3.5 out of 5 stars
Well, I think I see why this was a favourite book of mine during my teens. Even then I appreciated a complex plot. This western has it all—wild country, horses, cowboys, gamblers, horse thieves, cattle rustlers, gun fighters, not to mention plots of both the good guys and the bad ‘uns.
Following on from Forlorn River, this book promises in the title to be about Nevada, whom we know to be Ben Ide's pard in California and the love of Hettie Ide's life. But at the end of the first book, he shot three men and headed out to the wild country, hoping that he had dealt with Ben's problems for him. No longer known as Nevada, he has resumed his real name, Jim Lacy. Lacy has a reputation as an honourable gun fighter who is death to his opponents.
The first half of the novel deals with the Ide family, who decide to sell up their California ranch and move to the wilder Arizona. Both Ben and Hettie secretly hope to find Nevada again. Ben has bought land and cattle from Cash Burridge and has found that the cattle count is wildly inaccurate. But he has good neighbours, one of whom is a judge. These two neighbours put their heads together and turn to one of their foremen, Texas Jack. Yet another alias for our main man Jim.
The second part of the book follows Lacy as he infiltrates the criminal element. Can he ingratiate himself with the rustlers and ascertain who leads the infamous Pine Tree Outfit? Can he achieve justice without running into Ben or Hettie? He must play his role with care and keep his gun loose in its holster as he attempts to clear his name.
I could only access this title as an audiobook and it was a frustrating experience. Even sped up, it took much longer to listen to it than it would to read it. Plus, hearing it read aloud, I realised how Grey overused some words, others have changed meanings, and still others reveal the prejudices of the times. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable trip down memory lane (not that I actually remembered what I read 50 years ago). Worth the time spent.
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