This was a cracker-jack of a western novel. The author was very familiar with the actual history of the Old West and wrote in a wonderful archaic style -much like True Grit. In fact, I would have given this five stars if I hadn't recognized (from the first chapter) that this story was ripped off from a famous book that most people have at least heard of-- "TREASURE ISLAND"Yes, Estleman rustles a great story, does a good job of using a running iron to obscure the brand, and then populates it with great individual characters with individual foibles, etc. Despite seeing the obvious plot rustling, the novel sizzles with Old West Flavor. I highly recommend it.