Backtrail

Here Fackler continues the story of western gunman Seth Strummar, introduced in the highly praised Blood Kin . Set in 1881, this adventure tale finds Strummar estranged from his pregnant wife, Johanna, whom he puts in the care of his pious young friend Joaquin Ascarate, who promises to escort her to her father's house while Strummar himself seeks to escape bounty hunters and lawmen. As events ensue, Ascarate must choose between his devotion to God and his loyalty to his outlaw friend. Crisply and expeditiously told, this action-filled tale conjures the thrills of the Old West with minimal introspection. Fackler again shows unusual skill with dialogue and character development in a genuinely gripping story that boasts a strong dose of biblical metaphors. (Mar.)