The Bastard's Mother — J.C. Nicholson

Liberty Blair lives in Southern California and is about to write a novel when she learns her daughter, an only child, is missing.  After filing a Missing Persons Report, she receives a call from a detective in a town just outside of Las Vegas, asking her to identify the body of a woman recently found in his jurisdiction.  Detective John Hatchet has always been known for his backbone and determination.  He's also known for having had more than his share of women.  On the other hand, Liberty has a few problems of her own, like a bad case of misplaced emotions, sexuality, and lack of direction.  This just might hinder Hatchet's resolve in unraveling the mystery. After all he's a detective, not a therapist.