Matthew is faced the an unprecedented moral dilemma. He agreed to take Worthy's case, never suspecting the outcome of his involvement. In the 1860's Oregon was a new state and there were new rules or laws concerning slave ownership. Worthy, had a right to have his daughter returned, but once again fate intervened and Worthy finds himself imprisoned, facing the gallows. Can Matthew save him before it's too late?This is a compelling historical fiction mystery based in part on a real case. The attitude regarding blacks often led some to the helpless conclusion that they were not worth defending. They had no future, not way to educate themselves and very little money. This trap would lead Worthy to make a decision that would set a guilty man free, because he felt one man's life was worth more than another's. Matthew disagrees vehemently and fights for justice however he can get it. In the meantime the beautiful con artist sets her sights on Heather's widowed father and attempts to take Heather's inheritance from her. Once more Matthew must try to bring the wily mastermind to justice once and for all. So, there are two crimes Matthew is seeking to bring a close to. His future is also questionable as he isn't sure if he should try to tough it out in Oregon and maybe have a future with Heather, or to pack it all in and return to Ohio. Matthew's character is very honorable, despite his flaws. He is pretty hard on himself at times. Heather is also a likeable person and I admired her for sticking with the man she loved through some shocking truths and very difficult times. The political and judicial corruption was alive and well in 1860 as much as it is today. Men were bribed, promised powerful positions and blindsided by their own goals and greed. There were a lot of bad guys in this one, all with an agenda of their own.
Overall this was an interesting crime drama that explored a painful period in our history. I give this one a B+