What do you think?
Rate this book
Caleb York #5
Hot Lead, Cold Justice
Legendary crime writer Mickey Spillane's celebrated tin-star hero Caleb York returns in the explosive Western saga by New York Times bestselling author Max Allan Collins. This time, the revered New Mexico gunhand unloads his .44 in a brewing storm brutal enough to freeze the blood.
A killer blizzard sweeping across the Southwest threatens the livelihoods of everyone in the town of Trinidad. But it's two gunshots that fell Sheriff Caleb York's unlucky deputy. As sure as the blood pooling in the snow, York knows it was a case of mistaken identity. The bullets were meant for him.
It's the first nasty step in a plan rustled up by former Quantrill's Raider Luke "Burn 'Em" Burnham--eliminate the law, corral a team to rob a bank in booming Las Vegas, New Mexico, then lay low. With a treacherous local merchant for cover, and York out of the picture, all they'll have to do is wait for the calm. Then they get wind of one little hitch: not only is York still alive, but he's gunning for justice--and revenge.
As the winter weather bears down, the stir-crazy outlaws aim to finish what they started--take down York and disappear into the blinding storm. As a chilling cat-and-mouse begins, York isn't about to let Burnham and his damnable gang get away. It'd be a cold day in hell if he did.
A killer blizzard sweeping across the Southwest threatens the livelihoods of everyone in the town of Trinidad. But it's two gunshots that fell Sheriff Caleb York's unlucky deputy. As sure as the blood pooling in the snow, York knows it was a case of mistaken identity. The bullets were meant for him.
It's the first nasty step in a plan rustled up by former Quantrill's Raider Luke "Burn 'Em" Burnham--eliminate the law, corral a team to rob a bank in booming Las Vegas, New Mexico, then lay low. With a treacherous local merchant for cover, and York out of the picture, all they'll have to do is wait for the calm. Then they get wind of one little hitch: not only is York still alive, but he's gunning for justice--and revenge.
As the winter weather bears down, the stir-crazy outlaws aim to finish what they started--take down York and disappear into the blinding storm. As a chilling cat-and-mouse begins, York isn't about to let Burnham and his damnable gang get away. It'd be a cold day in hell if he did.
- GenresWesterns
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2020
83 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Mickey Spillane
315 books449 followersMickey Spillane was one of the world's most popular mystery writers. His specialty was tight-fisted, sadistic revenge stories, often featuring his alcoholic gumshoe Mike Hammer and a cast of evildoers who launder money or spout the Communist Party line.
His writing style was characterized by short words, lightning transitions, gruff sex and violent endings. It was once tallied that he offed 58 people in six novels.
Starting with "I, the Jury," in 1947, Mr. Spillane sold hundreds of millions of books during his lifetime and garnered consistently scathing reviews. Even his father, a Brooklyn bartender, called them "crud."
Mr. Spillane was a struggling comic book publisher when he wrote "I, the Jury." He initially envisioned it as a comic book called "Mike Danger," and when that did not go over, he took a week to reconfigure it as a novel.
Even the editor in chief of E.P. Dutton and Co., Mr. Spillane's publisher, was skeptical of the book's literary merit but conceded it would probably be a smash with postwar readers looking for ready action. He was right. The book, in which Hammer pursues a murderous narcotics ring led by a curvaceous female psychiatrist, went on to sell more than 1 million copies.
Mr. Spillane spun out six novels in the next five years, among them "My Gun Is Quick," "The Big Kill," "One Lonely Night" and "Kiss Me, Deadly." Most concerned Hammer, his faithful sidekick, Velda, and the police homicide captain Pat Chambers, who acknowledges that Hammer's style of vigilante justice is often better suited than the law to dispatching criminals.
Mr. Spillane's success rankled other critics, who sometimes became very personal in their reviews. Malcolm Cowley called Mr. Spillane "a homicidal paranoiac," going on to note what he called his misogyny and vigilante tendencies.
His books were translated into many languages, and he proved so popular as a writer that he was able to transfer his thick-necked, barrel-chested personality across many media. With the charisma of a redwood, he played Hammer in "The Girl Hunters," a 1963 film adaptation of his novel.
Spillane also scripted several television shows and films and played a detective in the 1954 suspense film "Ring of Fear," set at a Clyde Beatty circus. He rewrote much of the film, too, refusing payment. In gratitude, the producer, John Wayne, surprised him one morning with a white Jaguar sportster wrapped in a red ribbon. The card read, "Thanks, Duke."
Done initially on a dare from his publisher, Mr. Spillane wrote a children's book, "The Day the Sea Rolled Back" (1979), about two boys who find a shipwreck loaded with treasure. This won a Junior Literary Guild award.
He also wrote another children's novel, "The Ship That Never Was," and then wrote his first Mike Hammer mystery in 20 years with "The Killing Man" (1989). "Black Alley" followed in 1996. In the last, a rapidly aging Hammer comes out of a gunshot-induced coma, then tracks down a friend's murderer and billions in mob loot. For the first time, he also confesses his love for Velda but, because of doctor's orders, cannot consummate the relationship.
Late in life, he received a career achievement award from the Private Eye Writers of America and was named a grand master by the Mystery Writers of America.
In his private life, he neither smoked nor drank and was a house-to-house missionary for the Jehovah's Witnesses. He expressed at times great disdain for what he saw as corrosive forces in American life, from antiwar protesters to the United Nations.
His marriages to Mary Ann Pearce and Sherri Malinou ended in divorce. His second wife, a model, posed nude for the dust jacket of his 1972 novel "The Erection Set."
Survivors include his third wife, Jane Rodgers Johnson, a former beauty queen 30 years his junior; and four children from the first marriage.
He also carried on a long epistolary flirtation with Ayn Rand, an admirer of his writing.
His writing style was characterized by short words, lightning transitions, gruff sex and violent endings. It was once tallied that he offed 58 people in six novels.
Starting with "I, the Jury," in 1947, Mr. Spillane sold hundreds of millions of books during his lifetime and garnered consistently scathing reviews. Even his father, a Brooklyn bartender, called them "crud."
Mr. Spillane was a struggling comic book publisher when he wrote "I, the Jury." He initially envisioned it as a comic book called "Mike Danger," and when that did not go over, he took a week to reconfigure it as a novel.
Even the editor in chief of E.P. Dutton and Co., Mr. Spillane's publisher, was skeptical of the book's literary merit but conceded it would probably be a smash with postwar readers looking for ready action. He was right. The book, in which Hammer pursues a murderous narcotics ring led by a curvaceous female psychiatrist, went on to sell more than 1 million copies.
Mr. Spillane spun out six novels in the next five years, among them "My Gun Is Quick," "The Big Kill," "One Lonely Night" and "Kiss Me, Deadly." Most concerned Hammer, his faithful sidekick, Velda, and the police homicide captain Pat Chambers, who acknowledges that Hammer's style of vigilante justice is often better suited than the law to dispatching criminals.
Mr. Spillane's success rankled other critics, who sometimes became very personal in their reviews. Malcolm Cowley called Mr. Spillane "a homicidal paranoiac," going on to note what he called his misogyny and vigilante tendencies.
His books were translated into many languages, and he proved so popular as a writer that he was able to transfer his thick-necked, barrel-chested personality across many media. With the charisma of a redwood, he played Hammer in "The Girl Hunters," a 1963 film adaptation of his novel.
Spillane also scripted several television shows and films and played a detective in the 1954 suspense film "Ring of Fear," set at a Clyde Beatty circus. He rewrote much of the film, too, refusing payment. In gratitude, the producer, John Wayne, surprised him one morning with a white Jaguar sportster wrapped in a red ribbon. The card read, "Thanks, Duke."
Done initially on a dare from his publisher, Mr. Spillane wrote a children's book, "The Day the Sea Rolled Back" (1979), about two boys who find a shipwreck loaded with treasure. This won a Junior Literary Guild award.
He also wrote another children's novel, "The Ship That Never Was," and then wrote his first Mike Hammer mystery in 20 years with "The Killing Man" (1989). "Black Alley" followed in 1996. In the last, a rapidly aging Hammer comes out of a gunshot-induced coma, then tracks down a friend's murderer and billions in mob loot. For the first time, he also confesses his love for Velda but, because of doctor's orders, cannot consummate the relationship.
Late in life, he received a career achievement award from the Private Eye Writers of America and was named a grand master by the Mystery Writers of America.
In his private life, he neither smoked nor drank and was a house-to-house missionary for the Jehovah's Witnesses. He expressed at times great disdain for what he saw as corrosive forces in American life, from antiwar protesters to the United Nations.
His marriages to Mary Ann Pearce and Sherri Malinou ended in divorce. His second wife, a model, posed nude for the dust jacket of his 1972 novel "The Erection Set."
Survivors include his third wife, Jane Rodgers Johnson, a former beauty queen 30 years his junior; and four children from the first marriage.
He also carried on a long epistolary flirtation with Ayn Rand, an admirer of his writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 14, 2020
Hot Lead, Cold Justice is the fifth book in the Caleb York Western series, an exciting hard-edged series with at least he first book originally designed as a screenplay for John Wayne by Mickey Spillane. Now fleshed out decades later by Collins, it's a modern-paced western filled with sharpshooting sheriffs, wicked bank robbers, damsels in distress, and a goofy deputy.
This is a different view of a Western to those of us used to the idea of a dry and dusty Main Street where two gunslingers take twenty paces. It may be Trinidad, New Mexico, but a blizzard is on its way and few will live to tell of its impossible snowdrifts and ferocious winds.
In fact, Sheriff York first realizes he's being targeted when Deputy Tully, wearing York's long coat, is shot in front of the Victory Saloon. Little does York know that a face from the past, fresh off ten years in the penitentiary, has his sights set on York and a fortune in a bank safe. This is a terrific read, well paced, exciting, and well worth your time even if you don't think you like Westerns.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
This is a different view of a Western to those of us used to the idea of a dry and dusty Main Street where two gunslingers take twenty paces. It may be Trinidad, New Mexico, but a blizzard is on its way and few will live to tell of its impossible snowdrifts and ferocious winds.
In fact, Sheriff York first realizes he's being targeted when Deputy Tully, wearing York's long coat, is shot in front of the Victory Saloon. Little does York know that a face from the past, fresh off ten years in the penitentiary, has his sights set on York and a fortune in a bank safe. This is a terrific read, well paced, exciting, and well worth your time even if you don't think you like Westerns.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.
February 26, 2023
Hot Lead, Cold Justice is the fifth book in the Caleb York series.
Lucas Burnham and his fellow outlaws ride into Trinidad, NM, and plan to rob the local bank after the disappointed haul from a bank robbery in Las Vegas. Burnham also wants to kill and settle a long-standing debt with Sheriff York. A blizzard comes in from the north and freezes the town, but the action gets toasty when the outlaws are snowbound in Trinidad.
Lucas Burnham and his fellow outlaws ride into Trinidad, NM, and plan to rob the local bank after the disappointed haul from a bank robbery in Las Vegas. Burnham also wants to kill and settle a long-standing debt with Sheriff York. A blizzard comes in from the north and freezes the town, but the action gets toasty when the outlaws are snowbound in Trinidad.
June 9, 2021
The character of Caleb York was created by Mickey Spillane for his friend John Wayne. He had developed a screenplay for the Duke’s production company, perhaps a vehicle for John Wayne to star in as well, although another actor may have eventually been tapped. That screenplay, unfortunately, was never filmed. However, the first novel in this series, The Legend of Caleb York, was based on that same screenplay and has launched this entire series.
In this fifth novel, Caleb York, sheriff of Trinidad, New Mexico, must face an old foe who seems to be gunning for him. Trinidad is calm for the moment, leaving the sheriff’s biggest worry a personal one: his complicated relationship with Willa Cullen. However, when York’s deputy is mistaken for the sheriff and wounded by a cowardly shot in the dark, York’s world is upended. His investigation uncovers a bank robbing gang led by the notorious Luke “Burn ‘Em” Burnham, a dangerous felon that York sent to prison over ten years ago.
The novel is a rich portrayal of revenge by a brutal bully willing to kill anybody who gets in his way. In fact, he hopes Caleb York will come after him so they can have a final showdown. Of course, he isn’t averse to enriching himself from bank heists in the meantime. The book’s style certainly suggests the hand of Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins behind it. With a hard edge to it and fleshed out setting, it really reminded me of a Mike Hammer crime novel. Solid characters and an edge-of-your-seat plot melded together well to form a fine framework. I have not read the previous entries in the series but felt no disadvantage for it. There are events mentioned from previous books but the short explanations were sufficient for me to understand the larger picture.
I’m pretty sure I read more westerns than most people do today. So I feel comfortable in rating this one up among the great ones. While it has its share of western tropes to keep it grounded in the genre, it refuses to buckle under to the tendency of such books to simply follow a formula. I will certainly be headed back to read the rest of the series now.
In this fifth novel, Caleb York, sheriff of Trinidad, New Mexico, must face an old foe who seems to be gunning for him. Trinidad is calm for the moment, leaving the sheriff’s biggest worry a personal one: his complicated relationship with Willa Cullen. However, when York’s deputy is mistaken for the sheriff and wounded by a cowardly shot in the dark, York’s world is upended. His investigation uncovers a bank robbing gang led by the notorious Luke “Burn ‘Em” Burnham, a dangerous felon that York sent to prison over ten years ago.
The novel is a rich portrayal of revenge by a brutal bully willing to kill anybody who gets in his way. In fact, he hopes Caleb York will come after him so they can have a final showdown. Of course, he isn’t averse to enriching himself from bank heists in the meantime. The book’s style certainly suggests the hand of Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins behind it. With a hard edge to it and fleshed out setting, it really reminded me of a Mike Hammer crime novel. Solid characters and an edge-of-your-seat plot melded together well to form a fine framework. I have not read the previous entries in the series but felt no disadvantage for it. There are events mentioned from previous books but the short explanations were sufficient for me to understand the larger picture.
I’m pretty sure I read more westerns than most people do today. So I feel comfortable in rating this one up among the great ones. While it has its share of western tropes to keep it grounded in the genre, it refuses to buckle under to the tendency of such books to simply follow a formula. I will certainly be headed back to read the rest of the series now.
May 12, 2020
“Burn ‘Em” Burnham, a psychotic protege of Quantrill, has a vendetta against Trinity Sheriff Caleb York. He plans to rob a Las Vegas bank with his cohorts, kill York, and then hide out in Trinity during a deadly New Mexico blizzard. Faithful deputy Tulley is gunned down, accidentally mistaken for Caleb, and York seeks vengeance. Spillane created the resourceful, noble, and somewhat mysterious character of Caleb York and he’s in great hands with Max Allen Collins. Love interest Willa Cullen and other colorful characters of Trinity are back giving the story great depth and heart. The blizzard was almost a character itself, infuriating travel, and causing havoc, death and devastation. This tightly written page-turner should appeal to all readers of crime and thriller novels, not just fans of historical fiction. Highly recommended.
June 22, 2022
Another great entry in the Caleb York series.
It's the winter of the Big Die Off out west, and there's even a blizzard in New Mexico. Everybody is snowed in, trying not to freeze. That's the exact time a former member of Quantrill's Raiders comes to town. It seems Trinity is a perfect place to lay low after robbing a big score in Vegas. He also wants revenge on York for putting him in the hoosegow.
It all starts with shooting York's friend and deputy, and from there, soon enough becomes a tangled skein of violence.
Not as much action as some of the earlier books, a result from being set in a blizzard, a great example of its sub-genre.
It's the winter of the Big Die Off out west, and there's even a blizzard in New Mexico. Everybody is snowed in, trying not to freeze. That's the exact time a former member of Quantrill's Raiders comes to town. It seems Trinity is a perfect place to lay low after robbing a big score in Vegas. He also wants revenge on York for putting him in the hoosegow.
It all starts with shooting York's friend and deputy, and from there, soon enough becomes a tangled skein of violence.
Not as much action as some of the earlier books, a result from being set in a blizzard, a great example of its sub-genre.
June 14, 2020
HOT LEAD, COLD JUSTICE is the 5th book in the “Caleb York” series by Mickey Spillane, Max Collins and finds Caleb now settled into his position as sheriff of the town of Trinidad in New Mexico, and this time the story takes place in the dead of winter in the midst of a freezing snowstorm that affects the lives of the town and surrounding area, with the potential for death from exposure to the residents and livestock throughout the territory.
Mistaken identity due to the loan of his coat to his deputy leads to a shooting that leaves his trusty sidekick near death, and Caleb’s investigation into who the shooter is becomes his sole focus.
Luke Burnham and his gang make there way into the area and hide out at the remote location owned by a former associate who has hidden with the gang in days past, but now has become a respected member of the community.
“Burn ‘Em” Burnham, as Luke is known, was a former rider with the infamous Quantrill’s Raiders, well known for the atrocities left in the wake of their destruction in the Civil War period, and he and his gang have continued to wreak havoc in the days to follow as an outlaw gang terrorizing the west.
Caleb is familiar with Luke, and has gifted him with trademark scar that only adds to his intimidating appearance that strikes fear into anyone he crosses paths with, and also gives Luke an obsession with revenge against Caleb that he hopes to exact along with pulling off a planned robbery.
Willa Cullen, his on again/off again love interest, figures heavily into this one, and along with the shooting of his trusted deputy, gives Caleb plenty of incentive to protect the town he’s responsible for and especially those closest to him.
Can Caleb once again come out victorious over greater numbers of the gang, and if he does can he and Willa finally once and for all agree to settle down and become man and wife?
Max Allan Collins once again writes another fine book in the series based on a character developed by author Mickey Spillane for a screenplay intended for his friend John Wayne.
Recommended to all fans of western novels, as are all the books in this series.
4 stars.
Mistaken identity due to the loan of his coat to his deputy leads to a shooting that leaves his trusty sidekick near death, and Caleb’s investigation into who the shooter is becomes his sole focus.
Luke Burnham and his gang make there way into the area and hide out at the remote location owned by a former associate who has hidden with the gang in days past, but now has become a respected member of the community.
“Burn ‘Em” Burnham, as Luke is known, was a former rider with the infamous Quantrill’s Raiders, well known for the atrocities left in the wake of their destruction in the Civil War period, and he and his gang have continued to wreak havoc in the days to follow as an outlaw gang terrorizing the west.
Caleb is familiar with Luke, and has gifted him with trademark scar that only adds to his intimidating appearance that strikes fear into anyone he crosses paths with, and also gives Luke an obsession with revenge against Caleb that he hopes to exact along with pulling off a planned robbery.
Willa Cullen, his on again/off again love interest, figures heavily into this one, and along with the shooting of his trusted deputy, gives Caleb plenty of incentive to protect the town he’s responsible for and especially those closest to him.
Can Caleb once again come out victorious over greater numbers of the gang, and if he does can he and Willa finally once and for all agree to settle down and become man and wife?
Max Allan Collins once again writes another fine book in the series based on a character developed by author Mickey Spillane for a screenplay intended for his friend John Wayne.
Recommended to all fans of western novels, as are all the books in this series.
4 stars.
June 8, 2020
Readers of a certain age who are familiar with Mickey Spillane’s creation of hard-boiled detective Mike Hammer may not immediately think of him as being associated with the western genre. As co-author Max Allan Collins notes in the introduction to his latest release, Spillane created a western character for a screenplay intended for John Wayne. Following Spillane’s death, Collins brought that individual to literary life in THE LEGEND OF CALEB YORK. As with the other titles in the series, HOT LEAD, COLD JUSTICE, which is the fifth installment, is immensely readable and entertaining.
The setup here is that Caleb York is the sheriff of Trinidad, Colorado, a small but rapidly growing cattle town on the Santa Fe Trail. He had acquired quite a reputation before settling in Trinidad, and as a result his past occasionally either catches up with him or comes to town by happenstance. Luke “Burn ’Em” Burnham rides on the down-low with a group of outlaws intending to put York down for good as the first step in an audacious plan to rob a large bank in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and escape across the Mexican border.
The assassination of York has an element of the personal to it, as he was previously responsible for Burnham’s arrest and incarceration for a 10-year penitentiary stretch. Burnham ambushes York and puts him out of action, and the book ends. Actually, that isn’t what happens. He does effectuate an ambush but shoots the wrong man.
Thinking that York is gone forever, the crew executes their planned bank robbery with the reluctant support of a local merchant, but the heist isn’t all they had thought it would be. They return to Trinidad just as a major snowstorm sweeps across the area, bringing destruction and hampering travel and efforts on both sides of the law. Soon enough, York is aware of who and what he is up against, even as the always-present threat of violence is realized against himself and the citizens of Trinidad. He must battle Burnham and the elements if he is to see another sunrise and ensure that justice is done, even as the plot takes an unexpected turn and one of his most beloved people is put in terrible danger.
Collins has an enviable record as a journeyman author and knows more about creating a suspenseful and action-packed setting than many practitioners of the writing craft laboring in any genre. He uses the first third of this story to set up the pieces on the chessboard while setting it on fire and then describing the results in the remainder of the book. Thriller aficionados are aware that westerns are the granddaddies of the genre, and Collins, who is a master of any theme he chooses to brand, demonstrates his considerable talents here in a manner that removes any doubt as to the continuing viability of frontier fiction.
Those looking for something a bit different from their usual reading fare who want to keep the pages turning need look no further than HOT LEAD, COLD JUSTICE.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
The setup here is that Caleb York is the sheriff of Trinidad, Colorado, a small but rapidly growing cattle town on the Santa Fe Trail. He had acquired quite a reputation before settling in Trinidad, and as a result his past occasionally either catches up with him or comes to town by happenstance. Luke “Burn ’Em” Burnham rides on the down-low with a group of outlaws intending to put York down for good as the first step in an audacious plan to rob a large bank in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and escape across the Mexican border.
The assassination of York has an element of the personal to it, as he was previously responsible for Burnham’s arrest and incarceration for a 10-year penitentiary stretch. Burnham ambushes York and puts him out of action, and the book ends. Actually, that isn’t what happens. He does effectuate an ambush but shoots the wrong man.
Thinking that York is gone forever, the crew executes their planned bank robbery with the reluctant support of a local merchant, but the heist isn’t all they had thought it would be. They return to Trinidad just as a major snowstorm sweeps across the area, bringing destruction and hampering travel and efforts on both sides of the law. Soon enough, York is aware of who and what he is up against, even as the always-present threat of violence is realized against himself and the citizens of Trinidad. He must battle Burnham and the elements if he is to see another sunrise and ensure that justice is done, even as the plot takes an unexpected turn and one of his most beloved people is put in terrible danger.
Collins has an enviable record as a journeyman author and knows more about creating a suspenseful and action-packed setting than many practitioners of the writing craft laboring in any genre. He uses the first third of this story to set up the pieces on the chessboard while setting it on fire and then describing the results in the remainder of the book. Thriller aficionados are aware that westerns are the granddaddies of the genre, and Collins, who is a master of any theme he chooses to brand, demonstrates his considerable talents here in a manner that removes any doubt as to the continuing viability of frontier fiction.
Those looking for something a bit different from their usual reading fare who want to keep the pages turning need look no further than HOT LEAD, COLD JUSTICE.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
April 26, 2022
This one gets bumped up one star for authenticity. Let me throw out a brief introduction to the series before we get to that.
First, Caleb York was a character Mickey Spillane created for John Wayne. He wrote a screenplay that was never produced. Caleb York has been a detective, a hired gun, a bounty hunter, and in our series of books, serves as Sheriff of Trinidad-- with special arrangements with the township that he gets to collect bounty on miscreants he captures or kills. He isn't a cattleman, but the typical tough hired in the old west to ride herd on troublemakers, which means he spends a lot of time playing cards in the local saloon.
With that said--before his death, Spillane and Collins became close friends. Spillane told his wife that when he was gone to give all of his materials to Collins-- saying that Max would know what to do with them.
What we get here is a story cribbed from a basic outline or notes from Spillane, but Collins should get the credit for the writing, for it is much more his style than that of Spillane. That doesn't mean it is better-- since I have never been able to read an actual Spillane western solo-written, I don't know how much is really Spillane and how much is Collins.. The tone of the writing seems so far removed from the Mike Hammer novels that it just FEELS like Collins.
Collins, however, has really done his homework. He proves it in his discussion of firearms, offering specific models and variations especially on handguns. He has the common sense to know that not everybody carried a Colt Peacemaker (A.k.A. The Single Action Army) and that some folks actually owned other brands.
He also did his research on a terrible blizzard and its effects on ranchers and townsfolk-- including the myth that rubbing ice on frostbite would have a healing result. The survival of the ranchers after this unexpected blizzard is important to his tale and the fact that it really took place adds credibility to his story.
Oh, he lapses a bit here and there into western cliches-- but that is to be expected in pretty much any western novel. The Saloon girl with the heart of gold is a stereotypical western character-- just ask Destry whenever he rides again. The deputy is reminiscent of Festus from Gunsmoke, even down to his riding a mule, but a bit clumsier and duller of wit.
It is a decent western about getting the bad guys during a blizzard. But there are two reasons that this one falls short of a five star review.
The first reason is the poorly designed cover. Goodreads does not have the image of the copy I have, so don't go by the image you see above this review. The hero on the cover is far too young to be York. The image appears to be a photo, photoshopped over an old west background-- and overall just looks fake. Collins sells enough books that he deserves better cover designs. This one looks as if it was cobbled together quickly to meet a deadline approaching at the speed of sound.
Second, during the blizzard, in order to survive the bitter cold, York takes an action that seems as if it came directly from the Ice Planet of Hoth as viewed in "the Empire Strikes Back."
Other than those factors, I found it to be an enjoyable western and Collins notes both before and after regarding how he came to write the series and how he researched it were every bit as enjoyable as the story.
First, Caleb York was a character Mickey Spillane created for John Wayne. He wrote a screenplay that was never produced. Caleb York has been a detective, a hired gun, a bounty hunter, and in our series of books, serves as Sheriff of Trinidad-- with special arrangements with the township that he gets to collect bounty on miscreants he captures or kills. He isn't a cattleman, but the typical tough hired in the old west to ride herd on troublemakers, which means he spends a lot of time playing cards in the local saloon.
With that said--before his death, Spillane and Collins became close friends. Spillane told his wife that when he was gone to give all of his materials to Collins-- saying that Max would know what to do with them.
What we get here is a story cribbed from a basic outline or notes from Spillane, but Collins should get the credit for the writing, for it is much more his style than that of Spillane. That doesn't mean it is better-- since I have never been able to read an actual Spillane western solo-written, I don't know how much is really Spillane and how much is Collins.. The tone of the writing seems so far removed from the Mike Hammer novels that it just FEELS like Collins.
Collins, however, has really done his homework. He proves it in his discussion of firearms, offering specific models and variations especially on handguns. He has the common sense to know that not everybody carried a Colt Peacemaker (A.k.A. The Single Action Army) and that some folks actually owned other brands.
He also did his research on a terrible blizzard and its effects on ranchers and townsfolk-- including the myth that rubbing ice on frostbite would have a healing result. The survival of the ranchers after this unexpected blizzard is important to his tale and the fact that it really took place adds credibility to his story.
Oh, he lapses a bit here and there into western cliches-- but that is to be expected in pretty much any western novel. The Saloon girl with the heart of gold is a stereotypical western character-- just ask Destry whenever he rides again. The deputy is reminiscent of Festus from Gunsmoke, even down to his riding a mule, but a bit clumsier and duller of wit.
It is a decent western about getting the bad guys during a blizzard. But there are two reasons that this one falls short of a five star review.
The first reason is the poorly designed cover. Goodreads does not have the image of the copy I have, so don't go by the image you see above this review. The hero on the cover is far too young to be York. The image appears to be a photo, photoshopped over an old west background-- and overall just looks fake. Collins sells enough books that he deserves better cover designs. This one looks as if it was cobbled together quickly to meet a deadline approaching at the speed of sound.
Second, during the blizzard, in order to survive the bitter cold, York takes an action that seems as if it came directly from the Ice Planet of Hoth as viewed in "the Empire Strikes Back."
Other than those factors, I found it to be an enjoyable western and Collins notes both before and after regarding how he came to write the series and how he researched it were every bit as enjoyable as the story.
June 14, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
HOT LEAD, COLD JUSTICE is the 5th book in the “Caleb York” series by Mickey Spillane, Max Collins and finds Caleb now settled into his position as sheriff of the town of Trinidad in New Mexico, and this time the story takes place in the dead of winter in the midst of a freezing snowstorm that affects the lives of the town and surrounding area, with the potential for death from exposure to the residents and livestock throughout the territory.
Mistaken identity due to the loan of his coat to his deputy leads to a shooting that leaves his trusty sidekick near death, and Caleb’s investigation into who the shooter is becomes his sole focus.
Luke Burnham and his gang make there way into the area and hide out at the remote location owned by a former associate who has hidden with the gang in days past, but now has become a respected member of the community.
“Burn ‘Em” Burnham, as Luke is known, was a former rider with the infamous Quantrill’s Raiders, well known for the atrocities left in the wake of their destruction in the Civil War period, and he and his gang have continued to wreak havoc in the days to follow as an outlaw gang terrorizing the west.
Caleb is familiar with Luke, and has gifted him with trademark scar that only adds to his intimidating appearance that strikes fear into anyone he crosses paths with, and also gives Luke an obsession with revenge against Caleb that he hopes to exact along with pulling off a planned robbery.
Willa Cullen, his on again/off again love interest, figures heavily into this one, and along with the shooting of his trusted deputy, gives Caleb plenty of incentive to protect the town he’s responsible for and especially those closest to him.
Can Caleb once again come out victorious over greater numbers of the gang, and if he does can he and Willa finally once and for all agree to settle down and become man and wife?
Max Allan Collins once again writes another fine book in the series based on a character developed by author Mickey Spillane for a screenplay intended for his friend John Wayne.
Recommended to all fans of western novels, as are all the books in this series.
4 stars.
HOT LEAD, COLD JUSTICE is the 5th book in the “Caleb York” series by Mickey Spillane, Max Collins and finds Caleb now settled into his position as sheriff of the town of Trinidad in New Mexico, and this time the story takes place in the dead of winter in the midst of a freezing snowstorm that affects the lives of the town and surrounding area, with the potential for death from exposure to the residents and livestock throughout the territory.
Mistaken identity due to the loan of his coat to his deputy leads to a shooting that leaves his trusty sidekick near death, and Caleb’s investigation into who the shooter is becomes his sole focus.
Luke Burnham and his gang make there way into the area and hide out at the remote location owned by a former associate who has hidden with the gang in days past, but now has become a respected member of the community.
“Burn ‘Em” Burnham, as Luke is known, was a former rider with the infamous Quantrill’s Raiders, well known for the atrocities left in the wake of their destruction in the Civil War period, and he and his gang have continued to wreak havoc in the days to follow as an outlaw gang terrorizing the west.
Caleb is familiar with Luke, and has gifted him with trademark scar that only adds to his intimidating appearance that strikes fear into anyone he crosses paths with, and also gives Luke an obsession with revenge against Caleb that he hopes to exact along with pulling off a planned robbery.
Willa Cullen, his on again/off again love interest, figures heavily into this one, and along with the shooting of his trusted deputy, gives Caleb plenty of incentive to protect the town he’s responsible for and especially those closest to him.
Can Caleb once again come out victorious over greater numbers of the gang, and if he does can he and Willa finally once and for all agree to settle down and become man and wife?
Max Allan Collins once again writes another fine book in the series based on a character developed by author Mickey Spillane for a screenplay intended for his friend John Wayne.
Recommended to all fans of western novels, as are all the books in this series.
4 stars.
June 7, 2020
Hot Lead, Cold Justice is the 5th entry into the enjoyable western series by authors Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins, featuring protagonist, Caleb York. In this exemplarily offering Caleb serves as sheriff of his New Mexico town, Trinidad. Though tamer than some locals, trouble comes his way again.
The book opens with the wounding by gunshot of a recurring character who was wearing Caleb York’s coat and hat against the cold weather conditions. The reader is shortly taken on a hard to put the book down, page turning, adventure. A gang connected to the infamous Civil War era Quantrill’s raiders plan to rob a Las Vegas bank, and hide in the home of one of their former members now a respected saddle maker in Trinidad.
In the rough west as presented by Collins, nothing goes smoothly. This action is directed by the unnamed character in the novel, a snowstorm. The story includes the true “Great Die-Up” when a freezing storm hit the area. The plot moves beautifully, including various regular characters including love interests from the previous novels in the series.
From notes left to him by Spillane, Max Allan Collins has brought the creation of the one author to a full life. Of all the books in the series, only one of which I have not yet read (#4) this is the best. As you might surmise you do not have to have read all of the books to appreciate this one. There are enough mentions of backstories to bring the reader to where said reader needs to be to enjoy this book.
Though I usually suggest people read a series in order, I think this entry Hot Lead, Cold Justice, is so good, you might want to begin here. I hope Collins writes more Caleb York adventures, as they are, enjoyable, fast and satisfying reads.
Note: I reviewed this book based on an advance reader’s copy supplied to me by the author. The opportunity to pre-read this book did not influence my review or my enjoyment of the novel.
The book opens with the wounding by gunshot of a recurring character who was wearing Caleb York’s coat and hat against the cold weather conditions. The reader is shortly taken on a hard to put the book down, page turning, adventure. A gang connected to the infamous Civil War era Quantrill’s raiders plan to rob a Las Vegas bank, and hide in the home of one of their former members now a respected saddle maker in Trinidad.
In the rough west as presented by Collins, nothing goes smoothly. This action is directed by the unnamed character in the novel, a snowstorm. The story includes the true “Great Die-Up” when a freezing storm hit the area. The plot moves beautifully, including various regular characters including love interests from the previous novels in the series.
From notes left to him by Spillane, Max Allan Collins has brought the creation of the one author to a full life. Of all the books in the series, only one of which I have not yet read (#4) this is the best. As you might surmise you do not have to have read all of the books to appreciate this one. There are enough mentions of backstories to bring the reader to where said reader needs to be to enjoy this book.
Though I usually suggest people read a series in order, I think this entry Hot Lead, Cold Justice, is so good, you might want to begin here. I hope Collins writes more Caleb York adventures, as they are, enjoyable, fast and satisfying reads.
Note: I reviewed this book based on an advance reader’s copy supplied to me by the author. The opportunity to pre-read this book did not influence my review or my enjoyment of the novel.
September 11, 2021
Fifth book in the Caleb York Western series. Used The Great Die-up for the background of this story. Interesting story and I liked it but came across some things I just shook my head at and kind of laughed. One was Caleb goes out to see Willa in a snowstorm. She has him strip down in her father’s room and put on her dead father’s clothes while she takes his wet clothes to dry in front of the fire. The amazing thing is her dead father is the same size in clothing as Caleb. 🙄 Caleb comes and sits by the fire with Willa without any boots on. Is barefooted. The foreman comes to the door, comes in and sits to warm up tells on how bad it is outside in the snowstorm. Later Caleb helps the foreman to the bunkhouse. Interesting thing is the author doesn’t say anything about Caleb putting boots on to go outside. Opps. Outlaws rob a bank in the snowstorm. Shot and kill two people working in the bank. Later at a different town the leader kills a man with his knife because a gun shot might get people to notice. Like two gunshots before won’t?
At any rate still plan to read the next book in the series, Shoot-out at Sugar Creek when it is available through the local library as an eBook.
At any rate still plan to read the next book in the series, Shoot-out at Sugar Creek when it is available through the local library as an eBook.
July 26, 2020
This is a very good western that is part thriller. Or is it a very good thriller set in a western town? Either way, it's very good.
As a sheriff's deputy is shot in a case of mistaken identity...he's wearing the sheriff's coat...the sheriff of this small town must now figure out who is hunting him and why. A winter storm has blown in more than snow and ice as Sheriff Caleb York finds himself working against time and Mother Nature to save his town from a gang of thieves determined to take his life and the gold from the bank.
This is the first Caleb York book I have read but the western genre is one of my favorites. This is definitely a hybrid, combining the best of a true western theme with the build up suspense that Mickey Spillane brought to his detective noir characters. It's so good that I'm surprised I had not heard more about this series. Not only am I going to read the first four books in this series, I'm going to make sure my book buddies know this series and read it. A really great addition to my TBR authors.
As a sheriff's deputy is shot in a case of mistaken identity...he's wearing the sheriff's coat...the sheriff of this small town must now figure out who is hunting him and why. A winter storm has blown in more than snow and ice as Sheriff Caleb York finds himself working against time and Mother Nature to save his town from a gang of thieves determined to take his life and the gold from the bank.
This is the first Caleb York book I have read but the western genre is one of my favorites. This is definitely a hybrid, combining the best of a true western theme with the build up suspense that Mickey Spillane brought to his detective noir characters. It's so good that I'm surprised I had not heard more about this series. Not only am I going to read the first four books in this series, I'm going to make sure my book buddies know this series and read it. A really great addition to my TBR authors.
June 12, 2021
I'm a big fan of westerns and I really like the Caleb York series. I've heard that Mickey Spillane wrote the original Caleb York for a John Wayne movie that never happened so I always picture The Duke when I'm reading one of these books.
In this book, Caleb faces an old nemesis in the form of a former lieutenant of William Quantrill, during the Civil War, that Caleb had sent to prison during his Wells Fargo Detective days. Lukas "Burn 'Em" Burnham is the worst of the worst who steals and murders without a care in the world. Burnham and his crew come gunning for Caleb and the action is quick and fierce. The book also deals with the Great Plains blizzard of 1886-87, which had to have been simply awful to experience.
I thought the book was very well written, had a lot of great characters and great dialog. One of my favorite characters in the book is Deputy Tulley. He's a cantankerous old coot who reminded me a lot of Stumpy as played by Walter Brennan in Rio Bravo.
If you like westerns I highly recommend this book!
In this book, Caleb faces an old nemesis in the form of a former lieutenant of William Quantrill, during the Civil War, that Caleb had sent to prison during his Wells Fargo Detective days. Lukas "Burn 'Em" Burnham is the worst of the worst who steals and murders without a care in the world. Burnham and his crew come gunning for Caleb and the action is quick and fierce. The book also deals with the Great Plains blizzard of 1886-87, which had to have been simply awful to experience.
I thought the book was very well written, had a lot of great characters and great dialog. One of my favorite characters in the book is Deputy Tulley. He's a cantankerous old coot who reminded me a lot of Stumpy as played by Walter Brennan in Rio Bravo.
If you like westerns I highly recommend this book!
April 28, 2022
Purchased this book at full price and downloaded it onto my Kindle.
When I opened this book it opened at the 85% read location and would not or could not go back to the start of this book, so I only got to read the last15% of this book 5.
I have downloaded and read the first 5 books in this series, but when I went to download Book 6, it was listed at $18. I looked in Kindle and Goodread and the only download was priced at $18. Not bad books (with the exception of Book 5 short loading) but not worth $18.
When I opened this book it opened at the 85% read location and would not or could not go back to the start of this book, so I only got to read the last15% of this book 5.
I have downloaded and read the first 5 books in this series, but when I went to download Book 6, it was listed at $18. I looked in Kindle and Goodread and the only download was priced at $18. Not bad books (with the exception of Book 5 short loading) but not worth $18.
August 15, 2025
A basic Western novel, offering nothing new, surprising nor inventive. 3 stars at best.
I'm a fan of the genre, but was somewhat disappointed by the transparent and predictable plot, as well as the lack of engaging dialogue. I have read a few wonderful Western novels, but this, sadly, can not be counted among them.
On the whole, if you're looking for something mindless for a diversion and you want the "good guy will always come out on top," sort of experience that one used to see in the TV Westerns of yore, this will fit the bill.
I'm a fan of the genre, but was somewhat disappointed by the transparent and predictable plot, as well as the lack of engaging dialogue. I have read a few wonderful Western novels, but this, sadly, can not be counted among them.
On the whole, if you're looking for something mindless for a diversion and you want the "good guy will always come out on top," sort of experience that one used to see in the TV Westerns of yore, this will fit the bill.
March 25, 2021
I enjoy westerns and I enjoy Mickey Spillane. I appreciate Max Allan Collins carrying the torch to complete Mickey's drafts. Excellent job. Fast paced western gun slinging action by Sheriff Caleb York to confront the bad guys.
August 2, 2021
This series is more like a long short story or a short novella. Not a real long tale this time. Fast read and more linkage to a real storm and it's affect upon the west with a bank robbery thrown into the mix.
September 27, 2021
This fifth in the Caleb York series holds up its end.
Good series, generally well written, about interesting characters.
I'm grateful to Max Allan Collins for continuing Mickey Spillane's story ideas.
Good series, generally well written, about interesting characters.
I'm grateful to Max Allan Collins for continuing Mickey Spillane's story ideas.
January 10, 2022
A Wonderful Winter Western With Wit and Grit.
Not too many westerners take place during the snowy season, but this one does and it's done well.
It's a classic western where York's deputy has been killed and he is out to find the man who did it
Not too many westerners take place during the snowy season, but this one does and it's done well.
It's a classic western where York's deputy has been killed and he is out to find the man who did it
July 6, 2020
Wonderful series
A wonderful end to a great story. Well thought out and portrayed. I will definitely recommend this book series to my friends and fellow readers.
A wonderful end to a great story. Well thought out and portrayed. I will definitely recommend this book series to my friends and fellow readers.
August 26, 2020
A shame this series had to end after 5 books. The characters were excellent and Mickey Spillane knows how to weave a good yarn.
January 24, 2021
Excellent story and leads your mind on a pleasant journey.
February 3, 2022
Another solid pulp western, nothing less and nothing outrageous.
June 14, 2023
I rarely read westerns, so I don't have much to compare this one with. It's a well written book, but the story is a bit too predictable and it just doesn't have the old west feeling I'm looking for.
July 10, 2023
Good
Well written, decent pace, interesting characters. I quite enjoyed reading this, although I have to admit it's not particularly memorable.
Well written, decent pace, interesting characters. I quite enjoyed reading this, although I have to admit it's not particularly memorable.
January 9, 2024
Mediocre western. No threat to L'Amour or Brand
March 8, 2025
Love these old westerns
February 22, 2026
The book does not disappoint. The story is very predictable but entertaining. As I have written previously, Mr. Spillane draws a realistic portrait of the West. The reader is given insight regarding the Quantrill Raiders. They were a renegade group of Southern sympathizers who targeted civilians in their raids. The outlaws in the story were members of this group of ambushers. Caleb York the protagonist in the story is modeled after Mike Hammer. If you enjoy the Mike Hammer stories, you will enjoy this book too.
July 4, 2020
Another great Caleb York Western! This is arguably the best book in the series to date. While all the classic western story elements are present, the book could easily be classified as a thriller as well. The plot moves at a break-neck speed, but slows down enough at the end to stick the landing. It is always fun to catch up with Caleb York, and I hope his adventures continue for a long time to come.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews