Where Legends Lie: Two Stories Told As One

by Michael Black

1913. Veteran Jim Bishop takes a job with a motion picture company that is filming a movie based on a famous western gunfight. As the filming proceeds, Jim begins to wonder what really happened in Contention City, Arizona, those thirty-three years ago.

1880. In the actual Contention City, Sheriff Lon Dayton is contacted by the notorious Dutch Bascom regarding the territorial governor’s proclamation of amnesty for Bascom and his gang. Dayton has no choice but to walk the tightrope balancing the alleged intentions of the outlaws against the promises of the unscrupulous politicians and railroad men who claim to be in favor of the outlaw’s surrender. But are they really?

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2024

Reviews

[George Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael A. Black is a master at creating dilemmas for the reader to begin noticing the hints and then struggling for the answer. I wasn’t disappointed. I struggled to connect the two stories but told myself, “I’ll figure it out.” It took longer than anticipated.

Black brought depth to his characters, giving them personalities and history hard to ignore. The hero ranks right up there with Jimmy Stewart.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a Western about a Sheriff Dayton dealing with the return of a troublesome gang returning to Contention City Arizona. In parallel, a story unfolds about the filming 30 years later of the same Western. It's a fun concept as the "real" story eventually collides with the attempt to film it. As a cherry on top, Ambrose Bierce (Bitter Bierce) is a major character. It's a delight to see him live one last adventure before he disappears into Mexico.

[Steve Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid

A well-written story, relatable characters and an incredible plot makes this novel award worthy. Highly recommended for suspense and historical fiction fans.