Retribution is a historical conspiracy and romance novel. The first word here is "historical," which stems from the root word "history." The reader who wants a formula romance ("Okay, we're in Chapter Seven, time for the two lovers to have a fight") is likely to be disappointed. The majority of this book is true. As with most historical novels, some of the characters actually existed; others did not. Most of those who live in this book were real people, and I have tried to portray their characters as accurately as possible. So, we continue to rightfully ask, how deeply was the Confederate Secret Service involved in the plot to kill Abraham Lincoln? The facts uncovered in researching this question raise more questions than they answer.