ON TALL PINE LAKE by Dorothy Garlock
ON TALL PINE LAKE is writer Dorothy Garlock's fiftieth novel. Once again this beloved author, who has been called "the voice of America's heartland," creates a story that takes place in the heartland of America. This book takes place during the 1980's in the forests of Arkansas. There a woman is trying to provide a life for her younger sister but evil forces are afoot who wish them both harm. With typical Garlock style this story plays out with an abundance of drama and romance.
Nona Conrad has been responsible for her younger sister Maggie for most of Maggie's life. It has not been easy for Nona to be both mother and father to the girl and at the same time earn enough money to keep them on their feet. Things are looking up when she gets a job as manager of a fishing camp in Arkansas. She and Maggie can live there along with their good friend Mabel.
Nona and Maggie have a step brother named Harold who they rarely see. So Nona is surprised one day to get a package from him, one which she is instructed in a note from Harold not to open. Shortly thereafter some rough looking men appear in Home, Arkansas and accost Nona. She gets away from them and heads out to Tall Pine Lake where she works.
At the work site she meets Simon Wright who she learns is the new owner of the camp. They get off to a rocky start with Nona bristling at Simon's teasing sense of humor. Both Mabel and Maggie like him but Nona is not convinced he is up to any good. She begins to make plans to pack up Maggie and leave Tall Pines Lake as soon as possible.
Of course as in any good Garlock novel there is soon a murder at the camp. Because of this event, Nona finds herself forced to rely on Simon. He seems to have only her best interests at heart but there is also the possibility he is linked to the secret package from Harold.
Garlock weaves her story skillfully so that the reader is never sure just who is the good guy and who is the bad. Still she makes the attraction between Simon and Nona so intense that they are drawn together even if they are not entirely who they say they are.
This type of story is just readable fun. It is not too complex, not too menacing, and not too simple. It is a straight on love story dressed up with a mystery to add flavor. The romance supports the mystery and vice versa.
If you are in the mood for a good old-fashioned romantic adventure then ON TALL PINE LAKE is the book for you. It will chill you with its mystery and thrill you with the love story. What more could you want! Dorothy Garlock is a writer who satisfies. And that is why she is still a best selling author after fifty books.
ON TALL PINE LAKE is published by Warner Books. It contains 372 pages and sells for $22.99.