The West Wolf (A Black Horse Western)

Someone or something is tearing people to pieces come the full moon. The first is a drunk and wife beater. His wife, an Apache half-breed, who has a coyote `pet', comes under suspicion. The newspaper has her all but named as the vicious killer but is there more to the paper owners motive for getting her hanged for these murders? Where does the paperman's brother fit in, an unpredictable and violent simpleton? Manhunter Tom Hogan attempts to find the truth while trying to free himself from his own ghost that haunts him constantly. This has well-drawn characters and lots of questions being thrown up that kept me reading to find the answers. The book contains some brutal scenes, particularly near the beginning of the half Apache woman being beaten and whipped. A very enjoyable book by a writer I'll be looking out for.

Tom Hogan returns to Wolf's Bend after running away, 20 years prior, due to guilt over the death of two people, particularly an innocent woman, which he thinks he caused. Wolf's Bend has changed. Changed for the worse. Once a quiet little town, it has become a wild and dangerous one. And now there is something out there killing in the most hideous way. Is it animal, or man? That is unknown, but what is known is that whoever, or whatever it is, what is left behind, after the kill, is horrible. Serene Hargrove is terrified. And she has every right to be so. But she isn't terrified of the killer; she is terrified of her own husband, Jothan. And with good reason. Jothan is not a very nice man. In fact he is a brutal, horrible, selfish man who like nothing better than to inflict pain. Especially on Serene. Clinton Hasley, and his brother Lucas, are up to no good. They want something, and are using the fact that Serene Hargrove is half Indian to enrage the townsfolk into thinking she is behind the killings. They want her either run out of town, or hung. Either way would suit their purposes. It's up to Tom, to stop the Hasley brothers, protect Serene, and to find out who, or what is killing the people of Wolf's Bend. In the meantime perhaps he can come to terms with his own demons. Mr. Howard has managed to combine mystery, love, thrills, and murder in a story that is so complelling that you just have to read the entire thing in one sitting. You will find his characters very insightfull, bold, and brilliantly crafted. Serene stands out in particular. She is a strong woman, very aware of what is going on in others, and yet at the same time very gentle and loving. Tom needed someone like this to show him that he can go on living with his demons. That life is not over for him. Mr. Howard has brought life into these characters and makes you actually have feelings for them. Whether it be love or loathing, he makes it impossible not to feel something. I really loved this book. I think it is one of the best westerns that Mr. Howard has written to date. And for those of you who don't think that you would like a western, you are in for a big surprise. THE WEST WOLF, as with the other westerns Mr. Howard has written, will definitely change your mind. THE WEST WOLF, like the others, uses the west as a background, but the story itself could have any background and still be just as wonderful. For western lovers it is just an added bonus, and for those who aren't western lovers, you will become one. I recommend that you read THE WEST WOLF as soon as you can, because you are in for a wonderful treat. It is wonderful, with a very powerful story. Written by a very powerful author, Lance Howard.