Really enjoyed the story; looking forward to the the rest if series.
Maxwell is a big fish in a small pond, having moved from the big city to set up a local general practice. He is not amused that he is the new focus of local gossip, even though he gives the townsfolk plenty of fodder. When he meets Royce, the local sheriff, there is an attraction, though neither man is sure about the other.
The mystery/murder that occurs is intriguing. We get to see the 2 men learn to give a little, trust a bit more - the beginning of a tentative liaison forming. Maxwell becomes a little less prickly, but not enough to keep him from being crabby. I liked that about him!