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 murdere=
d. 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 t=
o 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 Disneyl= and roller-coaster, "Kinsman of the Gun" by Walton Young is a fun read and = especially recommended for dedicated fans of western action/adventure novel=
s. It is also a valued addition to community library Western Fiction collec= tions.

Editorial Note: Dr. Walton Young, senior professor of English at Truett McC= onnell University in Cleveland, GA, teaches creative writing (fiction), Ame= rican literature survey courses, twentieth-century American literature, Geo= rgia 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/1136= 775908

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 E= nglish aristocrat Born Gallant steps in to fill the void. Little does he kn=
ow that his spell as this town's badge-bearer will be far more eventful tha=
n 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 wh=
o 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 li= sts. "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 photographe=
r 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 bac=
k to Santa Rosa, New Mexico -- the nearest thing he had to a home. When tro= uble brewed outside town, though, Drifter wanted no part of it, but fate ha=
d 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 St= illman, the cattle baron determined to claim Albright's land. Drifter shoul=
d have saddled up and made dust, but that wasn't his way. Besides, there wa=
s Albright's wife, Hannah, and her daughter to think about. And though he t= ried to resist his feelings, they still stole his heart. So he loaded his g= uns and stepped out to challenge Stillman's rawhiders.

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

Editorial Note: There is a listing of the published novels by Steve Hayes o=
n the Goodreads website at: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/631255.S= teve_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 l= ine into Canada, to assist with the capture of two highly dangerous America=
n outlaws -- Brin Carson and Vern Hatcher. The two of them have joined up w= ith a gang of ruthless Metis led by Gabriel Dumont. Their joint aim is to t= arget the Canadian Pacific Railroad, as yet untouched by train robberies. T=
o his surprise, Bronson discovers that he is to be partnered with Samuel Ba= irstow of the Northwest Mounted Police. But, thanks to Dumont's brutality, = Bairstow has a personal score to settle that could jeopardize the whole mis= sion.

Critique: This direct sequel to "The Lawmen", this is one of those westerns=
with more plot twists, turns and surprises than a Disneyland roller-coaste=
r. "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 L= ibrary series is certain to be a popular addition to community library West= ern Fiction collections -- and is unreservedly recommended to the attention=
of all dedicated action/adventure western fans that appreciated the pairin=
g of an American Deputy Marshall with a Canadian Mounted Police going up ag= ainst 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 frontie= r. 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. Bu=
t when Joe Madden is killed and sent home wrapped in barbed wire, things he=
at up. For the Maddens are fighters and Elmira and Emily are going to do ju=
st 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, her= oes, maidens in distress, and pulse pounding gun fights! Brent Towns is a m= aster of the western genre and once again proves it with his riveting novel=
, "The Other Madden". This large print paperback edition from the Linford W= estern 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 betwee=
n 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 Jo=
e Flaherty, already under threat of losing their badges, strike a bargain w= ith 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 headi= ng west, the pursuit begins.

Critique: Western action/adventure at its very best, "Trail of Lead" by Mik=
e Deane is the quintessential manhunt novel featuring many an unexpected pl=
ot twist and turn. This large print paperback edition from the Linford West= ern 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_De=
an

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 tr= apper. Then he receives a letter from Lonesome Valley, begging him to consi= der 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 le= tter is written by Harmony McBeath, the widow of a man who once saved Cassi= dy'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 no= vel that they used to make block-buster films from in the Golden Age of wes= tern movies and TV shows. A riveting read with more unexpected plot twists = and turns than a Disneyland roller-coaster, this large print paperback edit= ion from the Linford Western Library series is a 'must read' selection for = personal reading lists and an enduringly popular choice for community libra=
ry Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Cole Shelton is a veteran writer of action packed western n= ovels. 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 h=
im be someone else's headache for a while. The marshal there is an old frie=
nd and welcomes the badge-toting hellraiser with open arms and a whole wago=
n 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 h=
is father. In the end, he does just that. Shoulder to shoulder with a marsh=
al 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 novel=
s, "Hellraiser!" by Sam Clancy fully lives up to the promise f its title! W= ith many a fascinating twist and turn, and highly recommended for both pers= onal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections, "Hell= raiser!" 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 she= lf.

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, a=
nd their newly adopted baby in their home outside Fort Smith, Arkansas. Kai=
(part Navajo) teaches on the reservation in the Indian Nation in the Ozark=
s.

Murphy is called back into service when William Burke, special advisor to P= resident Arthur, shows up in Fort Smith with an assignment. New York Govern=
or Grover Cleveland is running for president and Arthur wants Murphy to hea=
d 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 so=
ld to a bottling company. After one hundred barrels are sold to the bottlin=
g company, two of the men hired to do labor in the warehouse, Tom Holland a=
nd John Moats, enter the house and demand money from Murphy's father. He gi= ves them twenty thousand dollars, but before they leave, Moats has ideas ab= out 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 recommend=
ed for community library Western Fiction collections -- and an absolute 'mu=
st read' selections for the legions of Ethan Wolfe fans.

Editorial Note: An extensive listing of novels by Ethan J. Wolfe can be fou=
nd on the GoodReads website at https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/843505= 3.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 Niobra=
ra 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 live=
s.

But nothing lasts forever, and the unorganized territories west are succumb= ing 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 ag= ainst it, young Augustus "Gus" John faces the most important challenge of h=
is 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' decli=
ne during the historical summer of 1879, with the publication "Pony Boys", = western author Richard Prosch has deftly crafted the kind of gun-blazing we= stern that will have immense appeal for dedicated western action/adventure = fans. Simply stated, "Pony Boys" is a fun read and recommended for both per= sonal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Richard Prosch (http://www.richardprosch.com) has had his s= tories 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 Roge=
rs Medallion for short fiction. His Dan Spalding crime novels capture his l= ove for classic vinyl and martial arts. He writes at SubStack.com about cri=
me 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 compri= sed of nine short stories by western author L. J. Martin. These include: Pa= rt-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 f=
or Eye.

Critique: Featuring everything a dedicated fan of western action/adventure = stories could want, the sort stories of veteran author L. J. Martin which w= ere selected, collected, and published in "Mud, Blood, and Beer" are fun re= ads and highly recommended to the attention of western fans and community l= ibrary Western Fiction collections. For those to whom this anthology is the=
ir first introduction to the work of L. J. Martin it should be noted that s=
he has an extesnive website at https://ljmartin.com/my-fiction that lists h=
er work.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these=
reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte= rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi= duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.

The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo= rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat= ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
, and list price).

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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