Murder in the Backcountry

The brutally tortured body of a young man was found in the old Jasper Quarry which had been closed for two decades. Deputy Bill Sparks of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate. Bill’s investigation leads to several suspects. In his search for the killer, he discovers a military explosives container hidden in the quarry. He also finds a controversial lapel pin near the container. The numbers on the container lead him to the Rapid City Air Force Base for help in discovering where the container came from, and what it contained.Before Deputy Sparks can determine what is going on, and who is involved, a local campground owner is murdered. A search of the victim’s home and the buildings in the campground revealed some disturbing items that helped Bill discover the murderer of both men, and what was really happening in the backcountry of the Black Hills.Murder in the Backcountry is a mystery that takes place in 1948. Historical note: the air base outside of Rapid City was Rapid City Air Force Base at the time of this story. In 1953, it was renamed Ellsworth Air Force Base.

I was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and have lived in South Dakota over thirty years with the past almost fifteen years in Custer. I studied American history with emphasis on the 1700's to 1900's. My career background is medical and law enforcement. I began writing fictional stories over twenty-five years ago, and I write in several genres primarily westerns and mysteries. I have taken numerous courses in the art of writing. The backgrounds for my stories come from places I have visited, history, backs of menus, and life. I'm a member of The Black Hills Writers Group.