BLOODY SEASON

From the mighty typewriter of Loren D. Estleman.

This is the best book I’ve ever read concerning the events surrounding and leading up to the Gunfight at the OK Corral.  Never knew that Doc Holliday suffered from constipation after the occurrence at the Corral.  If I’d had Ike Clanton and his boys shooting at me, I’m pretty sure I would have been just the opposite of constipated.

THE BRANCH AND THE SCAFFOLD

Another winner here from Michigan’s own Loren D. Estleman.  Don’t yet know if this is the novel for which he won his Fifth Spur Award (through the Western Writers of America) or if it will garner him a Sixth one.  Either way, this book is deserving of recognition as fine Western literature.

I have a special fascination with stories about Hangmen and, in particular, Judge Isaac Parker.  Parker has been used as a character template for years in Western movies and TV shows for his willingness to sentence deserving souls to the gallows, yet do it with regret and compassion.  “The Branch and The Scaffold” really captures the essence of Parker’s character and is one of Mr. Estleman’s best novels (of any kind) to date. 

THE BADGER'S REVENGE

Larry D. Sweazy is another writer to watch for.  On recommendation of my friend Loren D. Estleman, I read Mr. Sweazy's first Josiah Wolfe novel, THE RATTLESNAKE SEASON, and was duly impressed.  This is the third in the series and, I hope, the latest of many more yet to come.