High Noon / Nora Roberts / 467 pages / 5 Gold Rings December Challenge

I had expected a Western based on the title of this book even though I knew it would be highly unusual for Nora Roberts.  This is definitely not a Western, but references are made to the classic Western starring Gary Cooper.  Police Lieutenant Phoebe MacNamara is a hostage negotiator for the Savannah police department.  She lives in a wonderful southern mansion left to her by her domineering, controlling aunt with provisions that it could never be sold, used as a B&B or for cottage industry, and that Phoebe must reside therein or it would be sold immediately.  She lives with her agoraphobic mother, seven year old daughter Carly, Anna, the housekeeper.  Phoebe is badly beaten by a fellow cop with serious anger management issues.  When the violence escalates, he is the logical suspect...Phoebe has met Duncan, a cab driver who won millions in the lottery who could very well be the man of her dreams.  Will he become the madman's next target?  This is one of the best Nora Roberts novels I have read.  Beware, however, that it is rife with strong, objectionable language.