Top Man with a Gun

by Lewis B. Patten

Clay knew that on the muddy street of this little town he would face the test he'd spent years preparing for - gunning down the only man he'd ever really wanted to kill. There was revenge in his heart and a price on his head. By now there were many notches on his gun - notches Clay had never wanted to put there. But each gunfight had proved the terrible speed of his draw; each death had brought him closer to his quarry. The trail was very warm now.

Genres: Westerns

Mass Market Paperback

Published February 12, 1981

About the author

aka Lewis Ford, Len Leighton, Joseph Wayne (with Wayne D. Overholser)

Lewis Byford Patten was a prolific author of American Western Novels, born in Denver, Colorado. Often published under the names Lewis Ford, Len Leighto and, Joseph Wayne.

Reviews

[Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five star Western novel.
This one isn't the type of Western I prefer.
It isn't a Western Noir.
Still, I enjoyed this for the various adventures the lead character experiences and the studies
of the various other characters who populate the novel.

Motivation for the main character is the famous raid on Lawrence, Kansas by Quantrill's Raiders.
His father, a prominent abolitionist, is murdered, the main character is shot and clubbed almost to death, and his sister kills herself rather than fall into the hands of Quantrill's men.
He dedicates the rest of his youth to hunting down one man in particular he remembers from the day of the raid.

There's a lot of story in this 144 page novel and much more action than I'd expected.
Although I've read much praise for Lewis B. Patten, this is the first time I've read one of his novels.
Very impressive storyteller.
Recommended to newcomers to Westerns.

[Dartharagorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and fast read. A great revenge story. With all your classic tropes. With gun fights, cattle drives, a love interest. And of course the revenge angle. This is my second Patten book and I really love his style. If you enjoy Westerns and get a chance you should really pick this one up!

[P.S. Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting. Very short read, lots of action, I could sort of guess the ending but there were some twists and turns. Little surprise at the end.

[John Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never pass up a Lewis B. Patten paperback novel. They are always a worthy afternoon read.