The Last Draw

 as by Lance Howard

Linford Large Print, 2000
 originally published as a Black Horse Western from Hale, 1999

Luke Banner is a man haunted by the ghosts of his past, the ghost of Jesse the girl he intended to marry, the ghost of the man who killed her and the ghosts of those he’s killed since. Banner became a manhunter after killing the man who killed Jesse, his existence driven by the need to kill those on the wrong side of the law.

Now Banner has received an unsigned telegram that brings him to Bellstar, Colorado. Almost immediately there are attempts on his life. Yet the sender of the telegram doesn’t come forward. Who wants him dead and why? Is the murderous gang terrorizing the territory involved?

Howard quickly puts questions to the reader that hook you, make you want to read on to find out the who and whys. The book has a fairly dark tone throughout as Banner contemplates suicide by letting one of those he goes up against kill him. Banner needs to escape his ghosts.

Then Banner meets the woman who brings forth feelings he thought long dead, the feeling of love. She feels the same for him. Yet Banner knows those he gets close to will die so steps back. Tries to push these feelings aside. Accepts a suicidal mission.

Howard writes a fast paced book filled with action that builds to a final confrontation that answers all the questions and brings forth a surprising revelation.

Does Banner escape his ghosts? Does he live or die in the process? I guess you’ll have to read it to find out.

Get a copy here.