Gunsmoke & Grit: 'Molly and the Indian Agent' by Stephen Overholser

Tonight, we’re venturing into the rugged world of Molly and the Indian Agent, a thrilling installment in the Molly Owens series penned by Stephen Overholser, the middle son of the esteemed western author Wayne D. Overholser. Now, I have to set the record straight—despite what those internet trolls might claim, this is the third entry in the series, not the sixth. In a baffling twist, the book order got shuffled during early 2000s reprints in large print, resulting in some readers wrongly believing book three is the last. This particular yarn was released in November 1982 by Bantam Books, and it deserves to be appreciated in all its rightful glory.

Now, let’s talk plot: Molly Owens is no ordinary heroine; she’s an ace operative for the Fenton Investigative Agency, with a penchant for galloping into trouble. This time, she rides into the bleak town of Crowheart on a mission to solve a murder but winds up embroiled in a more significant conflict simmering in the Wyoming wilderness. Pioneer rancher Isaiah Holcomb has been left for dead on his own land, and the locals are quick to blame the young Shoshone warriors, who are perceived as threats eager to unleash bloody chaos. But Molly, with her sharp instincts, suspects there's something more sinister at play—an insidious plot by the Indian agent designed to drive the Shoshone from their land for his clandestine gain.

Proof is all she needs, though finding the true murderer will put her on a treacherous path—one that would take her into the heart of a Shoshone encampment where no white man—and certainly no woman—would dare to tread. Molly is about to embark on a journey where she might either ride back triumphantly with her killer in hand or find her blonde scalp swinging from a Shoshone war belt. Talk about high stakes, right?

Now, I’ll admit, I initially judged this book by its cover, expecting a classic “adult western” steeped in the 1980s tropes we all know and love. Honestly, I half-expected scenes that would make even the most romantic of Harlequin fans blush. Much to my surprise, aside from a brief, cheeky nod to the heroine's backside, there were no steamy escapades to be found. What I discovered instead was a narrative that leans more towards pulp fiction—a delightful realization that speaks to Overholser’s inherited storytelling prowess from his father. The writing style is punchy and engaging, propelling the story along like a horse on a fast track to a showdown.

The pacing was rapid-fire, compacting a thrilling adventure into a mere 166 pages. The dialogue crackles with wit and authenticity, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere and keeping the pages turning. Sure, some side characters felt a tad one-dimensional, like sketches waiting for more color, but their roles are secondary and never detract from the action.

Overall, Molly and the Indian Agent turned out to be an unexpectedly satisfying read, blending both grit and adventure in a way that made me eager to join Molly on her next escapade. So, if you’re looking for a quick dip into the wild frontier, this book might be just the ticket—if you can hunt down a copy. ╌★★★★✰

〜B.J. Burgess