“Crossroads is a powerful read. . . a complicated and intriguing journey.” Mariel Hemingway.

Crossroads is a journey in the central character’s life, Paris Pennington. The setting is Indianapolis, Indiana, in the early 2000s. Indianapolis is the twelfth largest city in the United States and is best known as the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Where the Indy 500 Race is held annually. The downtown area is well organized, with lots of hotels and restaurants around all the major attractions. But crime is a social problem that does not lend itself to analyzing or treating a city’s face-lift for tourists. The main character, Paris Pennington, is a type-A, non-nonsense powerhouse in the financial community in Indianapolis. However, she is forced to fulfill her civic duty and participate in a murder trial as a juror in a case involving the death of a 15-year-old girl. The case and being nominated as jury foreman created a landslide of harrowing events. The first betrayal is the perceived mistake of a judge giving out the jury foreman’s name (Paris Pennington). The consequence of this event is that Paris Pennington’s life is turned upside down. She is introduced to the world of drama, illness, death, and betrayal, which her well-organized life is ill-prepared for, and her life begins to fall apart.

Acknowledgments & Thanks

A Heartfelt Letter to Our Beloved Book Lovers and Supporters

As I sit down to pen this letter, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy. I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for each and every one of you who has been a part of my incredible writing journey. You have not only shown unwavering support for my work but also made me believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect hearts and minds across the world.

When I embarked on this writing journey, I could have never imagined the incredible community that would blossom around my words. Your love for literature, your passion for books, and your unyielding encouragement have been the driving force behind my creativity. Every time I put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, I do so with you in mind, knowing that there are souls out there eager to devour the stories that unfold within my mind.

Through the highs and lows of my writing process, your presence has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Your reviews, messages, and comments have touched my heart, reminding me that my words have the power to make a difference in your lives. Knowing that my stories have resonated with you and brought a smile to your face or a tear to your eye fills me with immense joy and purpose.

It is because of your support that I find the courage to delve deeper into uncharted territories of imagination, to explore diverse characters and intricate plotlines, and to challenge myself as a writer. You have given me the freedom to dream, and with each book I create, I hope to repay the trust you’ve bestowed upon me.

As we move forward on this journey together, I promise to remain committed to honing my craft, to exploring new genres and ideas, and to delivering stories that will touch your heart and ignite your imaginations. Your loyalty and belief in my work continue to be the wind beneath my wings, propelling me forward.

Finally, I want to extend my gratitude to my team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring my stories to life and ensure they reach bookshelves all around the world. Your dedication and passion are instrumental in making this writing journey a reality.

Once again, thank you, dear book lovers and supporters, for your unwavering belief in me and my writing. Your presence in my life has made all the difference, and I am forever grateful. Let’s continue this beautiful journey together, one page at a time.

With love and admiration, 
Rhonda Parker Taylor
“The key to solving a mystery is looking for the clues and not getting fooled by the smoke and mirrors. Or as the wizard said in the Wizard of Oz, ‘Don’t pay attention to the man behind the curtain.’”