As October casts its eerie spell, I found myself reading a book that tiptoes between horror and Western: The Gunsmith: Skinwalker, the 497th installment, written by Marcus Pelegrimas under the pseudonym J.R. Roberts. Speaking Volumes, LLC publishes it. Within a few pages, I discovered it wasn’t just the usual shootouts and saloon brawls; instead, it beckoned readers into the depths of Navajo lore and the horrifying mythology surrounding the Skinwalker, or yee naaldlooshii, a shapeshifter feared across the land.
Our protagonist, Clint Adams, the eponymous Gunsmith, straddles the line between fate and misfortune. He stumbles upon Joe, a near-dead man uttering frantic tales of a creature that isn’t just a man or beast. Clint's instinct kicks in, and he swiftly hauls Joe to Wayland Pass, a town he's reluctantly revisited, where he finds both familiarity and a sizzle of passion with an old flame, Stormy.
What I anticipated as a red herring turns out to be a harrowing reality: Clint encounters the Skinwalker firsthand, an entity that evokes gruesome horrors: half-werewolf, half-human, all-nightmare. Teaming up with the locals, Clem and his nephew, Seth, Clint journeys into Navajo land, seeking wisdom to confront this supernatural menace before it claims more innocent lives.
Don’t expect the conventional Western thrills of a quick draw and explosive standoffs because The Gunsmith: Skinwalker meanders more into the suspense territory. The action is more cerebral, weaving through mounting tension rather than blazing gunfights. True, Clint's escapades are peppered with steamy rendezvous that fans of the series will undoubtedly savor. If you’re simply hunting for erotic escapades, rest assured, this tale provides appropriate moments that would make even the most hardened cowboy blush.
This entry delivers the quintessential Gunsmith experience, only with a haunting Navajo twist. Clint remains the steadfast gunslinger we love, though the surrounding narrative-purpose characters are enlivened with just enough depth thanks to Clem and Seth. Their journeys inspire concern and empathy in sharp contrast to Clint’s unshakeable demeanor; after all, this isn’t the last rodeo for our seasoned hero, as there are at least three more roundups to come, including the upcoming A Horse Tale.
Skinwalker possesses a bit of richness that pulls you in, keeping your heart in your throat as the twists and turns take you through darker territories. The infusion of supernatural elements adds a refreshing twist that elevates the story beyond standard Gunsmith fare. I found myself thrilled by the intensity, captivated by the blend of eerie folklore, and utterly engaged in the unfolding drama.
If you’re a long-time fan of The Gunsmith or just getting started, I highly recommend The Gunsmith: Skinwalker. It effectively blends elements of horror and Western genres, creating an exciting story that captures the eerie atmosphere of a night filled with howling winds and the anticipation of something lurking in the shadows. ╌★★★★★
Please consider supporting future reviews on this blog by purchasing The Gunsmith: Skinwalker in paperback [*] or a Kindle eBook [*].
〜B.J. Burgess
No comments:
Post a Comment
“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess