Rating: 
Summary: Proficient if superficial biographical novel
Review: Many Matt Braun novels are biographies of notable Western figures and they have become less revisionist and debunking in tone with the passage of time .Earlier works like Tombstone and Manhunter were quite savage in their treatment of men like Wyatt Earp but time has seemingly mellowed Mr Braun and the works have become more respectful ,while thankfully never becoming mere hagiographies . They have however become more formulaic and less interesting in tone .
This is an instance for the book romantices Holliday the shootist and gambler whom we first encounter when he is diagnosed with the consumption that was eventually to kill him .Leaving his native Atlanta and his betrothed , his cousin Mattie ,he sets out for the West hoping the climate will prolong his life .From town to town he drifts building a reputation as a mankiller and a gambler and Braun is at pains to point out his killings were always in self-defence and at the expense of cardsharps and cheaters .
The novel develops a repetitive quality as the incidents are remarkably similar and the middle part of the books is laboured and faintly tedious enlivened mainly by his sparky relationship with the saloon girl Katie Elder ,an unregenerate prostitute and with the loyal Lottie a faro dealer whose love and regard for Holliday are neatly and unsentimentally etched .There is an effecting passage dealing with the severing of his engagement to Mattie that is quietly moving .
Overall while the setting changes --Cheyenne .Texas , Dodge City -the pattern of building a reputation , killing in self -defence and moving on ,does not and eventually becomes a tad wearisome .
In the final part of the book we read of his growing friendship with Wyatt Earp but the book ends before he links with Wyatt in the most famous incident of his careeer ,the O K Corral shootout .It ends with Doc in transit for Tombstone and that notable if over hyped fight .
Doc is well drwan by Braun -a romantic ,doomed and erudite man with a penchent for Shakespeare ( a scene where he defends a classical actor from the drunken saloon patrons is pure My Darling Clementine ) .The dry sardonic graveyard humour of the man is compelling and the aura of death surrounding him comes from within as well as being based on his proficiency with guns Plain and unfussy style is placed at the service of a fictionalised chronicle rather than a novel Its okay but too long and the author has done better.
Rating: 
Summary: flesh and blood
Review: This book is good for people who have just discovered Doc or enjoy a more personal book. This book dosn;t keep all the facts straight so you won't sit there and pick out everything wrong. The book dosn't stand aside and give you sketchy details. It's like you're acually playing poker with him.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: This book perfectly combines truth and fiction. It captures you. Who will he kill next? Will he ever be shot? Who will he meet next? You will constantly wonder what will happen. I really loved this book, Doc is a gentleman yet a killer without regret. He will pull you in and won't let go!
Rating:
Summary: A good book to escape the real world...
Review: This is the first Matt Braun book I have ever read and I just loved it. I do not however know much about the historical background of Doc Holliday but I did find the book enjoyable. Matt Braun is a wonderful author.
Rating:
Summary: flesh and blood
Review: WHEN I BOUGHT THIS BOOK I WAS LOOKING FOR SOME HISTORIC INSIGHT INTO THE LIFE OF DOC HOLLIDAY. MR. BRAUN HAS PUT TOGETHER A FAIRLY GOOD BOOK OF FICTION. IT IS NOT AN ACCOUNT OF HOLLIDAY'S LIFE, BUT A STORY ABOUT A GUNMAN WHO HAPPENS TO BE NAMED DOC. IT IS GREAT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BIT OF OVER SIMPLIFIED READING, OF A MAN WHO WAS MORE INTERESTING IN FACT, THAN HE WAS IN MR. BRAUN'S FICTION.
Rating: 
Summary: NOT WHAT I EXPECTED
Review: WHEN I BOUGHT THIS BOOK I WAS LOOKING FOR SOME HISTORIC INSIGHT INTO THE LIFE OF DOC HOLLIDAY. MR. BRAUN HAS PUT TOGETHER A FAIRLY GOOD BOOK OF FICTION. IT IS NOT AN ACCOUNT OF HOLLIDAY'S LIFE, BUT A STORY ABOUT A GUNMAN WHO HAPPENS TO BE NAMED DOC. IT IS GREAT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BIT OF OVER SIMPLIFIED READING, OF A MAN WHO WAS MORE INTERESTING IN FACT, THAN HE WAS IN MR. BRAUN'S FICTION.
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