Customer Reviews

The Lawman 1

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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.

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.