Dead Man's Hand: Five Tales of the Weird West (Two Wolf Press)

Rating:
Summary: Judge this book by the cover, you'll not be disappointed!
Review: After reading a number of science-fiction and adventure-action books, I was in the mood to read something different, but I didn't know what type of book to read. I was browsing through the book store one day, and there was this dark cover on a book with interesting art work that caught my eye. From the looks of the cover, it appeared the book was a western; I was never big on western motifs, but like I mentioned, I was in the mood for something different. Remember when we were told as children to not judge a book by its cover? Well, I was glad to judge this book by its cover; because if I didn't pick this book up, I would have missed out on a series of short stories that were very entertaining to read! If you are in the mood for a western that is a little on the dark side, then look no further!

Rating:
Summary: A Word From The Author
Review: I hope those of you reading this review will forgive my giving my own work a 5 star rating. But I am very pleased with how this collection of Weird Western tales turned out. The cover art is striking--assuming it's ever posted so you can see it online. Also, the interior design is quite innovative, with the corners of the pages made to look like those of the poker cards that comprised Wild Bill Hickock's last hand.

My fondness for DEAD MAN'S HAND is also due to the fact that the stories collected within its covers were so much fun to write. Included are two previously published novellas, WALKING WOLF (about a European werewolf raised by American Indians), and LYNCH (a story of a gunslinger resurrected from the dead by a former student of Dr. Frankenstein), as well as two previously published short stories, "The Tortuga Hill Gang's Last Ride" (about a gang of outlaws who pick up a rather unusual companion-in-crime) and "Calaverada" (weird doings on the Mexican Day of the Dead).
There is also a brand new novella called HELL COME SUNDOWN, about a Texas Ranger who tracks down the vampire who destroyed his world. There is also an introduction by my good buddy JOE R. LANSDALE, who says a lot nice thinsg about. Some of which might actually be true.

So, if you like my stuff--or you enjoy weird tales of the Old West, or simply like stories that are one step outside the Usual, then you'll enjoy DEAD MAN'S HAND.