A Conversation with Doc

By Tell Cotten 

Independently published, August 2019

Doc Holliday was a dentist by trade, a gambler by profession, and a gunfighter by necessity. Above all, Doc Holliday was a loyal friend to the Earp’s by choice.

When Doc Holliday arrives in Tombstone, all he wants is to gamble, live peacefully, and allow his ailing lungs to recover. However, soon Doc must choose; betray his friendship with the Earp’s, or join them in the most famous gunfight of all time.

Having greatly enjoyed reading the books in Tell Cotten’s Landon Saga I was looking forward to reading this. Tell has said it took him three years to write, due to putting out books in the Landon series and researching Holliday and the events in Tombstone to ensure he got his facts right.

A Conversation with Doc is told through Holliday as you’d expect. The opening chapter, and others, have Doc answering questions put to him by reporter Kate Fenady. The rest of the book is also told in the first person as the reader witnesses events leading up to that gunfight at the O.K. Corral and what happened after.

Political manoeuvrings provide intrigue as the Earp’s clash with a group of outlaws called The Cowboys. Loyalties are tested to the limit as Doc is also accused of robbery. Doc is superbly crafted character whose often humorous outlook on life had me laughing out loud and these comments added some welcome light relief to the darker deeds the Earp’s have to deal with, not least the loss of a family member.

All the main players of that time in Tombstone have roles to play, people such as the Billy and Ike Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury, Billy Claiborne, Johnny Behan, Curly Bill Brocius, Johnny Ringo and Big Nose Kate to name just a few. 

The story is told in the smooth and very readable style of Tell Cotten that soon had me engrossed in this tale. Dialogue is believable, action scenes vivid and visual and the pacing superb. 

If you’re a fan of Tell Cotten’s Landon series then this is a must read as it is for anyone interested in Doc Holliday, The Earp’s and The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. If you’re just looking for a well told, exciting western, then this book could be just what you’re looking for. 

Winchester

The Landon Saga #11

By Tell Cotten

Solstice publishing, November 2018

Winchester Landon is on his way to the nearest Army outpost when he finds an injured Apache. Against his better judgment, he decides to help.

His choice has lingering consequences. Along the way, Winchester gets tangled up with three men looking for revenge, two dishonorable scouts, a talkative gunfighter, a war chief out for blood, and a woman he’s not sure he can trust.

We first met Winchester in the previous book in the Landon Saga and as many of Tell Cotten’s fans hoped he now gets to star in his own story. This tale does continue a couple of storylines from book ten but if you haven’t read that Tell gives enough information about events in Midway that you’ll easily understand what is going on in this one.

Like all the books in this excellent series this story is extremely fast-paced and contains some terrific dialogue and well-drawn characters, especially Choctaw. Action scenes are vividly written and the plot is nicely thought out, offering a neat twist near the end that involves Winchester having nerves of steel. 

Winchesters involvement with the woman mentioned in the blurb forms a major part of this story and his growing feelings for her see him challenging his motivations and job as an army scout and this complication kept me turning the pages alone as I had to find out how this would work out.

Winchester isn’t a long book, the print version clocking in at 164 pages and all too soon I found myself at the end and am left hoping Mr. Cotten doesn’t keep us waiting another year to find out what happens next – yeap, the author leaves a couple of threads hanging to ensure you’ll have to buy the next book in the series, but then all of us who have read Tell’s work would do that anyway as you can guarantee you’ll be getting a top-class read. 

Midway

THE LANDON SAGA #10

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, July 2017

All Yancy Landon wants is to get married. However, there’s always somebody eager to ruin a good day, and several misfortunes occur before the big event. Throughout the day, Yancy and Cooper get tangled up with a drunk, a rebellious youth, someone looking for revenge, a shy wife, a disgruntled cowman, and a disgraceful husband.

Told in the first person through Cooper Landon this book contains the usual mix of excitement and humour, the later mainly appearing during conversation in witty one-liners, that I’ve come to expect from Tell Cotten. Combined with his well-crafted characters and excellent plot-lines makes this a must read series. If you’ve yet to try the Landon Saga books may I suggest you start with the first one and read them in order as story-threads often continue from book to book.

I also find Tell Cotten’s writing very visual, and had a great big grin on my face as I imagined Yancy’s appearance when he arrives at the church for his wedding.

There are some excellent action scenes too, including a tense and violent showdown with the person looking for revenge.

We also get to meet a few new characters, a couple of which I hope there will be more about in future books.

The Landon Saga books aren’t long, meaning they don’t outstay their welcome. In fact I find them hard to put down tales that I usually read in one or two sittings. On finishing this one, like those that have gone before it, I find myself hoping Tell Cotten won’t take too long in writing and publishing the next one.

Tell Cotten is definitely one of the best western writers working today.

Fastest Gun Around

THE LANDON SAGA #9

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, October 2016

Rondo Landon is on his way to Midway, Texas, when misfortune strikes. Meanwhile, Lee Mattingly and Brian Clark have their own problems as they meet their new business partner.

It isn’t until their paths cross that they realize their troubles are connected, and they join forces. Along the way, they encounter new enemies, revenge, relationships, and an odd horse.

With every release, Tell Cotten’s army of fans increases, all of us eager for each new book and once that is read we immediately anticipate the next in this exciting series. Yes, the Landon Saga is a series, one that carries some storylines over into the next book, that often refers to what has gone before, meaning it is probably best if you read them in order. Having said that Tell Cotten does include a little background to his characters before the story begins thus meaning you can read, and enjoy this book without having read the rest.

This story follows the continuing fortunes and misfortunes of Rondo Landon and Lee Mattingly, with most of the tale told in the first person through Rondo. When switching to scenes that don’t involve Rondo, Cotton tells his story in the third person. The blend from first to third and back again is so smoothly done you don’t notice it’s happened.

Filled with plenty of action, how-they-going-get-out-of-that situations, twists and turns, some comical laugh-out-loud moments in both dialogue and the antics revolving around the odd horse (which the author explains in a note at the end) and you have everything anyone could ask for in a western.

Once again Tell Cotten proves to me that I am right in saying he is one of the best Western writers working today and if you haven’t read him yet then I’ve got to ask why not as I’m sure all fans of this genre will enjoy his stories and then be joining me, and countless others, looking forward to the next in the series, Midway.

Available as an ebook too.

Warpath

THE LANDON SAGA #8

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, April 2016

When Rondo Landon discovers his wife has been taken captive during a daring Indian raid, he’s determined to find her. April Gibson is also taken, and the Landons, Lee Mattingly, and others take out after them. 

Along the way, they encounter someone from the Landon’s past, a war chief out for blood, a thunderstorm, relationships, and tough decisions.

Once again Tell Cotten has written a very difficult to put down book. Split into a number of different parts and told in the third person Tell Cotten often switches between the various characters, more often than not leaving them in a dangerous situation that will ensure you keep reading.

The previous books have always had very strong female roles and this continues that tradition with Rachel Landon and April Gibson having to find hidden strengths to survive being kidnapped by the Apaches. The why is something the Landon men will have to struggle to understand but of course this is less important than getting their women back.

Lee Mattingly will also have to fight another battle, that of admitting his love for April and having to compete with another posse member, Jeremiah Wisdom, for her heart – if they succeed in getting her back alive.

Tell Cotten fills the book with action, be it gunplay or a deadly storm that produces some life-threatening flooding. Dialogue is believable and often laced with humour. There’s also a couple of neat twists, not least the introduction of a new Landon family member – but can he be trusted?

Like the earlier stories this one can be read as a stand-alone novel as the author includes enough information on what has gone before to fill new readers in on the events that continue those begun in previous books. To really appreciate all the relationships and past struggles I would very much suggest you read the whole series in order.

In my opinion Tell Cotten is right up there with the very best western authors writing today, or in the past, and I am really looking forward to book nine in the series.

They Rode Together

THE LANDON SAGA #7

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, November 2015

When a violent attack leaves cowman J.T. Tussle in trouble, the Landons and Lee Mattingly are quick to come to his aid. Tussle must get his yearlings to market, and they embark on a cattle drive to Fort Worth. Along the way, they get caught up in herd cutters, a bounty hunter, relationships, thunderstorms, and each other.

Tell Cotten has once more come up with a very fast moving story in his Landon Saga series. This time the whole book is written in the third person rather than being part third and first as many of the previous books have been. Due to the fact that all the major characters from the series are in this, and the story switches regularly between them and no one person takes centre stage so to speak, I guess it was easier to make the story flow by sticking to the third person.

If you’ve never read one of the Landon books before I’m going to suggest that it might be wise to start from the beginning as this book continues and concludes a number of storylines carried over from the earlier books. Of course Tell Cotten leaves a couple more plot threads hanging for continuation in the next book of the series.

Much of the story is dialogue driven and there’s some great and often tense conversations laced with humour. Tell Cotten’s action scenes make for exciting reading and they come thick and fast throughout the story. During all this there is time for developing romance but I can’t say any more about that as I don’t want to spoil anything for those who are following the series and have yet to read this book.

Tell Cotten also includes a real historical person, John T, Lytle, into the mix.

Top class entertainment from a top class western author. A writer all fans of the western should be reading. Roll on book eight in the series: Warpath, it can’t come soon enough for me.

Lee

THE LANDON SAGA #6

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, May 2015

Known for his outlaw ways, Lee Mattingly has hopes of changing his reputation when he becomes one of the owners of a new hotel. Business is good until Ike Nash, a man with money and power, takes all that Lee has. 

Lee only knows one way to respond, and that’s with violence. Along the way, Lee gets caught up in a robbery, a poker game, relationships, Huntsville prison, and revenge. 

The first book in this superb series that focuses on someone who isn’t a part of the Landon family. Lee Mattingly has crossed paths with the Landon’s most of his life and this story resolves some of the unfinished storylines from the previous books that tell of those encounters. Of course the Landon’s appear in this one too, as does real life gunman John Wesley Hardin.

Tell Cotten combines action, mystery, tense situations, excellent dialogue that is often laced with dark humour, and visual descriptions, in a very easy to read style that makes his books extremely difficult to put down before the end is reached.

I must admit that Lee Mattingly is one of my favourite characters in the series and here you do have to wonder how he can possibly regain ownership of the hotel as everything seems to have been taken from him perfectly with no legal loophole open to him. Many might give up and cut their losses but not Lee, he rises up to the task of getting back what is his.

There are many memorable scenes and dialogue exchanges in this terrific story such as this; 

“What’s the matter?” Brian asked from behind me.

“We’re two ex-jailbirds, wearing somebody else’s clothes, riding double on a blind horse. That is what’s the matter,” I said sourly, and added, “It can’t get any worse than this.” 

And I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that it sure can, and does.

Once more the book closes with a few new story threads left dangling thus ensuring I’m left eagerly looking forward to book 7 in the Landon Saga, They Rode Together, which should be released around October this year.

If you’ve yet to try Tell Cotten’s Landon Saga then let me urge you to do so, but I do recommend you start the series from the beginning as many storylines continue book to book.

Available in both paperback and ebook.

Yancy

THE LANDON SAGA #5

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, January 2015

Yancy Landon was a simple man who lived by a lawman’s code of ethics. He always did the right thing, no matter the cost. When Cooper Landon vows to find a boy captured by Apache Indians, Yancy doesn’t hesitate to aid his brother. Along the way they get caught up in survival, revenge, relationships, and the code of honour.

Told in the first person, this fast moving tale contains a skilled mix of dialogue, often laced with humour, and quick-fire action that is a joy to read. Unlike other books in the series this one doesn’t move between characters but sticks with Yancy.

The story does contain many references to the previous books and involves a few of the people from those tales, so you may prefer to read those first but it isn’t essential for you to enjoy this entry into the Landon Saga as it reads perfectly as a stand-alone story.

The plan for freeing the boy seems straightforward enough until a neat twist sees Yancy and Cooper having to concoct a new way with little time to consider if it is possible or not.

Yancy is also considering his relationship with Jessica, is there a possibility of it going further or does she have eyes for someone else? This story-thread, and a couple of others, are left dangling, to be developed in the next entry in the series, Lee, which can’t be published soon enough for me.

Rondo

THE LANDON SAGA #4

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, September 2014

When Rondo Landon accepts the sheriff’s job, he has hopes of marriage and settling down. 

But things unravel quickly for the young sheriff. An old friend is killed, and Rondo’s past continues to haunt him when a mysterious stranger rides into town. 

Like the previous three books this one proved to be difficult to put down. You don’t need to have read those books to appreciate this one but your enjoyment maybe enhanced if you do so. Rondo is, effectively, a stand-alone tale but it does mention past events, and with the inclusion of Lee and Clark there is a continuation of a plotline begun in book 3.

Told mainly in the first person, through Rondo, we witness the once outlaw attempting to walk on the right side of the law. Maybe even get married. Yet a shadow from his past might destroy these dreams in a blaze of gunfire. Watching Rondo trying to avoid this inevitable confrontation makes for effective reading whilst he tries to discover the whereabouts of a missing man which will lead to more deadly situations.

Lee and Clark provide many of the more light-hearted moments and will stand by their friend when needed…..and when they aren’t.

Full of great dialogue, plenty of action, and a twisting storyline, Rondo proved to be a pleasure to read. Tell Cotten brings this fast-moving tale to a satisfying conclusion but still leaves a couple of story threads dangling, thus ensuring that this reader is already anticipating the fifth book in the series, Yancy, which is to be published in the not too distant future.

Also available as an ebook.

Cooper

THE LANDON SAGA #3:

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, February 2014

Cooper Landon is determined to keep what is rightfully his, even after he's wounded and stranded in the mountains. To survive, he must use his wit and knowledge against thieving outlaws and Indians. Meanwhile, Yancy Landon is determined to find his brother. There are many obstacles to overcome, including an escaped prisoner, a fire, missing money, and an old foe, Lee Mattingly.

This story picks up from where the previous book ended and features nearly all the main characters and some of the secondary characters from that tale. You don’t need to have read the earlier book(s) to enjoy this as Tell Cotten incudes enough background to explain what happened before.

Tell Cotten has created a superb set of characters for his Landon saga, each having their own personalities and all are very memorable. I always hope they will all survive, good and bad, as I’m continually left wanting to read more about them but they all can’t be left alive can they? Of course they can’t, and this tale contains a terrific face to face showdown that sees casualties on all sides.

Cotten tells his story in both the first person and third. Switches from one to the other are smoothly handled and works extremely well. In fact Cotten’s blend of action, twisting plotlines, and witty dialogue that is often laced with humour, has me believing he’s one of the new bright stars in western writing.

Even as the book ends and all the major story threads are tied-up, Cotten manages to hint at things to come in the fourth book of the series, Rondo, that will be released in the not too distant future, and whenever that maybe it won’t be soon enough for this reader.

Entwined Paths

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, June 2013

Texas, 1872. When a stagecoach is robbed, two men are killed and a young woman is kidnapped. Soon after, Yancy and Cooper Landon find themselves pursuing them. 

Meanwhile, their old foe Lee Mattingly has his own problems. Betrayed by his partners, Lee sets out on a path of vengeance while at the same time trying to help a young captive girl. 

It isn’t until their trails cross that both sides realize just how entwined their paths are. And, they soon realize that if they are to achieve their goals, they will have to go down the same path together.

This is the second book in the Landon saga and enough information is included to make this a very enjoyable story without having to read the previous book first, although I’m sure once you’ve read this one you’ll be certain to grab a copy of that earlier tale if you haven’t already read it.

Tell Cotten has created an engaging set of characters, be they on the right side of the law or not. Their personalities come across well and I was soon hoping that most would survive so I could read further stories about them. Of course not all will be alive to ride again but I can’t reveal here who dies as that would spoil it for anyone considering reading this book.

Cotten tells his tale in very short chapters, switching from one set of characters to another chapter by chapter, often leaving them in perilous situations or with a question that needs answering. This ensures the reader will keep turning the pages and thus makes this a very hard book to put down.

Full of action, tough talk, humorous moments, mistrusts and double-crosses this book proves to be a very entertaining read indeed that has left me eager to read the third book in the series when it is published in the not too distant future.

Confessions of a Gunfighter

By Tell Cotten

Solstice Publishing, November 2012

Texas, 1871. This is the first person tale of Rondo Landon, gunfighter. His Pa gave him the ivory-handled Colt and Ben Kinrich taught him how to use it.

Rondo is a troubled gunfighter with quite a past. Recognized by his six-gun, he is known for robbing banks, stagecoaches, payrolls, and for rustling cows. Now, locked in a jail, it looks like Rondo will be facing a long prison term, or worse. But, before that happens, he has a few stories to set straight.

At first this story seems to be a series of unrelated incidents as Rondo loses his home, then his family and begins to roam aimlessly until a chance meeting with Kinrich leads to him becoming a notorious outlaw. But it isn’t long before Rondo sickens of the killing of innocents and tries to forge a new life, and it’s during this time that his paths cross again and again with people from his past often resulting in pain and death that further mould Rondo’s personality.

Tell Cotten writes an easy to read and fast moving story full of terrific characters and exciting action. I enjoyed seeing how Rondo went from being a lost youngster into a confident gunfighter, and witnessing his efforts to control his rage and struggle with the choices life throws into his path, such as turning himself in for his crimes even though this could mean facing a hangman’s rope.

As the story races towards its climax Rondo will face his demons and have to make a tough decision about the daughter of the rancher he works for. 

This story should be enjoyed by all western readers (there’s isn’t any graphic sex or violence), and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Confessions of a Gunfighter is available as both a paper book and an ebook. 

Those who have already read this book may like to know that book 2 in the Landon saga, Entwined Paths, has just been released.