Gretchen Gilman is only thirteen the summer of 1944, but she's managed to get a summer job at the local newspaper. With all the men off fighting the war, the editor was desperate. It's hard work, but she's enjoying herself and gaining great experience.One night, her friend and neighbor Barb comes to her window asking for help. They return to find Barb's mother, Faye, murdered in the living room. Immediately, the rumors start about Faye's dancing at the local tavern every night while her husband is off at the war. But Gretchen finds herself getting more caught up in events that will scandalize a small town and change her life forever.I'll admit this book took a chapter or two to fully get. Each chapter starts with part of a letter the grown up Gretchen has received, a few thoughts of her own, then flashes back to the third person account of the story as it unfolded. Once I got into the story, I was hooked. Foreshadowing keeps the suspense up, while the writing style pulls you in. I felt like I was in the small Oklahoma town that summer with its problems, prejudices, and pride. The ending is as surprising as it is logical and extremely powerful.In spite of all I've heard about her, this is my first Carolyn Hart book. It won't be my last.