Setting for The Desert Hedge Murders

Although the second Sylvia and Willie mystery begins in Laughlin, Nevada, much of the adventure takes place in and around the gold-mining town of Oatman, Arizona. Oatman is located more than a dozen miles east of Bullhead City, in the northwest corner of Arizona, across the Colorado River from Laughlin.

Not much, if any, gold mining takes place these days. Most of the traffic to and through Oatman consists of tourists and historic Route 66 motorcycle enthusiasts. The town is full of shops, artists, and good eats, ranging from buffalo burgers to ice cream. It is said at least one ghost hangs out at the Oatman Hotel.

Burros, descendants of those that once toted miners' gear from camps to claims, roam the streets and beg carrots from visitors and townfolk.

The scenery is striking, especially when seen from a quiet place where only the wind and the cheeping of baby quail disturb the silence.