June 2023 MBR The Western Fiction Shelf

The Western Fiction Shelf

Aces Wild
E. Jefferson Clay
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850123, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 239pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/Aces%20Wild

Synopsis: They were an odd pair, the one-time Union captain and the former Confederate sergeant. They'd fought each other during the Battle of Pea Ridge -- and then ended up fighting shoulder to shoulder when a common enemy showed his face. Bo Rangle, leader of the guerilla force known as Rangle's Raiders, took advantage of the slaughter to steal what the two opposing forces had been fighting for - two hundred thousand dollars' worth of Confederate gold. Hank Brazos and Duke Benedict never forgot that day, or each other. And when, by chance, their trails crossed again after the War, they decided to team up, find Rangle and reclaim that gold for themselves. And while they were at it, they swore to get revenge for all of their comrades who'd died that day back in 1862.

Critique: E. Jefferson Clay's western novel "Aces Wild", begins the story for fans of our two unlikely (and reluctant) heroes as once again they are involved in gunplay aplenty as they return to their quest for that treasure of Confederate gold" continued in "A Badge for Brazos" . A fun, action packed, and simply riveting read from cover to cover, this large print paperback edition of "Ace Wild" from the Linford Western Library collection is especially and unreservedly recommended reading for all dedicated western novel fans and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: E. Jefferson Clay (www.fantasticfiction.com/c/e-jefferson-clay) is one of the many pseudonyms for Australian author, comic book writer and illustrator Paul Wheelahan.

Escape from the Casa Grande
P. J. Gallagher
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850154, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 222pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/Escape%20from%20the%20Casa%20Grande

Synopsis: Josh Martin has headed West seeking adventure. He finds it -- and also finds a life and death situation, becoming marooned in a lonely desolate valley with no hope of remaining alive unless he can employ the few skills that he possesses. To add to his problems, he also has to care for Ellie, a girl who is the sole survivor of an Apache raid.

Critique: A riveting survival story set in the Old West, "Escape from the Casa Grande" showcases the narrative driven storytelling talents of western novelist P. J. Gallaher. Originally published as A Black Horse Western in 2020, this new large print paperback edition of "Escape from the Casa Grande" is fully recommended for both community library Western Fiction collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated western novel fans.

Editorial Note: P. J. Gallagher served in the British Army. He has written and had published close to 20 articles for The Journal of the Royal Artillery, competed for the past 20 years in Cowboy Action Shooting, and is a collector of antique firearms. There is an extensive listing of his books at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/281621.Paul_Gallagher

Shiloh
Paul Bedford
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850116, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 233pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/Shiloh

Synopsis: When Martha Pootes watched the three Union soldiers approach her parent's farm in Kentucky, she had no inkling of the stark horror they would bring. Raped and left for dead, the young woman manages to impart a very sketchy description of her attackers before breathing her last. Returning to General Grant's Army Of The Tennessee, the men believe that they are in the clear. Unfortunately for them, Martha's uncle just happens to be a Deputy United States Marshal. Knowing only that one of the rapists has a powder burn under his right eye, the marshal joins Grant's forces. But being part of an invading army means that he is not only in mortal danger from the fugitives. There is also the very real risk that in pursuing them, Pootes could be shot by the Confederates defending Fort Henry on the Tennessee River. And that's only the start of it all!

Critique: A classic revenge quest western set against the background of the American Civil War, "Shiloh" by novelist Paul Bedford is an inherently fascinating and carefully crafted, compulsive page-turner of a read from beginning to end. Originally published as A Black Horse Western, this new large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library series is unreservedly recommended for personal and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Paul Bedford (https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/paul-bedford) has a strong interest in the history of the American frontier and specifically strives to make his western novels as factually accurate and realistic as possible.

Enemies of Medicine Feather
Will DuRey
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850142, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 221pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/Enemies%20of%20Medicine%20Feather

Synopsis: A renowned hunter, tracker and guide, few white men know the land west of the Missouri like Weston Gray. The Arapaho and Lakota Sioux people with whom he's lived from time to time call him Medicine Feather and he's acted as interpreter and spokesman for them to avert trouble with the military and at treaty meetings with Washington delegates. Among the people he calls 'friend' are army officers and tribal chieftains who, in order to maintain peace, listen to his advice. But the discovery of gold in the Black Hills has changed the mood on both sides and now, in the summer of 1876, Wes no longer knows if he has any friends along the frontier. He does know that he has enemies.

Critique: With a very special appeal to western fans with an interest in the impact that gold fever had on White and Indian relations, "Enemies of Medicine Feather" by Will DuRey is an original, deftly crafted, action packed read from first page to last. With painstaking attention to getting historical details correct, "Enemies of Medicine Feather" will prove a welcome addition to personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Will DuRey (https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/will-durey) is a life-long student of the history and legends of the Old West. He has been writing western fiction for more than a decade and lives in Northumberland, UK.

The Valerons - Honor Bound
Terrell L. Bowers
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850192, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 258pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-valerons-honor-bound-terrell-l-bowers/1136491101

Synopsis: Nothing grabs a man's total attention like being shot at! Jared Valeron learns that an unknown gunman has tarnished the family reputation by killing a man while impersonating his cousin Wyatt. In trying to track down the culprit, Jared is drawn into an odd mystery at a gold-mining town. Solving the riddle of the killer's target requires discovering a motive for the murder. When his investigative efforts propel him deep into a hole, only his cousins can help dig him out. Before the folly ends, guns will be drawn and bullets will fly. Family honor sometimes comes at a high price!

Critique: Another terrific Valeron western novel from the pen of Terrell L. Bowers, "The Valerons - Honor Bound" deftly combines all the western elements with a puzzle mystery to solve -- if Jared Valeron can stay alive long enough! Highly recommended to the personal reading lists of the legions of Terrell Bowers fans, "The Valerons - Honor Bound" is highly recommended for all community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: A lengthy listing of available novels by western author Terrell L. Bowers can be found at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/102448.Terrell_L_Bowers

Halliday
Adam Brady
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850178, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 216pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/halliday-adam-brady/1136815778

Synopsis: Judge Cowper of Shimmer Creek hires Buck Halliday to take care of a problem. Jason Henley has taken over the town lock, stock and barrel, and now expects every other businessman to pay him protection money. Halliday might have dealt out death before, but he isn't a killer for hire. Still, maybe he can convince Henley that it might be better for his health if he makes dust and heads for someplace else. Trouble is, Henley has more lives than a cat. And to get to him, a feller first has to go through his pet gunman, the notorious Rafe Murchison. It appears to Halliday that he really is going to earn his money on this job...

Critique: A riveting read that launched a popular series of westerns by novelist Adam Brady featuring Buck Halliday, this large print paperback edition of "Halliday" from the Linford Western Library collection will leave enthusiastic readers and community librarians looking up the other novels comprising the 'Halliday' series!

Editorial Note: There is a substantial listing of Adam Brady westerns available at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4832559.

Outlaw
Philip McCormac
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850161, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 300pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-philip-mccormac/1136775906

Synopsis: Blain Larkin and his brother Moylan run afoul of Verne Lecroy, son of a powerful banker. When Lecroy kills Moylan in a gunfight, Blain tries to avenge his brother's death, but only manages to wound Lecroy. When youngster is sentenced to hang for attempted murder, Blain goes on the run, and joins an outlaw gang led by Robert Sturdy. Though he's resigned to leading the life of an owlhoot, when he meets Robert's sister, the delightful Emelie, he resolves to lead a better life. But meanwhile, he must battle to survive!

Critique: A fun and riveting read from cover to cover, "Outlaw" by novelist Philip McCormac is a non-stop, action packed western of the first order and this large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library series is certain to be a welcome addition to the personal reading lists of western buffs and a singularly popular pick for community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Philip McCormac is the author of sixteen Black Horse Westerns, ten as P.McCormac and six using various pseudonyms. He has also published crime thrillers, historical thrillers, supernatural thrillers as well as short stories in various genres. Philip was born in Northern Ireland. (https://www.fictiondb.com/author/philip-mccormac~84842.htm)

Rod Wilson's Challenge
Terry Murphy
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444850185, $24.50, PB, Large Print, 252pp

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rod-wilsons-challenge-terry-murphy/1136775905

Synopsis: The arrival of Rod Wilson in the New Mexico town of Cabbana, a place of lawlessness, is welcomed by most but greeted with hostility by a few. Along with two fellow lawmen from his past, Wilson sets about bringing order to the place. With the added complication of two women vying for his attention, he has to deal with the constant threat of being killed by outlaws employed by a businessman who wants rid of him, leading to a confrontation with a man he knows to be a fast gun. Only then will Wilson learn whether or not he can be quickest on the draw.

Critique: With the publication of "Rod Wilson's Challenge", novelist Terry Murphy showcases his considerable storytelling talents with a story that has everything a dedicated western fan could want -- a just cause and life-or-death gunplay with the outcome hanging in the balance. This large print paperback edition of "Rod Wilson's Challenge" is a riveting read and highly commended for both personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: A complete listing of available large print paperback westerns can be found at: https://www.librarything.com/nseries/273883/Linford-Western-Library

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