The Night McLennan Died by Marshall Grover

 

“I never saw a shooter so accurate with a handgun as Big Jim Rand.” He heaved another sigh, sadly shook his head. “The outfit is surely gonna miss you, Jim. The old Eleventh won’t seem the same.”

“This,” said Jim, “is the way it has to be.”

This conversation took place in the N.C.O.s’ barracks of Camp Allison, headquarters of the 11th Cavalry, in the mid-spring of 1877. This conversation—and this necessary routine of checking and repossessing all the equipment of a veteran cavalry sergeant. Less than an hour before, Sergeant James Carey Rand had tendered his resignation. In accepting it, his commanding officer had expressed deep regret that such a move should be necessary, and had assured him, “I’d rather grant extended leave of absence, but you know that’s impossible.” He had then offered Jim his hand. “The records of this regiment will show that you were honorably discharged. Good luck to you, Rand. I hope you find your man, and that you’ll re-enlist for another hitch with your old outfit.”

The first of a series featuring Big Jim Rand. One can easily envision the jovial version of Big John Wayne playing the character of Big Jim.

As a matter of fact, the entire novel has the feel of an old B-programmer of the 50’s.

It is entertaining, serviceable, albeit devoid of surprise and depth.

The writing, while feeling a bit shorthand, seems to serve as a sort of step-up from reading a screenplay.

With that in mind, it does its job.

Meaty fare it is not. But for an afternoon whilin’, well, t’ain’t bad in that regard.