Scott Burton in the Blue Ridge

"Scott Burton in the Blue Ridge" by Edward G. Cheyney is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Scott Burton, a forester, as he embarks on a new assignment in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Faced with a complex local feud between the Morgans and the Waits, Scott navigates his responsibilities while attempting to remain neutral in a bitter conflict that influences the community's dynamics. At the start of the novel, Scott Burton grapples with mixed feelings about his transfer to North Carolina for a timber sales job, which he fears might involve detective work related to a contentious logging contract. Upon arriving in the small town of Caspar, he quickly notices the pervasive tension stemming from the longstanding feud between two families and receives warnings about how his decisions could exacerbate the situation. Scott's arrival leads him to encounter various local characters, including an old man named Sanders who provides insight into the feud, and Vic Morgan, a feisty young girl who seeks independence amidst the turmoil. As Scott becomes embroiled in the conflict, he is determined to find a way to bridge the divisions while carrying out his professional duties.