The Price of a Squaw - Terry C. Johnston

This short story relates a brief but important event in Kit Carsons life. When he arrives at a gathering of trappers, traders and tribes, he sees a beautiful Indian maiden. He quickly decides to make her his wife. There is just one problem. A large French problem, renown for his fighting prowess and brutality.

Johnston tells the story with a straightforward and simple style. The dialogue moves the story along at a brisk pace. There is no deep elaboration of costume or scene. Johnston does a good job of reminding us that the plot is what makes a story compelling.

If you get the chance take a few moments to read about how Kit deals with his problem. A brief investment of time will deliver a rewarding and entertaining image.

Dark of the Moon - John Sandford

I have been hoping that John Sandford would write another Kidd novel. When I saw that the title did not include the word "Prey" I thought my hopes were realized. While Lucas Davenport was not the central character in this work, neither was Kidd. Instead Sandford has started another series. This one featuring a supporting character in many of the Prey novels.

Virgil Flowers is a cop. He is a good cop but, he moves to the beat of his own drum. Working for Lucas Davenport, he gets the freedom live his life and work the job on his terms. All Lucas cares about is results.

When Virgil finds himself in the boonies investigating the death of a rich, elderly and not well liked member of a small community he feels the pressure on his shoulders. Not enough pressure to prevent him taking time to romance the communities most eligible bachelorette. Still, Virgil manages to push the right buttons and draws out the killer.

Virgil is a distinctly unique character from Lucas Davenport. This is truly a testament to the skill of John Sandford. Far to often, the spin off character is a cookie cutter of the original. I don't know if I like Virgil yet. I will have to give him one or two more novels before I can decide.