Retribution is set in Fryburg, Pennsylvania, a rural town in the Allegheny Mountains. People in this part of the world know their neighbors, watch out for each other and although friendly, they don't take to strangers particularly if they interfere in "family" business. Featured is Chief of Police Judith Verbeck, a small town girl who has returned to her hometown to bring it into the 21st century. The first feat was to become Fryburg County's first female officer, the seed for which was planted by her godfather, Alderman Buzz Moffet. By the Chief's side is Artie Mather, a former Marine turned cop. On the job, Artie is by the book and often has difficulty adapting to small town life and the "leniencies" not offered in larger cities. Artie tends to keep his personal life private, such as his ties to the Wolf Clan of the Seneca Indian tribe. Fryburg is abuzz when Artie's mysterious sister, Dr. Alexandra Passel, arrives in town. "Alex" is eager to solve the mystery of their murdered Seneca ancestors, desecrated sacred burial grounds, and curses that plague the owners of the property. Artie and Alex also explore their Seneca roots with the help of the Clan Mother/grandmother and touch on the creation of Kinzua Dam, a Pennsylvania landmark created by government violation of the oldest treaty in American history. As a former resident of this particular region of Pennsylvania, I want to share the wit and charm of a small town. Fryburg is reminiscent of many small towns in rural Appalachia. Its countryside is breathtaking, its residents quirky, and despite the folklore, this Pennsylvania town's theme song is not "Dueling Banjos." In addition to the historically documented Seneca massacres, the town harbors an unusual cast of characters including Sylvie Grant Hansen, the town bitty so mean she raises attack geese and once made a Jehovah's Witness cry; Emmaline Webster, matronly town gossip; former Olympic swimmer Anabelle Moffet; Bob and Jake Holland, ill-behaved brothers turned community servants; and overzealous high school newspaper reporter Howie Thompson. The book contains mystery, humor, a sorely advised witch hunt, history, and small town politics.
