Felicity stretched and yawned in dramatic fashion. She was reluctant to get out of bed but, as always, she’d woken up starving. Today was the day. The big day. The day she would finally get rid of the other woman. She smiled, self satisfied, and stared at her handsome man sleeping just a few inches away. Today is the day, she thought to herself and she calmly, casually walked out of the bedroom. 

After breakfast, she went about her basic routine, pausing now and again to relax before she put her plan into motion. If all went according to plan, the day would explode into a whirlwind of drama and she would find herself alone with her darling love again. Like the old days.

It had been a quiet day. Her beloved had stretched out on the couch for a mid-afternoon nap and Felicity walked slowly upstairs, careful not to attract any unnecessary attention to herself. She stopped to gaze out the window. The other woman, oblivious, unaware that any moment now her life would be torn in two, sat watching television just a few feet away. For a moment, Felicity hesitated. Was it really necessary? After all, there were times when she genuinely liked her rival, enjoyed her presence, even sought her out. But she shook her head and strengthened her resolve. She made a small sound, just enough to get the other woman’s attention.

“Do you want to go on the deck?” the woman said, her attention finally pulled away from the ridiculous images on her screen. She’d been watching some Christmas musical and grinning like an idiot.

Felicity nodded and followed the other woman onto the deck. She was restless and paced as the woman watched her, bemused. It’s time, she thought.

And without another thought, she threw herself over the rail. She felt a rush of fear, but as she fell, she glimpsed the other woman, a look of pure horror spread across her face and Felicity’s fear was replaced with sheer exhilaration.  She was pretty sure she would survive the fall but was pleasantly surprised to find that she’d landed without injury. Slowly, cautiously, she made her way to the side of the house. Behind her, she heard voices filled with alarm.

The air outside was crisp and welcoming. Felicity felt a freedom that she’d rarely experienced. Her life would be different if she could only make it away, to safety. She crept along the side of the house and was quite sure she’d made it when a pair of warm hands wrapped around her middle.

“Bad kitty” said the soothing voice of her beloved. And he carried her inside, past the sobbing woman on the steps. Her plan was thwarted. As soon as he put Felicity down, he rushed to find out how SHE was doing. The concern on his face made it perfectly clear. Felicity groaned. SHE was here to stay. 

I recently finished reading the second book in Michael McGarrity's trilogy which details the history of the Kerney family. McGarrity is well-known for his crime novels featuring Kevin Kerney as the central character. These new books explore Kerney's ancestry.  

As a native of the Tularosa Basin, I thoroughly enjoy McGarrity's vivid descriptions of region and its people. As I was reading Backlands, I was transported to the dusty barren landscapes and I could visualize the gorgeous New Mexico sunsets. McGarrity has done his research. He skillfully and convincingly intertwines the history and culture of the area into the lives of his fictional characters. For those who love the Southwest, McGarrity's books offers beautiful imagery, along with geographic and historic accuracy. 

Michael McGarrity creates characters that are believable and relatable, even when they are despicable. While the Kerney men are central to the story, his depictions of the women in the Kerney world as strong and vital figures is unwavering. A girl can wrap her imagination around these smart and capable ranching women, lending balance to a story that might otherwise be historically and culturally male dominant. 

I would strongly recommend Michael McGarrity's historical fiction trilogy. Pick up a copy of Hard Country before Backlands and then we'll all wait with baited breath till the final piece of the chronicle is released next year!