SLAUGHTER CANYON

Never get tired of finding new Compton books on the stands.  Wish Ralph was still here to enjoy his success. 

THE GHOST OF APACHE CREEK

I use the word “legacy” a lot in some of my write-ups here on Saddletramp Swami.  I don’t, however, feel that I’m overusing it at all.

The legacy (ahem!) of Ralph Compton continues on with new novels, written in his name, by writers who have also made names for themselves in the field of Western literature. 

Joseph A. West does the honors here for THE GHOST OF APACHE CREEK.  The storyline appears to be that of a possibly mentally ill Town Marshal, Sam Pace, who keeps the peace (so to speak) in a town that only he lives in. 

It is Sam’s contention that actual people, instead of the ghosts he sees in his mind, will return and bring the town, Requiem, to life again.  A woman on the run and in fear for her life actually DOES show up in Requiem and Sam must bring his gunfighter skills back to the fore in order to protect her. 

THE STRANGER FROM ABILENE

One of two new Ralph Compton books I found at Wal-Mart over the Labor Day Weekend.