The Lawman 1 [Paperback]

Lyle Brandt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 6, 2007 | Series: The Lawman (Book 1)

HIS BROTHER'S KEEPER

Jack Slade pulled up his roots a long time ago to take life one day at a time, risking his living, and his neck, at gambling tables across the west. A disappointment to his family, he's been estranged from them for years. Then he receives word of his brother's death-under mysterious circumstances-in Lawton, Oklahoma.

It's been four years since Jack saw Jim, who planted his roots to become a successful rancher. In addition to acres of land and herds of cattle, Jim left behind a fiancŽe who has been fending off offers on her property-as well as cattle rustlers.

The mysterious circumstances behind Jim's death are starting to become clear. And when fate pins a badge on Jack, he finds himself walking the line between justice and revenge...

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (March 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425214656
• ISBN-13: 978-0425214657
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,461,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smooth As A Fast Draw, March 23, 2007

By 

Mel Odom (Moore, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lawman 1 (Paperback)

Lyle Brandt opens up with a new Western series in THE LAWMAN. His previous series had been THE GUN series. Professional gambler and wanderer Jack Slade gets a telegram informing his twin brother, Jim, was murdered in Lawton, Oklahoma in Indian Territory. Although years have passed since the brothers have seen each other, Slade buys a train ticket and heads out at once.

In Lawton, Slade discovers that his brother had built a sizeable ranch that other people, including land baron Douglas Freeman, wanted. It doesn't take much poking around to discover that an outlaw group headed up by stone killer Dred Matthews is involved.

Before Slade knows it, he's up to the brim of his Stetson in owlhoots and is smitten by his brother's fiance. She's inherited Jim's lands and now the same people who gunned Jim down are now going after her. While pursuing his brother's killers, Slade gets drafted into U. S. Deputy Marshal service by Judge Dennison. Armed with a badge, but cautioned by the stern judge, Slade goes after his quarry with the law on his side.

Lyle Brandt's writing is smooth and pared down. Reading this book was a pleasure. It took me out of my day and put me back in dust-covered streets with gunslicks around every corner. Jack Slade feels like a real character and one that I'd be happy to go manhunting again with.

The research in the book shows in several instances. The weapons are right. The vernacular and history are good without being sophomoric, and the action is a solid plus.

Western fans that haven't tried Lyle Brandt's earlier books are definitely encouraged to pick this one up.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MARSHAL JACK SLADE AGAINST THE DRED MATHERS GANG, April 21, 2007

By 

Kay's Husband (Virginia, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Lawman 1 (Paperback)

This western by Lyle Brandt (Michael Newton) is the start of new western series that promises to be a rather good one.

One of the more interesting characters in this book is Judge Dennison, a character with "the bark" on who I hope will continue in the ensuing books of this series. We are also left with an open ended relationship between Faith Connover and Jack Slade, one which should take at least a couple more books to settle. Or will Marshal Slade turn in his badge to return to gambling and ride on out of Lawton? The Dred Mathers' gang has been shot to doll rags, but could Doug Freeman escape a prison sentence of 50 years to reappear in another book? Only time will tell. But I will be there for the next book for sure.

In many ways this is a typical, formulaic western but the skill and style of the author's writing, plus his development of characters make this a novel not only interesting but one that will keep a reader reading.

If you are searching for a western new on the bookshelf, try this one.

Recommended.

Semper Fi.