THE SUNDOWN MAN

Jory Sherman holds a special place in my heart for lots of reasons, not the least being that he invited me down to attend the 1984 Western Writers of America Convention in Jory’s then-hometown of Branson, Missouri.

I was nervous about going initially because I was bound to be meeting some writers I idolized and was concerned that maybe they might be a little put off by someone as young as I was then professing to be a fan.  Anyway, all went well, and I forged friendships then that have lasted through the years.

I first became familiar with Jory through his Adult Western series, GUNN.  After the sun set on GUNN, I started seeing his “straight” Westerns and was captivated by them as well. 

These days Jory is back in Texas, having just reached his 79^th year.  I imagine that he is at his happiest doing what he does so well and seeing that he’s getting the critical praise he so richly deserves. 

Piece of advice: if you run into Jory at a convention or a book signing, ask him to “show his badge”.  He does the most dead-on Alfonso Bedoya impression you’ll ever hear!

I challenge you to pick up any of Jory’s books; you will be thoroughly entertained by a master who is always at the top of his game.

THE GUN FIGHT

Richard Matheson, although beloved and respected, probably bugs a few people, too, because of his tendency to write in a new genre and then take that genre over completely. 

I believe “Journal of the Gun Years” was Mr. Matheson’s first Western and since that time has occupied a fair piece of ground in that territory.

I have not yet cracked this one open yet.  Frankly, I’m afraid to.  Why?  Because I need to do it when I have more than just a couple of hours available because I know that I absolutely WILL be up with this all night if I am not careful. 

I’m either that much of a fan or Mr. Matheson is just that good.  Or both.

STAGECOACH GRAVEYARD

The bounty hunter, along with hanging judges and Texas Rangers, has always been a point of fascination with me, be it in books, TV or movies.   Buying STAGECOACH GRAVEYARD, then, was really a no-brainer. 



BLOOD FOR A DIRTY DOLLAR



Yes, Virginia, there really WAS a Joseph (Joe) Millard and, according to info I recently received in an e-mail, he used his own name on the books. 

I’ve seen Mr. Millard’s name on several other books, aside from the “Man With No Name” series, all from Award Books. 

Look at the price on the cover – when’s the last time you paid 95 cents for ANY kind of book?

MAX BRAND'S BEST WESTERN STORIES, VOL. 2

Haven’t read this one yet.  The last Max Brand Western I tried to read was THE WHISPERING OUTLAW.  It bored me to tears and I couldn’t get through it.    Hoping I actually CAN get through this one because I’d like to be able to honestly say that I’ve read one of his books. 

If I don’t like this “Best” compilation, I may have to give up on Brand. 

THE LONER #11: CROSSFIRE

The newest chapter in the sage of "The Loner".

This one looks to have Conrad Browning (Kid Morgan) reuniting with his father, legendary gunfighter Frank Morgan.

The common purpose: rescuing Kid Morgan's young twins from a San Francisco crime lord who has "adopted" the children.

Have to discipline myself not to dive into this one right away because I've not read them all up to this point.  J.A. has informed me previously that it's a good idea to read them in order. 

A big thanks to J.A. Johnstone for sending this one along. 

WESTERN HISTORY REFERENCE BOOKS (POST #2)

The second batch: