The Murdock's Law: A Peter Macklin Novel

The next novel by Estleman in the Page Murdock series is called Murdock's Law. It's another tightly written and plotted novel, with the added bonus in that it introduces Colleen Bower, Murdock's female counterpart. In this one Murdock has to take over a town marshal's job and stop a range war. For the most part the novel follows a fairly predictable path, but it's better known among Estelman fans as the one that brings Colleen Bower on stage. She is great and a superb match for Murdock, and the ending is both poignant and memorable. A very fine read.

Wow, how is there only one other review for this book? This is an amazing peice of writing. It has some of the best lines you'll ever read, spoken by some of the best characters ever imagined(Murdock stands out the most) and is perfectly paced. Its a true western, reminding me of Howard Hawks films like Rio Bravo and El Dorado. Not much need to be said besides, read it!

Another great Western by Loren Estleman. For my money, Estleman is the best Western writer in the world. His reoccurring character, U.S. Marshall, Page Murdock, is always a sure winner. The writing is very good, as is the characterization. In this book, Eslteman brings to life a classic old west gunslinger named Chris Shedwell. As is always the case with Estleman, his description of Shedwell's life is as authentic and sharp as a spur. Shedwell is a haunted man, his condition nearly terminal because of the reputation that follows him like the finger of death. Estleman's knowledge of firearms of the late 19th Century is second to none as well. There are never any exaggerated fireworks in any of his work. The great thing about Estelman's Western books is they are both myth destroying and myth making at the same time. An example of this is the way Estleman handles the character, Shedwell. You will never find the hero, Murdock, squaring off with Shedwell in a traditional middle of the street quick draw contest, which rarely if ever happened in the old west. Men then, like now, usually killed each other at very close quarters in furious bursts of violence. What makes Estleman's work jump off the page, though, is the dialogue. Rather than trying to describe it, let me give you a taste. When asked if he is afraid of the gunfighter (Shedwell), Murdock responds: "Not afraid. I know he'll kill me. He's dropped nine men that I know of, most of them looking at him. He's better than I am. Besides, whether you've noticed it or not, I'm not the most popular figure in this town after last night. I've heard of three men holding off a roomful of angry citizens, but the reason I've heard of it is it doesn't happen very often. The next time I see Shedwell, I want him alone with his back to me and a shotgun in my hands."Do yourself a favor and get this book, as well as all the Estleman Western titles.