The Gallowsman by Will Cade

Will Cade is not exactly a household name among Western writers.  But if this novel serves as an example of his work, he should be.  He wrote just a handful of books, all published by Leisure Books in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s. His work generally deviates from the traditional western yarn in that he adds a great deal of mystery and suspense to his stories rather than a bunch of flying lead and fisticuffs. Often there is a sense of defending the rights of innocents.

This novel opens with Ben Woolard arriving in the small mining town of Ferguson, Colorado, ready to start his life anew. We soon uncover his backstory, his job as a Union spy during the Civil War, infiltrating Bushwhackers (Confederate guerrillas), and feeding intel to his brother. It was a job that didn’t sit well with him, forcing him to lie and turn his back on people who thought him loyal. However, his critical testimony at the trial of murderer Henry Champion led to a successful conviction and hanging. In addition, we also unfortunately learn of the terrible loss of Ben’s wife and children to the dreaded measles at about that same time resulting in his nosedive into heavy drinking.

But now Ben has joined his successful brother in Ferguson and been grubstaked for a silver mine. All was well until the rumors started. Henry Champion had been seen alive, right there in Ferguson. That couldn’t be true, of course – they’d seen him hang. But then some of Champion’s gang was spotted and Ben’s brother’s business is set afire.  How could this be? Ben would have to solve the mystery while juggling his mining concern, look out for his new friends, and avoid the bottle. 

This one really kept me turning the pages. Cade writes in a smooth, campfire-story-telling style and Ben Woolard makes for a relatable, sympathetic hero. A side plot involving a pretty girl who disguises herself as a grubby man in order to avoid her abusive/killer brother was an added bonus. Mysterious deaths, mistaken identities, kidnappings, and colorful characters all combine to make a fun read with a satisfying (and not at all predictable) finish. I definitely want to read more from Will Cade.