Review: Great Read By a Terrific Writer!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 13, 2012
James Reasoner has long been my favorite living western writer.  For too long, though, his efforts haven't garnered nearly the acclaim they deserve.  One problem is that he's written mostly under pseudonyms.  This novella, under his own name, has his trademark grit, lightning-fast pacing, and three-dimensional characterizations even of secondary characters, as well as a poignant understanding of the human condition.  This one pits one man against a whole town in his attempt to lend a hand (pardon the pun) to his ex-wife who ran off with another man while the hero was off fighting in the Civil War.  A very unique lead character is Brodie.  Think a one-armed Django without the Gatling gun.  This is a typically wonderful ride and short enough to read in one or two nights.When you finish this one, head on over to James and Livia's Wind River series of westerns published several years ago in paperback but recently reissued for Kindle.  I love that series, as well as James's stand-alone, COSSACK THREE PONIES.  But there are no bad books in the Reasoner oeuvre.  I guarantee you'll enjoy every one!Peter Brandvold