Idaho Code
by Joan Opyr

"Joan Opyr's "Idaho Code," takes place in Cowslick Idaho, a cheery folksy place, where some people get by, others are up to no good, and everyone is looking for love in the imaginary landscape of America. Cowslick Idaho, where family therapy uses a shovel and a gun, is the site of this humorous first novel about lesbian love, the love that dared not say it's name and now can't shut up, according to the heroines of " Idaho Code." The novel is a mystery, with twists and turns and surprising plot developments. "Idaho Code" is not so much a 'whodunit', but a 'why dunit', as the why it was done moves this well written, delightful romp through the end of the line in the back of beyond town of Cowslick, which will give Lake Wobegon the nostalgic heart of where we'd like to live a run for the money as our imaginary home. Cowslick has its cliques, its incompetents, testy geezers, endearing eccentrics, and stumbling local officials who could learn from Barney Fife. Cowslick Idaho is every town in search for the truth. In Bil's case, the heroine of "Idaho Code," the search for truth is a personal search. For only in finding her own personal truth can she lead an authentic life which is a truthful life, true to who she is and true to her love. Only a truthful heroine can untangle the tales the mortals of Cowslip Idaho weave amid religious fanatics and sexual persecution. When you buy "Idaho Code" here in the ultimate home of hope, the last best place, the American West, you stand with the angels."