Dolores J. Wilson, Jail Bertie and the Peanut Lady

Jail Bertie and the Peanut Lady

Dolores J. Wilson

Medallion, May 2007,

ISBN 1933836113

In Sweet Meadow, Georgia, tow truck driver and mechanic Roberta "Bertie Byrd" Fortney prefers the town council cut the tree down that blocks vision at the Oak and Haverford intersection, but takes action when they don't; she is arrested for tree cutting without a license. Avoiding the anger of the tree-huggers, she wants a traffic light installed at that intersection that has kept her busy with accidents. However, she is willing to settle for asking for an automated counter to validate her case that a light is needed. However, there is no money unless the town council reprograms funding from their Christmas party, which is heresy. Instead they order Bertie to tally the traffic and provide a report of her findings to them. Stunned by their lack of priorities, Bertie and council member Bob Bord heatedly argue her request until he dies of a heart attack, leaving an opening on the council.

Bertie runs for the vacancy against Booger Bailey and his renowned barking goats, making her chances of winning doubtful as everyone knows not to compete against animal stars. It is virtually impossible for her to gain the seat that most people believe her tirade opened up, her opponent has incredible financial backing from a mysterious "redneck mafia" benefactor while she runs her campaign on peanuts.

Bertie is at her delightful best as she tries to do what she believes is right for her town. Although the lighthearted storyline amusingly focuses on small town living in rural Georgia where a debate over a traffic light can become extremely heated and lethal, Bertie owns the tale. Readers will appreciate Bertie's latest antics and escapades as she drives everyone around her to distraction in her latest romp (see BIG HAIR AND FLYING COWS).

Harriet Klausner