Longarm 074: Durango

This is one of the best episodes I've read in this Western series. I prefer stories in this series that stick to the people,locations,and way of life of the Old West'and does not defer to writing a "whounnit" in place of some good western writing.It is a fast moving story devoid of a lot of laborious details,just to fill pages. There are quite a few surprises in this one.From the cover,one gets no hint of the involvement of the Indian Utes.Despite the cover ,nobody digs up any grave,nor does anyone walk around with 3 bags of loot. The best part of this book, to me at least,was the insight into the Ute culture. This was very apropos to my reading of Larry McMurtry's new book "Oh What a Slaughter" and which I wrote a Review also today. In my opinion this is one of the best episodes of this series that started in 1978 and continues monthly to today. I couldn't recommend a better episode to read if one wants to see if this series suits their reading interests. Here's a sample of some of the great western writing you'll find here; "It's a fools move to try to shoot at any part of an armed man except the largest part.Longarm triggered the large Colt and shot Stanley Fisher in the belly. His second shot took the man in the chest and toppled him face forward into the sawdust scattered on the Red Garter's floor." or; "If you'd rather,I can start turning your customrers upside down and chucking them out of here until I get the one I want.Or, you can introduce me to Mr.Fisher.Your choice." The voice was mild,but Longarm's iron grip shifted from the man's shirt to his throat and applied pressure. "I think I see Stan right over there." "Thank you." Longarm released him,helped him stand upright on the poper side of the bar,and smooothed down the front of his shirt. "I do appreciate your help,neighbor."