Epitaph in Lead

By: Philip McCormac

Narrated by: Craig A. Hart

After being released from prison Luke Barcley intended to build a new life for himself, but fate interfered with his plans. He got drawn back to his old haunts when his family ran afoul of the shady owners of the C-Bar-M. Luke managed to survive attempts to kill him and the members of his family, yet was once again slung in jail. After making a dramatic escape he is forced to go on the run, with the forces of law and order intent on tracking him down. Ultimately Luke joins forces with White Feather, an outlawed Indian, and the formidable duo wade through blood and bullets, leaving a gory trail of mayhem as they battle their numerous enemies.

©2020 Philip McCormac (P)2020 Wordwooze Publishing

Loved it!

I very much enjoyed this book. The story, the characters, the narrator were all wonderful. The main reason I am not giving it fully a 5 star review is the language. There is a lot of cursing. For me, this doesn't add to the story, it detracts from it. It wasn't necessary, but the story was still a good story. I think if I read it again, it will be the print version so I can ignore the cursing. Hearing it, it is very hard to ignore.

A good western

This is a good western to listen to. There is excitement and adventure to keep you interested. Craig A Hart is a talented narriater I enjoyed listening to him.

What a wild tale

McCormac Doesn’t pull punches and isn’t afraid to kill off your favorite characters. This is a dark tale. With gut punches throughout. Although not quite grim dark, it sure does come close. The action is nonstop and there’s lots of gun play and good battle scenes.

action and suspense

This was a bit gruesome at times, but I enjoyed all the action drama and danger in the storyline. Sad for all the loss due to greed, but a very intriguing story. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life

Best served cold!

Luke Barcley was making a new life for himself after serving time in prison when he received an urgent call for help from his family. Not wanting to return to the place of all his troubles but unable to resist the family’s call, he went home. For Luke, it was walking back into a meat grinder. All the old enemies were still there, their anger and revenge as fresh as if it were yesterday. Amid gunfights, Luke crossed paths with two Indians, White Feather, and his sister in whose paths were more closely entwined with his own than either could have imagined. In many ways, it’s a sad tale of deceit, greed, and murder. On the other side of the coin, is a story of dedication and love. It’s an excellent western, with amazing characters and plenty of thrilling action. Highly recommend.

That ain't a #2 lead in that obituary

"Epitaph in Lead" by Philip McCormac, narrated by the talented Craig A. Hart, is a gripping audiobook that immerses you in the dusty, tumultuous world of the Old West. This thrilling tale of redemption, revenge, and familial loyalty is a remarkable journey that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Luke Barcley, freshly released from prison and determined to turn his life around, receives a desperate call from his family. Reluctantly, he returns home, only to find himself walking back into a storm of trouble. Old enemies are as vengeful as ever, and the tension is as fresh as it was on the day he left. The audiobook's compelling start grabs your attention, instantly making you empathize with Luke's predicament.

Craig A. Hart's narration is nothing short of extraordinary. He brings Luke Barcley's character to life, skillfully capturing the emotional turmoil and unwavering determination of this rugged outlaw. Hart's portrayal is so vivid that you can practically feel the grit and dust of the Old West settling in your ears.

As Luke navigates his way through the treacherous terrain of his past, Hart's narration skillfully embodies the emotions, dilemmas, and resilience that make Luke a captivating protagonist. His expressive voice work paints a vivid picture of the ruthless adversaries, whose menace and thirst for revenge keep you on the edge of your seat.

Returning home proves to be a daunting task for Luke, akin to stepping into a proverbial meat grinder. The audiobook's rich character development and Hart's nuanced narration make these adversaries come to life. Their palpable malevolence heightens the story's tension, making the challenges Luke faces even more gripping.

The audiobook also introduces two compelling characters, White Feather and his sister, who unexpectedly cross paths with Luke, leading to a surprising connection between their destinies. Their inclusion adds depth to the story, creating a complex web of relationships and emotions. Hart's narration ensures that these characters are just as vibrant as Luke, allowing their stories to resonate powerfully.

"Epitaph in Lead" is a tale that skillfully weaves themes of deceit, greed, and murder with a story of dedication and love. It's a classic Western narrative that doesn't hold back, and McCormac's willingness to take risks and let go of beloved characters adds to the audiobook's dark and gripping atmosphere. Hart's narration enhances the emotional impact of these losses, making each moment of tragedy all the more profound.

The audiobook is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into the darker aspects of the Old West. While it doesn't quite venture into grimdark territory, it certainly flirts with the genre, making the action intense, unrelenting, and, at times, gruesome. However, this brutality adds depth and authenticity to the storyline, making the triumphs and moments of heroism shine even brighter.

"Epitaph in Lead" is an action-packed Western, filled with thrilling gunfights, well-executed battle scenes, and an engaging plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. McCormac's storytelling is skillful and engaging, and Hart's narration brings it to life in a way that's truly mesmerizing.

Craig A. Hart's narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His ability to infuse life into each character, capturing their emotions, dilemmas, and resilience, is truly remarkable. His expressive voice work adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making it an unforgettable listening experience. Hart's narration not only makes the characters relatable but also ensures that their challenges and triumphs resonate deeply with the listener.

"Epitaph in Lead" is a must-listen audiobook for fans of Westerns, or anyone looking for a thrilling, action-packed story. Philip McCormac's masterful storytelling, coupled with Craig A. Hart's exceptional narration, creates an audiobook experience that is nothing short of captivating. This is a tale that will stay with you long after you've turned it off, a testament to the enduring power of a well-told Western story.