NO TEARS FOR MORGAN KANE

MORGAN KANE 14

By Louis Masterson

Corgi Books, 1972

Cover artwork Michael Codd

Cover photography by Peter Kibbles

Originally published by Bladkompaniet A/S, 1967

David Kominsky was a Missouri farmer, trying to eke out a living on land made barren by drought. ‘Swinging’ Johnson and his murderous band from Cross Bow ranch decided to lay claim to David’s land – and crucified him to ensure he wouldn’t dispute the matter. The Cross Bow gang had terrorised the countryside so thoroughly that Kominsky’s widow despaired of seeing them brought to justice. The neighbouring farmers went in fear of their lives, and the town marshal was a cowardly, useless creature. But by a lucky stroke of fate, Morgan Kane was not far away – waiting to pick up a bank robber…

This is a hard, brutal tale that is a superb read. One of the strengths of this series is the authors ability to portray emotion in a way that the reader shares the anguish, hate and joy of his characters, especially that of Morgan Kane. In this story, Kane experiences them all, and more.

Fans of this series will not want to miss this book as Kane finds himself back in the area that he was thrown off a train with a gunshot hand in the first book of the series, Without Mercy. In that story Kane met Linda Swift, a young girl that fell in love with him, and he with her. Kane rode away though in the need of revenge. Kane’s relationship with Linda is rekindled in this tale, so much so that he’s ready to hand in his badge and settle down with her. Before that can happen, Kane has to deal with ‘Swinging’ Johnson.

This is basically a land-grab tale. Black gold is the prize. The bank robber, Redek, Kane is chasing is hired by Johnson. There’s plenty of savage killings before Kane finds himself facing the Johnson gang alone in the dusty streets of Ash Grove. Kane against four in a classic showdown, and if you think you know how that will turn out you’ll be surprised by its shockingly hard-hitting outcome.

Louis Masterson doesn’t hold back in the gritty realism stakes. He certainly hammers Kane with pain, both emotionally and physically throughout the series. In this book he really makes Kane suffer. Gives him more scars to torment his soul. Kane has to control his fear too, as Redek could well be a faster gun than he. On top of this is the turmoil of meeting Linda again, can he find happiness with her this time? 

This is one of the best Morgan Kane books I’ve read. It’s powerful, gripping and dark in tone. It features many of the writing strengths of Louis Masterson that keep me returning to the series time and again and I know for certain that it won’t be long before I read the next book.

Louis Masterson was a pseudonym used by Norwegian author Kjell Hallbing. 

Norwegian cover.