Review: Captivating Characters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 29, 2010
I loved this entertaining and well-written book. This is not a typical western where a lone hero rides into town and saves a rancher's daughter from someone who's trying to steal water rights. Have Gun, Will Play features a pair of unlikely guns for hire. There's a mystery plot involving stolen jewels and the kidnapping of a little girl. Mick and Casey, the gunslingers, are a young married couple. The story is told from Mick's point of view. Though Mick is young and naive, he's actually a lot shrewder that he likes to let on. The criminals underestimate him and this eventually leads to their downfall. Mick makes mistakes along the way, but he doesn't give up. Even after he figures out that they are not going to be paid for their services, he reminds himself and Casey that they are working for the little girl and they will not let her down. Casey--as seen through Mick's eyes--is tough, a great shot, and not someone you cross. Mick is sweet and prides himself on being honest. He does what has to be done.The plot had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, and the fast pace kept me turning pages. Vivid details brought the setting to life. I especially like that their horses had names and personalities. My only complaint about the book is that there wasn't enough background about Mick and Casey. For example, Mick said they met and married on the same day, but that fact was never explained, nor do we find out why they are gunslingers. I came away with the impression that this book was the second of a series.This mystery western is a very good read. Recommended.