The Gallows Flower

Catine Ketcher was born into the worst possible situation for a woman in her country. Although she is beautiful and exceptionally bright, she is also the elder daughter of the official executioner. In a land where women are treated as second-class citizens, Catine is considered to be the most undesirable creature on earth.

Virtually ignored by society, she is encouraged by her father to enjoy many forbidden freedoms. She rides horses, dines with the men in her family, and is permitted to roam about the countryside unescorted. After she is discovered reading a book by the young Count Maricus, she also embraces the pleasures of a secret love affair.

But Catine's strong spirit will take her to places where no woman has ever dared to dream. When her father's assistant is murdered and there is no one willing to take his place, she considers the unthinkable...learning the trade of the gallows.