In the serene expanse of South Dakota’s western region, Deputy Sheriff Paul McKinley’s tranquil county is disrupted by the arrival of a fundamentalist Mormon cult. Intrigued by their presence, Paul’s curiosity turns to concern when he witnesses young boys being ostracized by the very same cult. Motivated by empathy, he embarks on a mission to aid these boys, only to uncover a far more distressing situation of young girls forced into marriages with older men. Fueled by an unwavering resolve, Paul confronts legal and personal challenges in his quest to bring an end to this injustice.
A Menace to the Community weaves a captivating tale of Paul’s intricate struggles. He forms an unexpected alliance with a talented young woman lawyer, united in their efforts to rescue the girls and combat the perils of the cult. As their shared fight intertwines with a burgeoning romance, the stakes grow higher. Meanwhile, Paul’s pursuit of justice takes an additional dimension as he endeavors to solve the mysterious death of a young Native American woman within the county’s boundaries. Confronting racism, a charismatic cult leader, and the haunting specter of child abuse, Paul’s indomitable spirit faces the ultimate test. Can he overcome these formidable obstacles and emerge victorious?

T. Patrick Graves lives in Des Moines, Iowa where he is a retired former lawyer and magistrate judge. As a lawyer, he defended numerous criminal defendants. In earlier careers, Tom was an association executive, newspaper reporter and magazine editor. A former freelance writer, he has written two previous novels and has another in the works.