The Bloody Spur
is Mickey Spillane’s and Max Allan Collins’ third Western novel featuring former
Wells Fargo detective and current Trinidad, New Mexico Sheriff Caleb York. Max
Allan Collins wrote this smooth tale based on characters created by Spillane, for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions, in an unproduced screenplay.
The Santa Fe Railroad wants
a spur between Trinidad and the nearby Las Vegas, New Mexico, but it needs a
right-of-way across George Cullen’s Bar-O ranch. The new rail line would
increase commerce, population, make Trinidad’s cattle ranchers more competitive,
and enrich the town’s business owners. But George Cullen is a tough and
stubborn old man, now blind, with no intention of allowing the tracks on
Bar-O property. His opinion is unpopular with most everyone, including the
Trinidad Citizens Committee, and creates an unusual hostility in town. Alver
Hollis’ arrival—a gunfighter known as Preacherman—adds more tension since York
thinks the gunman has come to Trinidad to kill. But Hollis’ target, or why anyone would
want a Trinidad resident murdered, is a mystery.
The Bloody Spur
is an enjoyable and entertaining western tale. Its traditional storyline—Sheriffs, gunfighters, ranchers, railroads—is comfortable and, in all the right places, surprising.
There is a nifty mystery included, which York handles with flair and style. A
romantic twist, murder, betrayal, a satisfying amount of action, and
humor—provided by York’s deputy, the former town drunk—making The Bloody Spur a rewarding journey into
the Old West and New Mexico’s high country.
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1 comment:
Good review makes me want to read this! Thanks!
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