It would be impossible to mention each [Tale] in the space allowed for a review, and choosing which to spotlight meant leaving out tales that amused, enlightened and delighted.
      That said, two, one an amusing double-cross and one a double double-cross deserve special mention.
      In "Bottomless Bartlett's Beautiful Bride" John Putman tells of a conman and a madam who each have a vested interested in arranging a marriage between two unlikely characters. In a turn of the tables, they both get their comeuppance when their plans go awry in an amusing fashion.
      Ken Newton, Nasty Newt SASS 7365, penned "Apache Gold", a double double cross that will leave you guessing the outcome for the first reading, then rereading it for the vivid descriptions of life during the last days of the Civil War. Authentic, heartbreaking and very probably true to the feelings of men left in the dark about the outcome of that terrible conflict, it is a masterful retelling of an event that could not possibly have happened . . . or did it?
      Both men and women are represented in the pages, with the final well deserved "Editor's Choice" going to Nancy Hartney's haunting "White Oak's Tale" wherein justice is served, and a way of life honored.
      The book ends – far too soon – with final remarks by the editor, and an invitation to any writer who would like to try their hand at keeping the Western short story alive. Read full review here.