This book was OK and good enough to get me to the end, but not great. I enjoy good western writing and if you are just getting into the genre, I would recommend several authors other than Cotton. My favorite western writer is Elmer Kelton. Also very good are Louis L'Amour, Mike Blakely, Bruce Johnston, and a new writer, Tricia Fields.
I like to learn something when I read. Many western writers will give you an insight to an historical event by writing historical fiction. Others give a chance to become familiar with an area of the country or perhaps the customs of people or tribes no longer here. Cotton told a good story in this book, but none of the above elements were present. If you just enjoy pure western fiction, then Cotton will do!