Synopsis of The Gilded Harvest: A County Fair Mystery
In the fall of 1892, the Polk County Fair in Bartow, Florida, is in full swing, promising wholesome entertainment, competitions, and community pride. But beneath the cheerful facade, something sinister is brewing. When amateur sleuths Ruby Lancaster, James Whitaker, and their eager young friend Henry stumble upon suspicious financial records, they uncover a web of corruption stretching far beyond the fairgrounds.
As they dig deeper, they discover that the fair's auctions and livestock sales are being used as a front for money laundering. The conspiracy involves some of the town's most powerful figures, including high-ranking officials with much to lose. With danger closing in, the trio must outmaneuver ruthless criminals, decode hidden messages, and survive deadly encounters-all while navigating the chaos of a county fair teetering on the edge of scandal.
When a storm breaks out on the final night, the stakes rise to a fever pitch. A thrilling chase through the fairgrounds leads to the ultimate confrontation, where Ruby and her friends must expose the truth before the conspirators can silence them for good. With the town's future hanging in the balance, they embark on a high-risk gambit to publicly unveil the corruption in a shocking, unforgettable finale.
The Gilded Harvest: A County Fair Mystery is a gripping historical adventure packed with suspense, small-town intrigue, and a trio of young detectives determined to bring justice to their home.