Man Behind the Gun: A Western Duo

A prolific author of more than 1,000 books, Paine is best known for exciting and authentic westerns. Containing the titular book and Fort Morgan, this double volume is the latest offering in Five Star’s series of Paine reprints. In the refreshingly original “Fort Morgan,” outlaws Sam, Jack, and Roger are hiding out in the lawless town of Fort Morgan after a successful bank robbery. When local horse thieves and stagecoach robbers steal from the wrong folks, the trio take the law into their own hands, letting the townspeople pay them for their efforts. When they uncover an outlaw stronghold, their own criminal skills are put to the test. “Man Behind the Gun” is an action-packed, formula western, wherein brothers Jason and Arty are looking to avenge their father’s murder. Trigger-happy Jason kills three of the murderers, but allows one to live, starting a cycle of violence that only more blood can end. Jason becomes a hunted fugitive, leaving Arty to face vigilantes and feud killers. Lots of gunplay, buckets of blood, and piles of bullet-riddled baddies dot the Colorado landscape in this oater. The ending is predictable, but the leadup is terrific. These two novellas are excellent examples of Paine’s careful attention to detail and suspenseful, convincing plots. (Apr.)