The Curly Wolf

The Curly Wolf

by M.R. Kayser

People know the sleepy-eyed youngster only as "Arizona." Give him a badge and he'll kill anyone he's paid to. The settlers in the Redbud Valley are peaceable folk, but they've been pushed too far by Joe Brody, who wants their land and seemingly has the law on his side. He's got Arizona, too…unless Theresa Gutierrez can work a healing miracle on his stone-cold heart.

If you are looking for a book for the western story lover in your family then let me recommend to you The Curly Wolf written by M.R.Kayser.

Mr. Kayser writes this story from the view point of a curly wolf,the Arizona Kid. Now for those of us who don't know, and I didn't untilvI read this book, a curly wolf is a "bad dude" in western vernacular.

The Arizona Kid had to learn how to survive the best way he knewhow. Being a fella who lived by the law of it's the strong who survive,he finds himself in a position where he begins to question that law and other things.

Throughout the story line is a delicate ribbon of Christianity that has been woven so carefully. As you become more involved in the plot,you are introduced to and get to know intimately other characters; homesteaders, ranchers, town folk, politicians and all of their various strengths and failings; whether that may be their faith in God or faith in their own strengths.

Without question, this Christian western could be proudly placed on the bookcase with any Louis L'Amour western or in your favorite ebookreader. A simple, old-fashion story to get lost in during these high-tech, fast paced times, could be just what the doctor orders for a relaxing moment.

- LaTawnia Kintz Reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Arizona is an unbelievably good gunhand. He is traveling from job to job as a 'deputy' who runs squatters off their lands or really whatever the boss tells him to do. He is good at killin' and hasn't ever considered what he did 'wrong' but when he meets the group of 'squatters' in Redbud valley he starts to have second thoughts. His fellow deputies see no problem with what they are doing and take it a step further, enjoying the killing. Arizona feels loyalty to both sides of this struggle and isn't sure he can confront either!

The characters in this book were wonderfully developed. Arizona was of course my favorite, he is a young gunfighter that has never known any way of survival except gun play. On the outside he seems so sure of himself and confident in everything, but inside he is a confused boy/man. I love that the author brings in several strong Christian men to set an example for Arizona and theother boys in the story. He also shows how people will use others to their advantage no matter what the detriment to the 'used' people. They will lie, tell you what you want to hear, and befriend you just to get your help.

There is a is a girl who is confused by her feelings for Arizona. She has been raised a Christian and yet is drawn to this man who seems to have no morals, but she is wondering if her love is what God is going to use to turn him around. There are some horrible things that happen through the book but it is in there to set an example not for 'gore'.

I rate this book a 5/5. It is a good western story with a Christian message.

- Ashley's Bookshelf

About the author:

M.R. Kayser grew up in the West--first in the frontier-like wilds of Alaska, then the rugged deserts of New Mexico, where western culture and folklore made an impression which lasts to this day. He's been a soldier, a film maker, a hot-rodder and an all-around social misfit, but has always had stories to tell--whether of the old West; the ancient world, the Middle Ages, the present day; or of distant galaxies and alien dimensions.

Comic books were his initial inspiration to creativity, which manifested in drawing. Eventually, writing proved both more challenging and gratifying. Coincident with this switch from drawing to writing was a gradual transition from graphic fiction to prose.