The Grave of Marcus Pauly – Wayne D. Dundee

© 2011 Western Trail Blazer (Smashwords, ebooks)

Since I said I wanted to read some more of Wayne D. Dundee’s work, I found another short western novel (novella), just waiting for me to download to my Nook. And I’m glad I did. For one thing the story’s dedication note is to three of my favorite writers (James and Livia Reasoner and Bill Crider). What better endorsement (at least in my opinion) to read someone’s work than that they enjoy and are acquainted with the same authors that you read.

Annabelle Heath wants nothing more than to fulfill her dying mother’s last wishes—to find her uncle’s (Marcus Pauly) bones and retrieve them for a “proper Christian burial” back at the home plot in Missouri. The big problem is that the only one who knows where the body was buried is the man who buried him—Marcus’ riding partner who was with him when the deceased uncle was shot escaping from a botched bank robbery.

Ford Ramsey had served his time after having been caught by the posse following that same bank robbery. He has found a menial job in the livery and just wants to live out his life. But when Miss Heath shows up with a story of a prison-penned, heart-felt promise, Ramsey decides that he has nothing if not his word. In deciding to help the young lady find her uncle’s body to return him home, Ramsey destines them both for more than just a rough week’s worth of camping, and discovers that old rumors die hard.

This little story reads fast and well. If you like a good western, download a copy to your eReader of choice and spend a couple of hours in the old west. Four out of five reading glasses.

 

—Benjamin Potter, December 20, 2011

O’Doul – Wayne Dundee

© 2011 Western Trail Blazer (Smashwords, ebooks)

Wayne Dundee is a retired manager who spends his time writing these days. He lives in the historic town of Ogallala, Nebraska, which should be a good source of inspiration for his Western short stories and novels. His fascination with reading and long-time reader relationship with writers like John D. MacDonald might explain his prolific pen in the realm of Private Eye mysteries. This is my first encounter with Dundee, but I suspect I’ll be looking into some of his award-winning writing in future.

This novella introduces readers to O’Doul, a crusty old ranch hand that you know has seen a lot in his past. In this story we encounter the title character as everything seems to be falling apart for him and all of those around him. Working for a rancher whose own life and marriage are falling apart doesn’t help matters any. And O’Doul finds himself trying to corral the whippersnapper of a co-worker who can’t rein in his own emotions.

Like any good western story, this one includes horses, cattle (complete with tragic stampede), and gunplay. It won’t take long to get through this short work (about 83 pages in length), so you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Pitchfork Creek. Owing to its brevity, O’Doul does broadcast the resolution early in the book (to the alert reader), but this doesn’t distract you from enjoying the story, and you can’t go wrong with a good “shoot ‘em up”. Four out of five reading glasses.

 

—Benjamin Potter, December 15, 2011