Larry Sweazy's done it again with this collection of eleven stories that run the gamut of Western life. Normally in any short story anthology, there are one or two stories that are weaker than the rest, but there are none of those to be found in this collection.
These stories teach as well as entertain. I learned that cattle ranching was a big part of life in Florida just as it has been in more well-known places like Texas. I'd also never heard of the Indiana Territorial Rangers, an organization that accepted women, so "The Buffalo Trace" was of particular interest to me.
Other stories show Texas Rangers in relentless pursuit of outlaws, an ex-con wanting a quiet life, what happened to some of the children packed aboard the Orphan Trains, a shoot-out with Bonnie and Clyde, and more.
There are stories about Native Americans, about Southerners whose lives were ruined during the Civil War, even one with a rather vampirical edge. They are narrated by both men and women. These stories are tough and tender and so Western that you can hear spurs jingling, cattle bawling, and the click of a hammer being pulled back on a pistol.
This is a collection that should be read by everyone with an interest, not only in the Western United States, but in well-drawn characters and fine storytelling. If you find yourself wanting to read more by this author-- and I think you will-- I highly recommend his Marjorie Trumaine mysteries set in 1960s North Dakota as well as his Sonny Burton mysteries set in Depression Era Texas.
A Cow Hunter's Lament & Other Stories: A Western Collection
ISBN: 9781432897857
Gale © 2023
Paperback, 258 pages
Short Story Anthology
Rating: A
Source: The author in exchange for an honest review.
It sounds like an excellent collection, Cathy. You're right that those collections often feature at least one or two stories that aren't as good (or at least, not as much to the reader's taste); it's rare to find one that's consistently good. I may just have to try this one...
ReplyDeleteAw, come on... you know you want to! ;-)
DeleteI see you are reading Exiles by Jane Harper, an Aaron Falk book. I just asked my fairy godfather bro-in-law for that book and The Last Remains, by Elly Griffiths, and he said they'll come at the end of February. I can't wait. Am reading Bleeding Heart Yard now, The Maid and The Local. Hope Exiles gets a good rating here.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too. I'm trying to decide if I want to book transportation to go see her at The Poisoned Pen next month.
DeleteOh, really. Or you could watch the discussion on Facebook. It isn't the same, but it works for me, thousands of miles away. And I am reminded to watch more PP interviews.
DeleteI do miss the interaction with the authors as well as the staff of The Poisoned Pen. And to get this back on topic, I know I'd show up if the author of A Cow Hunter's Lament, Larry Sweazy, would appear at The Poisoned Pen. I really like his writing.
DeleteI would love to appear at The Poisoned Pen one of these days.
DeleteYay! I may have to say something about this the next time I talk with Barbara or Patrick.
DeleteThanks for the review, Cathy. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Larry.
DeleteI'm not a big fan of short stories and don't often read them but this one interests me. Also, I'm glad to be reminded about Jane Harper. I need to read more of her books.
ReplyDeleteI didn't used to be a fan of short stories myself, but I seem to be mellowing with age.
DeleteStill am going to save my pennies and buy the next Dana Russo book set in the Australian outback. Though the S.R. book Hermit a brilliant book. The twists and turns were a bit bizarre, but Dana Russo figures it all out. I love a smart, driven, intelligent woman police detective who is not TSTL.
ReplyDeleteMe, too.
Delete