The title of “Deadtown and Other Tales of Horror Set in the Old West” very clearly outlines what this excellent, punchy, rootin’ tootin’ collection is all about. We get 13 fast, slick tales about werewolves, mummies, cannibals, zombies, ghosts, vampires, aliens, skin-walkers and other such gruesome things. These are quick, punchy tales that set up the scenario quickly, deliver the monster and resolve the issues with little fuss. The language is spare and the narratives all gallop along at a fair old pace. The most enjoyable parts of the stories revolve around the set-up where invariably a stranger rides into town and quickly becomes aware that something is amiss. The dialogue and banter between characters is excellent and (whether it is or not) appears authentic. The heroes are all laconic loners who like whiskey and particularly like taking out their “makings” and rolling a cigarette. The “making of a cigarette” are a repeated motif and I found myself anxious to see who would be the first character in each story to get his “makings” out. These stories have little complexity about them, but are very well written and are highly enjoyable pulpy fun. I’ll buy more Carl Hose on the strength of this. The full story listing is as follows:

· It Rolled Into Town
· Deadtown
· Fool’s Gold
· End of the Line for the One-O-Nine
· Little Town of Aleone
· Prairie Guts
· Six-Guns and a Silver Bullet
· Skinwalker
· Hang ‘Em High
· Downtown Sundown
· Legend of Falling Rock
· A Lady’s Honor
· Dead, White and Blue ( )