David Conrad Knihy

An unknown sniper is systematically killing the prominent men of Franklin, Illinois. No one knows who will be next. Sheriff Marcus Dixon and Detective Mary Ellen Selvedge must catch the killer, and they must do it with little help from the local police or from anyone outside. It's 1936 in the heart of the Great Depression. Th ere are plenty of potential suspects- -men who have lost their jobs, had their homes foreclosed, are broke, or who are just plain angry and desperate. Th en, there are the communists, anarchists, and fascists, all of whom are becoming more active in the Depression. Marcus and Mary Ellen are in love, but they must put their marriage plans on hold until they can catch the killer. Th eir investigations take them from the homes of the rich and powerful in Franklin to a miserable shack in shantytown, even to a training camp for the German American Bund. Every new shooting by the sniper raises the levels of fear and panic in the people of Franklin, and Marcus and Mary Ellen must bring the killer to justice before the town comes apart.

Set against the backdrop of the post-Civil War era, the narrative follows cavalry officer Clay Jordan and his wife Kathleen as they navigate their reunion after a long separation. Clay's new role in the all-black Tenth Cavalry Regiment in Kansas presents challenges, including training inexperienced recruits and managing tensions with the Kiowa and Comanche tribes. The regiment faces adversity, particularly racism, yet ultimately earns respect from the Native Americans, who affectionately name them buffalo soldiers.

It is 1899 as twenty-three-year-old Jackie Lindquist settles into a window seat on the train to St. Paul. Dissatisfied as a school marm, Jackie waves goodbye to her forlorn parents on the platform as her former life disappears behind her. Jackie does not look back, only ahead, for she is seeking adventure, riches, and possible romance-and she hopes to find it all amid the Klondike gold rush. Jackie quickly learns that a beautiful young woman traveling alone must face many challenges-one of which is dealing with lecherous men. Determined to not let anyone stop her from realizing her dreams, Jackie transforms her appearance that night and becomes Jack Lindquist. After she continues on to Seattle, she temporarily transforms back into a woman, finds a creative way to fund the remainder of her trip, and soon partners with the handsome Matt Stonemark. While making the dangerous trek to the Klondike, the two rescue and acquire another partner, the newly-widowed Maureen Wilson. As the trio finally reaches their destination in Canada, now only time will tell if each will find exactly what they are seeking. In this historical tale, three partners seeking adventure, love, and riches in the Klondike gold rush must learn to rely on perseverance, courage, and each other to make their dreams come true.