I was loaned this book by my Swedish friend Iwan. It’s one of his favorite books. This edition is a US hardback, 2nd printing in 1973 and signed with a personal note from the author dated 1975. The cover picture is poor and though relevant the title isn’t particularly good, either; yes, much later, Lee Child used it too. The cover calls it a novel, yet it is a western; maybe this is because Garfield has a very good track record with best-selling books in a variety of genres and the publishers feel the book transcends the genre. These are minor quibbles, however.
This is a great story, tightly written in 185 pages.
Buffalo soldier Boag helps out with a gold heist only to be double-crossed, thrown overboard from a steamship and shot. Doggedly, he tracks the men who robbed and hurt him. Boag is a believable character and we take the hard long journey with him. There are setbacks. He meets a variety of individuals, helps some and others help him. He’s a likeable man, but you don’t want to cross him.
The denouement is riveting and exciting. Highly recommended.
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ReplyDeleteI just read this book this afternoon and really enjoyed it. Terrific atmosphere, interesting and original main character, and lots of action.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Cullen. Indeed, Garfield can be relied upon to deliver a solid page-turning story.
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