Gunsmoke & Grit: 'The Outcasts' by Al Cody

Dear Western Readers, 

Today, I am sharing my thoughts on The Outcasts, a classic Western story written by Al Cody. This book was first published in 1970 by Lenox Hill Press. The copy I read is from 1975, and as you can see, it is a bit worn. After giving it some care, I was excited to venture into this old tale. 

First, let’s talk a bit about the author, Al Cody. This name was a pen name for Archie Lynn Joscelyn (1899-1986). He was a very busy writer who wrote under different names, like A. A. Archer and Tex Holt. Joscelyn started writing in 1918, and his Western short stories appeared in many magazines. He published his first novel, The Golden Bowl, in 1931 and went on to write over 200 books before he died. 

The Outcasts takes place during a time known as the Hungry Horse, which comes from Native American lore. It refers to a time of famine and is symbolized by a ghostly white horse that appears during the “hunger moon.” The protagonist, Johnny Hawkins, is a young man who becomes an orphan and must deal with many challenges. He sets out on an adventure on the riverboat Oregon, with a group of fur traders, hoping to meet his Uncle Jon, a “Mountain Man.” But things do not go as planned. 

Oregon is attacked by Indian warriors, and in the chaos, Johnny gets lost. He wanders into an unfamiliar area and meets a hurt young man named Otternail, who is half Irish and half Blackfoot Indian. Despite their different backgrounds, they become friends, and Johnny is welcomed by Otternail's tribe, which changes his life significantly. 

This story takes place in the early 1860s, with a hint of the Civil War brewing. Joscelyn’s writing style is simple and engaging; it's written in a Pulp narrative, a style that's been long forgotten. His love for the Wild West shines through, making The Outcasts a story not just about adventure but also about finding one’s identity. 

I wonder if there are other books about the Hawkins family, either before or after The Outcasts. I couldn’t find much information about Joscelyn’s other works, but I hope this review encourages others to look into them.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Outcasts. It’s a quick and exciting story with a lot of adventure and action moments—a thrilling trip back to an earlier time in storytelling that still speaks to us today. ╌★★★★★

⁓B.J. Burgess