Some of you probably only recognize Larry D. Sweazy’s name because Kevin Tipple and I have both reviewed his books over the years. I’ve talked about his mysteries, while Kevin has discussed his westerns. And, Sweazy’s Sonny Burton series features a Texas Ranger, so there are elements of both. I con’t know about his westerns, but his mysteries are gritty and atmospheric, and terrific.

Today, Kevin’s talking about a western from 2014, Vengeance at Sundown. Thank you, Kevin.

Originally published by Berkley Western Novel, this great read is now available through
WordWise Publishing Services, LLC.

As in these times, just after the Civil War there were men in prison for crimes they did
not commit. Lucas Fume is one such man serving time in the Tennessee State Prison.
Convicted of the murder of his business partner, John Barlow, Lucas has done a lot of
questionable things over the years. This was especially true during the Civil War. His
guilt on that is one thing, but he never murdered anyone.

Fortunately, Lucas Fume is a better than average good fighter and has earned a
reputation of being one of the toughest guys in the prison. A reputation that somebody
is looking to take down a notch as there was no other reason for the stranger to come
after him. Lucas has taken some shots, but given as well as he has gotten and is
holding his own against his latest attacker. As the fight rages on while prisoners place
bets on the outcome, a fire has begun elsewhere close by in the prison. That fire and
the commotion it has caused have turned what was a simple fight between two
prisoners into a free for all between many of the men.

It also means others that Lucas has no idea who they are have moved into range of
Lucas. That includes a former slave and fellow prisoner by the name of Ezekiel “Zeke”
Henry. He has come looking for Lucas for a reason as he started that fire as part of a
plan to free Lucas from prison. There really isn’t time to ask questions though Lucas
tries as the fire increases and guards beginning to respond to take control of the prison
back from the inmates and quell the violence. Why he is being sprung now is just one
of the many questions in Lucas’ mind as he takes a chance and follows Zeke in the
unknown.

First of a new series featuring Lucas Fume, this western is a good one. Like most of
author Larry D. Sweazy’s main characters, Lucas is a flawed human being who has
done a number of things that others would question and quite possibly hang him for. He
is a complicated human being, but his word means just about everything to him.

Couple that with a strong mystery component which is usually present in the author’s
westerns, a compelling secondary storyline, and other ingredients and you have more of
the quality read that worked so well in The Devil’s Bones and the Josiah Wolfe, Texas
Ranger series. When you read a Larry D. Sweazy book it isn’t surprising why the author
collects so many awards for his work. He has done it again with Vengeance At
Sundown: A Lucas Fume Western.

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014, 2024