Jon Sharpe

I typically don't review these pulp Westerns because to me they are all generally just okay reads. They should be quick, entertaining reads; some better than okay, some slightly worse. However, this one started bad and didn't get any better so I have a few words...

Ridiculous story. The whole point of the Trailsman being the Trailsman is that no one can get the better or him, he's the best of the best of the best. But this go-round everything with a pulse gets the better of him. The myth of show more The Wild West – driven home in this book as well as every Western ever written – is that danger is ever-present, it is lurking around every corner 24/7. In that West, the Fargo in this book wouldn't last ten minutes let alone a day. And that is on top of just a rather dumb yarn to begin with. Disappointing. show less

The classic trope of the right man in the right place at the right time is used to great effect, lending an air of nostalgia that harkens back to the old Western serials we all love. At just 164 pages, the book delivers a tightly woven story with no time wasted. Sure, a ruthless land baron is a familiar villain, but the blend of action, shootouts, and raw tension is expertly executed, ensuring readers will stay glued to the page.

Overall, The Trailsman: Valley of Death might not be flawless, show more but it's a rollercoaster of a read, offering fast-paced thrills that are sure to satisfy any Western aficionado. Dive in for an adventure that promises blood, betrayal, and a few wild nights—the heart of the genre lies within!

Find my full review at https://gunsmokeandgrit.blogspot.com/2025/05/trailsman-valley-of-death-review.ht.... show less

This story was such a disappointment. For the longest time I thought that it would be the totally unheard of 4-star Pulp Western. Alonzo de Leon – aka the Durango Kid - is a brilliantly created character and each appearance was such a treat. Skye Fargo - the Trailsman - left a lot to be desired in this one. But mostly it was that the story kept veering off into stupid escapades of stupidity, not even derring-do (except for Alonzo), but complete and total 100% guaranteed death to follow show more situations that just made the book dumber and dumber up until the very end. In other words, the Durango Kid was wasted. Such a pity. show less

Fargo's been asked to stop the men who are giving the Sioux alcohol and guns to start a war between the whites and the Sioux and other tribes. He also has to work with Logan Brennan, a notorious gun sharp, who plans to kill his brother, the purveyor of guns and alcohol to the Sioux. Fargo only wants to complete his mission but on the way he has to rescue a few people and deal with those who want to kill him.

This is a comfort read for me. I know Fargo will get his man, bed a few women, get show more shot at, but survive it all. I liked the action as well as the Cherokee who helped him once or twice. I liked that Logan's story does come out and Fargo has a change of heart about him. It's a good shoot-'em-up read--perfect for a snowy night. show less