Last Thursday, I got a tiny little e-mail from David Cranmer asking if I would be interested in reading a nifty little novella western and offering my opinions of same. Pleased about the fact that David genuinely values my opinion on something and getting free goodies (who wouldn't want free goodies, eh?), I thanked him for the novella and said I would be more than happy to offer my opinion on it.
After printing it out (David was thoughtful enough to send it as PDF file for me) and briefly glancing at it, I brought to work with the intent of reading it at break time. Imagine my surprise when I sat down at break time and saw that the author of this fantastic little novella was not Edward Grainger but Heath Lowrence.
To be honest with everyone, the first thing that popped into my head was, "Uh-oh." Why? From my past encounters with the written word, whenever a well known writer has someone else write stories based on a character of theirs, it usually means that 1) they're too tired to continue writing the character or 2) they've run out of gas with the character or 3) they need the money. However, such was not the case with David.
As he eloquently stated in a recent blog post, he had several well respected writers come up to him and ask if they could write stories featuring his two soon-to-be iconic characters Gideon Miles and Cash Laramie. Such was the case with Heath Lowrence and this current novella "Miles To Little Ridge".
Anyways, I sat down in the lobby during my break and started reading the story. To say it kept my interest all the way to the end would be an distinct understatement. One little known fact about me when it comes to reading is that if a story, be it a short story, novella or novel, grabs my interest, I have a tendency to do a weird thing at work that I like to call "walk and read".
"Walk and read" is simply me reading the story and walking back to my cubicle. Lest you think that's easy, it's not. I read while walking from the lobby to the elevator, on the elevator, and walking off the elevator back to my cubicle on the 8th floor.
The novella itself is only 23 pages in length and even though the plot was pretty basic with a slight swerve (Gideon going after a wanted man and two others coming after him) and a very quick read (for me about 20 minutes), it kept my attention to the very end and frustratingly enough, the ending was written in such a way that I was actually disappointed that it did end. Only a couple of stories that I've ever read in the past six years have left me in that state of being, and I'm proud to say that this story is one of them.
Heath Lowrance does a masterful job of not only nailing the Gideon Miles character to a T but keeping the same historical background nuances relevant but not overpowering. "Miles To Little Ridge" is a excellent compliment to Edward Grainger's Gideon Miles and Cash Laramie series and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the western genre.
Monday, December 12, 2011
11 comments:
Go on, give me your best shot. I can take it. If I couldn't, I wouldn't have created this wonderful little blog that you decided to grace with your presence today.
About that comment moderation thingy: While yes, it does say up above I can take it, I only use it to prevent the occasional miscreant from leaving thoughtless and/or clueless comments.
So remember, all of your comments are greatly appreciated and all answers will be given that personal touch that you come to expect and enjoy.
G. B. Miller
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Not my genre, but I loved your review of it, G!
ReplyDeleteI love when a story leaves you wanting more.
I do the walk and read thing myself. I'm looking forward to this one. I've got it on my kindle.
ReplyDeleteTalon: Thanks.
ReplyDeleteVery few short stories do that to me, although a few novels have. The way that I do novels is that if one grabs me, I'll read it until I finish it, no matter if it takes me into the wee hours of the morning.
Charles: What makes it even more remarkable for me is that I have almost zippo for peripheral vision and yet I have not bumped into anyone in the process. Gotten off on wrong floors though.
Many thanks, G. I appreciate you taking the time to review MILES TO LITTLE RIDGE.
ReplyDeleteSame with me if I like it I read until it's done, great review.
ReplyDeleteR: But I'm sure it was a soft landing each time. :D
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, even though I haven't walked into people, I have walked into inanimate objects from time to time while walking and reading.
David: It's always a pleasure to review the stories that come from your pen. You have a gift that will always keep people wanting to read more.
Pat: Thanks.
I usually wind up a bit brain dead the next morning after I pull one of those all nighters. Most of the time though, it really is worth it.
Always loved Westerns. Not sure why. Sounds like an entertaining read, glad you enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteNice review, G. It's lovely when a work of fiction grabs you like that.
ReplyDeleteDarth: I never really got into the western genre much when I was younger, which was odd since that was the only genre that my grandfather ever read. But as they say, sometimes when you try something for a second time, you wind up liking it.
ReplyDeleteLynn: Thanks.
Not too many works of fiction grab me like that. Then again, since I'm such a Johnny-come-lately to reading the fiction genre, it does surprise me at that.
I carry a book everywhere I go. I read in the car when I'm stopped at traffic lights
ReplyDeleteNurse Myra: I used to do that, but now I keep a short stack of faves in my cubicle at work. And I still do that walk and read from time to time with those as well.
ReplyDelete