05/28/2025
If you missed it, here is the "Booklist" review of Bill Pronzini's most recent Stark House collection, THE HANGING MAN & OTHER WESTERN STORIES...
In his preface to The Hanging Man, a collection of 18 previously published works, prolific genre fiction author Pronzini explains that he wanted something that illustrated the full gamut of western characters, settings, and themes. The book does not disappoint. Pronzini depicts the barren terror of revenge (“Fear”) and the utter desperation of love (“The Cruel and Deadly Winter”). He uses tall tales to emphasize the grim necessity of vigilante justice (“McIntosh’s Chute”). He shows gentleness towards wronged women, scorned women, women who make mistakes but remain no less deserving of respect. Justice looks a little different when husbands are violent (“The Hanging Man,” “Decision”). Ending with "Crucifiction River," a novella coauthored with his wife, Marcia Muller, Pronzini manages to leave the reader satisfied. The story shifts between characters and their intentions more times than a switchback trail coming down a mountain, but the final, shared moment of strength between two fallen women exemplifies western independence and fortitude. The Hanging Man represents the genre at its best and will be a welcome addition to western collections. — Sarah Steers
Available wherever books are being sold, and more specifically, at starkhousepress.com.
