A Menace to the Community

In the serene expanse of South Dakota’s western region, Deputy Sheriff Paul McKinley’s tranquil county is disrupted by the arrival of a fundamentalist Mormon cult. Intrigued by their presence, Paul’s curiosity turns to concern when he witnesses young boys being ostracized by the very same cult. Motivated by empathy, he embarks on a mission to aid these boys, only to uncover a far more distressing truth: young girls forced into marriages with older men. Fuelled by an unwavering resolve, Paul confronts legal and personal challenges in his quest to bring an end to this injustice.

A Menace to the Community weaves a captivating tale of Paul’s intricate struggles. He forms an unexpected alliance with a talented young woman lawyer, united in their efforts to rescue the girls and combat the perils of the cult. As their shared fight intertwines with a burgeoning romance, the stakes grow higher. Meanwhile, Paul’s pursuit of justice takes an additional dimension as he endeavours to solve the mysterious death of a young Native American woman within the county’s boundaries. Confronting racism, a charismatic cult leader, and the haunting spectre of child abuse, Paul’s indomitable spirit faces the ultimate test. Can he overcome these formidable obstacles and emerge victorious?

T. Patrick Graves is the author of one published novel, with more novels on the way. He is a retired Iowa attorney and magistrate judge. Previously, he worked as an association executive, magazine editor and newspaper reporter. Graves and his wife are both South Dakota natives who now live in Central Iowa. They have two children and four grandchildren, whom they adore. Graves has been writing for many years but began publishing novels upon his retirement from work. Let Us Not Talk Falsely Now was his first published book. His books often recount his experience as a criminal defense lawyer.