Booked (and Printed): May 2024

Booked (and Printed) May 2024 Reading was a struggle in May. I read four books and two short stories: three mystery novels and a terrific single author story collection, Mixology: Science Fiction Stories, by William Campbell Gault. My reading tends to decline during the summer months but part of the reduction in May came from sore eyes—it was a struggle some days to keep my eyes on the page and it was nearly impossible to read a mass market paperback with small or even smallish print. I have an appointment with an ophthalmologist in July; with a little luck we’ll get that taken care of. So, now to what I did read… MAN IN THE WATER, David Housewright’s 21st Rushmore McKenzie mystery, clocked in as my favorite of the month. It is a laid-back tale about murder, fraud, and a drowning man. McKenzie is his usual funny, tough, knight-errant self, which, along with the vivid Minnesota settings, is what makes these books special. You’ll be seeing my review on Mystery Scene’s website later in June. The other two novels—SNOWJOB, by Ted Wood, and THE TERRITORY, by Tricia Fields—were disappointing. Although it is possible my blistering eyes made me grumpy and both are actually top-notch genre pieces. Since these were both first time authors for me, I’ll likely try another of their books because one never knows. I started and didn’t finish one title, CAPE RAGE, by Ron Corbett, for the simple reason it was darker than my mood wanted. If I were a betting man—and I’m not because gambling is for suckers or perhaps people smarter than me—I’d bet I’ll get back to Cape Rage later in the year.

Both of the short stories I read were excellent. L. J. Washburn’s historical mystery, “LYNCHING IN MIXVILLE,” is a hardboiled Lucas Hallam tale with a special appearance by silent-era film star Tom Mix. I wrote more about this one here. “THIS GUN FOR HIRE,” by Jack Ritchie—which I read in the July 1989 issue of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine—is a clever and surprising take on the hitman story. MIXOLOGY: SCIENCE FICTION STORIES, by William Campbell Gault, collects three stories; two novelettes and a short. These tales showcase what Gault is known for—mixing genres, tight plotting, and tossing ethical dilemmas around like it’s easy. Take a look at what I wrote about Gault and this collection here. Fin— Now on to next month.

Review: "Lynching in Mixville" by L. J. Washburn

 

“Lynching in Mixville” by L. J. Washburn Carroll & Graf, 1997   “Lynching in Mixville”—which was originally published in Lethal Ladies, edited by Barbara Collins & Robert J. Randisi (1996)—is a terrific historical mystery set in early-Hollywood. Lucas Hallam, along with a bunch of other Old West cowboys, is making a living as a stunt rider and extra for silent film star, Tom Mix. Mix was the most popular of all the silver screen cowboys and he was never shy of enlivening his biography with exaggeration and even a few lies. While on lunch break during filming, Mix is regaling a pretty young reporter with the tale of how he led the posse that captured, and hanged, the famous Ghost River Gang. His tale is interrupted by an aging cowpoke, Hank Daniels, that had been with the posse that had apprehended the gang—and he was adamant Mix hadn’t been there at all: “I’m callin’ you a damn liar, Mix! I don’t care how big a star you are, boy!” Mix takes offense and tells Hallam to get Daniels off the set. Hallam agrees, but before Daniels gets clear of Mixville he winds dangling from the end of a rope. Tom Mix is the only suspect in the lynching, but Hallam, who earlier in life had been a sheriff, a Texas Ranger, and even a Pinkerton detective, had different ideas about the murder. “Lynching in Mixville” is a strong mystery with a vivid setting. The reader can smell the dust and horses, feel the sweet California sun on their faces. The prose is muscular with a western lilt and the solution is surprising and fun. Best of all, Hallam is the kind of hero it’s fun to ride with, which makes “Lynching in Mixville” a straight-up winner.

Lucas Hallam appeared in three novels—Wild Night (1987), Dead Stick (1988), and Dog Heavies (1990)—which have be released as a bundle on Kindle by Rough Edges Press. The recent Hallam, collects six Lucas Hallam shorts, but it doesn’t appear to include “Lynching at Mixville.”   Click here to look at the Lucas Hallam Kindle bundle on Amazon and here for Hallam.