What do you think?
Rate this book
It's been fifteen years since Noose Holcomb perpetrated the Buzzard's Edge Train Robbery of 1872, leaving Rory Daggett an orphan. Settled in with a new family and a second chance at life, Rory never quite sheds the thirst for revenge. When one of the gang members returns to Buzzard's Edge, Rory's life is violently upended once more. Capturing the rogue spurs on a furious chain of events that pits Rory against each member of Noose's gang, every one more twisted and terrifying than the last, in order to work his way to their leader. With the help of a fellow orphan whose life Noose turned upside down and the town's sheriff, Rory will stop at nothing to be the man who ends Noose's reign of terror, but can he do it without becoming the man he seeks to kill?
ebook
First published September 1, 2022
12 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Brennan LaFaro
25 books156 followers Brennan LaFaro is a music teacher by day, horror writer by night, living in southeastern Massachusetts with his wife, two sons, and his hounds. He is the author of the Slattery Falls trilogy, as well as Last Stay, and the horror western, Buzzard's Edge Saga. You can read his short fiction in various anthologies and find him on Twitter at @brennanlafaro or at www.brennanlafaro.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 18, 2022
NOOSE has everything!
Everything you could want in a horror western is here. A protagonist you can root for, an evil antagonist that is easy to hate, a mysterious witch, loyal horses and of course, a need for revenge.
Brennan LaFaro blends it all together in this tasty novella sized package that I ripped through in one day. I had a blast with it, maybe you would too? Highly recommended!
*I bought this book with my hard earned cash.*
Everything you could want in a horror western is here. A protagonist you can root for, an evil antagonist that is easy to hate, a mysterious witch, loyal horses and of course, a need for revenge.
Brennan LaFaro blends it all together in this tasty novella sized package that I ripped through in one day. I had a blast with it, maybe you would too? Highly recommended!
*I bought this book with my hard earned cash.*
September 11, 2023
Brennan LaFaro is quickly becoming a must read author for me. I read Slattery Falls a few months back and absolutely loved it. When he offered me an ARC of Noose for an honest review, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. The first thing I want to point out, is the growth I see in his writing from one book to the next. He did a great job writing Slattery Falls and then rode in on his horse and wrote a horror western like he was a veteran of the Wild West. This cast of characters is so colorful and memorable. I try to write my book reviews as spoiler free as possible, so I won’t say too much about the characters.
What I will say, is Noose Holcomb and his gang of henchmen(and henchwoman) are such amazing antagonists for Rory to go up against. Rory and Alice are a wonderful duo to root for and the way their relationship grows throughout the book was one of my favorite aspects of the story. I can not wait to read the other stories in the Noose universe, and really anything that LaFaro writes for that matter. Don’t miss out on this book!
What I will say, is Noose Holcomb and his gang of henchmen(and henchwoman) are such amazing antagonists for Rory to go up against. Rory and Alice are a wonderful duo to root for and the way their relationship grows throughout the book was one of my favorite aspects of the story. I can not wait to read the other stories in the Noose universe, and really anything that LaFaro writes for that matter. Don’t miss out on this book!
October 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this face-paced, revenge/western/gore-fest of a tale, just as much as Lafaro's debut, Slattery Falls if not a smidge more. His characters in this one, Rory and Alice in particular, are relatable, genuine, a pleasure to ride along with and root for. And his prose is crisp and poignant, delivering an engaging, delightful slice of fiction with a satisfying ending. Highly recommended for lovers of westerns and horror alike!
September 13, 2024
I do love a western, especially one which includes the supernatural, and Brennan LaFaro does this perfectly.
In 1872, Noose Holcomb, robs the Buzzards Edge Train, leaving young Rory Daggett, an orphan. Fifteen years later, living with a loving, neighbouring family, Rory still has vengeance on his mind, and when Noose’s gang makes an appearance, Rory, and an eight year old orphan called Alice, go all guns blazing to catch these varmints.
This was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it, especially Alice, whom is totes adorable.
Highly recommended! You’re in for a treat!
Thanks to the author, Brigids Gate Press, and BookSirens for providing me with this free ARC, with which I gladly leave a voluntary review.
5 gun toting ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 1872, Noose Holcomb, robs the Buzzards Edge Train, leaving young Rory Daggett, an orphan. Fifteen years later, living with a loving, neighbouring family, Rory still has vengeance on his mind, and when Noose’s gang makes an appearance, Rory, and an eight year old orphan called Alice, go all guns blazing to catch these varmints.
This was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it, especially Alice, whom is totes adorable.
Highly recommended! You’re in for a treat!
Thanks to the author, Brigids Gate Press, and BookSirens for providing me with this free ARC, with which I gladly leave a voluntary review.
5 gun toting ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 15, 2024
This novella is a delightful, gore-packed horror western. It doesn’t hold back and goes straight for the action, and it goes hard, with barely a break to slow down across its short page count. I had a fun time reading it, and I am looking forward to the next novellas in the series, but I would have liked a little more—everything feels a little rushed.
Other than the violence and gore, which are excessive but not gratuitous, and a lot of fun, everything else is just kind of whispered at. Our main character has a complicated history, and we get a good description of him in these pages, but we don’t get many chances to really experience it for ourselves. It is easy to root for him, but he doesn’t feel entirely realized, since everything about his character is told not shown. It is similar with the other characters, all of them are interesting and have potential to be more than they are, because their backstories are simply told to us. The setting is the same, it nods at typical Western settings, so if you are familiar with the genre then you can locate this place, but if not there isn’t too much detail to make it feel like a lived-in place. The story is straightforward, and I appreciate that, but again there isn’t a lot of journey there, there are just things happening to our main character.
That’s a whole paragraph of nit-picking, but don’t let that suggest I did not have a lot of fun with this story. It was right to the point, it had some really wonderful imagery, a familiar-but-engaging storyline, and a cast of characters that were full of potential. It is a really short novella, and I think it could have been expanded by 25% - 50% and still been a tight, aggressive page count while putting more meat on the bones of the story that was told. As it is it gets in and out quick, jumps right into bloody action, and doesn’t ever really slow down. So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, bloody little morsel of a horror western with a satisfying conclusion, you have come to the right place.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Brigids Gate Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Other than the violence and gore, which are excessive but not gratuitous, and a lot of fun, everything else is just kind of whispered at. Our main character has a complicated history, and we get a good description of him in these pages, but we don’t get many chances to really experience it for ourselves. It is easy to root for him, but he doesn’t feel entirely realized, since everything about his character is told not shown. It is similar with the other characters, all of them are interesting and have potential to be more than they are, because their backstories are simply told to us. The setting is the same, it nods at typical Western settings, so if you are familiar with the genre then you can locate this place, but if not there isn’t too much detail to make it feel like a lived-in place. The story is straightforward, and I appreciate that, but again there isn’t a lot of journey there, there are just things happening to our main character.
That’s a whole paragraph of nit-picking, but don’t let that suggest I did not have a lot of fun with this story. It was right to the point, it had some really wonderful imagery, a familiar-but-engaging storyline, and a cast of characters that were full of potential. It is a really short novella, and I think it could have been expanded by 25% - 50% and still been a tight, aggressive page count while putting more meat on the bones of the story that was told. As it is it gets in and out quick, jumps right into bloody action, and doesn’t ever really slow down. So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, bloody little morsel of a horror western with a satisfying conclusion, you have come to the right place.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Brigids Gate Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2022
Like a bullet from a gun, Brennan LaFaro's NOOSE comes screaming off the pages.
A blood-soaked western with assassins waiting around every corner, this darkly funny adventure crackles with energy.
A story about how sometimes the past isn't done with us and we have to choose what the future becomes, about how family are the people we choose to love. It's also about witches, mad scientists, giants, riddles, and a man who cannot be killed.
Strap on your six shooter, saddle up and take a ride to Buzzard's Edge, but keep an eye on the shadows, they're filled with danger.
A blood-soaked western with assassins waiting around every corner, this darkly funny adventure crackles with energy.
A story about how sometimes the past isn't done with us and we have to choose what the future becomes, about how family are the people we choose to love. It's also about witches, mad scientists, giants, riddles, and a man who cannot be killed.
Strap on your six shooter, saddle up and take a ride to Buzzard's Edge, but keep an eye on the shadows, they're filled with danger.
Read
March 8, 2024I was so not the right audience for this book, I've tried other books in the same vein to a much similar result; I can tell the writing is pretty good but I just generally don't get invested in any of it. This could be the best or the worst example of its genre and I wouldn't be able to tell you either way. The characters were cool though.
No rating because that wouldn't feel fair.
No rating because that wouldn't feel fair.
September 19, 2022
Brennan LaFaro crafts a dusty gem of a book with ‘Noose’ the first line sets the book on its way and it doesn’t let up, it’s fast paced and shoots from the hip… brutal, visceral, gritty and a breakneck, whiplash of a ride through the Wild West.
I enjoyed how this story unfolded, I have questions and some remained unanswered, but for a book that swept me away and which I read in a few hours - the journey was worth it - the only thing I could say which could be seen as a negative is that I wanted more, I wanted to be drenched in this world, but it’s probably and I’d like it to be seen as one of the biggest compliments I could give - because it made me want more, made me thirst for more of the brilliance LaFaro has penned - the world he crafted draws you in and doesn’t want you to escape it unscathed.
Buy a ticket, take the ride!
I enjoyed how this story unfolded, I have questions and some remained unanswered, but for a book that swept me away and which I read in a few hours - the journey was worth it - the only thing I could say which could be seen as a negative is that I wanted more, I wanted to be drenched in this world, but it’s probably and I’d like it to be seen as one of the biggest compliments I could give - because it made me want more, made me thirst for more of the brilliance LaFaro has penned - the world he crafted draws you in and doesn’t want you to escape it unscathed.
Buy a ticket, take the ride!
December 22, 2022
This was a quick read that I was able to sandwich in-between simultaneous readings of several books. That's what happened when you sign on to several group reads in the same month. But, they are were so enticing. I challenged myself and feel good having survived it.
NOOSE is a great adventure yarn, especially if you enjoy weird westerns. There's just enough strange and odd about this to take it beyond standard western fare. It's a short novella and a quick read. Author LaFaro also included a short story featuring one of the more interesting characters from the novella, Mirella the witch, which sheds a more sympathetic light on her. This proceeded at a different pace than the main novella and spotlights the writing skills of LaFaro.
NOTES:
DECEMBER 05: This reminds me of the paperback westerns my father used to read, although I suspect NOOSE is a bit more gruesome. I'm ready for a rooting-tooting, rip-roaring weird western adventure yarn. I believe this will be a quick read, even quicker if I wasn't trying to multi-task and read several books at the same time.
My favorite line so far, about 13% into the book: "I'll spare you the grisly details, Rory, but you ever been so sick you felt like you was gonna vomit 'til your innards turned to outards?"
DECEMBER 07
About 38% into the story. The supernatural element has been introduced as well as the remaining members of the Noose gang.
21%: I had about as much energy left as a horse that just hauled a fat man up a mountain."
DECEMBER 11
At 60%, just finished Chapter 9, the most brutal and violent chapter so far and very well done.
DECEMBER 13Now at Chapter 12 (72%).
I enjoyed the mirage-like entry into the saloon. A different beginning to that encounter.
Hate to stop mid-way in a fight scene. Hope to get back to this soon.
at 61%: ". . . the setting sun bled a mixture of pink and purple so vivid, it looked more like a painter's palette than the hellish sky that had overseen this day."
NOOSE is a great adventure yarn, especially if you enjoy weird westerns. There's just enough strange and odd about this to take it beyond standard western fare. It's a short novella and a quick read. Author LaFaro also included a short story featuring one of the more interesting characters from the novella, Mirella the witch, which sheds a more sympathetic light on her. This proceeded at a different pace than the main novella and spotlights the writing skills of LaFaro.
NOTES:
DECEMBER 05: This reminds me of the paperback westerns my father used to read, although I suspect NOOSE is a bit more gruesome. I'm ready for a rooting-tooting, rip-roaring weird western adventure yarn. I believe this will be a quick read, even quicker if I wasn't trying to multi-task and read several books at the same time.
My favorite line so far, about 13% into the book: "I'll spare you the grisly details, Rory, but you ever been so sick you felt like you was gonna vomit 'til your innards turned to outards?"
DECEMBER 07
About 38% into the story. The supernatural element has been introduced as well as the remaining members of the Noose gang.
21%: I had about as much energy left as a horse that just hauled a fat man up a mountain."
DECEMBER 11
At 60%, just finished Chapter 9, the most brutal and violent chapter so far and very well done.
DECEMBER 13Now at Chapter 12 (72%).
I enjoyed the mirage-like entry into the saloon. A different beginning to that encounter.
Hate to stop mid-way in a fight scene. Hope to get back to this soon.
at 61%: ". . . the setting sun bled a mixture of pink and purple so vivid, it looked more like a painter's palette than the hellish sky that had overseen this day."
December 15, 2022
Read as part of the Horror Aficionados December 2022 Group read with Guest author Brennan LaFaro.
Once I started reading this story I could not put it down. Mostly a western revenge story with some supernatural elements. This did not remind me of a splatter western, but was quite enjoyable. I would be happy to read more about Rory and Alice.
Once I started reading this story I could not put it down. Mostly a western revenge story with some supernatural elements. This did not remind me of a splatter western, but was quite enjoyable. I would be happy to read more about Rory and Alice.
October 11, 2022
Dynamite!
This was my first read from LaFaro, but it will not be my last. NOOSE is violent, fast-paced, and thrilling. Highly recommended!
This was my first read from LaFaro, but it will not be my last. NOOSE is violent, fast-paced, and thrilling. Highly recommended!
August 15, 2022
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of Noose, by Brennan LaFaro. Noose is the sophomore release from the author, and while a western setting may feel familiar to some because horror westerns are in right now, LaFaro does his own thing, with a voice of his own that manages to separate his book in terms of feel, despite that familiar setting, while also establishing the fact that the author is no one trick pony.
Rory Daggets quest for revenge is an interesting one, and one that introduces you to some bad people, while also giving you the characterization that fans of Slattery falls will come to recognize. This book however, while I wouldn’t call it extreme, is definitely more bloody than his debut. I liked it, it shows the author flexing his muscles and writing what he wants to write.
Fans of horror westerns will want to check this one out, and fans of Slattery Falls will be happy with the authors follow up.
Rory Daggets quest for revenge is an interesting one, and one that introduces you to some bad people, while also giving you the characterization that fans of Slattery falls will come to recognize. This book however, while I wouldn’t call it extreme, is definitely more bloody than his debut. I liked it, it shows the author flexing his muscles and writing what he wants to write.
Fans of horror westerns will want to check this one out, and fans of Slattery Falls will be happy with the authors follow up.
March 5, 2025
A fast-paced, action-packed western with a touch of supernatural and horror. Good fun.
October 31, 2022
The blurb: "With NOOSE, LaFaro manages to create an adventurous Wild West with a touch of supernatural and a game of revenge against a nefarious gang full of memorable characters. It's highly entertaining, the kind of tale you devour in a sitting and ask for more. At this point, I'll show up for anything LaFaro puts out; he's damn good."
Some other comments: This is a well-written and exciting tale of the Wild West. I especially loved the destructive potions and would have liked to see more of them, but I'm glad they made a brief return in the finale. The bonus short, Come Take My Hand, is also great, though it does seem like I'm reading about different characters than the bad guys presented in Noose. I would have liked to see more of their progression from abused to utterly evil. Maybe LaFaro can do a full novella or novel of their early years turning diabolical. Regardless, this is a fantastic book that will likely to appeal to anyone that enjoys adventure and battle. A must buy!
Some other comments: This is a well-written and exciting tale of the Wild West. I especially loved the destructive potions and would have liked to see more of them, but I'm glad they made a brief return in the finale. The bonus short, Come Take My Hand, is also great, though it does seem like I'm reading about different characters than the bad guys presented in Noose. I would have liked to see more of their progression from abused to utterly evil. Maybe LaFaro can do a full novella or novel of their early years turning diabolical. Regardless, this is a fantastic book that will likely to appeal to anyone that enjoys adventure and battle. A must buy!
April 25, 2024
The genre I didn't know I needed, The Horror Western. I listened to the Noose audiobook, and it was a nice change of pace. While it has supernatural elements and some splashes of gore, it's also very much a coming of age tale.
The characters are great! Some of them you will adore and others you will despise. While Noose Holcomb is the obvious bad guy, I genuinely enjoyed his character, I simply loved hating him.
The audiobook is a lot of fun. The narrator did a wonderful job with the characters and the different accents! Overall, I liked this book enough to read book 2, which was just recently released!
This book will be great for horror lovers who may have grown up watching Westerns or for the readers who are looking for something a bit different to break up the monotony.
The characters are great! Some of them you will adore and others you will despise. While Noose Holcomb is the obvious bad guy, I genuinely enjoyed his character, I simply loved hating him.
The audiobook is a lot of fun. The narrator did a wonderful job with the characters and the different accents! Overall, I liked this book enough to read book 2, which was just recently released!
This book will be great for horror lovers who may have grown up watching Westerns or for the readers who are looking for something a bit different to break up the monotony.
August 29, 2024
Noose is an excellent novella which gives us the origin story of Rory Dagget and his quest to kill the biggest, baddest, and supernaturally charged psychopath nicknamed Noose.
This book has all the beats of an almost super hero story. Orphaned at a young age, taken in by people who loved him, and his ultimate revenge on his lifelong quest to kill the man responsible.
But of course it won't be easy. Because Noose has a gang, including a hulk-like killer, a man who is very adept with blades, and a witch! Rory must take them out to get to his goal, Noose himself.
There's not a scene that lags here. Every page, right from the start, is filled with wild west vibes and bloody rampages which makes it such a fun breath taking horror ride.
As a bonus in the copy I received, there's also a short story about how Noose and his witch met when he was just a child. That was pretty awesome and a great addition to this whole world.
I highly recommend this fantastic western horror novella.
This book has all the beats of an almost super hero story. Orphaned at a young age, taken in by people who loved him, and his ultimate revenge on his lifelong quest to kill the man responsible.
But of course it won't be easy. Because Noose has a gang, including a hulk-like killer, a man who is very adept with blades, and a witch! Rory must take them out to get to his goal, Noose himself.
There's not a scene that lags here. Every page, right from the start, is filled with wild west vibes and bloody rampages which makes it such a fun breath taking horror ride.
As a bonus in the copy I received, there's also a short story about how Noose and his witch met when he was just a child. That was pretty awesome and a great addition to this whole world.
I highly recommend this fantastic western horror novella.
August 16, 2022
Noose possesses the cast of characters of Batman and the smooth narration as Lansdale.
Noose is one for all the big and small hosses!
Noose is one for all the big and small hosses!
September 13, 2022
A really well written Western tale about a boy who seeks revenge.
Although i really enjoyed the story, I did find that it was too confined to Rory and his quest, i didnt get a sense of a wide open wild west place. The first chapter is when he was a boy and the train robbery happened, then the next chapter is him as a grown man. It just seems to jump from situation to situation. I suppose it's a fine line between the story and overloading it with "filler" information that bores the reader. I was also wanting more of a supernatural element, there's a bit (the witch) but it's never elaborated on and all the bad guys are taken down a bit too easily for my liking. The vials too! I was really curious as to what the mad scientist had been making.
The author notes towards the end explain that there's more to come in this world so my points above may well be sorted out in different books and expand the world and characters. There's a fun little short at the end as well which tells the tale of how George and Merella met but again, it lacked specific information to do with this particular tale.
I know i seem like im moaning about it but don't take that the wrong way, i still really enjoyed this read.
Although i really enjoyed the story, I did find that it was too confined to Rory and his quest, i didnt get a sense of a wide open wild west place. The first chapter is when he was a boy and the train robbery happened, then the next chapter is him as a grown man. It just seems to jump from situation to situation. I suppose it's a fine line between the story and overloading it with "filler" information that bores the reader. I was also wanting more of a supernatural element, there's a bit (the witch) but it's never elaborated on and all the bad guys are taken down a bit too easily for my liking. The vials too! I was really curious as to what the mad scientist had been making.
The author notes towards the end explain that there's more to come in this world so my points above may well be sorted out in different books and expand the world and characters. There's a fun little short at the end as well which tells the tale of how George and Merella met but again, it lacked specific information to do with this particular tale.
I know i seem like im moaning about it but don't take that the wrong way, i still really enjoyed this read.
September 16, 2022
The Batman meets Django Unchained
LaFaro takes to the West in this story of revenge and blood. It doesn’t take long to get started, and I couldn’t help but root for Rory as he encountered members of Noose’s notorious, albeit, almost mystical gang.
I look forward to more tales in this world, and as LaFaro says in the afterword, it seems like there may be more to come.
LaFaro takes to the West in this story of revenge and blood. It doesn’t take long to get started, and I couldn’t help but root for Rory as he encountered members of Noose’s notorious, albeit, almost mystical gang.
I look forward to more tales in this world, and as LaFaro says in the afterword, it seems like there may be more to come.
May 9, 2023
3.5 ✨
This Western horror story was a gripper from the beginning, for me.
It was well written and the characters and emotions connected with me.
I did feel like the ending was a little rushed, thus making me feel like something was missing.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a Western Horror Novella.
This Western horror story was a gripper from the beginning, for me.
It was well written and the characters and emotions connected with me.
I did feel like the ending was a little rushed, thus making me feel like something was missing.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a Western Horror Novella.
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed LaFaro’s writing style but the story just wasn’t compelling enough for me. I didn’t find the character motivations believable and the plot holes irked me.
I would read more of his work though and look forward to seeing what he writes in the future. Like I said, I loved the descriptive writing style and the western setting, just the plot didn’t hit for me.
I would read more of his work though and look forward to seeing what he writes in the future. Like I said, I loved the descriptive writing style and the western setting, just the plot didn’t hit for me.
December 13, 2022
I received a copy of the audiobook of this from the publisher.
Truly an enjoyable listen. Don’t get me wrong the narration started off as not my favorite but I kept going and honestly I think it really made this story jump off the page and into my ears. The story was fantastic and I enjoyed Rory’s story. Alice has become a hero of mine and I really would like to know more of her story.
Highly recommend.
Truly an enjoyable listen. Don’t get me wrong the narration started off as not my favorite but I kept going and honestly I think it really made this story jump off the page and into my ears. The story was fantastic and I enjoyed Rory’s story. Alice has become a hero of mine and I really would like to know more of her story.
Highly recommend.
June 5, 2023
George “Noose” Holcomb “the whole damn town watched him dangle from the gallows and laugh about it ’til they cut him down. They hung him high and he refused to die.”
NOOSE by @brennanlafaro from @darklitpress -We don’t have no typical shoot ‘em up western on our hands, wait, that’s a double negative, scratch that. This ain’t your normal giddy-up western we got here. This is so much more. A touch of mad scientist, a touch of brutality, a touch of witchery, and a bit of invincibility. Toss in some humor, and a whole bunch of “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT BRENNAN, YOU FLEA-BITTEN VARMINT!!” -mix it well and you have Noose.
So Bandit, what are these here colorful jars? I’m so glad you asked, that is where the mad scientist comes in but I’m not telling you what they are for. Bad enough I risked my hide by touching them, I saw what happened to those poor people at the bank with the blue liquid, and I can still hear that guy screaming after he was exposed to the red. It ain’t pretty. Just looking at that black one makes me break out in hives.
Welcome to Buzzards Edge, I suggest you leave. “Even in the best part of town, the sand would drink the blood and unloved creatures would dispose of the rest when darkness fell.”
A lot was left open in this one. It could have been a full novel but I think Brennan has set himself up a nice world to keep coming back to.
NOOSE by @brennanlafaro from @darklitpress -We don’t have no typical shoot ‘em up western on our hands, wait, that’s a double negative, scratch that. This ain’t your normal giddy-up western we got here. This is so much more. A touch of mad scientist, a touch of brutality, a touch of witchery, and a bit of invincibility. Toss in some humor, and a whole bunch of “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT BRENNAN, YOU FLEA-BITTEN VARMINT!!” -mix it well and you have Noose.
So Bandit, what are these here colorful jars? I’m so glad you asked, that is where the mad scientist comes in but I’m not telling you what they are for. Bad enough I risked my hide by touching them, I saw what happened to those poor people at the bank with the blue liquid, and I can still hear that guy screaming after he was exposed to the red. It ain’t pretty. Just looking at that black one makes me break out in hives.
Welcome to Buzzards Edge, I suggest you leave. “Even in the best part of town, the sand would drink the blood and unloved creatures would dispose of the rest when darkness fell.”
A lot was left open in this one. It could have been a full novel but I think Brennan has set himself up a nice world to keep coming back to.
September 21, 2022
Brennan LaFaro’s second novella, Noose, hits the ground running. Pulling no punches, this is a story of violence and brutality. Life is cheap out in the west and there is no romanticizing the sheer cruelty man is capable of there. LaFaro writes Rory Daggett with immense skill. From the start, we are in this man’s head, feeling what he does and seeking his righteous vengeance with him.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
October 7, 2024
Noose: A Rory Daggett story by Brennan LaFaro is more than just your average western novel. This book brings together a western style novel and gives readers supernatural and horror elements that will keep you page-turning to the end. It will all begin on a train, but the question of where and how it will end? Well, that is something you’ll have to discover for yourself.
Noose has a unique cover that draws the eye of readers. The title of the book is depicted written in rope with the second “o” a noose. You’ll understand the meaning of the name as you read the book. Don’t worry, author LaFaro won’t leave you in suspense on that element. The background is orange and red depicting a fiery sky with the sun blazing.
Center stage of the cover beneath the title are five characters standing tall and proud. The man in the middle with his head bowed? Yeah, that’s the head honcho. The big baddie himself...Noose. The four fanning out behind him? Well, those you will learn more about as Rory’s story unfolds.
Noose is a supernatural horror western novel. It is the story of young Rory Daggett. In 1872 Arizona he and his parents were on an ill-fated train ride. Rory goes through a harrowing ordeal as the infamous Noose Holcomb boards the Buzzard’s Edge train and rains down unspeakable terror and death. Rory survives the horrors of that day, but bears the mental and emotional scars.
He was made an orphan, but he found a second family who took him in. Noose let him live to deliver a message and Rory has clung to that dark reminder every day since. Now, there are rumblings of some of Noose’s gang making movements. For Rory, this is his chance to get revenge for what happened all those years ago and cost him so much.
Noose is a story in the Buzzard’s Edge universe. Rory’s story is a wild one that begins with Rory as an eight year old little boy. He has no idea of the danger that he finds himself in when Noose boards that fateful train, but author LaFaro is ready and eager to whip out more than a little drama and danger for readers quickly into the story.
Author LaFaro brings the twists and surprises in Noose. There will be some predictable elements, but this story will still keep readers on their toes.
Initially, you get the sense that it’s just Noose himself that Rory is looking for, but Rory has done his homework. Noose is far from being a one man show and when Rory gets wind of one of Noose’s crew lurking in the area he knows this is his chance.
Noose is a quick moving novel. While we are introduced to Rory at a young age, author LaFaro doesn’t focus a lot of time on Rory’s youth. Instead, we fast forward to Rory now a grown young man. Readers will see that he’s lived a pretty good life overall. He’s still experienced some recent loss, but nothing like that fateful day.
As Noose unfolds author LaFaro will introduce readers to the remaining players in this game of Noose’s. Each of these characters brings something unique to the table. They all have their specific talents. These elements of the story will keep readers engaged and eager for more of Rory’s story.
Readers will appreciate how author LaFaro blends the supernatural and horror elements into this western novel.
Rory is an interesting character. Author LaFaro could have had him go the dark route and become embittered because of what he went through. But since he gets a second chance at a good family, he grows up to be a decent guy.
Noose is an engaging story with just the right amount of details and drama to keep readers engaged in the book. You get a dynamic cast of characters who each bring something unique to the storyline. Author LaFaro makes sure to bring a twisted surprise that readers won’t see coming.
At the end of Noose is a short “prequel” that gives readers some insight into Noose the character, and one of the characters who becomes one of his henchmen. It’s a nice little addition to the story that provides readers with a little backstory on Noose.
Readers who enjoy western novels will not want to miss out on this story. Just the right amount of horror and supernatural that goes perfectly with the spooky season. You’ll be looking forward to more stories centered in the Buzzard’s Edge universe.
Pros:
Engaging storyline
Unique characters
Twists and surprise elements
Nice balance of supernatural and horror without detracting from the western aspect of the story.
Page-turner
Cons:
None of merit
Cover Score: 9.2
Overall Book Score: 9.4
Noose has a unique cover that draws the eye of readers. The title of the book is depicted written in rope with the second “o” a noose. You’ll understand the meaning of the name as you read the book. Don’t worry, author LaFaro won’t leave you in suspense on that element. The background is orange and red depicting a fiery sky with the sun blazing.
Center stage of the cover beneath the title are five characters standing tall and proud. The man in the middle with his head bowed? Yeah, that’s the head honcho. The big baddie himself...Noose. The four fanning out behind him? Well, those you will learn more about as Rory’s story unfolds.
Noose is a supernatural horror western novel. It is the story of young Rory Daggett. In 1872 Arizona he and his parents were on an ill-fated train ride. Rory goes through a harrowing ordeal as the infamous Noose Holcomb boards the Buzzard’s Edge train and rains down unspeakable terror and death. Rory survives the horrors of that day, but bears the mental and emotional scars.
He was made an orphan, but he found a second family who took him in. Noose let him live to deliver a message and Rory has clung to that dark reminder every day since. Now, there are rumblings of some of Noose’s gang making movements. For Rory, this is his chance to get revenge for what happened all those years ago and cost him so much.
Noose is a story in the Buzzard’s Edge universe. Rory’s story is a wild one that begins with Rory as an eight year old little boy. He has no idea of the danger that he finds himself in when Noose boards that fateful train, but author LaFaro is ready and eager to whip out more than a little drama and danger for readers quickly into the story.
Author LaFaro brings the twists and surprises in Noose. There will be some predictable elements, but this story will still keep readers on their toes.
Initially, you get the sense that it’s just Noose himself that Rory is looking for, but Rory has done his homework. Noose is far from being a one man show and when Rory gets wind of one of Noose’s crew lurking in the area he knows this is his chance.
Noose is a quick moving novel. While we are introduced to Rory at a young age, author LaFaro doesn’t focus a lot of time on Rory’s youth. Instead, we fast forward to Rory now a grown young man. Readers will see that he’s lived a pretty good life overall. He’s still experienced some recent loss, but nothing like that fateful day.
As Noose unfolds author LaFaro will introduce readers to the remaining players in this game of Noose’s. Each of these characters brings something unique to the table. They all have their specific talents. These elements of the story will keep readers engaged and eager for more of Rory’s story.
Readers will appreciate how author LaFaro blends the supernatural and horror elements into this western novel.
Rory is an interesting character. Author LaFaro could have had him go the dark route and become embittered because of what he went through. But since he gets a second chance at a good family, he grows up to be a decent guy.
Noose is an engaging story with just the right amount of details and drama to keep readers engaged in the book. You get a dynamic cast of characters who each bring something unique to the storyline. Author LaFaro makes sure to bring a twisted surprise that readers won’t see coming.
At the end of Noose is a short “prequel” that gives readers some insight into Noose the character, and one of the characters who becomes one of his henchmen. It’s a nice little addition to the story that provides readers with a little backstory on Noose.
Readers who enjoy western novels will not want to miss out on this story. Just the right amount of horror and supernatural that goes perfectly with the spooky season. You’ll be looking forward to more stories centered in the Buzzard’s Edge universe.
Pros:
Engaging storyline
Unique characters
Twists and surprise elements
Nice balance of supernatural and horror without detracting from the western aspect of the story.
Page-turner
Cons:
None of merit
Cover Score: 9.2
Overall Book Score: 9.4
October 15, 2024
*Thanks to Brennan for sending me a digital copy of this one!*
Horror Western’s have been such a fun subgenre to be reading over the last five or so years, haven’t they? We had the surge in Splatter-Westerns and the return with Horror-Westerns, which ushered in the age of paranormal/supernatural plots and narratives. It made it far more impactful, for me at least, that it wasn’t purely the good guys trying to catch the bad guys who robbed the train car.
When this book was first released, I was swamped in books, swamped in getting digital copies sent from Andrew – former head honcho of DarkLit – and it simply didn’t get read. With the collapse of DarkLit and the return of a number of these books to the world, I wanted to try and read these and help support/get the word out, about the books that might never recover or die a death they didn’t deserve. Brennan kindly sent me a digital copy of this one – and the new publisher, Brigids Gate, approved me for book two on Netgalley – so, I was set to gallop into this world and get dirty and dusty. I loved Brennan’s previous trilogy, the wonderful Slattery Falls books, which made me confident that this story wouldn’t be a surface level point-and-shoot Western.
What I liked: Ironically, this book starts off with some bad guys attacking a train car! Ha. Well, moving past that tidbit, we open with young Rory, riding the car with his parents. It’s then attacked by the nefarious Noose Holcomb, who kills Rory’s parents and flees with everyone’s riches.
Solid set up, Batman-esque truthfully.
Fast-forward fifteen years and Brennan re-introduces the Holcomb gang into Rory’s world and, as one would expect, vengeance is the main dish on the menu. Though often, Westerns get bogged down in the ‘vengeance-will-be-mine’ plot, LaFaro does a wonderful job of showing why it throws Rory’s world into chaos and why we want to root for Rory.
And, as expected, the emotional aspect runs high throughout, and Brennan then infuses the story with a nod to the supernatural. We get a unique twist, one that gives Noose an advantage and makes the stakes even higher for Rory and makes it paramount that Rory must overcome. Now, obviously some things are left unfinished – there is a sequel after all – but what LaFaro does so will within, is gives the readers hope and closure, something that – in a book like this at least – is needed.
What I didn’t like: I kind of went back and forth between wishing this was a one and done and wishing LaFaro had left more of a massive cliffhanger to set up book two. It’s an odd conundrum, and one that speaks to the solidity of characters and story progression.
Why you should buy this: Not a typical Splatter-Western, but still one that gets its hands dirty, LaFaro has skated that fine line of brutality for story versus brutality for brutality a few times in here, and by doing so, I think it opens the doors up for every reader of Horror-Westerns to want to jump on this one, especially with a second book arriving and a collection of stories set within the world to come as well.
Horror Western’s have been such a fun subgenre to be reading over the last five or so years, haven’t they? We had the surge in Splatter-Westerns and the return with Horror-Westerns, which ushered in the age of paranormal/supernatural plots and narratives. It made it far more impactful, for me at least, that it wasn’t purely the good guys trying to catch the bad guys who robbed the train car.
When this book was first released, I was swamped in books, swamped in getting digital copies sent from Andrew – former head honcho of DarkLit – and it simply didn’t get read. With the collapse of DarkLit and the return of a number of these books to the world, I wanted to try and read these and help support/get the word out, about the books that might never recover or die a death they didn’t deserve. Brennan kindly sent me a digital copy of this one – and the new publisher, Brigids Gate, approved me for book two on Netgalley – so, I was set to gallop into this world and get dirty and dusty. I loved Brennan’s previous trilogy, the wonderful Slattery Falls books, which made me confident that this story wouldn’t be a surface level point-and-shoot Western.
What I liked: Ironically, this book starts off with some bad guys attacking a train car! Ha. Well, moving past that tidbit, we open with young Rory, riding the car with his parents. It’s then attacked by the nefarious Noose Holcomb, who kills Rory’s parents and flees with everyone’s riches.
Solid set up, Batman-esque truthfully.
Fast-forward fifteen years and Brennan re-introduces the Holcomb gang into Rory’s world and, as one would expect, vengeance is the main dish on the menu. Though often, Westerns get bogged down in the ‘vengeance-will-be-mine’ plot, LaFaro does a wonderful job of showing why it throws Rory’s world into chaos and why we want to root for Rory.
And, as expected, the emotional aspect runs high throughout, and Brennan then infuses the story with a nod to the supernatural. We get a unique twist, one that gives Noose an advantage and makes the stakes even higher for Rory and makes it paramount that Rory must overcome. Now, obviously some things are left unfinished – there is a sequel after all – but what LaFaro does so will within, is gives the readers hope and closure, something that – in a book like this at least – is needed.
What I didn’t like: I kind of went back and forth between wishing this was a one and done and wishing LaFaro had left more of a massive cliffhanger to set up book two. It’s an odd conundrum, and one that speaks to the solidity of characters and story progression.
Why you should buy this: Not a typical Splatter-Western, but still one that gets its hands dirty, LaFaro has skated that fine line of brutality for story versus brutality for brutality a few times in here, and by doing so, I think it opens the doors up for every reader of Horror-Westerns to want to jump on this one, especially with a second book arriving and a collection of stories set within the world to come as well.
April 11, 2023
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
If you like high stakes action line John Wick or the badassery of Clint Eastwood in The Good The Bad The Ugly, you’ll get a kick out of this book. From the comfort and familiar they comes from a revenge tale, to the easy flow of the genre this book kept me engaged, rooting for the main character and loving the development of the villain. The way the author builds the infamy of Noose, you can’t help but either want to see him fall or have the author do more with him. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5.
Thank you to the publisher and author for this book!
If you like high stakes action line John Wick or the badassery of Clint Eastwood in The Good The Bad The Ugly, you’ll get a kick out of this book. From the comfort and familiar they comes from a revenge tale, to the easy flow of the genre this book kept me engaged, rooting for the main character and loving the development of the villain. The way the author builds the infamy of Noose, you can’t help but either want to see him fall or have the author do more with him. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5.
Thank you to the publisher and author for this book!
October 26, 2022
Noose by Brennan LaFaro is a gritty western tale of revenge. A searing story of blood, sweat, and tears. Old endings and new beginnings.
Rory Daggett is a survivor of the 1872 Buzzard's Edge train robbery where the passengers were brutally slaughtered by Noose Holcomb. As a young child he watched his parents brutal murders while they were standing right next to him. For some strange reason or maybe a whim. Noose, who is one of the most dangerous outlaws of the wild west, lets Rory live.
That day sits in Rory's mind and edges and shapes him as he grows older. It never lets go or forgets what happened that cursed day. A reckoning is coming for Noose, one built on those blood, sweat and tears. A showdown of epic proportions as Rory works his way through Noose's eclectic crew of bandits. Making his way to the man himself that took away so much of his life.
As the showdown commences another curtain is opened into a prequel with 'Come And Take My Hand.' A book within this book, it takes us deeper into the story and life of Noose Holcomb and where he came from and how he met one of his partners in crime. I believe that there will be more stories to come in the future with this landscape and series and I can't wait to read them!
Rory Daggett is a survivor of the 1872 Buzzard's Edge train robbery where the passengers were brutally slaughtered by Noose Holcomb. As a young child he watched his parents brutal murders while they were standing right next to him. For some strange reason or maybe a whim. Noose, who is one of the most dangerous outlaws of the wild west, lets Rory live.
That day sits in Rory's mind and edges and shapes him as he grows older. It never lets go or forgets what happened that cursed day. A reckoning is coming for Noose, one built on those blood, sweat and tears. A showdown of epic proportions as Rory works his way through Noose's eclectic crew of bandits. Making his way to the man himself that took away so much of his life.
As the showdown commences another curtain is opened into a prequel with 'Come And Take My Hand.' A book within this book, it takes us deeper into the story and life of Noose Holcomb and where he came from and how he met one of his partners in crime. I believe that there will be more stories to come in the future with this landscape and series and I can't wait to read them!
November 2, 2022
I’ve shamefully had a copy of Brennan’s Slattery Falls on my kindle (staring at me) for about half a year now. It’s one of those books that appealed to me through other people’s reviews, notably Tyler Jones’, Tim McGregor’s, and Steve Stred’s praise established that I needed to read it – So I snapped it up and – nothing. It sat patiently waiting for its turn (It’s coming!) whilst my attention was bedazzled by other glittery sparkly read-me horror novels.
So, when I was offered a review copy from Dark Lit press for Noose, a horror western (a genre I am coming to love, through Kenzie Jenning’s Red Station, Coy Hall’s The Hangman feeds the Jackal, amongst others), I about bit Andrew Fowlow’s hand off trying to get to it as quickly as possible. I remember feeling massively lucky when I got that email, so thanks, once again, to Brennan and the Dark lit crew. You made me very happy.
The setup of Noose is fantastic. Right from the supernatural start, you get the feeling the book is going to be outstanding. The introduction here is great. We know that the main character is going to have to battle his way through 4 gang members before confronting the main bad guy, and each of them brings their own skills and attack style into play. I guess you could liken it to battling your way through mortal combat, or double dragon – you can guess from the description how bad it is going to get, but can’t wait for it all to happen.
The ending comes way too quickly. I have to say that. This is read in a single sitting, and before you know it, the lieutenants are dealt with and the main event has finished. The sugar plaster at the end of the book is a short story that explores the origins of the bad guy, lending him character, motive, and humanity, and add to the lore that Brennan is building – and building he is. This flit into his world was woefully short – the author says that more books in his world will be forthcoming, and I’m in for all of them. At least two have been confirmed to DarkLit this week. Keep them coming, Pardner.
I loved this. Absolutely loved it. It was way too short – as I explained earlier, and I wanted at least twice as much. In fact, I didn’t want to go home to reality. But the fact is that the idea here is the seller. Great setup, great concept, well-executed storytelling, wonderful cover from Donnie Goodman, and a well-thought-together package all round.
5 out of 5⭐ ‘s. And Slattery Falls’ day is soon coming. I promise.
So, when I was offered a review copy from Dark Lit press for Noose, a horror western (a genre I am coming to love, through Kenzie Jenning’s Red Station, Coy Hall’s The Hangman feeds the Jackal, amongst others), I about bit Andrew Fowlow’s hand off trying to get to it as quickly as possible. I remember feeling massively lucky when I got that email, so thanks, once again, to Brennan and the Dark lit crew. You made me very happy.
The setup of Noose is fantastic. Right from the supernatural start, you get the feeling the book is going to be outstanding. The introduction here is great. We know that the main character is going to have to battle his way through 4 gang members before confronting the main bad guy, and each of them brings their own skills and attack style into play. I guess you could liken it to battling your way through mortal combat, or double dragon – you can guess from the description how bad it is going to get, but can’t wait for it all to happen.
The ending comes way too quickly. I have to say that. This is read in a single sitting, and before you know it, the lieutenants are dealt with and the main event has finished. The sugar plaster at the end of the book is a short story that explores the origins of the bad guy, lending him character, motive, and humanity, and add to the lore that Brennan is building – and building he is. This flit into his world was woefully short – the author says that more books in his world will be forthcoming, and I’m in for all of them. At least two have been confirmed to DarkLit this week. Keep them coming, Pardner.
I loved this. Absolutely loved it. It was way too short – as I explained earlier, and I wanted at least twice as much. In fact, I didn’t want to go home to reality. But the fact is that the idea here is the seller. Great setup, great concept, well-executed storytelling, wonderful cover from Donnie Goodman, and a well-thought-together package all round.
5 out of 5⭐ ‘s. And Slattery Falls’ day is soon coming. I promise.
November 13, 2022
I have a lot of love in my heart for Noose. Brennan did such a beautiful job of capturing the heart of the West in this, and I really want to extend my thanks for taking me back to my childhood watching John Wayne movies with my dad. Noose gave me huge Rooster Cogburn/True Grit vibes and I was captivated from the get go.
Noose Holcomb was an extremely fascinating Western villain. He had a brand of crazy all his own and I was so satisfied with his ending. It made so much sense for him and I'm glad the author didn't try to force a big shootout. I really liked Edwards as an outlaw too, though I felt like he was underutilized. There's something to be said for an outlaw who uses knowledge and riddles as foreplay to murder, and I'd love to see more of his cunning and charisma.
Noose was an absolute gem. I was expecting a typical spaghetti western with some horror elements, but Brennan really blew me away. I've fallen in love with this world, and I seriously can't wait to see how he shapes it even more!
Noose Holcomb was an extremely fascinating Western villain. He had a brand of crazy all his own and I was so satisfied with his ending. It made so much sense for him and I'm glad the author didn't try to force a big shootout. I really liked Edwards as an outlaw too, though I felt like he was underutilized. There's something to be said for an outlaw who uses knowledge and riddles as foreplay to murder, and I'd love to see more of his cunning and charisma.
Noose was an absolute gem. I was expecting a typical spaghetti western with some horror elements, but Brennan really blew me away. I've fallen in love with this world, and I seriously can't wait to see how he shapes it even more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews