Hot Spur

By: Philip McCormac

Narrated by: Jim D Johnston

Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Greed, lust for power, and ruthless ambition are what drive Richard Grant. All he needs is the Big G to consolidate his hold on the territory. Only his cousin Harry Grant, the legitimate heir, stands in the way.

When Harry guns down the hired killers sent on Richard’s orders, a crooked sheriff and a bent judge make sure Harry ends up in prison.

Life is tough for the young cowboy, but he survives, only to face, on his release from prison, more assassins sent to make sure he never returns home to claim his inheritance.

Harry has no choice but to go gunning for his cousin. The showdown takes place at the Hot Spur saloon. Only one of them will be left standing.

©2020 Philip McCormac (P)2020 Wordwooze Publishing

A Wild West Epic of Greed and Revenge

When it comes to immersive storytelling in the Wild West genre, Philip McCormac's "Hot Spur" stands out as a shining example of how to captivate listeners. Narrated by the talented Jim D Johnston, this audiobook takes us on a thrilling journey filled with greed, power struggles, and family drama, all set against the rugged backdrop of the Old West.

At its core, "Hot Spur" is a tale of two cousins, Harry Grant and Richard Grant, locked in a bitter battle for control of the vast territory that stands as their family's legacy. McCormac weaves a narrative web of deceit, betrayal, and ambition that grips you from the very first sentence and refuses to let go.

McCormac's Masterful Storytelling

Philip McCormac's writing is nothing short of exceptional. His ability to transport listeners to the dusty plains and saloons of the Wild West is remarkable. From the creaking of leather saddles to the crackling of a campfire, every detail is vividly described, making you feel like you're right there, alongside the characters.

One aspect of McCormac's writing that truly shines is his character development. Harry Grant, our protagonist, is a compelling figure with a strong sense of justice and determination. Richard Grant, his antagonist, is a cunning and ruthless adversary whose every move keeps you guessing. McCormac delves deep into their psyches, giving us insight into what drives them and making us care deeply about their fates.

Additionally, McCormac introduces a cast of supporting characters who add depth and authenticity to the story. From the young rustler who befriends Harry to the beautiful woman for whom Harry falls, each character is unique and well-rounded, contributing to the richness of the narrative.

What sets McCormac apart is his ability to create a sense of moral ambiguity. In "Hot Spur," there are no clear heroes or villains. The characters are complex, with their own motivations and flaws, making the story all the more gripping as you navigate the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Jim D Johnston's Captivating Narration

Jim D Johnston's narration is a true highlight of this audiobook. His deep, resonant voice is perfectly suited to the Western setting, and he skillfully portrays each character with distinct accents and tones. Johnston's ability to convey emotion and tension through his narration adds a layer of depth to the story that is truly remarkable.

His pacing is impeccable, drawing you into the narrative and keeping you engaged throughout the audiobook's eight-hour duration. Whether it's the intensity of a gunfight, the quiet moments of reflection, or the passionate exchanges between characters, Johnston's delivery is consistently on point.

A Shared Universe and McCormac's Other Works

While "Hot Spur" stands firmly on its own as an enthralling standalone story, fans of Philip McCormac's other novels may notice subtle connections that hint at a shared universe. This is a testament to McCormac's storytelling prowess, as he seamlessly weaves together different narratives and characters without ever making it feel forced.

For those who have enjoyed McCormac's previous works, such as "Dust on the Prairie" and "Sunset's Redemption," "Hot Spur" offers a delightful sense of familiarity. It's like revisiting old friends in a new setting, and it adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

The recurring themes of justice, redemption, and the untamed spirit of the West that run through McCormac's novels create a cohesive and engaging universe that leaves listeners eagerly anticipating what's next in this evolving world.

In Conclusion

"Hot Spur" by Philip McCormac, narrated by Jim D Johnston, is a Wild West masterpiece that should not be missed. McCormac's skillful storytelling, well-developed characters, and intricate plot make this audiobook a must-listen for fans of the genre.

Jim D Johnston's narration is a perfect complement to McCormac's writing, elevating the story to new heights. Together, they create an immersive experience that will transport you to the dusty trails and tumultuous saloons of the Old West.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Philip McCormac's works or a newcomer to his storytelling, "Hot Spur" is a thrilling and unforgettable journey that will leave you craving more. This audiobook earns its place among the classics of the Western genre, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking adventure, suspense, and a taste of the Wild West's untamed spirit.

A Short, Almost Typical Western

I really do like westerns … both there seems to be at least two types. I prefer the wholesome stories of Zane Grey, Louis L’Amour and Max Brand as opposed to the course, gritty (almost adult themed) where there seems to be a need to highlight the darker side of human misconduct to emphasize just how evil the bad guys are. While not completely in the later camp, this story trends in that direction and was less enjoyable as a result. The story is on the shorter side, and we follow Harry Grant in what appears at first blush to be a hallmark style love triangle that was pretty clumsy all things considered. Still, some of the typical western tropes are there and it would have scored a little better except for the narration, which was told in an halting manner that adds an unnatural feel to often awkward dialog despite very good tone and timber (with good character differentiation). At only 3.5 hours, the action does move along nicely though and it was nice predictable enough to have in the background while I was working.

I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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