This perhaps isn't Smiley's best work, but it is both entertaining and well-written. Set in 1850s Monterrey California, Eliza is a young woman whose hThis perhaps isn't Smiley's best work, but it is both entertaining and well-written. Set in 1850s Monterrey California, Eliza is a young woman whose husband is killed in a bar fight. With no means of support, she turns to prostitution. Meanwhile, other prostitutes are beginning to disappear only to turn up murdered, and the sheriff doesn't seem to be exerting any effort to find their killer. Eliza and a friend become amateur sleuths. Her friend, Jean, is a reader of Edgar Allan Poe and his detective, Dupin. With what the two learn from Dupin's methods, they set out find the murderer.
This is a bit lighter than some of Smiley's writing, which is not a bad thing. As I mentioned, it is well-written. Still, I can't help but think that her depiction of prostitution in 1850 is more than a bit rosy, even if we assume that Eliza was fortunate to wind up working for a particularly sympathetic and caring "madame." Jean is a fun character and Eliza is strong-minded and likable. It is worth your time....more
Like so many books I enjoy, this one is a blend of genres - historical fiction, western fiction, horror, a hint of fantasy and a lot of suspense. Oh, Like so many books I enjoy, this one is a blend of genres - historical fiction, western fiction, horror, a hint of fantasy and a lot of suspense. Oh, and a few LGBTQ characters to keep it interesting. In 1914, Adelaide Henry leaves her home and dead parents behind (rather dramatically, I must say), and heads to Montana where lone women of the book's title are permitted to stake claims to parcels of land - even black women such as Adelaide. She brings with her a large, heavy trunk loaded with mystery.
Adelaide makes both friends and enemies during the course of the book, including several strong women who help her when the inhabitant of the trunk - a dangerous creature of some sort - escapes to raise havoc. Add in a family of thieves and murderers, a malevolent wealthy couple who run the town, and other perils and you have an exciting, sometimes confusing, adventure tale....more
The description of an alternate-world western setting helped to draw me to this book. It is that, with a dose of strong women struggling against misogThe description of an alternate-world western setting helped to draw me to this book. It is that, with a dose of strong women struggling against misogyny. In this world, a plague wipes out much of the world population in the 1830s. Now, in 1894, women who cannot bear children are hanged as witches. Our narrator is a woman who faces that fate but manages to escape, first to a convent and then to an outlaw gang with lofty goals.
The book is a pleasant enough diversion and a lively read as she bounces from one crisis to another....more
Published in 1940, this is more a study of mob behavior and violence than a typical Western. A history of cattle rustling in the region has everyone oPublished in 1940, this is more a study of mob behavior and violence than a typical Western. A history of cattle rustling in the region has everyone on edge and rumors of a murder push the ranchers over the edge. Clark writes excellent dialogue and left me feeling totally unable stop this runaway train of a mob. Equally helpless was Davies, the sole voice of reason, and as so many of us might do, he winds up blaming himself over the outcome. The event has repercussions far beyond the innocent men hanged and Clark explores them in depth....more
Finish Date: June 22, 2016 Genre: Historical Fiction Rating: A This book, along with its prequel, Doc, are right up there among the best novels I've everFinish Date: June 22, 2016 Genre: Historical Fiction Rating: A This book, along with its prequel, Doc, are right up there among the best novels I've ever read for character creation. Russell obviously did a lot of research to get the fact right and avoid the mythology that has surrounded the Earp brothers in Tombstone, Arizona. But it's the characters that really grip you and make you want to keep turning the pages long after bedtime. Even very minor characters are well sketched. I would really like to meet the Doc Holliday that Russell has created.
As for the plot, we see what really was behind the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral that came to define Wyatt Earp. It was a blend of politics as well as lawlessness near the Mexican border, a bit of northern-southern hostility still left over from the Civil War as well as personality conflicts. And of course, the story doesn't end with the gunfight. There's vengeance on both sides and many pay the price. It's a classic tragedy from Greek theater or Shakespeare, transplanted to America's frontier. ...more
This is likely the most literate western I've ever read. In some ways, it reminds me of Charles Portis' "True Grit,' which featured a formal style andThis is likely the most literate western I've ever read. In some ways, it reminds me of Charles Portis' "True Grit,' which featured a formal style and vocabulary that at first struck me as a little odd but quickly grew on me. The classics are all here - the honorable lawman, an orphan raised by Indians to give him a greater appreciation of and skills in nature, a fiery and independent woman who also happens to be a school teacher, a vile gang of outlaws. But they're presented in such a way that they don't feel stale at all. Through flashbacks, we learn each character's story as we work toward a resolution of the current crisis that involves foul weather, treacherous terrain, attacking Indians and the aforementioned gang of villains. The underlying theme in the back stories is "home," and what it means to each of these people. ...more
I've read some of Estleman's mysteries set in Detroit and enjoyed them. I also learned recently that he has written award-winning westerns, but haven'I've read some of Estleman's mysteries set in Detroit and enjoyed them. I also learned recently that he has written award-winning westerns, but haven't sampled them yet. This is sort of a hybrid - part western, part mystery and a lot of fun with literary characters. It's set in 1920s California, and ex-Pinkertons Charles Siringo and a young Dashiell Hammett team up to solve a mystery that starts when Wyatt Earp has a horse stolen. Along the way, we also meet up with Jack London's widow and Kennedy patriarch Joseph P., who may be part of the web of evildoers. It's well-researched fun. ...more
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