This is a deceptively simple book. The writing is simple, the chapters are short, on the surface of it the story itself is quite simple. But there are ideas here that run much deeper than what you see on the surface.

Charlie and Eli Sisters are killers, so famous that simply stating their names makes people shake with fear. Charlie is brash and ruthless. Eli, who narrates their tale, is introspective and soft hearted. He's been drawn into this life by his feelings of loyalty and protectiveness towards his brother. Sadly, Charlie has manipulated Eli into helping him, when he would rather be living a simple shopkeeper's life.

At the heart of the story is their quest to find Hermann Kermit Warm, a man their boss, the Commodore, has determined must die. Why he must be killed is part of the mystery, and is also the cause of great tragedy.

I don't read a lot of westerns, just this book and parts of True Grit, so I'm not sure if the style of this book is common for the genre. It seems very similar to True Grit to me. I really enjoyed it -- although told simply (or maybe because it's told simply), the story really packs a punch. I found myself very concerned for all of the characters, even though many of them weren't initially likable. The language is stark and old-fashioned, and seems very appropriate to the story and the genre.

I also have to mention the gorgeous cover art and design by Dan Stiles (hardcover). This is eye-catching artwork, and it relates directly to the story. The cover art is continued within the book, most notably on the "Intermission" pages.

I can't recommend this book highly enough -- I think it's a story that will linger in the mind and in the heart, long after the last page is read.