I’ve been a fan Marvin H. Albert’s work for decades. Albert wrote westerns, suspense fiction, movie novelizations, and mysteries with plenty of panache. The Reformed Gun was published as an paperback original by Gold Medal in 1950. Concho Reynolds takes a bullet during a botched bank robbery in Texas. His partner is killed by the Texas Rangers who start hunting him. Concho heads for Mexico, but his wound worsens. Concho is near death when he’s rescued by a rancher named Grant. Grant and his former partner, Cooley, have had a falling out. Now Cooley wants to kill Grant. Concho has to choose which side to be on and accept the consequences while Concho’s past rushes up to meet him. I found The Reformed Gun enjoyable. Good action, entertaining characters, and an unpredictable plot. A typically fine novel by Marvin H. Albert.
Albert was a real pro all right. I think the correct date for this book is 1959, not 1950 (at least, that’s what Wikipedia says).
Jeff, I have that Gold Medal paperback original. The copyright date is 1950 (and it cost 25 cents!). Wikipedia is listing the 1959 reprint.
I have the Gold Medal version and do love Albert’s books whatever the genre.
Randy, I’ve read just about everything Marvin H. Albert ever wrote. Terrific writer!
I did a post on this on a few years ago. Good stuff.
Good stuff is right, Bill! I’m a big fan of Marvin H. Albert’s Stone Angel series, too.
Cool. They implied he started writing in 1956. I have some of his Stone Angel books still unread. I know Bill Crider liked them.
The cover of the 1950 edition of THE REFORMED GUN is the cover on the upper right corner of today’s post, Jeff. I’m tempted to reread the Stone Angel series.
I have only ever encountered his Chandler pastiches featuring Tony Rome so fascinated to read about these – ta.
Sergio, you would really enjoy Marvin H. Albert’s Stone Angel series. It’s suspenseful and thrilling!
It’s the old story with me: heard of the author but not read any. This is a plot that’s been used before and since, I’m sure, so it’s all in how it’s handled.
Rick, you would enjoy any of Marvin H. Albert’s novels. He’s a consummate professional writer.
Does anyone know the value of the 1959 publication of The Reformed Gun?
Pamela, I’ve seen THE REFORMED GUN available on ABE.COM for a dollar.