Whatever Happened to Rosa Lee? by J L Stone is a simple novella set in the old West. Fifteen-year-old Benjamin Alfred Sweetwater has left his safe, comfortable family life in Alabama to head to his elderly grandfather's farm out west. Benjamin has never met his grandfather but he is going to assist him in running the farm in his later years. After meeting the sheriff’s daughter, Rosa Lee, in town, she offers to ride with him to show him the way to his grandfather’s farm. After a loving reunion with his grandfather, Ben is shocked and terrified to find himself in the town jail awaiting trial for the disappearance and possible murder of Rosa Lee. Ben, the last known person to have seen Rosa Lee alive, is suspect number one and the sheriff, her father, is out for blood. Ben and his grandfather have but a few days to find Rosa Lee and probably save himself from the hangman’s noose. Throw some ruthless cattle rustlers into the mix and you have all the makings of a Wild West mystery.

Whatever Happened to Rosa Lee? is a short, punchy story that is easy to read in a single sitting. Author J L Stone has created an interesting mystery that is clean and suitable for all ages. Although it is listed as Christian fiction, the faith component is very small, and although significant to the principal character, it does not define the story in any way. The story is first and foremost a missing person narrative and the search for answers to clear Ben’s name and potentially save his life. Due to the short length of the novel, the focus is very much on plot and action rather than character development but the author has managed to create some interesting twists and turns. I particularly appreciated how the sheriff’s relationship with the missing Rosa Lee allowed his judgment and sense of fairness to be somewhat distorted from his official role as a lawman to that of a worried father. The character of the judge as a leveling counter to the sheriff’s rashness is also telling. This is a gentle, fun read that flows effortlessly through the events portrayed. I can recommend this to anyone who appreciates a cozy Wild West story.

Fifteen-year-old Ben Sweetwater arrives from Alabama in a small Western town to offer his rancher grandfather a helping hand. Rosa Lee, the daughter of the local sheriff, Alan Jackson, is eager to show him the way to Mr. Sweetwater's ranch. She leads Ben to the forest near the ranch, where they say goodbye to each other. Soon after meeting his grandfather, Ben learns from the outraged Sheriff Jackson and his deputy, Hal Winters, that Rosa Lee is missing, and he is the last person who spoke to her. Sheriff Jackson throws Ben in jail. Reverend Johnson advises Ben to seek the Lord through prayer. Will Ben prove his innocence to the desperate father of the missing girl? Whatever Happened to Rosa Lee? by J. L. Stone is for fans of mystery, suspense, Christian fiction, drama, Western, and historical fiction.

In J. L. Stone's Whatever Happened to Rosa Lee? the events unfold very quickly. The twists in the plot are nail-biting, and it is easy to root for the main character, Ben. The suspense grows gradually, and the carefully crafted versions of what may have happened to Rosa Lee engage us in the narrative. Also, Stone enables us to experience the atmosphere of a historical Western town, where people can be rude, yet they work hard, and prayer is an integral part of their lives. Ben finds himself in a difficult situation. While the sheriff is biased, Ben can rely only on the Lord and His higher justice. The author explores how our faith changes when impacted by life challenges. I especially recommend this meaningful book to young adult readers who want to feel a connection with the Lord.

Fantastic reading! Exciting from beginning to end!