The North Branch Murders

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission decides to study the feasibility of building a dam on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River near Hallstead. Lizbeth Scott Chief Geologist who is sent to manage the studies soon finds herself at the center of a political storm. Bob Botts who engineered the storm sees the economic development possibilities of such a project and moves quickly to get the public to support it.</p><p>The project unites diverse economic groups behind the project and numerous environmental and conservation groups against it. It also attracts the attention of Johnny Johnson a bizarre character sometimes referred to as the town drunk or the horny hermit.</p><p>The murder of Lizbeth Scott who was living with Kate and Ben re-unites the Pierces with Brad Jackson State Police Criminal Investigator. It also starts events that culminate in two other deaths and the climactic shoot out at the Pierces' country home.