William J. Ryan

Sheriff Jessy of Boonies, Kentucky: 2007 William J. Ryan

This is a story about Boonies, a small town located in a secluded mountainous area of Kentucky. In 2007, Boonies has remained almost untouched by modern-day culture. Almost. That is until a tidal wave of crime and corruption invades their quaint society. The residents have grown up with the moralities of the nineteen-fifties, only to have most of their children move away in search of greater opportunities. The few who have remained want to raise their children in a safe, caring environment. They share their town with the older generation, many of whom continue to work past their retirement age in order to survive their own economic despair. Their struggles have been brought on by a government they thought they could trust, only to find they cannot. Boonies faces the intrusion of gangs, bribers, lying politicians, and swindlers. The townspeople are seduced by promises of better jobs and better lives. However, one of the town's pillars is not drawn in by the unscrupulous schemes of outsiders. He is Sheriff Jessy. His gentle, peace-loving ways and his relationship with the town drunk, Zeke, create an unlikely ending to the tale of rescuing Boonies from evil, greedy politicians.