In Icy Sedgwick's new book The Guns of Retribution, she asks us to saddle up and take a trip out to the Old West into the heat and dust of Arizona, where she introduces us to Grey O'Donnell, a bounty hunter and his two sidekicks Billy Cole and Mahko the Apache.
It is Grey who tells us his story and starts us off on this journey by him and his two companions chasing their prey, Blackjack Bud Hudson, who is on a train. Things don't quite go to plan, and Grey comes face to face with an old acquaintance, Jasper Roberts. Jasper, not the nicest of guys, has managed to procure the position of Sheriff in the town of Retribution, Grey's old home. There is no love lost between the two.
Grey takes us to the sleepy town of Sandwater, where we meet some interesting characters. Miss Violet who works in the hotel and reminds Grey of a girl he once knew, Peggy; Albert who serves in the Saloon; and the beautiful Mrs. Madeline Beaufontaine, who is used to getting what she wants. Jasper Roberts pressures Grey by underhanded means to return to the town of Retribution--I don't want to say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for you.
Icy Sedgwick has created some believable characters in this adventure. The mature and easy going persona of Grey is contrasted beautifully by the exuberance and impatience of the young Billy Cole, while the quiet confidence of Mahko makes this threesome very workable.
The way Icy Sedgwick has Grey tell his story, gives us insight into this man and allows us to share his feelings. At the same time she crafts Jasper Roberts character into one that is easy to dislike. Her ability to paint with words a vivid picture of this era in time for us, has the reader taking part in the sights, sounds and people of the towns.
I liked this story very much and read it in two sittings. The diversity of characters and how they all interacted with each other served to bring this Novella to life. It felt like Grey was sitting opposite telling me this tale of his, while coffee brewed on the camp fire.
As I swig down my coffee, brush off the dust and wave Grey O'Donnell farewell, I give this little Western Novella a helen-scribbles thumbs up.
