.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1955 and Nevada’s lax divorce policy has people all over the country headed to Nevada to live for six weeks. After that they were considered a resident and they could file for divorce. Many people stayed in hotels, boarding houses, or just local’s homes but the elite stayed at the many dude ranches to play with the horses and the ranch hands while waiting their time out.

This story starts when one of the ladies staying at a dud ranch dies. As Deputy Sheriff Ben Cameron is investigating another person staying at a ranch has a terrible accident. Coincident? Maybe but when she suffers another serious accident it starts to look like someone is silencing these women.

Being from Reno, NV I just had to read this book. I loved the familiar settings. Like many of the characters in the story I came for the location but was spellbound by the story. Ben was a great investigator and the story had twists and turns that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I might know what was going on and bang, off in another direction we would go. I was left guessing until the end.

But the best part was this had me curious about divorces and the history of Reno. I was really surprised to learn that this is what helped grow Reno and Las Vegas into the beginnings of what we have today. It was what helped locals survive the Depression when much of the rest of the country was failing.

Anyway, this is a great story and one that I recommend checking out. It is the first book that I have read by Paula Darnell but it definitely won’t be my last.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paula Darnell gives us a beautiful novel with The Six-Week Solution. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and the ending was perfect, though a little bittersweet.

There is a little something for everyone in this novel. You will find murder for hire, quickie divorce proceedings in Reno, and even a hint of romance blossoms in there too. I was pleasantly pleased with every little detail.

However, the ending is a bit bittersweet. I was hoping for one outcome, but when the actual result was revealed, I was okay with it. I actually found myself a little chipper with the way things turned out.

Unfortunately, I was turned off by all the religion that seemed to be mere throwaway references and not really tied to the story. I mean, there is a small amount of story that may benefit from the references, but not enough to enhance the story for me.

One other thing kept me from thoroughly enjoying the story, and it is that the plot drug in a lot of places, and the mystery was all over the place. It seemed that no one had a clue about anything other than there was extreme danger.

All in all, I liked the story, but I wanted more from the characters and from the plot itself. For these reasons, I award The Six-Week Solution 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the author and Shannon of R&R Book Tours for providing me with a copy of The Six-Week Solution in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo - Cup of Toast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reno was known for years as the divorce capital of the world. The history of divorce in the USA, and specifically the legislation in Nevada from 1931 when applicants had to demonstrate residency of just six weeks, is fascinating. This novel touches on this history of the area and imagines some of the women who went through this process.

From the outset Paula Darnell’s language draws you in and delivers a novel full of intrigue, love, friendship, drama and mystery. It doesn’t take long for the suspense to build, with the first twist to the story coming in Chapter 3. The fluidity of Darnell’s language makes this book an easy to read page turner, I read it in two sittings! The plot line is well thought out and leaves you guessing until the conclusion as to who the perpetrator is.

The characterisation is nicely built up across the chapters, and the pace is steady throughout. There is switching between scenes which works well to keep you hooked until the end. The overall length feels spot on, with no extraneous information but enough to feed your imagination clues, location detail and provide a few dead ends in terms of who the culprit might be!

If you enjoy a whodunnit murder mystery, this book is for you.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Six Week Solution is an interesting mystery. Back in the day, the best way to get a divorce was to live in Nevada for six weeks and then after a quick court appearance be free and single. Although the story line was interesting, I felt Darnell over described things, leaving little to the imagination and although it would be good for people with aphantasia I found it to slow down the flow of the story, and made it hard to really immerse myself. Decent read overall.

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda boring

The premise of the book is a good one...Reno is the place to go to establish residency and then divorce your spouse. Very predictable and more development of the characters would have been nice.