Book is a murder mystery. I read it during the late nineties.
I am sure it was printed from 1985 onwards. It is a murder mystery. A woman goes to the southern states of america to take over a house. She meets a man who is the black sheep of his family. He is a loveable rogue. There is a fight in a bar. Later the young daughter of the bar owners goes missing and is found dead. I think there has been at least one other murder before this. There is some cajun accents and southern music and food mentioned in the novel. The book is written in the style of Nora Roberts and early Tami Hoag. It may well be one of theirs, but I have not been able to find it. The main male and female characters eventually end up together.
Really enjoyed this story, would be very grateful for any help received.

Found it "Cry Wolf". A good one for the beach.

Anyone know if Wally Lamb has a new book in the pipeline
Two of the best books I have ever read were written by him.
"She comes undone" and "I know this much is true."
Excellent.