Retribution: A Short Story

Adele Proust is a private person who prefers to explore her world through art and shares her opinions and fights her battles with her brush and canvas. Jack Thomas lives and breathes his activism, and has become a lightning rod for controversy—and police attention.

So when someone steals a priceless blood diamond that Jack targeted in a protest, can Adele trust that Jack’s involvement isn’t more than he admits? As Jack pulls Adele into another web of deception, it causes Adele to question her commitment—and reach deep to find her personal strength and her ability to trust others when she’s introduced to Jack’s friend, Marvin. 

In this diamond caper, readers are introduced into the gritty world of artist Adele Proust and the three main characters of her first novel, Distortion, the debut SWARM mystery/thriller by Buzz Books. The first three chapters of Distortion are included as a bonus at the end of the short story. With a unique urban setting in Houston, memorable characters and fast-paced action, Lucie Smoker delivers.