This novel in the Ralph Compton series, written by Joseph A. West, can be classified in the 'gunfighter' series. Compton's novels are of 3 types: gunfighter series, trail series, and general ranch series. Since this latest release has a 'gun belt' on the spine, it seems to rest in the gunfighter series of westerns.
Yet it doesn't neatly fit that category when compared to some of the past books, as this gunfighter is a past town drunk who has come to the gun through necessity. "Eddie Oates escaped the noose, but, along with three prostitutes and a simpleton, he was banished from the town, left for the Apaches to kill."
Victorio's Apaches are on the prowl with Alma, New Mexico, as their latest point of attack. Due to low provisions the 'good' citizens of the town are either hanging undesireables or kicking them out of town so as not to have to feed them during the seige. The four people spewed forth into the hostile wilderness seem at first unable to keep themselves alive, however, through one event or another, do just that. And do much better than that by end of their story. As you read this book these people become not only familiar but interesting indeed.
It does have the quality of a well written book most readers will not want put down, wanting to know how it all turns out. In addition, as Mr. West's historical note explains the town of Alma did once exist, is now a ghost town today, and did undergo similiar attacks by the Apaches. In 1880 in and around the town some 31 citizens were killed in those attacks. Mr. West calls Alma, New Mexico, "one of the West's most turbulent settlements."
Mr. West has written other books in the Ralph Compton series, as well as books under his own name, with THE MAN FROM NOWHERE being one of the more enjoyable to date. Anyone enjoying both a well written western and a story with a different slant to the story will no doubt find this a worthwhile read. Though doubious at first, I came to truly enjoy the book.
Yet it doesn't neatly fit that category when compared to some of the past books, as this gunfighter is a past town drunk who has come to the gun through necessity. "Eddie Oates escaped the noose, but, along with three prostitutes and a simpleton, he was banished from the town, left for the Apaches to kill."
Victorio's Apaches are on the prowl with Alma, New Mexico, as their latest point of attack. Due to low provisions the 'good' citizens of the town are either hanging undesireables or kicking them out of town so as not to have to feed them during the seige. The four people spewed forth into the hostile wilderness seem at first unable to keep themselves alive, however, through one event or another, do just that. And do much better than that by end of their story. As you read this book these people become not only familiar but interesting indeed.
It does have the quality of a well written book most readers will not want put down, wanting to know how it all turns out. In addition, as Mr. West's historical note explains the town of Alma did once exist, is now a ghost town today, and did undergo similiar attacks by the Apaches. In 1880 in and around the town some 31 citizens were killed in those attacks. Mr. West calls Alma, New Mexico, "one of the West's most turbulent settlements."
Mr. West has written other books in the Ralph Compton series, as well as books under his own name, with THE MAN FROM NOWHERE being one of the more enjoyable to date. Anyone enjoying both a well written western and a story with a different slant to the story will no doubt find this a worthwhile read. Though doubious at first, I came to truly enjoy the book.
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