The Convict Trail

Joseph A. West has written a great western: spartan, violent, unrelenting, The Convict Trail stands above expectations and underscores why tales of the Old West still stand the test of time. Yes, all the elements are there--and for good reason. Many men of the west had lived through things most could never imagine today; many, like Logan Kane, were haunted by tragedies and failures. Some, like Kane, possessed the iron to live by a strict code of savagery and honor, a strange dichotomy known among men who have been through the fires of combat. Kane feels honest and real--not as much a hero of legend than a skilled, stubborn gunman with no bend in him--a man who knows who he is and is trying to change. He's a compelling figure written by a man who knows his subject. The focused, concise prose and lean plotting, the rich secondary characters and the black humor throughout the book make this a thrilling read that deserves a broader audience. Unlike so many westerns, Kane is challenged and tested to the bone. He earns our respect. So does author, Joseph A. West. I will be buying more of his novels.