Cantua Crossing By Mary Martin Benton

by Marilyn Meredith

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review.

The story opens in 1871 with rancher Harry Caldwell greeting a rider coming onto his property. Tolbert Hughes brings the message that another stage has been robbed by the Vasquez gang. Tolbert’s Aunt Cora Belle was on the stage, but is now missing. Caldwell and Cora Belle have a bit of romantic history, and he sets out to find her.


➡ switch to KingsRiverLife.com for this week's issue ⬅


Set in California’s Central Valley, most particularly in and around Visalia, Cantua Crossing is an intriguing adventure loaded with little known historical tidbits. Yes, there is a mystery to unravel as Caldwell tries to find out where and why Cora Belle has disappeared. There is also the matter of some missing money and who the rightful owner is.



Image source: Mary Martin Benton

As Caldwell makes his way on horseback to locate the woman, he finds the Vasquez gang hideout, is imprisoned, falls for a beautiful senorita, hunted down by the bandidos, and is in a gunfight.

All is not as it seems, many obstacles are put in his way, but nothing deters Caldwell from his mission.

To enter to win a copy of Cantua Crossing, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Crossing,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 27, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address.


Marilyn Meredith is a Springville, CA mystery author of the Tempe Crabtree series and writing as F. M. Meredith, the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. Be sure to visit her website; fictionforyou.com

Comments