NOT SO LONE RANGER: MARK GREATHOUSE'S GUNS ON THE GUADALUPE

Guns on the Guadalupe is the ninth book in Mark Greathouse's Tumbleweeds aga that follows generations of a Texas family. I admit this is the first time I have read him. He writes a traditional western as if schooled himself in paperback masters like Ben Haas and early Elmer Kelton then said, "hold my Shiner."

He takes on the western story from a fresh perspective. His hero is Ranger Junior Dunn, the son of the legendary Ranger Lucas Dunn (Picture Lonesome Dove's Gus McCrae being your dad). He's called away from his farm and very loving wife, Cassie, when Captain Reynolds Hughes asks him to go to Kerrville where the sheriff is overwhelmed by a series of murders. Dunn soon realizes the killings could be connected to a land scheme. With some help from his father and famed U.S. marshal Bass Reeves, he untangles the plot with wealthy landowners, questionable politicians, and a ruthless gunman in black, relying on his cunning as much as his pistols.

Greathouse delivers a mystery-thriller as well as western with with a well constructed hero at its center. Junior Dunn takes on his challenges in a manner both capable and affable, He carries a sense of humor. and deep love (and lust) for his wife. He struggles with both duty to family and The Rangers. Less square-jawed and more of a man you'd like to have a beer with.

The writer also creates a living, breathing Texas Hill Country of 1898. Not only does he use historical figures as supporting characters. we get early phones and news of automobiles. Dunn debates if it's better to travel by train or horse. Huckleberry Finn and The Red Badge of Courage are discussed liked current works, not classics. The light of progress is seeping into the frontier, as well as modern corruption.

Guns On The Guadalupe takes you to a specific time and place with specific characters. gives you an engaging plot and exciting action as well. Mr Greathouse, you've earned your beer.

if this review isn't enough to entice you to purchase it, kno that mark greathouse is donating his royalties of the title to help the Kerrville, Texas flood victims.