Prayers the Devil Answers by Sharyn McCrumb

Prayers the Devil Answers is set in Depression-era Appalachia and explores the ties between a reluctant female sheriff and a condemned man in this stunning and powerfully written novel. Suddenly thrust into the role of primary caretaker for her family following the tragic death of her husband, Ellie Robbins is appointed to serve out his term as sheriff of their rural Tennessee mountain town. The year is 1936, and her role is largely symbolic, except for the one task that only a sheriff can do: execute a convicted prisoner. Sharyn is a New York Times Bestselling author and is perhaps best known for her Ballad series novels.