The Shopkeeper
by James D. Best
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Book Reviews of The Shopkeeper
Book Review: Entertaining.
Summary: 3 Stars
A fun western. I haven't read a lot of westerns, but this one was enjoyable. New York shopkeeper Steve Dancy sells his shop and travels west, looking for adventure. His travels take him to the silver mines of Nevada. A gentleman who prefers books and cards with friends, Steve inadvertently finds himself a gunslinger embroiled in a feud with a silver baron. Add a beautiful woman, hired killers and some early Nevada history and you have The Shopkeeper.
The story was fast paced and entertaining. The hero isn't the most upstanding guy: he'll lie and cheat to get what he wants, but he's clever enough to manage it all, and take a few of the bad guys out along the way.
I liked the characters, and the portrayal of friendship. I liked the strength of Jenny, the main female character, and I cheered when her mother-in-law received her own just rewards. My main complaint is the moderate profanity, which I found annoying and unnecessary. I think there are plenty of other words one can use instead of the ubiquitous "F" word.
This is obviously the first in a series about Steve Dancy and I look forward to more.
Book Review: A hero who acts like a villain
Summary: 1 Stars
This is an fast paced, easy read. But the story raises a key question for me. The book's hero, Steve Dancy, commits virtually all the same crimes as the villain, Sean Washburn -- lying, intimidating others for their own gain, buying politicians and judges, and most importantly, premeditated murder. This is a hero who believes he has the right to be judge and jury, to decide who lives and dies, and that his personal goals surpass any one else's. So, what makes Dancy a hero and Washburn a villain? You can't tell the difference from their behavior. The book is well-written, but the characters were all more or less thugs. Some just had more money or quicker wits than others. Dancy is on a track to become the next Washburn. The author seems unaware of this irony.Book Review: Western, Wild, Well Written!
Summary: 4 Stars
A New Yorker, a city slicker, is pulled to the west, where interludes of mining, adventure, and even hired assassins, all become part of his life's scenery. Considering I rocket through at least two novels a week, and the majority of those are fiction, The Shopkeeper is undoubtedly among the favored. The substance of anticipation of anxiety the writer created pops into the reader's veins from a tense well-written plot with just enough mystery. The unearthing of one's journey complemented the romance that was sprinkled here and there. Exceptional skill was shown in the development of the characters, and with that the protagonist's determination was neither breakable nor without the ability to bend, scheming and shrewd, but with raw honest idealism, a romantic.Book Review: The Shopkeeper
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read my share of fiction, and The Shopkeeper by James D. Best is in the top 20% of those I have read. It has elements of suspense and self-discovery, with a little romance. What moves it to the top quintile is a clever plot, masterful character development, and an ending which is neither a stretch nor a let-down. Rather, the ending fully reflects the protaganist's iron will and calculating mind contrasted with a malleable and naive romanticism. My top criticsm of the book is the romantic interest could have played a bigger role in the book, leading to even greater character development. Nevertheless, this is one great read, for ALL lovers of fiction, not just those preferring the western genre.Book Review: Good read for those who like old-fashioned westerns.
Summary: 3 Stars
I love westerns and all the five star reviews had me excited about reading this book. I will say this - the book is fast-paced with lots of action. And the first few chapters are excellent with several great surprises.
But ultimately the convoluted plot left me shaking my head. Too many of the plot-twists just did not ring true to me. There also seemed to be too many western stereotypes here with paper-thin characters. (Although I give the author credit for his female characters who are more fully developed than most of his male characters.)
All in all, a pleasant read but not much more. Still, recommended for those who like old-fashioned westerns.