The Samaritan's Pistol

Even among his small town neighbors, Jim is a content man. Despite the emotional baggage from his time serving in Desert Storm, he successfully runs a ranch, owns several beautiful horses, and makes extra cash as a wilderness guide for wealthy tourists. He's a modern-day cowboy.

That is, until he runs into an ongoing mob-hit while riding in the mountains. Now, his most beloved horse is bleeding to death, three mobsters are dead from his smoking gun, and a wounded criminal is begging for his help. Jim has to make a decision. He can either high-tail it out of there, or accept a tempting offer made by the criminal—a promise of millions in stolen mafia cash for any help he gives.

Of course, only an idiot would turn down such an appealing offer when they’re marked for death anyway. Besides, Jim’s good nature cannot allow him to leave someone for dead, even a criminal.

Soon, Jim finds himself on a trip to retrieve a truckload of stolen money near the Las Vegas strip, right under the Mafia’s nose. But even if they escape with the cash, will Jim’s conservative neighbors provide sanctuary for their local Samaritan, and how far will the mafia go for revenge?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Eric Bishop introduces the Wyoming Rancher lifestyle to that of the Vegas Mafia in his novel, The Samaritan's Pistol. When finding himself in the wrong place at the right time, Jim must save a stranger's life, unknowingly condemning his own. 

Jim Cooper is the main character in this thriller and he has all the qualities to survive the mafia's revenge: bravery, courage, intelligence, and a military service career. He's a rancher in the north who can re-shoe a horse and plan a heist of $30 million; multi-talented would be an understatement. Readers will enjoy his 'to-the-point' attitude and love his good nature. It may be difficult for some readers to connect to his situation but that won't stop them from thoroughly enjoying this fast-paced trail ride. 

The plot revolves around Jim's misadventure into the crime syndicate. After he rescues a stranger marked for death, Jim is convinced to help finish a job the stranger began. With a promise of one-fourth profit. The writing style of Bishop is clean cut and direct. He makes the story easy to comprehend, even for readers who may not understand ranching or read many crime thrillers. Though the dialogue gets a little sloshed at some points, the main gist of the conversation is easily picked up. The end of the novel seems to leave a few loose ends open, but just enough to promise a sequel. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups