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Abandon Hope---A town in fear

William Strictman, fourteen, witnesses a murder—a murder that has possible links to his father, to his mother, to Dog Ear, the town drunk, to Sheriff Bob. Jim Darby, who bullies and kills and intimidates the townspeople, values no other person’s life but his own. Henry Strictman, a severe father, must contend with his past that has been thrust into the present. Madeline Strictman, whose past is also guarded, must protect both her husband and her son. Dog Ear, once known as Irwin Cranston, a former banker, must regain the community’s respect. Mary Sue Peterson, whose red hair, field-flowered freckles, and demeanor captivates Billy, is a stark contrast to her sister, Myrtle, who works the ranch and “kills varmits that need killing.” The Reverend Gallever, who preaches fire and brimstone, demonstrates compassion when needed and a powerful will when required. Tom Bradstreet, who badgers his friend Billy about Mary Sue, seeks understanding from others about his father. Doc Kennedy’s gruff manner belies his allegiance to the Hippocratic Oath. Abandon Hope, no longer a fierce town of the 1880s but a docile one of 1912, must confront the foreboding dread of a Jim Darby.