Blood Moon – Frank Castle

© 1960, Fawcett Gold Medal Books, Greenwich, CN

When I review a book by an author that is new to me, I like to find out a little about them to share with my readers. When I picked up a copy of Blood Moon at the book fair earlier this summer, I didn’t expect to worry over the author too much; it just looked like a good western read.

Concerning the book, it was a good western read—not the best I’ve read, but a nice diversion in its own right. Dain Burnett (or Burnet depending on which page/paragraph you’re reading) is hot on the trail of the man and woman who suckered, robbed and killed his brother Hal. When he catches up to the wagon train they joined to escape the law deep in the Indian country of the llano, he finds burned out wagons, dead bodies, and a frightened woman. Through the rough Comanche country, Dain guards her for the sole purpose of turning her over to authorities at Ft. Sill so that justice can be served.

The action is simple and straightforward. It reminds me of typical western novels of its era. The tension of whether to become judge, jury and executioner to the woman, whether to stick to the original plan of turning her over for justice at the end of the trail provided they get there, or to give into the growing feelings he has toward her.

The book provides a good summer read with one exceptional image of battle between the red and the white man. Tucked toward the end of the story is this paragraph:

It was like a sudden thunder-clap from a cloudless sky. Before Burnett’s eyes unfolded what he had thought he would never see again—a cavalry charge.

So, who is this Frank Castle? Google revealed at first glance that he is The Punisher. I also found reference to a writer of books related to mathematics as well as a handful of western novels such as Blood Moon all written in the late 50s/early 60s. If you can shed some light, feel free to comment. And enjoy a copy of Blood Moon if you can find one. At three out of five reading glasses, any fan of western fiction will be satisfied.

—Benjamin Potter, August 26, 2009