Wednesday, May 27, 2020

HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach


HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL
by M. Ennenbach

Published May 2nd 2020

Published by Death's Head Press

Cover art by Justin T. Coons


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(from the book description)

The first cattle drive of the season leaves Texas for Abilene, Kansas along the Chisholm Trail, but unforeseen terrors lay hidden in the natural beauty of the land. In the heart of Indian Territory lies the sleepy town of Duncan, a friendly respite from the dusty land. But something lurks in the untamed West-a powerful creature that hunts to satiate its horrifying hunger. The land will run red with blood, and only Karl Beck has a chance against this ancient evil.
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Before the trail dust from THE MAGPIES COFFIN release settles, we are back in the saddle for the 2nd book in the Death's Head Press "Splatter Western" Series.

This new arrival is HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach and it is a wild and horrific ride full of dust, blood and action.

It all starts out with a cattle drive and descends into an all out battle to survive on the barren Chisholm Trail. The fate of the small town of Duncan hangs in the balance. An evil is loose in the plains and it has a hunger that will not be sated. 

I want so much to talk about this story because I enjoyed it immensely, but as always I do not want to spoil any of the suspense and surprises for the readers. So lets talk about a few other points that will not give too much info away.

Some might go into this thinking it is a creature story, and in a way it is, but where this tale shines is in the believable characters that the author has created. This is a true character-driven story. You are drawn in right away on the first page, and as the story progresses, more and more characters are introduced.  Some players may not be around long but you quickly become vested in them, which make some of the horrible events that occur hit you like a gut punch.

The strongest character we meet is Karl Beck. He is an adventurer, an investigator and when need be, a killer. Think of a western version of John Constantine with a little bit of Doc Holliday mixed in. He is our somewhat reluctant hero; he knows and sees things others cannot or will not believe. Karl is an outstanding character. I would have sat and read a whole chapter of just Karl talking to himself, that is how relatabley the author has written the character. The other supporting characters are developed just as effectively. You will love some while hating others, but you will still find yourself somewhat connected to each as the story goes along. We are also treated to a few clues and characters that might be connected to future books.

And yes, there is blood, lots of blood. The author does not hold back on the gore and horrific deaths. The creature is perfect. The author's descriptions and actions of the grotesque creature keep you on the edge of your seat. Again, I would just love to just blurt out stuff but I must hold my tongue.

Let's just say that this is an outstanding book that pulls you along relentlessly into a bloody and action filled finale.

THE MAGPIE COFFIN was the first book in this series and it was terrific, but HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL has made me into a true "Splatter Western" fan. The series has just been extended to 11 books (YES, 11) with the next being DUST by Chris Miller.

I feel like I need to go out and buy a cowboy hat now.


You can purchase HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL in ebook and print on AMAZON.

Make sure to stop by the Author's site to learn more about M. ENNENBACHE.

And please check out the publishers other great books at DEATH'S HEAD PRESS.




2 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful and humbling review. Thank you for your kindness. There will be more.

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