Blood on the Gallows

Title: Blood on the Gallows

Author: Ralph Compton/Joseph A West

Publisher: Penguin Group
Publication Date: June 2008
Genre: Western
Pages: 304

Okay, for starters I do not wish to confuse you. This is a book from the Ralph Compton line, that is to say A Ralph Compton novel by Joseph A. West. If you remember, we talked about this just last week or there a bouts.

John McBride is a big city detective taking a break out in the west. He is not overly handy with a gun or a rifle when compared to his western counterparts. However, he is a man of honor and does stand up for the little guy. When he comes to the town of Rest and Be Thankful, he first comes across three hanged men and the sheriff, who warns him to be on his best behavior. It makes one wonder what would be considered best behavior in a den of thieves, outlaws, rapists and fast guns. Breaking the nose of the mayors son is not best behavior, nor is stopping some of the local citizenry from shooting a helpless kitten. Soon, McBride is on everyone's wrong side and on the run from the law. However, he still wants to set things right and refuses to leave even though the going quite literally is in his grasp.

All in all it is not bad as westerns go. There are moments when you ask yourself why such and such was done or not done and you never really get a satisfying answer.

31/2 stars out of 5 just for predictability.
Re-readable factor of 1 out of 5