March 2023 MBR The Western Fiction Shelf

The Western Fiction Shelf

Kinsman of the Gun
Walton Young
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444848670, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 276pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kinsman-of-the-gun-walton-young/1130920564

Synopsis: Cheyenne, 1888. Ezra McPherson is a gunfighter who cannot escape the past, and Luke Tisdale is a young doctor whose brother has been murdered. Marcus Stokesbury and Eloise Endicott are journalists who are intrigued by the mystery surrounding Ezra. Then there's Richard Swearingen, a cattle baron who seeks to establish a kingdom in Wyoming; and Andrew Swearingen, a man who has killed -- but who is now willing to take extraordinary steps to prevent bloodshed. Together, they will all become embroiled in a story of love, greed, betrayal, and sacrifice.

Critique: A riveting western with more plot twists and turns than a Disneyland roller-coaster, "Kinsman of the Gun" by Walton Young is a fun read and especially recommended for dedicated fans of western action/adventure novels. It is also a valued addition to community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Dr. Walton Young, senior professor of English at Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, GA, teaches creative writing (fiction), American literature survey courses, twentieth-century American literature, Georgia literature, and Southern literature.

The Gallows at Gila Bend
Paxton Johns
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444850079, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 232pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gallows-at-gila-bend-paxton-johns/1136775908

Synopsis: A vacancy has appeared in the riverside settlement of Gila Bend, Arizona. When the incumbent marshal, Bill Owen, is killed by a drunk, the English aristocrat Born Gallant steps in to fill the void. Little does he know that his spell as this town's badge-bearer will be far more eventful than he predicted. He won't have to handle the danger alone, though. With the help of some old companions, he must bring peace to a town under the shadow of murder, a bank robbery and corruption.

Critique: A fun read that will especially appeal to western fiction fans who appreciated originality and a fully engaging storyline, this large print paperback edition from the Linden Western Library "The Gallows of Gila Bend" by Paxton Jones is unreservedly recommended for their personal reading lists. "The Gallows of Gila Bend" will also prove to be an enduringly popular addition community library collection of western novels.

Editorial Note: Born in Liverpool in 1936, and raised in North Wales during the war years Paxton Johns began writing short stories whilst in the army in the 1960s. He worked for ten years as a freelance writer and photographer for two North Wales newspaper groups and has had published some sixty non fiction books and novels. Now a widower, he is still writing and teaching.

Drifter's Revenge
Steve Hayes
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444850062, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 218pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drifters-revenge-steve-hayes/1136491074

Synopsis: No matter where he went, the man known as Drifter always came back to Santa Rosa, New Mexico -- the nearest thing he had to a home. When trouble brewed outside town, though, Drifter wanted no part of it, but fate had other ideas. Against his better judgment he signed on to help a sodbuster named Albright, and when the time came, he took Albright's side against Stillman, the cattle baron determined to claim Albright's land. Drifter should have saddled up and made dust, but that wasn't his way. Besides, there was Albright's wife, Hannah, and her daughter to think about. And though he tried to resist his feelings, they still stole his heart. So he loaded his guns and stepped out to challenge Stillman's rawhiders.

Critique: A inherently riveting novel in which you can almost smell the gunsmoke, this large print paperback edition of "Drifter's Revenge" perfectly showcases author Steve Hayes impressive master of the action/adventure western genre. Highly recommended for the personal reading lists of all dedicated western enthusiasts, this edition from the Linford Western Library series is solidly recommended for community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: There is a listing of the published novels by Steve Hayes on the Goodreads website at: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/631255.Steve_Hayes).

North of the Line
Paul Bedford
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444848885, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 240pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/north-of-the-line-paul-bedford/1130920565

Synopsis: Deputy United States Marshal Jesse Bronson is sent north of the line into Canada, to assist with the capture of two highly dangerous American outlaws -- Brin Carson and Vern Hatcher. The two of them have joined up with a gang of ruthless Metis led by Gabriel Dumont. Their joint aim is to target the Canadian Pacific Railroad, as yet untouched by train robberies. To his surprise, Bronson discovers that he is to be partnered with Samuel Bairstow of the Northwest Mounted Police. But, thanks to Dumont's brutality, Bairstow has a personal score to settle that could jeopardize the whole mission.

Critique: This direct sequel to "The Lawmen", this is one of those westerns with more plot twists, turns and surprises than a Disneyland roller-coaster. "North of the Line" by Paul Bedford is a fully engaging read from first page to last. This large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library series is certain to be a popular addition to community library Western Fiction collections -- and is unreservedly recommended to the attention of all dedicated action/adventure western fans that appreciated the pairing of an American Deputy Marshall with a Canadian Mounted Police going up against a violent and ruthless company of killers.

Editorial Note: Paul Bedford (https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4575218.Paul_Bedford) has a strong interest in the history of the American frontier. He tries to make his western novels as factually accurate and realistic as possible.

The Other Madden
Brent Towns
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444848816, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 215pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-other-madden-brent-towns/1130032731

Synopsis: There is oil on Madden land and Bren Deavers means to have it. But when Joe Madden is killed and sent home wrapped in barbed wire, things heat up. For the Maddens are fighters and Elmira and Emily are going to do just that. But Joe also had a brother. One nobody talked about. The dangerous one. They just referred to him as -- the other Madden!

Critique: Here is everything a western novel needs to have -- villains, heroes, maidens in distress, and pulse pounding gun fights! Brent Towns is a master of the western genre and once again proves it with his riveting novel, "The Other Madden". This large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library series is highly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: A complete (and impressive) list of western novels by Brent Towns is at: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Brent%20Towns%22

Trail of Lead
Mike Deane
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444848854, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 243pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trail-of-lead-mike-deane/1130032729

Synopsis: After the Baxter Springs bank is robbed, a bloody shootout between the thieves and the town's lawmen leaves only one bandit alive - Charlie Weston, who escapes with the stolen money. Marshal Pete Baker and Deputy Joe Flaherty, already under threat of losing their badges, strike a bargain with Mayor Dell: they will track down Weston and the money within two months. If they fail, they'll resign. As Weston falls in with a wagon train heading west, the pursuit begins.

Critique: Western action/adventure at its very best, "Trail of Lead" by Mike Deane is the quintessential manhunt novel featuring many an unexpected plot twist and turn. This large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library series is certain to be a welcome addition to personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: An impressively extensive listing of books by Mike Dean is readily available at https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/16905.Michael_Dean

Last Chance Saloon
Cole Shelton
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444848687, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 252pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-chance-saloon-cole-shelton/1130032739

Synopsis: Former gunfighter Brett Cassidy now leads a peaceful life as a trapper. Then he receives a letter from Lonesome Valley, begging him to consider coming out of retirement to help the homesteaders there in their fight against a greedy rancher. Though Cassidy has hung up his twin Colts, the letter is written by Harmony McBeath, the widow of a man who once saved Cassidy's life. He owes her something for that. So he straps on his Peacemakers and heads out.

Critique: "Last Chance Saloon" by Cole Shelton is the kind of gunfighter novel that they used to make block-buster films from in the Golden Age of western movies and TV shows. A riveting read with more unexpected plot twists and turns than a Disneyland roller-coaster, this large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library series is a 'must read' selection for personal reading lists and an enduringly popular choice for community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Cole Shelton is a veteran writer of action packed western novels. An impressive listing of them can be found at (https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/7160486.Cole_Shelton)

Hellraiser!
Sam Clancy
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
https://www.ulverscroft.com
9781444848632, $24.50, Large Print, PB, 221pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hellraiser-sam-clancy/1130032747

Synopsis: After his last indiscretion, Bass sends Josh Ford to Texas. Let him be someone else's headache for a while. The marshal there is an old friend and welcomes the badge-toting hellraiser with open arms and a whole wagon load of trouble. Then word comes that Bass is missing and Ford swears he'll walk through the fires of Hell itself to find out what has happened to his father. In the end, he does just that. Shoulder to shoulder with a marshal called Willis and a fast gun named Laramie Davis.

Critique: A truly gripping and inherently engaging read that will appeal to readers with an interest in action/adventure, gunplay packed western novels, "Hellraiser!" by Sam Clancy fully lives up to the promise f its title! With many a fascinating twist and turn, and highly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections, "Hellraiser!" is one of those stories that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book has been finished and set back upon the shelf.

Editorial Note: An extensive listing of the novels by Sam Clancy is readily available at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16371002.Sam_Clancy

Murphy's Revenge
Ethan J. Wolfe
Five Star Publishing
c/o Gale Cengage Learning, Inc.
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
https://www.gale.com/five-star
www.cengageptr.com
9781432895648, $25.95, HC, 248pp

https://www.amazon.com/Murphys-Revenge-Regulator-Ethan-Wolfe/dp/1432895648

Synopsis: Book 7 of Ethan Wolfe's 'The Regulator' series, "Murphy's Revenge" finds Murphy living a quiet life of semi-retirement with his wife, Kai, and their newly adopted baby in their home outside Fort Smith, Arkansas. Kai (part Navajo) teaches on the reservation in the Indian Nation in the Ozarks.

Murphy is called back into service when William Burke, special advisor to President Arthur, shows up in Fort Smith with an assignment. New York Governor Grover Cleveland is running for president and Arthur wants Murphy to head up Cleveland's security detail for a six-week tour. Murphy has no choice but to accept the assignment.

While Murphy travels to New York, Kai visits Murphy's parents at their farm in Tennessee. They grow corn and use it to make bourbon whiskey that is sold to a bottling company. After one hundred barrels are sold to the bottling company, two of the men hired to do labor in the warehouse, Tom Holland and John Moats, enter the house and demand money from Murphy's father. He gives them twenty thousand dollars, but before they leave, Moats has ideas about Kai. Murphy's father intercepts Moats and is shot and killed.

It's time for Murphy to do what he does best.

Critique: A riveting read from cover to cover, "Murphy's Revenge" is still another solid western that deftly combines historical mystery with gunplay action/adventure. Simply stated, "Murphy's Revenge" is especially recommended for community library Western Fiction collections -- and an absolute 'must read' selections for the legions of Ethan Wolfe fans.

Editorial Note: An extensive listing of novels by Ethan J. Wolfe can be found on the GoodReads website at https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/8435053.Ethan_J_Wolfe

Pony Boys
Richard Prosch
Five Star Publishing
c/o Gale Cengage Learning, Inc.
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
https://www.gale.com/five-star
9781432899103, $25.95, HC, 243pp

https://www.amazon.com/Pony-Boys-Curse-Niobrara-Trilogy/dp/1432899104

Synopsis: In 1879, the notorious horse thief Doc Middleton rules the Niobrara rough country west of Holt County, Nebraska, with a loose affiliation of young outlaws, dubbed the Pony Boys. Albert "Kid" Wade, August John, Windy Barnes, Boots Harper, and a dozen other amoral roughnecks spent their days stealing horses, raising hell, and generally having the time of their lives.

But nothing lasts forever, and the unorganized territories west are succumbing to complaints from settlers and the Indian agencies alike. What happens to the Pony Boys when law and order lands hard-and ruthless-at the end of a rope? As Doc struggles with change, and Kid Wade fights white-knuckled against it, young Augustus "Gus" John faces the most important challenge of his life. A challenge that is certain to tear at the fabrics of loyalty and friendship, rending the Pony Boys apart forever.

Critique: A fictionalized account of Doc Middleton and the Pony Boys' decline during the historical summer of 1879, with the publication "Pony Boys", western author Richard Prosch has deftly crafted the kind of gun-blazing western that will have immense appeal for dedicated western action/adventure fans. Simply stated, "Pony Boys" is a fun read and recommended for both personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Richard Prosch (http://www.richardprosch.com) has had his stories appear in numerous novels, short story collections, Wild West, True West, and Down & Out magazines and online at ToughCrime.com and Boys' Life. He won the Western Writers of America Spur Award and took home a Will Rogers Medallion for short fiction. His Dan Spalding crime novels capture his love for classic vinyl and martial arts. He writes at SubStack.com about crime fiction, growing up in the West, and jazz music.

Mud, Blood, and Beer
L. J. Martin
Five Star Publishing
c/o Gale Cengage Learning, Inc.
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
https://www.gale.com/five-star
9781432897871, $25.95, HC, 223pp

https://www.amazon.com/Mud-Blood-Beer-Collection-Western/dp/143289787X

Synopsis: "Mud, Blood, and Beer: A Collection of Western Stories" is comprised of nine short stories by western author L. J. Martin. These include: Part-Time Lawman; Brothers, Undr the Skin; Maybe Dead Ain't So Bad?; Glory Be; Dreaming a Way; Gospel of the Gun; No Irish Need Apply; Glory Hole; Eye for Eye.

Critique: Featuring everything a dedicated fan of western action/adventure stories could want, the sort stories of veteran author L. J. Martin which were selected, collected, and published in "Mud, Blood, and Beer" are fun reads and highly recommended to the attention of western fans and community library Western Fiction collections. For those to whom this anthology is their first introduction to the work of L. J. Martin it should be noted that she has an extesnive website at https://ljmartin.com/my-fiction that lists her work.

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