This is a book I shouldn't like. The setting is a Western, which would be strike one. And, at it's heart, it's the story of a gay man, seeking revenge on the death of his lover. I'm not a homophobe by any means, but it's not what I usually read, so...strike two.

However, this is also, at its heart, a revenge story, which I always love, and it's Ed Kurtz, which is enough for me to buy into the game.

And by God, I'm glad I did. This is, quite simply, the best thing Kurtz has written (at least, that I've read). Yes, the relationship between the two men is central to the plot, and it's talked about at various points through the story, but the thing that sold me on this story, the reason I call it Kurtz's best, is because the author shows some restraint.

Let me explain. I've read Kurtz's first Sam Truman story, [b:Catch My Killer|16037019|Catch My Killer (The First Sam Truman Mystery)|Ed Kurtz|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1351575297s/16037019.jpg|21810639], as well as [b:Bleed|10910796|Bleed|Ed Kurtz|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348275795s/10910796.jpg|15817206] and [b:Control|17858572|Control|Ed Kurtz|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367185565s/17858572.jpg|25000538]. I enjoyed all three, but in each case, the blood flowed and the violence was always over the top. However, with this book, it's a much quieter story, and it's all the more powerful for it.

I don't want to go into this much more, because I don't want to spoil this story for anyone, but if you want to read a story of revenge, but one handled with grace and empathy, while still delivering the goods, you want to read this book.

Well done, Ed. ( )