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The Lawman #5
Hanging Judge
As Deputy U.S. Marshal Jack Slade watches the day's condemned men march to the ropes, a shootout takes the life of the hanging judge. A note from the judge's pocket, along with a single matchbox, is all Slade has to track the gunman. As he follows these slim leads, Slade hears ominous tales about the Son of Dixie-and a group of hooded killers he thought long gone. To release their deadly grip on the area, Slade's going to need a sure hand...and a ready gun.
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Audio CD
First published November 3, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 8, 2018
Dedication to Sam Peckinpah says it all.
September 21, 2015
Having previously never read anything by Lyle Brandt, I came to this book without any expectations or misconceptions to be overcome. I specifically did not read any reviews because I wanted to approach the book, characters, and the genre itself (not usually a western reader) without bias or influenced by others.
I must say I enjoyed the book. The premise of good guy vs. bad guy(s) works here--and in most of the westerns ever made, I imagine. The Lawman, Federal marshal Jack Slade, standard-bearer for truth and justice, meets and beats those that would discriminate and hate others based on race. In this story, the bad guys are led by one all-powerful (at least to the town he owns) wealthy landowner, Mr. William Dixon, who has bullied and bought off any that would stand in his way to continue his pre-Civil War Southern planter way of life, including slave holding and the discrimination that necessarily accompanies the act of slavery. To do this, Mr. Dixon has created and directs a secret brotherhood of henchmen dedicated to the mission of destroying any threats or obstacles to their desired way of life. Jake Slade is drawn into the conflict when Mr. Dixon's minions attempt to take the life of the federal "hanging judge" in Enid, OK.
There is the stereotypical tough guy image, behavior, and language evident in the story. The good guys are portrayed as a little (or a lot) smarter than their adversaries, and the bad guys have fatal flaws or make crucial mistakes that lead directly to their ultimate defeat in the end. Also, the good guys talk a little smack, probably to muster their bravado in the face of being outnumbered by thugs. There is some sarcasm--the "No duh!" obvious repartee--but again, in my opinion, it all fits the genre and Brandt's intended message.
And, the action is non-stop, although a little (or a lot, depending on your viewpoint) violent. Brandt does not waste a lot of time on description, and little more on introspection or emotional analysis. But, readers of westerns don't want that touchy-feely stuff to overpower the action anyway. If you're old enough to remember the Saturday matinee cowboy movies, then this book is the PG-13 version of those 1950's-1960's favorites. (Think the Rifleman or John Wayne only with some Scorsese film bloodiness.)
And, there was a good measure of good guy luck, or very unusual coincidence, thrown in to ensure that the good guys are able to overcome being outnumbered and outgunned by unbelievable odds. Isn't great that the right person will show up to save the day exactly at the right moment? Yeah, that's common to the western stories and/or movies that I have personally experienced. But, I like it!
Overall, enjoyable to me and I will read other books in the series. I would like to know the origin of Jack Slade and how he came to be the rough, tough good guy that he is portrayed to be.
I must say I enjoyed the book. The premise of good guy vs. bad guy(s) works here--and in most of the westerns ever made, I imagine. The Lawman, Federal marshal Jack Slade, standard-bearer for truth and justice, meets and beats those that would discriminate and hate others based on race. In this story, the bad guys are led by one all-powerful (at least to the town he owns) wealthy landowner, Mr. William Dixon, who has bullied and bought off any that would stand in his way to continue his pre-Civil War Southern planter way of life, including slave holding and the discrimination that necessarily accompanies the act of slavery. To do this, Mr. Dixon has created and directs a secret brotherhood of henchmen dedicated to the mission of destroying any threats or obstacles to their desired way of life. Jake Slade is drawn into the conflict when Mr. Dixon's minions attempt to take the life of the federal "hanging judge" in Enid, OK.
There is the stereotypical tough guy image, behavior, and language evident in the story. The good guys are portrayed as a little (or a lot) smarter than their adversaries, and the bad guys have fatal flaws or make crucial mistakes that lead directly to their ultimate defeat in the end. Also, the good guys talk a little smack, probably to muster their bravado in the face of being outnumbered by thugs. There is some sarcasm--the "No duh!" obvious repartee--but again, in my opinion, it all fits the genre and Brandt's intended message.
And, the action is non-stop, although a little (or a lot, depending on your viewpoint) violent. Brandt does not waste a lot of time on description, and little more on introspection or emotional analysis. But, readers of westerns don't want that touchy-feely stuff to overpower the action anyway. If you're old enough to remember the Saturday matinee cowboy movies, then this book is the PG-13 version of those 1950's-1960's favorites. (Think the Rifleman or John Wayne only with some Scorsese film bloodiness.)
And, there was a good measure of good guy luck, or very unusual coincidence, thrown in to ensure that the good guys are able to overcome being outnumbered and outgunned by unbelievable odds. Isn't great that the right person will show up to save the day exactly at the right moment? Yeah, that's common to the western stories and/or movies that I have personally experienced. But, I like it!
Overall, enjoyable to me and I will read other books in the series. I would like to know the origin of Jack Slade and how he came to be the rough, tough good guy that he is portrayed to be.
July 16, 2011
You have to like westerns to enjoy this story. And the reason I enjoy them is because they are simple. Good guy against the bad guy, inter-mixed with,hopefully, an exciting story, good intrigue, and a moral. This story has it all. The good guys are exactly that...good guys! They stand up for what they believe, and anyone in his way better be wary. Marshall Slade is out after some members of a group of ex-confederates who are executing there own justice (against anyone who is opposed to their cause and beliefs), and comes to the rescue of some black landowners who are being driven off their land, to be made to be put in their pace, (working for no pay, picking cotton).
Plenty of action, great build up to the final conflict. Kept me entertained. Could have had better character development, but overall, pretty fair book!
Plenty of action, great build up to the final conflict. Kept me entertained. Could have had better character development, but overall, pretty fair book!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews