Detective Gus Singleton has been paired to work with local law enforcement Dakota Fields in the backwoods community of Cherry Creek. The two law enforcement partners search for the missing girl-Elizabeth Pollard whose father is the bishop of the church that has a stronghold throughout the community. Throughout their case they encounter scarecrows, bells, and a local pariah named Roland Dial. Singleton must learn the inner workings of the sleepy town and its religious corruption and how institutions such as religion and education clash and intersect in rural America.

This story may interest readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, thrillers, and noir that has a driving plot with heavy dialogue from distinct characters. Readers who enjoy the works of classic crime authors such as Dashiell Hammett, Elmore Leonard, and James M. Cain may draw interest from "Blue-Ribbon Winner." The cinematic style of the piece invokes influences from thrillers such as those from David Mamet, Brian De Palma, and Kathryn Bigelow.

The author, Bryan Cothrun was raised in the town of Pinedale in Navajo County Arizona. He currently resides in Tucson where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English & Creative Writing from The University of Arizona. He enjoys literature, film, coffee, the desert sky, and Phoenix Suns basketball.