Customer Reviews

Gunsmoke 3 - Marshal Festus

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had never bought a Gunsmoke Novel. I read the reviews and purchased this book thinking anything extending the Gunsmoke story had to be great. WRONG. I forced myself through the book and wondered if anybody who posted a glowing review, or the author himself, for that matter, had ever watched the show that this book is supposedly based on. It's filled with character inaccuracies that just sorta dissapoint the reader who is a Gunsmoke fan.

Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty getting cross-eyed drunk because of Matt breaking his leg? I mean, big tough Matt Dillon ain't man enough to handle a broken leg without an entire bottle of whiskey? Miss Kitty crawling in bed with Matt while he's in so much pain?? Festus riding a HORSE?? Even I remember he rode a mule named Ruth. Festus, forced to resign and leave town by Matt to follow a woman he wanted to marry??? HUH??? And, get this, Festus was able to read a lengthy telegram. You only have to watch a single episode to know that Festus couldn't read.

All in all, Festus was made out to be a nasty, disgusting, town joke, and again, if you watched the show, you know the uncapable baffoon rap really doesn't fit the character.

So, if your getting this book because it's Gunsmoke, forget it. If you want it because it's an interesting western, forget it. The author should've done his homework.

I enjoyed this book much better than the first two. Although if you are a big Gunsmoke fan get the first 2 books as well. Atleast you can say you read them. I liked the idea we saw Matt and Kitty as a ordinary couple with problems and disagreements like everyone else. And Matt is a man that can be hurt and in this case STOPPED for awhile. And he relies on his friends for help,love,care, and loyality. I also think the characters hold true to the show with some small errors. But overall a good read.

This is the third book in the series and by far the best of the three. The story is good and easy to read. There is little to no overt violence or sexual content. So far the books have been #1 - mainly about Doc; #2 - mainly about Matt and #3 - mainly about Festus. Perhaps there will be a fourth mainly about Kitty. I hope that a fourth book comes out soon.

I liked this book. I always liked Gunsmoke on tv and the characters in it, and this book brings them back. Festus taking Marshal Matt's place is a hoot. This is the first in the book series for me, but I will go look for the others now. I recommend this one.