Branded

"Branded" by Francis Lynde is an early 20th-century novel that follows Herbert Weyburn, a young man whose life is shattered when he's wrongly accused of stealing money from a bank. This accusation stems from the treachery of both a mentor he trusted and a captivating woman named Agatha Geddis. Facing a rigged legal system and the contempt of his community, Weyburn must fight to prove his innocence and reclaim his reputation. The story begins with Herbert reflecting on a troubling commitment he made to Agatha and the damage caused by her father's actions at the bank. As he's arrested for a crime he didn't commit, he remembers his history with the Geddis family and the alluring yet perilous Agatha. Although innocent, Herbert understands that due to the circumstances of his case, his life is spiraling out of control, setting thescene for a tale of betrayal, the pursuit of redemption, and the impact of choices made while under pressure.