Donna Rose and the Slug War (A Cedar Harbor Mystery)

Donna Rose and the Slug War is a rich quilt of small-town Americana, a tale of backyard competition and long-lost secrets - some important enough to kill over. Retired schoolteacher Donna Galbreath isn't as patient with ignorant people as she once was, but she loves her community of Cedar Harbor, WA. Cedar Harbor is changing, though, and this is brought home when she finds the body of Lyle Corrigan, the water board chairman, while on an early morning clam-digging foray. After attacks are made on Lyle's widow and then on Donna, herself, she begins to investigate - along with her neighbor Cyrus, who rescues her and feels that henceforth, protecting Donna has become his duty. The solution requires sorting out the people who had reason to dislike Lyle. In the end, long-held secrets are brought to light and justice is served, along with a peace, of sorts.