WESTERNS - FICTION

"Shannon: US Marshal" by Charles E. Friend

The 3rd installment in the Shannon western series

It is several years since tragic events changed the life of Sheriff Clayton Shannon. Now, the mining town Whiskey Creek is becoming a ghost town since the mines played out and Shannon is ready to retire from the law and buy a small ranch. Before Shannon leaves, his ex-deputy and good friend Pedro Rodrigues approaches him with the prospect of a job. There is trouble in Los Santos, New Mexico Territory. The Alvarez family, long time friends of Pedro, need the help of and experienced lawman. A ruthless land grabber, calling himself King Kruger, has moved into the town with a gang of hired guns and is forcing ranchers to sell out at bargain prices. Those ranchers that refuse sell, meet with accidents or are murdered like the father of the Alvarez family. Clay refuses to be a hired gun, but the Alvarez family’s political clout has enabled them to obtain an appointment as a marshal in New Mexico.

Clay is convinced by the beautiful Carlota Alvarez to help and he heads off to Los Santos and plenty of trouble. While en route, he encounters a mysterious dark stranger that goes by the name Kane. Kane and Shannon have a mutual respect for each other, but Kane is a strange one that Shannon can't figure out. It seems that they could be friends but destiny has another path for them.

Review by Kenneth S. Smith 17 May 2002

An Avalon Western
Published by
Thomas Bouregy & Co., Inc.
160 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016