Man outgunned

by Lewis B. Patten

Book by Patten, Lewis B.

302 pages, Hardcover

First published July 5, 1977

About the author

aka Lewis Ford, Len Leighton, Joseph Wayne (with Wayne D. Overholser)

Lewis Byford Patten was a prolific author of American Western Novels, born in Denver, Colorado. Often published under the names Lewis Ford, Len Leighto and, Joseph Wayne.

Reviews

[Josh Hitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might be closer to a 4.5 but really is close to perfect for a short western. Never read a bad Patten and doubt I will. In this one McGuire is a Sheriff in a small town, where six escaped convicts strolled in while the town was out for fourth of July celebrations and took over. They killed the four that was there and robbed the bank of everything and kidnapped a 16 year old girl that came right before they left. When the mother started worrying about the girl McGuire went back and discovered the crimes. He vowed then to get them all or die trying, he set off with a possee but one by one they dropped out and it was just him.

Patten plays it smart in that McGuire is never portrayed as superhuman. He is very capable and was a war vet so he knew everything he needed to know. However it wasnt like he was going to rush six hardened criminals, there were events that went his way and some that didn't and he adapted.

Highly recommended, its a short read, I read it in two sittings, and it keeps your interest. Really is a great example of the genre.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sometimes forget how hard boiled Patten could be. This one starts off with a peaceful country Fourth of July celebration, which six hardened criminals use as a cover to rob the town and slaughter a few innocents. The first few chapters are pretty gory and then we settle down to a hard riding pursuit as the town Sheriff leads a posse in pursuit. One by one, the posse members drop out, until only the Sheriff is left on the trail of six killers.