Man on the Blue

by Luke Short

Wanted in three states and tailed by a posse, Shamrock finds a temporary refuge when shady Sheriff Lobell offers him shelter, a deputy's star, and $500 in gold

Genres: Westerns

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

Luke Short (real name Frederick Dilley Glidden) was a popular Western writer.

Born in Kewanee, Illinois Glidden attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for two and a half years and then transferred to the University of Missouri at Columbia to study journalism.

Following graduation in 1930 he worked for a number of newspapers before becoming a trapper in Canada then later moved to New Mexico to be an archeologist's assistant.

After reading Western pulp magazines and trying to escape unemployment he started writing Western fiction. He sold his first short story and novel in 1935 under the pen name of Luke Short (which was also the name of a famous gunslinger in the Old West, though it's unclear if he was aware of that when he assumed the pen name.)

After publishing over a dozen novels in the 1930s, he started writing for films in the 40s. In 1948 alone four Luke Short novels appeared as movies. Some of his memorable film credits includes Ramrod (1947) and Blood on the Moon (1948). He continued to write novels, despite increasing trouble with his eyes, until his death in 1975. His ashes are buried in Aspen, Colorado, his home at the time of his death.

Reviews

[Marc A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Man on the Blue, published in 1936, is western writer Luke Short's third novel. Shamrock Ireland (yes, that's his name) is on the run from the authorities in Montana. He flees to Arizona where he meets Sheriff Andy Lobell. Sheriff Lobell is trying to evict Mayo and Nancy Hyatt (brother and sister) from the family ranch. There is a suspicious dispute involving a gold strike, and, to a lesser extent, water rights. The Sheriff turns out to be of questionable character. Mayo Hyatt and Shamrock were partners in the past, and their break-up involved a double-cross. Who is really the bad guy? That's the mystery Shamrock tries to unravel. Instead of investigating, Shamrock intuitively reasons out the truth. He's very clever, but so is his adversary. Although he is wanted by the law, he is a just man who tries to figure out how to resolve the dispute in favor of wronged party. Once he determines the facts, he moves forward with determination to ensure that justice is served.

The novel is something of a disappointment because it simply isn't as interesting as Short's earlier novels. The author's spare writing style is evident throughout - the story moves from point to point swiftly. There are no wasted words, long conversations or unnecessary sub-plots. The Man on the Blue isn't a bad novel, but it isn't one of Short's best.

[Josh Hitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serialized work from the 30s that was then put in paperback form in 64. It's definitely reads that way but thats not a bad thing. Short is always solid and this is no exception even with it being such an early work for him.

Interesting lead and a substantial plot with quite a few moving parts for the time. Enjoyed it as a minor mystery along with it being a well done western.

Not sure this would be a place to start Short's work but again is a good read and is recommended.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good western as a man on the dodge rescues a crooked sheriff from being dragged to death by an irate woman. The man doesn't realize at first that the sheriff is crooked and that the woman had good reason for trying to do him in. Soon the outlaw is involved in a land grab and a stolen mine. Recommended to Short fans.

[Murrel Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Once again, a great western read from author Luke Short. Plenty of old west action, a very good cast of characters and of course a hero. I’m glad to have a number of his works available for my reading pleasure. Zane Grey, Luke Short. What a way to go!!!

[Steve Ring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid western. Luke Short usually writes good stuff. There are a few amazing happening — like really unlikely to all occur, but it has a solid plot and an interesting lead character.

[Иосеф · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining, witty humor in the beginning. Lots of bickering and I loved it, but it trailed into kinda boring territory for most of the novel after the first 50 or so pages.

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only book by Luke Short I have ever read. Not as good as some other writers.

[Kellyt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give it a 2.5. A short western with little character development. It’s not a bad novel, but not one of Short’s best.

[D. E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Luke Short Western/A Shooting/An Escape/A Wanted Poster

LS has penned a western about a man who has a shootout with someone who is a marshal and the marshal is killed. He goes on the run from Montana to Arizona. He is hired to hunt men down, but becomes a Deputy Sheriff instead. He stops a Range War before it gets started. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS