Gunsmoke: The Last Dog Soldier

Joseph A. West provides us with another realistic, rousing adventure with Marshal Matt Dillon's encounter with Native American diehards. When are we going to see a tie-in novel featuring Matt and his daughter Beth, portrayed so very well by Amy Stock-Poynton in several of the made- for-TV Gunsmoke movies. And are we going to see it with illustrations of the evocative quality of the great Western artist Charles Russell? Marshall Matt Dillon was depicted as a polyglot in the TV series, fluent in Spanish and several Native American tongues. This angle alone could spin off a novel or two. Matt and daughter Beth eventually settled on the wild borderlands where Arizona Territory adjoined Sonora MX and the Sierra Madres rise up. Perfect locale for more tie-in novels about Matt, Beth, Indians, Mexican revolutionaries, you name it. The Gunsmoke legend is now a national treasure, as Senator Robert Byrd noted in the 1960s.Its tie-in novel genre continues this tradition. Beth was virtually the second lady in the life of Matt Dillon, just as Sam the bartender was more than hireling in the life of Miss Kitty. We and future generations of Gunsmoke fans need another installment to round out this magnificent American odyssey.

I absolutely loved this book. It moved fast and kept me interested the entire time. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Gunsmoke or just likes stories about the Old West. Joseph West is a great writer- his second book is as moving and exciting as the first. I hope he writes many more! I loved the interplay between Matt and Kitty in this story, it was very true to what was behind the scenes on the TV show.

Joseph A. West takes you back to Dodge city with vividly drawn characters, fierce action and all the fine citizens of Dodge. I can't wait for the next exciting tale in the series!

I really enjoyed this book. As the first book, I read this book in one day. My heart starts beating faster when I first opened the book. As the first book, Mr.West still refers to Matt Dillon as City Marshal and I guess he has his reasons. I love the romance between Matt and Kitty and Mr. West makes it clear that they are in love and everyone see's it. We can fully embrace their relationship. And for me, it's a welcome site. I know their relationship on the show was strong and they were devoted to eachother and we've seen that as far back as the first season in 1955.Though it became more obvious in the early 60's. And the writers left it all up to the viewers thoughts and I'm sure we all came up with the same result. But actually reading it and seeing it in print was heartwarming. And for me it confirmed the love they had for eachother. So if you like western action with some romance then you will like this book.

I am a huge "Gunsmoke " fan also. While Mr. West has inaccuracies such as Matt being a City Marshal, Festus reading, and a Mayor of Dodge City; overall it is a good read. Yes, Mr. West took Matt & Kitty to a different level; however, in later years of the show, the relationship may have been implied, but I don't believe it is ambiguous as it was in the earlier years. The show definitely changed with the times. Remember, Newly did start to teach Festus to read--although it was with images and not words. I would like to see more of Doc as he was an integral part of the TV show. But hey, if Mr. Arness thinks highly of the books, shouldn't we?