The Six-Gun Tarot is R. S. Belcher’s first novel so that explains some of the problems with this weird western. Let’s start with the cast of characters: a sheriff who seemingly can’t be killed, a banker’s wife who belongs to a secret order of pirates and assassins, a deputy who was once a coyote. On top of all that, the End of the World teeters on the brink as an ancient evil attempts to break out of its prison. There’s a lot going on in this book. Too much, really. I wish Belcher had focused on one or two of his exotic characters and told their stories. The Six-Gun Tarot has a “kitchen sink” feel to it as the author threw in every plot and off-beat character he could think of. But, despite my quibbles, I’m looking forward to R. S. Belcher’s next book, The 32 Killers of Golgotha! GRADE: B
You are very generous.
Patti, I’m willing to overlook a lot in a First Novel.
I’m willing to overlook a certain amount as long as the book is fairly short. Most need more editing, IMHO.
Exactly, Jeff. Most First Novels are raw and crude and rough. Editors used to polish these first efforts (or get the newbie novelists to do it). Now, it’s just publish…and perish.
In general, I don’t like westerns with horror, supernatural, etc. crossovers.
Bob, I enjoy traditional westerns, but there seems to be a growing interest in these “weird” westerns.