In this western from Charles G. West, blood beats all—except justice…Outlaw Roy Blanton’s raised his four boys in the family business since they were half-pints—and they've gotten away with murder. That is, until U.S. Deputy Marshal Casey Dixon had hot-headed Billy, the youngest, hanged for shooting a policeman. Now the Blantons have vengeance on their minds. Old Buck Avery, Dixon’s partner, had been thinking of turning in his badge. And taking down the Blanton name sounds like a fine way to leave the law on a high note. But it's going to get bloody--because the house of Blanton isn't going to fall without a fight... “The West as it really was—savage, heroic and unforgettable.”—Ralph Compton
Charles G. West first arrived on the western literary scene in March, 1998 with his first novel, Stone Hand, published by Penguin under their Signet imprint. The book was the first of a three-book series, featuring Jason Coles, master tracker. The public response to those first three books called for more western fiction by West, and as of January 2014, Signet has published forty-five.
Inspired in his youth by great adventure authors like A.B. Guthrie and Vardis Fisher, West has always sought to be true to the men and women who braved the dangers of the savage frontier that was ultimately forged to become the American west. Novels by Charles G. West are classified as historical/westerns due to his diligent research in his subject matter, choosing to weave his fiction into the fabric of the actual places and events, being true to the times as well as the people. As a result, his protagonists are usually not heroes, but are often called upon to perform heroic deeds.
Insisting that his protagonists must be instilled with a sense of fairness in addition to courage. West readily admits that many of the characters in his books are patterned after his two sons, both of whom are graduates of the University of Montana, one still lives in Kalispell, Montana - and is the source of much of the author's detail on the ways of the mountain man. Both sons share West's love for the Big Sky Country.
Presently, the author resides in Ocala, Florida with his wife, Ronda, whose name is found on the dedication page of every West novel.
The plot and characters meander around too much for me to love this. Interestingly enough, this is the fourth Charles G. West novel I have read, and the first of those to not star a convict.
Another awesome read, from one of the greatest Western writers of the 21st Century. West never disappoints, puts his readers right into the pages and a master at creating believable characters.
This ones about two U.S. Deputy Marshal's, Buck Avery wily veteran ready to retire and Casey Dixon a fearless one man wrecking crew and they both work for the Judge Parker, 'the hanging Judge'.
They'll square off with Roy Blanton, his four sons on the Outlaw trail and everything they do is done in the name of the Lord.
Dixon and Avery take them out, one at a time and avenge all the evil, the sick twisted outlaw family does.
The story does involve a pretty girl, a lawyer and her regret in the end.
You're just going to have to read, 'Shootout at Broken Bow' to know the ending and another one that has the makings for a great series.
Be warned you'll end up hooked and maybe even try other Westerns. Be like me, having a shelf dedicated to West's books in my Library and thanks to technology, a collection on my Kindle keyboard.
Years ago U.S. Marshal Buck Avery almost captured the outlaw Ray Blanton and his 4 sons. They eluded him, but he'd at least chased them from the territory. But now they are back and leaving a trail of bodies... Avery, knowing that retirement is lurking, joins up with up and coming Marshal Casey Dixon to track down Blanton and his sons... A very good Western, that sounds familiar but has enough fresh takes to keep you on your toes.
Older US Deputy Marshall, Buck Avery and younger US Deputy Marshall Casey Dixon are after the Blanton clan of a crooked dad and his sons. If anyone needed killing it was this clan of men. One part of the story with Buck Avery surprised me and I didn’t see that coming. A bit of a twist. Good story, interesting ending. I think Casey Dixon got lucky there, with the female, even if he doesn't know it yet.
Told from an omniscient, 3rd-person, this book is captivating until the very end. It’s very realistic, well-written, and a quick read. The author reveals just enough in just the right amount of time to keep the story interesting and moving forward. I highly recommend if you like historical fiction, especially if you like western-type novels.
Roy Blanton and his four sons had cut a wide swath across the Nations years ago before disappearing back into Texas. Now they are back. The youngest, Billy, had killed an Indian policeman. Young deputy Casey Dixon had hubted hm down and returned him to Judge Parker's court. When the old man heard his favorite had been hung, he swore vengeance. Dixon is paired with the aging lawman that had once ran the outlaw family out of the Nations to find them.
Fair western as young marshall for Judge Parker must go after an outlaw and his 3 sons. He had a 4th son but the marshall arrested him for murder and he was hung. The marshall's partner is a veteran lawman who has been on the take of the outlaws. Like most modern western this one enjoys graphic violence just a little too much. Recommended to fans of westerns.