Axle Bust Creek

My first read, from the author John Shirley, 'Axle Bust Creek" is an entertaining story, a little long in the tooth at spots telling the story, has several likable characters and the first of a new series.

I was surprised that I would enjoy this one. Since the setting is a gold mining town, in Axle Bust, Nevada, it's rough, clever con-men, a greedy mine owner and definitely will keep reading author John Shirley. Noticed he writes in different genres, will check them out and give them a try if it looks interesting.

I don't want too give anything away. Since if your a Western reader, you'll want to read this one and will just mention a few things regarding the characters.

Cleve Trewe, came to Axle Bust due to an attack on his Uncle, he's a Civil War Veteran, was a Major in the Union Army, tough. smart and one not to under estimate.

Duncan Conroy runs a mine for his father, he's shady, crooked but it adds a unique element to how different his sister Berenice a widow, she's a freethinker does scientific things for the education benefits, it helps her the family interests and mixes some romance when she catches Cleve’s eye.

Just a note for other reads, I tried to read 'Axle Bust Creek', as if I was the fictional character Cleve Trewe and it made reading it, that must better. Done want to give too much away, but this one is my favorite Western read for 2022 and a worthy contender for the prestiges Spur Award.

Thanks to netgalley and Kensington fr the advance ARC copy and I also purchased a ebook copy to support the author John Shirley and will add him to my favorite author list.