Witch Dance

Jergen County #7

by Richard Powell

As summer draws to a close, Jergen County seems at peace with the world. Only a sniper shooting livestock disturbs the tranquility, and Murphy is hot on his trail. The Jergen County women form a dance group for the annual fall festival. Modeled on the witch dance, sweeping the world, celebrating feminine power. On his way to achieving his dream of owning a Harley-Davidson dealership, Hector expands his business. Settled in with Charmain and Jordan, Bonnie prepares to start school.
Then everything goes to Hell! First, a state investigator threatening to put Bonnie in foster care makes their life a living Hell. Next, the livestock sniper switches to humans. As the phantom’s death toll mounts, tensions rise. Finally, Jergen County becomes an armed camp. People carry guns everywhere. With accidental shootings and the sniper’s deadly work, the death toll skyrockets.
While the law hunts the sniper in this vigilante atmosphere, the ladies unite to stem the violence. Prove they can do more than dance with brooms!
Will the law catch the killer? Can the women succeed? Will they rip Bonnie from the first proper home she’s had in years?
Come find out!

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2021

About the author

Yes, I am a pirate 200 years too late. The cannon don't thunder there's nothin' to plunder I'm an over 60 victim of fate. Arrivin' too late. Been my fate.

My apologies, to Jimmy Buffet.

Moving away from the legend, officially I arrived in this world an Iowan. Notice, unlike many from this fine state I didn't say Hawkeye. Instead of attending that fine institution of higher learning, I chose the Harvard of the Midwest, Drake University. (Though some might say Harvard is the Drake of the East.) Where I completed a Masters Degree. After convincing myself I needed further educating I completed my Doctoral Studies at Ohio University, in Athens Ohio. At this point, I also need to mention that contrary to popular opinion. Ohio is the Bobcat State. (Who would want to be thought of as some kind of poison nut? Even squirrels don't eat buckeyes)

Excuse me had to pause at this point to recover. Patted myself so hard on the back, I got a cramp.

Yes now, where was I?. Oh yes, I just finished sharing my intellectual credits.

While employed as a Psychologist, I dabbled in the forensic area of the field. Not just child custody, but identifying and working with real evildoers. Most are ordinary people like you and I. (At least I hope I'm ordinary in that regard) But there are true monsters out there. How they got to that point is often heart-rending, but once they reach that point, they need to be put away to keep the rest of us safe. Not abused mind you. As that road usually led to where they are, but comfortable and confined.

Moving on. I met and married a wonderful woman, why she picked me or didn't at least avoid me successfully I am uncertain. I would put her picture here, but she refused to allow it. Doesn't want to be hassled by the paparazzi while shopping. That can be quite annoying I'm sure.  The fact that we've remained together for thirty years is a testament to her strength.

Together we produced three children, two boys, and a girl. All awesome despite my influence.

I have always been a scribbler of sorts but took a hiatus from fiction while I practiced my profession. Retired now I have time to devote to this craft. I hope what I produce provides you as much pleasure as I get from producing it.