Review: 'The Widowmaker: Invitation to a Hanging' by Robert J. Randisi

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Today, I’m reviewing the audiobook The Widowmaker: Invitation to a Hanging ^[*], penned by the late Robert J. Randisi, who authored The Gunsmith series under the pseudonym J.R. Roberts. Invitation to a Hanging marks the inaugural entry in The Widowmaker series, first published by Pocket Star Books in December 2003. I do own the second installment, Turnback Creek, which followed in 2004, in paperback. A third volume, Dead Weight, teased within the pages of the second book, remains shrouded in mystery—never to see the light of day, likely due to the tepid sales of its predecessors. Was Dead Weight merely a concept, or was it fully drafted? The truth eludes me.

The audiobook adaptation, released in 2005 on CD and later available on Audible by Recorded Books, is brought to life by the late Richard Ferrone, with a runtime of 6 hours and 16 minutes.

The narrative unfurls around John Locke, a man molded by the trials of his past as a lawman, bounty hunter, and gun-for-hire. Now, he's attempting to carve out an existence by taking on perilous odd jobs that only someone of his notorious reputation could manage. His newest journey leads him to Fredericksburg, Texas, where he assumes the role of bastonero, essentially the Master of Ceremonies, for the hanging of the infamous Ignacio Delgado, a man painted in shades of both villainy and martyrdom. In the beginning, Locke finds himself fending off Delgado’s loyalists, who view their leader as part saint, part Robin Hood. Yet, as tension mounts, Locke's perspective shifts; respect for Delgado begins to seep into his philosophies, even as he unravels the sheriff’s ulterior motives behind the hanging—a classic standoff brewing like storm clouds on the horizon.

Locke himself is a compelling figure, a man who wields his gun as a form of justice, branded with a reputation that straddles the line between honor and infamy. Unfortunately, his past experiences in Tombstone have left him jaded; in a society that often vilifies gunslingers, he took a long hiatus before returning to action. He doesn’t accept this bastonero role for greed, although the monetary incentives are enticing; it’s the allure of novelty that draws him to this uncharted territory. The romance with Nina, a local newspaper owner, is more nuanced than straightforward affection; her secrets add a layer of complexity that keeps the reader guessing. I must admit, her eventual twist felt unjustified to me; I never fully bought into her character, a feeling of distrust lingering like a shadow throughout the narrative.

Now, let’s address the narration. Richard Ferrone's voice possesses a commanding quality, evident throughout the lengthy audiobook. Yet, I found myself stifling chuckles as he tackled the female dialogue; his attempts at a woman's voice fell short, initially disrupting my immersion. Over time, however, I adjusted and allowed myself to be swept along, accepting his interpretation as part of the experience.

In the end, I quite enjoyed listening to The Widowmaker: Invitation to a Hanging ^[*]. It may not be flawless, but it weaves a richly likable, character-driven tapestry that encapsulates the essence of the Western genre. It's a gritty exploration of justice, reputation, and the sometimes murky waters of morality, elements that flow effortlessly through Randisi's storytelling. ╌★★★★✰

〜B.J. Burgess