Pothook Marrs is the day cook at the Cattleman's Rest, a small caf in Dallas. He was once a top-hand cowboy and expert roper. He was also a mavericker, suspected of mavericking after it was outlawed in Texas. Above all, he was believed to have shot his best friend in the back. He had been arrested, tried, convicted, and sent to prison, and he had escaped. He was just a youth then, and time has changed how he looks, although it cannot hide the scars from the rope burns on his hands.
A writer from age 17, Les Savage Jr. was a contributor to pulp magazines for a number of years. In addition he penned over twenty books. A few of his better known titles are: "Treasure of the Brasada," "Silver Street Women" and "The Royal City."
This is a nicely paced western of a cattle drive and a man hiding a past. The depiction of the cattle drive and the role of the cook is authentically done. The hero, while having some anger issues, is too perfect, and the love interest does not come as a surprise; nonetheless, this is an entertaining story filled with action, some twists, and at 208 pages, just the right length.
I was thinking this book deserves a 4.5 until the end when there was this great scene with a chicken... you'll have to read for more info on that.
Savage tells a good story with amazing imagery. i can still hear the cows bellowing, feel the fog sinking into my bones and the wet, soggy feeling. I see the range land, rivers, hills and trees, the smell of pine and wet leather... Not your average shoot-em-up cowboy book.