Return of the Outlaw

C.M. Curtis

Review by Molly

C.M. Curtis’ Return of the Outlaw opens as battle rages; it is mid 1800s, The War Between The States is in full sway and 20 year old Jeff Havens, Ham Keyes and Bob Webb find themselves right in the thick of things.

Jeff Havens has loved Anne Hammond from childhood; during his long absence while off fighting in the war Jeff carries a locket holding Anne’s likeness and writes to her faithfully, why she does not answer is something he finds puzzling. Returning home Jeff is ready to put the awfulness of war behind him and resume the life he knew before going to serve his country.

However, much has changed when Jeff finally reaches home. Anne is engaged to marry someone else. Jeff leaves behind the only family he has; his grandfather and a long time, trusted comrade, Amado Lopez.  Lopez is  the man who raised Jeff. It is seven years later when a letter finally catches up to Jeff; he learns that his Grandfather has died.  It is time to go home.

It doesn’t take long before Jeff realizes that much has changed during the interim.  Jeff begins to understand he has enemies he doesn’t know, and it these enemies who have killed his friends, and taken his ranch and are now running riot in their effort to have Jeff labeled as an criminal and hunted like a outlaw.

It seems pretty hopeless for Jeff as he tries to stand up to the group and their undending quest for more land, riches and influence.

I enjoyed reading C.M. Curtis’ Return of the Outlaw.  The plot forwards the story through a maze of conspiracy, intrigue and deception. 

A page turner; Return of the Outlaw proves itself to be a well written, character driven, fully detailed western. The story moves quickly, characters are convincing, matter-of-fact and nicely fleshed.  The well developed account keeps readers thinking, on their toes and turning the page.

Maneuvering, trepidation, ambiguity, letters hidden, the conniving of a mother, achievement along with even a bit of romance are all part of the tale.

Action abounds, the ending is satisfactory and well wrought , Return of the Outlaw has a little something for everyone.