A Fistful of Thorns [Paperback]

Michael A. Crane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2003

A new novel about the remarkable and violent lives of gunfighter Doc Holliday and his volcanic consort, Kate Elder.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael A.Crane is an attorney, a former prosecutor and ex-Oakland Police Officer. He has published numerous articles on the western peace officer and related topics in various publications over the past several years. His unique career experiences have placed him face to face with much of the same political corruption and violence that animates his novel, A Fistful of Thorns. Crane has a J.D. Degree and a Master's in History.

Product Details

• Paperback: 235 pages
• Publisher: Boot Hill Press (November 2003)
• ISBN-10: 0974591408
• ISBN-13: 978-0974591407
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,344,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adding a Personal Dimension to a Western Legend, April 8, 2004

By 

Dale Holbrook (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Fistful of Thorns (Paperback)

I am a fan of the 19th century American West but usually prefer histories and personal accounts to fiction. But this book is a pleasant exception. As Doc Holiday is a figure somewhat overshadowed by the Earp saga in most historical sources (and we western culture fans know of the broad range of treatment that legend receives in so called historical text) it was exciting to get some insight into such a pivotal character. Mr. Crane does an excellent job of blending fact (as closely as it can be determined) with imagination in portraying a personality that nearly stands as the greatest example of skilled gunman. What is fascinating about Holliday, and so brilliantly demonstrated here by Crane, is that he was neither lawman nor outlaw but driven by his own personal codes of honor and loyalty. Sometimes, stories of which we know the ending can bog down. But in this case, Mr. Crane keeps you turning the pages because his colorful description of Doc makes the journey of discovery more important than the fateful destination.

I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the importance of the American Western Myth in defining our culture, enjoys stories of heroism and sacrifice, or just likes gun play. It was one of the fastest reads I have had in a while.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 'Rough around the Edges' American Hero, March 25, 2004

By 

R (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Fistful of Thorns (Paperback)

This is a wonderfully entertaining story that illustrates just how much courage it takes to stand up to corruption and greed. While most tales of the Old West paint Doc as shady sidekick to the noble and just Earps, Michael Crane shifts the focus and shows us a much more complete picture. We see that while Doc was the hard drinking gambler with a deadly temper that we're all familiar with, he was also a man of immense loyalty, constant chivalry, and unyielding integrity.

True to the nature of the story, the author doesn't take you by the hand and gently lead you along the walkways of Tombstone, but instead grabs you by the back of the arm and pulls you through the saloons, alleys and bloody confrontations that made up Doc's world...it's a hell of tour!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fistful of Thorns is a must read!, January 28, 2004

By 

Leah Bickett (Klamath Falls, OR, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Fistful of Thorns (Paperback)

Hold on for a wild and adventurous ride through the Wild West! This captivating novel about Doc Holliday paints a vivid picture of not only his life as a notorious gun fighter but also portrays his more reputable characteristics as a gentleman and devoted friend. Doc's journey through the Wild West tells a story of corruption and law prior to the admittance of the Territory of Arizona into the Union. A Fistful of Thorns is a must read, captivating its reader from the beginning to the end.