Murphy's Stand

By Gary Paulsen and Brian Burks

After his wife died, Murphy was adrift, lost in memories of what was and what could have been. Fast with a gun, now he lived his life on the edge, not really caring if he lived or died. But an unexpected encounter with a gang of killers on the run got Murphy into a situation that opened up new and unanticipated possibilities giving Murphy an inkling of a new life and a chance at happiness. But first he will have to face down an evil rancher who is determined that he and he alone will be the sole supplier to the nearby Army fort and this rancher doesn't care who he has to kill to do it.

This was a pretty typical shoot-em-up Western story. But even though typical it was nevertheless an enjoyable read. Murphy is a real sympathetic character, a man's man and a guy who has sort of lost himself to anguish but discovers that maybe life still has something good to offer him. And he is willing to risk his life to make that something come true and to simply stand up for what is right, even though at times he questions whether to become involved or just ride away.