Jake Logan
The Gunman and the Greenhorn (2003)
Author: Jake Logan
Genre (and subgenre): Western
Plot Summary:
When the adventurous cowboy John Slocum meets twenty-year-old Josh Quaid and learns that the Iowa farm boy is chasing the man who murdered his two older brothers, he immediately offers to assist the greenhorn. Slocum and Josh follow the murderer to Chollo, New Mexico and learn that the evil doer is none other than Mitcham, Slocum’s sworn enemy and the newest hired gun of Vance Thane, a cattle rancher who is planning to start a war against the local sheep ranchers for control of the range. Luckily, Grover Detroit, one of Slocum’s oldest friends, just happens to be passing through Chollo and decides to help in the adventure. However, before the group can capture the outlaw, Thane orders Mitcham and his gang of two to murder several sheep ranchers and their sheep. Slocum enlists the help of local ranchers, plans a counter attack, and sends Detroit to spy on Mitcham by joining his gang. After a few more ranchers are wounded, Slocum and Josh meet up with Detroit and attack and kill Mitcham and his gang. Slocum puts Thane in jail and splits $17,500 in reward money with Josh, Detroit, and the town whore (who once was a teacher but fell on hard times).
Geographical Setting: Chollo, New Mexico and surrounding ranches
Time Period: Around 1880
Series: Slocum series
Appeal Characteristics:
This non-literary western is fast-paced and action packed. It is made up of mostly static (black and white) characters that do not evolve or change throughout the story. The story focuses on the action of the characters and does not contain much description or back-story information. I would recommend it to readers who want a good action filled western. It is not Lonesome Dove.
Similar Authors: Max Brand; Zane Gray; Ray Hogan; Terry Johnston; Louis L'Amour; Les Savage
Red Flags: Violence (gun/fist fights); Descriptions of Murder; Sexual Subject Matter (Descriptions & Prostitution)
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