West Coast’s first published novel a torrid page-turner

Published: Nov. 29, 2019, 2 p.m.

She had a record of uninhibited and acerbic writing; she was preparing what appeared to be a super-racy tell-all memoir; and she had just secured a divorce from a prominent community member about whom they’d all heard some pretty tantalizing rumors. What was not to like? (French Prairie, Marion County; 1854) (For text and pictures, see http://offbeatoregon.com/1909d.margaret-bailey-oregons-first-authoress-2of2-566.html)