Retribution

'Retribution' is DV Berkom's first western-themed novel, and first in this brief series centered on protagonist Claire Whitcomb. In a literally fiery opening, Claire is left homeless with her entire family killed before her eyes. Set in and around Leadville, Colorado in 1880, the story tells how Claire seeks help, then seeks justice, then seeks retribution.

One of the strongest aspects of this series is that Claire is blended in with a number of historical characters that add authenticity and intrigue to her adventures. Some of the larger-than-life real people you meet here have already had stories, poetry, and opera (really!) written and performed to this date.

In 'Gunslinger,' Claire leaves Leadville for Tombstone, Arizona Territory at the end of summer 1880 . She has an introductory letter to Wyatt Earp from her mentor, Leadville’s now-retired marshal, Mart Duggan, as she takes the newly connected railroad spur to Pueblo.

Along the way, Claire foils an attempted robbery of the train before they can safely traverse Royal Gorge. She takes on the role of security for a touring actress and her entourage and expects to ensure her safety on the way to Tombstone. Once arrived in the “town too tough to die,” Claire connects with the Earps and befriends Doc Holliday. She is further embroiled in the mystery of the attempts on the life of her thespian protectee and proves her worth as a true Gunslinger.

'Legend' opens in March 1881, and Claire has wintered in Tombstone without getting into too much trouble, but there are some clouds on her horizon, and not only late winter snow. In ‘Legend,’ Claire will have to sort out her ambitions as gunslinger and friend to Holliday and the Earps.

The saga winds back to Leadville, Colorado and finally on to Alaska.

Throughout this saga, Claire is developed as a complex character, Sadly, his may be the end of the short series.