What do you think?
Rate this book
Gunslinger Matthew Slade #1
The Gaslight Gunslinger (Gunslinger Matthew Slade #1
1878: San Francisco's changed from a Gold-Rush era boomtown into a bustling city full of money, Victorian-style bawdy houses, and loose sense of the law at best. Enter Matthew Slade. Formerly the Pinkerton Detective Agency's best gun-hand, investigator, and tracker. No sooner does he arrive at San Francisco's stockyard than he rescues Mai Lee, a little Chinese girl, from a pair of thugs intent on kidnapping her. Slade finds out that the girl is wanted by Huang Sun, the leader of the dominant tong - a Chinese crime syndicate that runs opium dens, fan-tan parlors, and prostitution in the city. And Slade can't walk away, even if he wanted to. His first paid job as a free agent is to keep Mai Lee out of Sun's hands - no matter the cost! Can a gunslinger used to the open plains and prairies of the West deal with the criminal underworld of a crowded metropolis? Even with the help of his friend, sea-captain Amos Harding and the backing of a pair of bawdy-house madams, the odds are long at best!
174 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
577 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 30, 2020
Liked the Western part of the book and learned about the Chinese royalty.
January 21, 2022
A former Pinkerton detective arrives in San Francisco, and before he can even dust off his hat, he rescues a Chinese girl from some Tong thugs. The Tong, of course, wants her back.
The gunfighter gets some friends and tries to find out what it's all about, and finds a love interest along the way.
Anachronistic, but not obnoxiously so.
The gunfighter gets some friends and tries to find out what it's all about, and finds a love interest along the way.
Anachronistic, but not obnoxiously so.
September 2, 2023
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this novel from the author. This review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Sugar Lee Ryder to friends and family. She writes a classic, old-fashioned western. What a breath of fresh air!
The first in a western series set in San Francisco shortly after the Gold Rush in that area of California petered out but before the earthquake and fires, The Gaslight Gunslinger brings us into that vibrant, sophisticated, and still-growing city with ex-Pinkerton detective and fugitive retriever Matthew Slade, and his horse Blue. Matt and Blue are looking for a new way of life. All they know is what they left behind when Matt quit the Pinkertons, but he knows there is something out there that will challenge him and allow him to help others and be in total control of his existence on this glowing earth.
Fresh off the train, they are called upon to rescue a newly immigrated Chinese girl, 14-year-old Mai Lee, from Tong enforcers, and they both will become acquainted with and partners in a private investigations business with Clipper ship owner/captain Owen Harding at the fancy house and gambling parlor of Matt's only San Francisco acquaintances, Miss Samantha Williams and Miss Charlotte Harte, ladies willing to take on the upbringing of Miss Lee even understanding the danger her presence might bring. And they know the perfect woman to help take on the job, a half Chinese - half Irish hat maker fluent in Mandarin as well as English, and tough enough to keep Mai safe. But the only way to ensure her continuing safety is to buy her contract from the old Chinaman who paid her bride price. He is the head of the largest of San Francisco's two main Tongs, so won't be hard to find, and Samantha and Charlotte are willing to pay the price. Once Mai Lee has her contract in hand she will be a free woman. Girl. A female turning into an adventurous woman of daring. If she isn't kidnapped by the Tong and carried away before that happens, of course.
You are gonna love Slade and Amos, Mai Lee and Mrs. Doyle, Samanta and Charlotte, hatmaker Molly Denim, and most especially, Dakota Blue.
Reviewed on September 2, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
The first in a western series set in San Francisco shortly after the Gold Rush in that area of California petered out but before the earthquake and fires, The Gaslight Gunslinger brings us into that vibrant, sophisticated, and still-growing city with ex-Pinkerton detective and fugitive retriever Matthew Slade, and his horse Blue. Matt and Blue are looking for a new way of life. All they know is what they left behind when Matt quit the Pinkertons, but he knows there is something out there that will challenge him and allow him to help others and be in total control of his existence on this glowing earth.
Fresh off the train, they are called upon to rescue a newly immigrated Chinese girl, 14-year-old Mai Lee, from Tong enforcers, and they both will become acquainted with and partners in a private investigations business with Clipper ship owner/captain Owen Harding at the fancy house and gambling parlor of Matt's only San Francisco acquaintances, Miss Samantha Williams and Miss Charlotte Harte, ladies willing to take on the upbringing of Miss Lee even understanding the danger her presence might bring. And they know the perfect woman to help take on the job, a half Chinese - half Irish hat maker fluent in Mandarin as well as English, and tough enough to keep Mai safe. But the only way to ensure her continuing safety is to buy her contract from the old Chinaman who paid her bride price. He is the head of the largest of San Francisco's two main Tongs, so won't be hard to find, and Samantha and Charlotte are willing to pay the price. Once Mai Lee has her contract in hand she will be a free woman. Girl. A female turning into an adventurous woman of daring. If she isn't kidnapped by the Tong and carried away before that happens, of course.
You are gonna love Slade and Amos, Mai Lee and Mrs. Doyle, Samanta and Charlotte, hatmaker Molly Denim, and most especially, Dakota Blue.
Reviewed on September 2, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
May 18, 2022
I became a certified bookworm at the ripe old age of eight when I was given a complete set Zane Grey Western novels as a Christmas present. In the ensuing years, I’ve read all the masters of the genre.-- Zane Grey, Louis L’Amour, Elmore Leonard, Elmer Kelton. Robert B. Parker, Rex Beach, and Ned Buntline, to name just a few of my favorites. These authors may be better known than Sugar Lee Ryder, but none of them spins a better yarn. I can see a day coming when Sugar Lee’s name will be listed right up there with all those greats.
Matthew Slade retires from the Pinkerton Detective Agency and travels to San Francisco, hoping to start a new life there. As soon as he arrives, he rescues a very young Chinese girl, Mei Ling, from two Chinese thugs. Little did he know that the two thugs were highbinders for the major Tong that controlled Chinatown and he was about to become embroiled in a one man war with them.
Can Matthew Slade, a skilled gunfighter, win against such enormous odds? Will he survive the confrontations and keep the young woman safe? Can this story have a happy ending? You’ll have to read this action packed, page-tuner for yourself to find out. All I’m going to say is that the ending was one that left me saying, “Wow! I didn’t see that coming.”
Matthew Slade retires from the Pinkerton Detective Agency and travels to San Francisco, hoping to start a new life there. As soon as he arrives, he rescues a very young Chinese girl, Mei Ling, from two Chinese thugs. Little did he know that the two thugs were highbinders for the major Tong that controlled Chinatown and he was about to become embroiled in a one man war with them.
Can Matthew Slade, a skilled gunfighter, win against such enormous odds? Will he survive the confrontations and keep the young woman safe? Can this story have a happy ending? You’ll have to read this action packed, page-tuner for yourself to find out. All I’m going to say is that the ending was one that left me saying, “Wow! I didn’t see that coming.”
August 13, 2020
Gaslight Gunslinger begins with our hero and his "war horse" Blue inside an Iron Horse arriving in San Francisco about 12 years after the civil war. The two obviously have a bond.
Upon disembarking, he immediately encounters waterfront Chinese thugs. They want to recapture their young Chinese runaway and Matthew ain't having it.
I was only on page 8 when the cliche descriptions begin. They are wonderfully fun but a bit cringe worthy. Throughout the book the bad men have "chiseled chins", the gunslinger is "quick as lightening" and so on. REALLY? Come on! I thought maybe the author did the cliches on purpose to lighten the seriousness of the mood. But the moods needed to be serious and needed no humor. I would have given 4 stars if the author rewrote those passages.
Despite the glaring idioms, the plot is interesting and the characters intriguing. The story-line includes race relations regarding the Chinese and Irish. A sideline aspect is 2 of his friends are in fact lesbians running a brothel. A very quick "western mystery".
Upon disembarking, he immediately encounters waterfront Chinese thugs. They want to recapture their young Chinese runaway and Matthew ain't having it.
I was only on page 8 when the cliche descriptions begin. They are wonderfully fun but a bit cringe worthy. Throughout the book the bad men have "chiseled chins", the gunslinger is "quick as lightening" and so on. REALLY? Come on! I thought maybe the author did the cliches on purpose to lighten the seriousness of the mood. But the moods needed to be serious and needed no humor. I would have given 4 stars if the author rewrote those passages.
Despite the glaring idioms, the plot is interesting and the characters intriguing. The story-line includes race relations regarding the Chinese and Irish. A sideline aspect is 2 of his friends are in fact lesbians running a brothel. A very quick "western mystery".
September 12, 2019
A promising series
Gaslight Gunslinger has potential
An urban western at the turn of the century where the old west is quickly giving way to a new way of living. The title character Matthew Slade a former Detective for the Pinkerton Agency has arrived in San Francisco and finds trouble, Allies and a love interest along the way its a bit of a slow start, a little uneven ,a thin plot, filled with cliche's but despite these faults
the secret to enjoying this book is the charcters and the setup we get it's good enough to warrant one more book an decent read
Gaslight Gunslinger has potential
An urban western at the turn of the century where the old west is quickly giving way to a new way of living. The title character Matthew Slade a former Detective for the Pinkerton Agency has arrived in San Francisco and finds trouble, Allies and a love interest along the way its a bit of a slow start, a little uneven ,a thin plot, filled with cliche's but despite these faults
the secret to enjoying this book is the charcters and the setup we get it's good enough to warrant one more book an decent read
April 11, 2020
This novel was ok, if you are into sweet westerns. There was no grittiness that you’ve come to expect from westerns. The heros were all nice and the villains all evil. The book almost reads like a transitional novel. The main character, Matthew Slade is a retired Pinkerton man who has decided to move from Chicago to San Francisco. Once the excitement dies down, Slade agrees to work as a hired gun for hard luck cases. Not my cup of tea but based on the good reviews, it appeals to others.
October 9, 2021
Matthew Slade
I read this as a freebie from Facebook. The storyline was intriguing. Retired Pinkerton man, in new place, happened upon a scene he did not like, etc. The story was well paced with enough twists to keep you reading. The final twist was unexpected, but helped the narrative. I will continue to read this series as long as the story line delivers. A 4.3 out of 5 rating.
I read this as a freebie from Facebook. The storyline was intriguing. Retired Pinkerton man, in new place, happened upon a scene he did not like, etc. The story was well paced with enough twists to keep you reading. The final twist was unexpected, but helped the narrative. I will continue to read this series as long as the story line delivers. A 4.3 out of 5 rating.
January 23, 2024
I'm not much for westerns, but this one seems a good start to the series. I do think there could be a little more fleshing out of the plot and less description of furniture, rooms, etc. I like the horse.
I did notice some mistakes in the 'western' parts. Being the daughter of a real cowboy, (not a rodeo cowboy, but a real to life cowboy who rode the range, and drove cattle, etc) I caught some problems. Nothing major, but some of the story read like a research paper might describe things.
I did notice some mistakes in the 'western' parts. Being the daughter of a real cowboy, (not a rodeo cowboy, but a real to life cowboy who rode the range, and drove cattle, etc) I caught some problems. Nothing major, but some of the story read like a research paper might describe things.
September 16, 2018
Impeccable editing, good flow
This books puts me in mind of another author of westerns for whom I edit, Russ Towne. I enjoyed the story and appreciate the realistic counting of bullets, so unlike the A Team. The development of gentle romance between Matthew and Molly adds a soft touch to a lethal gunslinger. Nicely done.
This books puts me in mind of another author of westerns for whom I edit, Russ Towne. I enjoyed the story and appreciate the realistic counting of bullets, so unlike the A Team. The development of gentle romance between Matthew and Molly adds a soft touch to a lethal gunslinger. Nicely done.
August 14, 2019
You need to suspend logic and reason in order to accept Matthew's taking down a whole group of lethally armed, trained killers all by himself (except his horse helped once). Other than that it was a very enjoyable story. I would be interested in the further adventures of Matthew and Amos in their new business in San Francisco circa 1875.
March 18, 2021
Fun Read
I enjoyed this book. The characters are well defined and likable. You are cheering for Slade and Amos as they help people just because they are Good Men. Although the setting is more urbane the style and action remind me of the old TV Westerns my family watched when I was growing up.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are well defined and likable. You are cheering for Slade and Amos as they help people just because they are Good Men. Although the setting is more urbane the style and action remind me of the old TV Westerns my family watched when I was growing up.
January 21, 2022
What would a retired Pinkerton detective do? Rescue a princess? Why not?
Matthew Slade finds lots of changes in his life when he leaves Pinkerton. Into San Francisco he goes. Then suddenly he is no longer alone but has a family built from friends all getting together. Lots of action for him, so that didn't change.
Definitely an enjoyable Western set in San Francisco.
Matthew Slade finds lots of changes in his life when he leaves Pinkerton. Into San Francisco he goes. Then suddenly he is no longer alone but has a family built from friends all getting together. Lots of action for him, so that didn't change.
Definitely an enjoyable Western set in San Francisco.
September 11, 2018
This story was very enjoyable, but it felt like it needs some work. The characters were okay, but they don't jump out and grab you. The action scenes could use better choreographing as well as the editing. But if you'r in Louis L'Amour style westerns, this is the book for you.
September 25, 2018
I found another good one
Ah, Matthew Slade, you have joined my cadre of heroes. And Sugar Lee Ryder is now one of my favorites.
I love the "more likely to punch them in the face" style. It reminds me of my late husband who was a throwback to those days and very like Matthew.
Ah, Matthew Slade, you have joined my cadre of heroes. And Sugar Lee Ryder is now one of my favorites.
I love the "more likely to punch them in the face" style. It reminds me of my late husband who was a throwback to those days and very like Matthew.
November 3, 2018
Fun to read
Easy-to-Read prose. An engaging plot with an unexpected twist. An entertaining foundation for the rest of the series. When I finished reading I wanted to see what was going to happen in the next book.
Easy-to-Read prose. An engaging plot with an unexpected twist. An entertaining foundation for the rest of the series. When I finished reading I wanted to see what was going to happen in the next book.
October 30, 2019
Great read
A little hesitant to read at first but when you work a twelve hour shift and all you do is there a good read passes the time just right. First book I read from beginning to end. Looking to get the others in the series
A little hesitant to read at first but when you work a twelve hour shift and all you do is there a good read passes the time just right. First book I read from beginning to end. Looking to get the others in the series
April 2, 2020
Nice read.
I don't normally read woman writers who do western books as they tend to be romance junk,but this one was very well written. It brings to light the problem of China slave and drug trade and not the normal cowboy story line.
I don't normally read woman writers who do western books as they tend to be romance junk,but this one was very well written. It brings to light the problem of China slave and drug trade and not the normal cowboy story line.
April 19, 2020
Interesting characters and high action.
An unusual friendship between sea captain Amos Harding and gunslinger Matthew Spade is formed while they are trying to save a young Chinese girl, Mai Lee from a life of prostitution and bondage.
An unusual friendship between sea captain Amos Harding and gunslinger Matthew Spade is formed while they are trying to save a young Chinese girl, Mai Lee from a life of prostitution and bondage.
July 11, 2020
An enjoyable, albeit saccharine western that takes place in post- gold rush San Francisco. Reminds me of beloved TV episodes from Bonanza, Big Valley, and Gunsmoke. So if you like your horse operas squeaky clean, this one's for you since the plot is good and characters are likeable.
August 16, 2020
Good story
If you like justice served against the evil of child trafficking you will like this story. The setting in San Francisco 1878 involves one girl from China, all alone and scared until she ran and was rescued by Slade.
If you like justice served against the evil of child trafficking you will like this story. The setting in San Francisco 1878 involves one girl from China, all alone and scared until she ran and was rescued by Slade.
July 14, 2021
Gunslinger
A suspenseful book. The author provides a great storyline about life in San Francisco and the dealings of a China gang. The author led me to strongly consider reading the next book in the series.
A suspenseful book. The author provides a great storyline about life in San Francisco and the dealings of a China gang. The author led me to strongly consider reading the next book in the series.
October 1, 2018
Good book!
A good book. Plenty of action and a good story line. I liked the characters and the authors writing. I will read the series.
A good book. Plenty of action and a good story line. I liked the characters and the authors writing. I will read the series.
September 14, 2019
Great quick read
Well written story with characters that you really get to like. The story goes along smoothly and hold your interest till the end.
Well written story with characters that you really get to like. The story goes along smoothly and hold your interest till the end.
May 17, 2020
Great Read
July 10, 2020
didnt read all of it
August 18, 2020
Poorly written
Utter rubbish. it could have been written by a 12 year old.
At least it was short.
Three more words
Utter rubbish. it could have been written by a 12 year old.
At least it was short.
Three more words
August 21, 2020
A pleasant quick read in a 19th century California, the main character could do with fleshing out but a good read overall.
November 1, 2020
Great Read
This is a traditional Western with just enough new twists to keep it fresh. It is hard to put down and will not disappoint you.
This is a traditional Western with just enough new twists to keep it fresh. It is hard to put down and will not disappoint you.
December 11, 2020
I really enjoyed book 1 of Matthew Slade. The only problem I had was that I finshed the book so quickly. Could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews