As always, it has B. M. Bower's memorable characters and amazing gift at laying an atmosphere and creating the real west (not Hollywood) in your mind. Not your run-of-the-mill western with shoddy writing, lame plot, and shoot-em-up ending, this one has plenty of surprises and an unusual plot. And it's a powerful story of "little fishes" in a "big fish" pond, and what constitutes true courage and true cowardice. If you enjoy realistic, well-written westerns by an author who was actually there--you'll enjoy The Quirt. (Amazon)