The Kill Shot

Author: Tony Gavin
Genre: Historical Fiction/Action Adventure

Set in the 1880’s towns of Tombstone and Fairbank, ‘The Kill Shot’ is a period accurate blend of both factual and fictional characters who interact believably in this fast moving story. Assisted by Luv Lass a young 'Soiled Dove', newly wed Darcey Teller seeks to identify and to bring to justice her murdered husband's killers.

Using Darcey's expertise as a photographer, the two unlikely 

heroines devise a plan which they refer to as "The Kill Shot" as a means of accomplishing this dangerous task.

But first they must do battle with each other, with their own societal and personal differences and with Darcey's turmoil of wanting vengeance over justice, before ultimately acting out their plan and springing the trap on the outlaws.

Just who is saving who and from what, is a question that you will ponder frequently as the story unfolds.

Reviewer: Elsie Stoltzfus

First off, I will say that the book started off very well. The story was well put together, and interesting. I think I would have liked it, except for the characters! The only one who had any depth was Luv Lass.  Darcey was repulsive. And I found it rather hard to believe that a "Lady" would throw plates at a sheriff! Not to mention screaming at him and abusing him so violently that her husband had to drag her away from him! And Luv Lass would swear, but Darcey? I'm sorry, but I just have a hard time taking it seriously.
 
The book could also use another batch of editing. The lack of punctuation was irritating, as was the occasional use of a lower case letter instead of a capital.
 
The writing style is not the best, but I think that it could be developed into something. Mostly I'd advise the author to work on his characters.
 
My rating: Two Star

---

---

---

Reviewer: Mary Hosmar

The premise of a photographer traveling the wild west and using that gift of photography to aid the law in apprehending a killer, promises an interesting story. And interesting it was. Mr. Gavin has done his research and presents an authentic setting for his tale. The science behind the photography was also well-researched.

Darcey Teller, the heroine, is an impetuous widow with a mercurial temper, who flies off the handle at the least provocation, threatening to shoot all who cross her. Despite the passage of time, Darcey doesn’t seem to grow beyond that, remaining a shallow woman bent on vengeance.

The most believable character in the story was the prostitute, Luv Lass.

Unfortunately, the writing left a lot to be desired. Too often, the author tells the reader what was in the mind of the character rather than let the reader discover for himself what thoughts or actions might be occurring.

The wrap-up at the end of the story is more a catalog of what happened to the characters and does little to add to the story.

A thorough edit might be in order to correct the spelling and grammatical errors.
The author, in one of his blurbs, warns the reader that this is a book which is impossible to put down. And, despite the shortcomings listed previously, there were times when the story did intrigue. It has potential.

---