Killing Plain

by Ralph Cotton

Book Overview

In "Killing Plain," Ralph Cotton displays the striking combination of gritty authenticity and lyrical beauty that has earned widespread critical acclaim.Ranger Sam Burrack has never had a partner... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 045121451X
• ISBN13: 9780451214515
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Signet Book
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

100% Pure Entertainment - Reading Gold

I feel that Ralph Cotton, despite being a very popular writer among fans of the Western, is one of America's great under-appreciated authors (along with Loren D. Estleman and Martin Cruz Smith). This novel, Killing Plain, is typical for Mr. Cotton, in that it is a page turner and wildly entertaining. I have read about six of Cotton's series of novels featuring Ranger Sam Burrack, and have yet to come close to disappointment. I have noticed a thread through all the novels of certain strengths Cotton has as a writer. Here they are: 1. His story ideas are always very creative and interesting. After all, it all hinges on a good story, right? 2. He describes action scenes in a way that will make you feel them on a pulse-raising level. 3. His novels are always full of very distinct and interesting characters, characters that stick in your mind (like for instance in this novel gunman Stone Eddie Deaks is a fabulous creation - completely memorable and unique - all cool, regal flash). Cotton brings to complete life the briefest of characters as well as the main character. 4. His main character, Ranger Burrack, manages an old-school sense of honor and heroism without ever feeling false or preachy. 5. There is a true element of humor in Cotton's work - not slapstick funny (the kind that tries to be funny) but "human" funny, that will have you chuckling. 6. And lastly, I don't think any writer working today handles female characters any better than Cotton. They all feel like real people - sometimes heartbreakingly real - and never a token "strong independent woman" character. Finally, I must stress the incredible pure entertainment value of Cotton's writing. I can't think of any writer I have ever read, with the possible exception of Charles Dickens (an odd comparison, I am aware), that better forces you through the strength of storytelling to turn the page. I prefer Ralph Cotton to Larry Mcmurtry, and for entertainment value I can't think of higher praise than that. Highest recommendation - Mykal Banta

5 STAR WESTERN ACTION-AN OUTSWTANDING BOOK!

For the first time in his career, Ranger Sam Burrack has a partner in young Hadley Jones. Lonzo Greer and his Black Moon gang have been rampaging all across Arizona Territory. Sam and Hadley have been assigned to bring these killers to justice or see them put in the ground. Things start off well when Sam arrests Stone Eddie Deaks. Young gunman Norbert "Kid" Lamb who is with Deaks is not on Burrack's list so he is allowed to go free. Jones meets up with Sam on the trail with his own prisoner and the four ride into the town of Marshal Springs where Sam deposits the wanted men in the town jail. In the town of Barstow, Lonzo and his hardsases have managed to take over the town after Sheriff Goins is gunned down by his scattergun wielding deputy Forrest Bidson who throws in with the Black Moon's. A judge dismisses the charges against Stone Eddie and he is set free. Ranger Burrack had not seen the last of Deaks. Out on the trail, Sam is ambushed and believed to be dead. An old hermit, hearing the gunfire, finds Burrack and takes him back to his cavern to recover. Jones meets up with Sam and the two lawmen continue their persuit of the Black Moon's. Deaks and Lamb also hook up out on the trail and ride on together to join up with Lonzo. Outside of Vista Luna, a small village in an old shack, Lonzo and his bunch have three sisters captive. It is here where the Rangers and Black Moon's have their fatal showdown. Not all the the men taking part in this shootout will walk away alive. KILLING PLAIN is filled with action and gunfire as the body count mounts. You do not want to miss this 5 STAR WESTERN ACTION. Another OUTSTANDING BOOK from Ralph Cotton.