Quick Updates, High-Speed Book Reviews, and More

Greetings,

First, I want to say thank you to the many people who sent me kind notes and made comments about my father's passing. I traveled back to the Midwest, landed in Minneapolis and then drove down to Iowa with my sister for his service. The service itself was simple and I'm thankful that I was able to attend and give his eulogy.

Now, in an effort to get things up to speed, I want to offer some very high-speed book reviews...

SHALOM ON THE RANGE by Michael S. Katz: An interesting take on the genre as a young Jewish man attempts to work in the West for the first time as a railroad detective. Interspersed with moments of humor, and a solid story, are some challenging truths about discrimination in many forms. Katz does a good job of adding some solid history to the story as well. This isn't your typical western by any means and I don't think it's the kind of tale that everyone will enjoy, but if you're looking for something different, give this one a try. There's a lot to recommend it.

THE SAVAGE GUN by Jory Sherman: Okay, two words: Jory Sherman. I'm not sure the man knows how to write a bad story. In this one, a young man and his family are working a successful mining claim, when his entire family is gunned down by bandits - watching from the mine up above, young John Savage memorizes faces and names and goes on a quest for vengeance. A well-told story that is also a coming-of-age piece. I don't think we've seen the last John Savage story, at least I hope not, but this one is very much recommended.

THE ACCOMPLICE by Marcus Galloway: A pre-Tombstone Doc Holliday story. I have to admit I suffer from a double-prejudice here. I'm something of a Tombstone buff, including Holliday, so I always approach tales like this one with a certain amount of trepidation. Thankfully, Galloway does a really outstanding job depicting the consumptive gambler, dentist and gunfighter. Working with saloon owner Caleb Wayfinder, Doc manages to create plenty of chaos, while holding to his own unique code of honor. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, and considering how many people have tried to tell Doc Holliday stories, Galloway does a damn fine job.

Next reviews coming: TEXAS WEST by Tim McGuire, .45-CALIBER DEATHTRAP by Peter Brandvold, and THE MOTHER LODE by Gary Franklin. Look for those later in January.

Finally, I want to take a moment and offer all of you my most sincere wishes that your holiday season was bright, and that your New Year is prosperous, safe and joyful. I also want to say thank you for continuing to visit this blog and for participating in the process of keeping the Western on the shelves and in people's minds.

Regards,
Russell Davis