Vengeance Is Mine

Police Chief Luke Johnson, widower and parent of twin boys, struggles to restore law and order when confronted by abductions and murder in Somerset, Indiana, his home town. This mystery novel takes us from the Midwest to South America and back, strewing victims of abductions and murders in its wake. Four individuals independently arrive in Somerset and impact Chief Johnson's life. Gino Ciavatta, from NYPD, is hired to bolster Somerset's police force. Lauren Hubble flees an abusive relationship in Nebraska. Ryan Bolger, youth pastor, seeks solace and employment. Aaron Carver follows Lauren to Somerset. Three attractive women in Somerset vie for Luke Johnson's affection: Amelia Conroy, CEO of the small city's largest company, often invites him to escort her to company dinners and dances, hoping to spark his interest in her; Marci Stewart, twin sister to Luke's deceased wife, wonders if he will ever fall in love with her; Lauren Hubble relies on Luke's congenial nature, and her lack of familiarity with Somerset, to win him over. Luke is hesitant in each instance. He believes he has not yet recovered from his wife's death four years earlier. Mark, one of Chief Johnson's twelve-year-old twin sons is kidnapped. Luke receives a ransom note: "Got your kid. You will never see him alive again. Vengeance is mine!" Moses Feltner, an old man living on Sugar Creek, sees a man acting suspiciously in Pine Hills Forest Preserve and reports it to Chief Johnson.