Gunlock

by Wayne D. Overholser

There'd never be another man like Joe Pardee. Will Beeson tells of the people Joe knew and loved who were left behind after his untimely death. Now his disabled widow Sarah has to manage the cattlehands and keep the Box P ranch in business, trying to make a living from the ranch and protecting it from new settlers.

Genres: Westerns

314 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1992

About the author

Wayne D. Overholser (born September 4, 1906 in Pomeroy, Washington; died August 27, 1996 in Boulder, Colorado) was an American Western writer.

Overholser won the 1953 First Spur Award for best novel for Lawman using the pseudonym Lee Leighton. In 1955 he won the 1954 (second) Spur Award for The Violent Land. He also used the pseudonyms John S. Daniels, Dan J. Stevens and Joseph Wayne.

Reviews

[Kellyt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give it a 3.95 if I could. A quick read Western set in South Central Colorado of the late 1800’s. Good story lines, with some interesting side plots and character development. A side somewhat odd observation, Overholser seems to have a thing about female characters in a wheelchair running a ranch. I’ve read several of his books with similar characters.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

just ok, nothing special

[David Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solidly done western, blended with a coming-of-age story. The tale revolves around a ranch run by a strongman who dies early on, leaving his wife and young cow-puncher (the main character) to try and hold things together. Things get complicated quickly, with quasi-utopian homesteaders moving in, another ranch hand becoming increasingly dangerous and deadly, and secrets of the ranch bubbling to the surface. A lot of character drama, decent amounts of action. A fun read all around.

[Larry Holshu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Good to the end. If you like a good western then this one is for you.