West of Dodge - A Western Anthology from Saddlebag Dispatches Magazine

Full Disclosure: I have a story ("Vigilance Committee") published in this volume. My review is based on the entire anthology, taken as a whole.

Saddlebag Dispatches has been publishing western-themed magazines since 2014 and has racked up numerous accolades for the quality of their content, both fiction and non-fiction. For many, it has become the go-to source for up-to-date information on all things western. Happily, they've decided to expand their frontiers by publishing a series of western fiction short-story anthologies. This very first one, published this summer of 2023, features the theme of Dodge City, coinciding with the Summer 2023 edition of the magazine. Future themed anthologies are planned for every six months.

West of Dodge contains short stories from 20 contemporary authors, ranging from vastly experienced writers such as Dusty Richards and Velda Brotherton to the neophyte author. Having read them all, I can honestly say that it's difficult to tell which ones are which.

As expected, several stories take place in Dodge City itself, featuring different time periods in that town's turbulent history. Often, we come across historical characters from Wyatt Earp to Charlie Bassett but more often the stories are about regular folks faced with difficult, if not insurmountable circumstances. Many of the stories do not, however take place in Dodge City but rather roam across the West, fulfilling the title's promise, "West of Dodge". These 20 stories provide a full range of styles, but I can honestly say I enjoyed every one of them. As I do for most anthologies, I chose to read one of these stories between each novel, letting them act as a sort of pallet cleanser. That also keeps these stories fresh for me.

It's great to see new Western-themed anthologies being published once again. This one certainly deserves your further attention.

Rattler's Law - Volume Two by James Reasoner

A couple of years ago I was introduced to a volume of eight western novels featuring the character of Lucas Flint, newly arrived marshal of Abilene Kansas, and known as “The Rattler” for his lightning-fast draw. Those eight books proved to be a rich tapestry of interrelated yarns encompassing an entire cast of towns people including deputies, saloon owners, church leaders, schoolteachers, a female doctor, and assorted others. Much like a long-running television series of yesteryear, new arrivals populate each story, like guest stars if you will. Some are hard-working honest folks looking for a better life while others are seeking fortune of a different kind and don’t care about how they get it. Those eight books were wonderful reads and taken together formed a real saga of western life during those times.

I knew there was a second volume to be had, another eight novels that carried on that saga and it has been at the top of my TBR list ever since. This year, I tackled it, choosing to read one story every month or thereabouts in order to stretch out the experience. Alas, today, I find myself in early September, and have just turned the page on the final story. It’s bittersweet to be honest. These stories are every bit as good as the first volume and maybe even a little more interconnected. It was a true joy to revisit the characters and see them respond to new threats and opportunities. But, at least as of this writing, there are no more.

This volume sees the rise of a dastardly villain, Jason Kent, whose far-reaching plots are the stuff of real conflict. His villainy lasts through many of these stories, and one begins to wonder if he’ll ever meet his match. Author James Reasoner writes multi-dimensional characters even if that means showing vulnerabilities and, in this series, Lucas Flint doesn’t always come out on top. Many of the stories see other characters take center stage and ultimately are the ones to see justice served although Flint’s guiding hand is always present. But in the end, it is the ensemble cast that makes these books work so well.

Those readers looking for an “adult” western need to look elsewhere but those wanting a good story with well-drawn characters, traditional western style, plenty of action, and interesting plots need look no further.

I hope for more of these books someday but will not hold my breath. With sixteen books available over two collections, I can easily go back and dip into them now and again and relish the experience of this delightful series once again. Highly recommended.