THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER: A WESTERN by Stephen Hunter
First sentences…
The sun was a blowtorch, scorching the Arizona Territory crisp. Sagebrush, some living, some dead, bounced indifferently about the raw landscape. While most of America prospered in the wonderful year of 1897, here vegetation turned brittle while the once abundant and variegated cacti had retreated within themselves, their spindly arms forming structures more appropriate to crucifixion than blossom.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
1897. The Arizona Territory. Due to a prolonged draught survival is tough. Homes and even towns are left abandoned when residents left for a better climate. Only rare rough railroad construction towns called railheads and Colonel Callahan’s massive ranch thrive.
Railheads are not towns really. More like flophouses, whorehouses and taverns clustered together. They’re inhabited by the lawless, rough railroad construction workers who come in to spend their week’s pay.
Colonel Callahan’s ranch prospers. It’s the largest spread in the Arizona territory. Callahan makes a good living raising and marketing his cattle. But cattle isn’t all Callahan deals in. He’s also has secret (and illegal) dealings across the border in Mexico. Callahan employs ranch hands, cowboys, but most importantly gunmen. The only job these gunfighters have is to protect all that Callahan owns. Callahan’s top man and best with a gun is Tom Voth.
When a cowboy rides in looking for work, Voth is ready to send him on his way. The stranger says his name is Jack. Jack looks like a drifter. Hardened, yes. Tough looking yes. But old. Jack must be pushing sixty. Voth says, unless Jack is good with a gun, they can’t use him. Jack says he’s good with a gun and calm when bullets fly. Voth is doubtful. Jack doesn’t wear a gun. Turns out Jack pawned his guns to survive.
Voth calls for a rife. Jack takes the carbine and proceeds to amaze Voth with his shooting accuracy. Voth takes Jack to Mr. Callahan for a final interview. Callahan is impressed and hires Jack.
What they don’t know is the drifter Jack is actually Jack Swagger a feared gunfighter and he’s come to Callahan’s ranch on a personal mission.
Saddle up!
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I’m a fan of Stephen Hunter’s Swagger novels. It is such a cool idea to follow the Swagger family tree. It allows Hunter to write novels in different eras that are anchored by the Swagger family.
So far we have…
- Jackson Swagger: a cowboy in the 1890s
- Charles Swagger: a World War II sniper
- Earl Swagger: a famous Arkansas State Trooper and Charles’ son
- Bob Lee Swagger: a legendary sniper in Viet Nam pulled in to several adventures after the war. He is Earl’s son.
- Ray Cruz: a FBI agent and Bob Lee’s son.
Stephen Hunter’s Swagger novel are instant purchases for me. I’ve loved every one. THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER: A WESTERN is another winner.
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