Kill McAllister

McAllister

by Matt Chisholm

Beagle Western

Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

Reviews

[Andrew McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Chisholm was one of the western authors who inspired me to become one, particularly when I discovered he was, like me, English. Rem McAllister, hero of many Chisholm westerns, is part of a cattle outfit driving a herd up from Texas. Entering Kansas, they’re attacked by a gang of ruthless jayhawkers. Only McAllister and another cowhand survive the subsequent massacre, and set about exacting their revenge. KILL McALLISTER is Chisholm at the top of his game, with all his skills on display. The tale moves at a cracking pace, the setting is gritty and authentic, the action exciting and realistic, and Chisholm provides enough nuanced characterisation to avoid cliché. And the writing is a joy, as expert as Elmore Leonard, terse but also witty, and immensely readable. Only a few unlikely details, and a slightly rushed ending, prevent me from giving it five stars.