HELLTOWN

Once upon a time - in the 1980's, let's say - there was a publishing phenomenon called "The Adult Western".  What it meant, basically, was that one took the sexual act and incorporated it into the story.  2 or 3 sex scenes per book was par for the course. 

HELLTOWN is unusual because one did not normally see out and out nudity on the book covers - most of it was strategically blocked.  But here it is for what it is.

I met Dallas Todd (a pseudonym) at a writer's convention and he was kind enough to sign it (and another he did) for me.  One book is signed "With Shame", the other "With Pride". 

WINTER GRASS

Richard S. Wheeler is one of the greats in the field of Western writing.  He's very kind and engaging.  This novel, along with his classics DODGING RED CLOUD and SAM HOOK (which are all autographed to me!) made me a Wheeler fan for life. 

Plus, he was the first person to ever send me a music tape that all the actual theme to "Rio Bravo" on it.  Not, "DeGuello", the cut-throat song (I was able to give that to HIM!), but the actual opening music to the classic John Wayne/Howard Hawks film.

Richard, I have the other song from the film that Ricky Nelson and Dean Martin sing, "My Rifle, My Pony and Me" - drop me a line if you want a copy!

WESTERN TRUE CRIME

No, don't have any of these comics/mags, but sure wish I did.  Love this kind of artwork and hope you will appreciate it, too!

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.

THE LONER: KILLER POKER

A new series using characters created by her late uncle, William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone carries on the family tradition here.  Nice cover art.  I've only read the first two and although I do have them all, I've misplaced the third in the series.  I am loathe to read them out of sequence, so the search among my stacks continues. 

GUN LAW

I've recently discovered the books of Ralph Cotton and what a pleasure they are to read!  I pick up everyone I can find.  If you love Westerns, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not checking him out. 

GUNSMOKE #2

It wasn't until I was well over the age of 21 that I started to appreciate "Gunsmoke".  It really was the first "adult" western for television.  Although we are now scattered all over the world, there was a small group of us who used to screen episodes of this show when we would gather once a year for a convention.  Writer and editor Tom Jeier coined the term "Smokies" in referring to ourselves.  I still love the show but only have two of the original comics that Gold Key issued in this series.  Hope you will enjoy reading this posting.