Book Review: Retribution, Inc.: A Brackard's Point Novella

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

Retribution, Inc.: A Brackard's Point Novella Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Geoff Cooper
Class/Genre: Mystery Fiction Horror
Cemetery Dance, 2005, $30.00

In Brackard's Point, New York, guitarist Ronnie leaves the band Retribution, Inc. to attend the Full Sail audio
production program in Florida. His departure leaves base playing singer Chuck and drummer Mark in need of a
guitarist fast since they are the opening act for renowned Your Kid's On Fire at an upcoming concert. Mark tries
to persuade Joey to leave Chaos Theory, but he refuses. Desperate, the duo tries an open audition hoping someone
in Westchester, Putnam, or Bergen Counties can strum a guitar.

Ernie the nerd looks anything like a fierce rock band member, but he plays angry punk rock with compassionate
and skill. He learns his segues fast and apparently has the gig though whenever he plays his fingers bleed.
However, when Joey becomes free, Mark wants to drop Ernie for the better imaged guitarist, but Chuck disagrees.
Will the band break up over the selection of the third member or will they find a compromise? Neither Chuck nor
Mark is ready for the destructive path their disagreement leads them to.

RETRIBUTION, INC. is a tremendous lyrical portrayal of a local rock and roll band buckling under the stress of
replacing a member that might simply end with the break-up as egos take control of the decision process. The
story line though only involving four individuals runs the gamut of the five stages of group dynamics from
forming (in this case re-forming), norming, storming, performing and adjourning; though that climax to the group
seems overkill. Each of the four musicians is unique bringing different skills and personalities to the band.
Fans will appreciate this dark look at the competitive egomaniacal nature of music band members even those who
are just escaping garage grunge.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner