Death's Head Press, a relative newcomer to indie horror publishing, has started a series of books called "Splatter Westerns", releasing one per month or so right now. First, we had Wile E. Young set the tone with THE MAGPIE COFFIN, doling out brutal carnage across the old west. And the second effort--this one from Mr. Ennenbach and titled HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL--shines brightly as the perfect mix of the western and the horror story. In fact, it isn't even so much a balance between western and horror, it's a western story that involves a supernatural creature, and it hits on all points.
In 1872, weary cattle-drivers driving up to Kansas from Texas are looking forward to some respite at the sleepy town of Duncan, which is located in what would later become Oklahoma. Along the way, they encounter a beast of legend--the Wendigo--and carnage ensues. Meanwhile, drifter Karl Beck is being held in Duncan by the sheriff so that he can sort out some minor business. Duncan is bustling along, the brothel and saloon readying for the cattle-drivers. Little do they know of the carnage that has happened on the plains, and what even then was headed their way.
This novel, Ennenbach's first, hits the ball out of the proverbial park. There is a very large cast, which rounds out the old west nicely with nuanced characters and a really wonderful setting. All of the characters are well-developed and engaging, and quite varied. The main character, Karl Beck, is a particular treat (and I hope we get to see more of him down the road!). The dialogue is crisp and the action is fast and mean. The author isn't known for being a horror writer, but he sure managed to tell one hell of a brutal tale here.
The plains, to use a cliche, run red with blood. The monster is vicious and wicked, even chilling my spine with the very few words it speaks throughout. The thought put into this story, the characters and their relationships, all of it culminates in an epic western tale of terror that leaves gore streaked across the pages and had my heart racing.
It ALSO manages a rather brilliant sense of humor throughout.
Easter eggs abound with references to many in the indie writing community, so if you're a part of it or know some who are, you may pick up on those. It also features one of the most cinematic action scenes I've read in recent history. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't, but that monster can hop!
This book is a home run on all fronts. Great characters, terrific pacing, chilling scenes of terror, and characters you can really root for. I loved every second of it, and I think you will, too. M. Ennenbach has penned a beautiful, heartfelt, thrilling look into the old west, and gives us a twist unlike any other western I've ever read. Being the author's first novel, I cannot WAIT to see what he has in store next! This is hands down one of the very best books I've read this year, and it should rocket straight to the top of your TBR pile.
Giddy up, partners. This one's a winner.
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![Hunger on the Chisholm Trail (Splatter Western Book 2) by [M. Ennenbach]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nDio4-oAL._SY346_.jpg)
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Before the trail dust from THE MAGPIES COFFIN release settles, we are back in the saddle for the 2nd book in the Death's Head Press "Splatter Western" Series.This new arrival is HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach and it is a wild and horrific ride full of dust, blood and action.It all starts out with a cattle drive and descends into an all out battle to survive on the barren Chisholm Trail. The fate of the small town of Duncan hangs in the balance. An evil is loose in the plains and it has a hunger that will not be sated.I want so much to talk about this story because I enjoyed it immensely, but as always I do not want to spoil any of the suspense and surprises for the readers. So lets talk about a few other points that will not give too much info away.Some might go into this thinking it is a creature story, and in a way it is, but where this tale shines is in the believable characters that the author has created. This is a true character-driven story. You are drawn in right away on the first page, and as the story progresses, more and more characters are introduced. Some players may not be around long but you quickly become vested in them, which make some of the horrible events that occur hit you like a gut punch.The strongest character we meet is Karl Beck. He is an adventurer, an investigator and when need be, a killer. Think of a western version of John Constantine with a little bit of Doc Holliday mixed in. He is our somewhat reluctant hero; he knows and sees things others cannot or will not believe. Karl is an outstanding character. I would have sat and read a whole chapter of just Karl talking to himself, that is how relatabley the author has written the character. The other supporting characters are developed just as effectively. You will love some while hating others, but you will still find yourself somewhat connected to each as the story goes along. We are also treated to a few clues and characters that might be connected to future books.And yes, there is blood, lots of blood. The author does not hold back on the gore and horrific deaths. The creature is perfect. The author's descriptions and actions of the grotesque creature keep you on the edge of your seat. Again, I would just love to just blurt out stuff but I must hold my tongue.Let's just say that this is an outstanding book that pulls you along relentlessly into a bloody and action filled finale.THE MAGPIE COFFIN was the first book in this series and it was terrific, but HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL has made me into a true "Splatter Western" fan. The series has just been extended to 11 books (YES, 11) with the next being DUST by Chris Miller.I feel like I need to go out and buy a cowboy hat now.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020
Before the trail dust from THE MAGPIES COFFIN release settles, we are back in the saddle for the 2nd book in the Death's Head Press "Splatter Western" Series.
This new arrival is HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach and it is a wild and horrific ride full of dust, blood and action.
It all starts out with a cattle drive and descends into an all out battle to survive on the barren Chisholm Trail. The fate of the small town of Duncan hangs in the balance. An evil is loose in the plains and it has a hunger that will not be sated.
I want so much to talk about this story because I enjoyed it immensely, but as always I do not want to spoil any of the suspense and surprises for the readers. So lets talk about a few other points that will not give too much info away.
Some might go into this thinking it is a creature story, and in a way it is, but where this tale shines is in the believable characters that the author has created. This is a true character-driven story. You are drawn in right away on the first page, and as the story progresses, more and more characters are introduced. Some players may not be around long but you quickly become vested in them, which make some of the horrible events that occur hit you like a gut punch.
The strongest character we meet is Karl Beck. He is an adventurer, an investigator and when need be, a killer. Think of a western version of John Constantine with a little bit of Doc Holliday mixed in. He is our somewhat reluctant hero; he knows and sees things others cannot or will not believe. Karl is an outstanding character. I would have sat and read a whole chapter of just Karl talking to himself, that is how relatabley the author has written the character. The other supporting characters are developed just as effectively. You will love some while hating others, but you will still find yourself somewhat connected to each as the story goes along. We are also treated to a few clues and characters that might be connected to future books.
And yes, there is blood, lots of blood. The author does not hold back on the gore and horrific deaths. The creature is perfect. The author's descriptions and actions of the grotesque creature keep you on the edge of your seat. Again, I would just love to just blurt out stuff but I must hold my tongue.
Let's just say that this is an outstanding book that pulls you along relentlessly into a bloody and action filled finale.
THE MAGPIE COFFIN was the first book in this series and it was terrific, but HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL has made me into a true "Splatter Western" fan. The series has just been extended to 11 books (YES, 11) with the next being DUST by Chris Miller.
I feel like I need to go out and buy a cowboy hat now.
This new arrival is HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach and it is a wild and horrific ride full of dust, blood and action.
It all starts out with a cattle drive and descends into an all out battle to survive on the barren Chisholm Trail. The fate of the small town of Duncan hangs in the balance. An evil is loose in the plains and it has a hunger that will not be sated.
I want so much to talk about this story because I enjoyed it immensely, but as always I do not want to spoil any of the suspense and surprises for the readers. So lets talk about a few other points that will not give too much info away.
Some might go into this thinking it is a creature story, and in a way it is, but where this tale shines is in the believable characters that the author has created. This is a true character-driven story. You are drawn in right away on the first page, and as the story progresses, more and more characters are introduced. Some players may not be around long but you quickly become vested in them, which make some of the horrible events that occur hit you like a gut punch.
The strongest character we meet is Karl Beck. He is an adventurer, an investigator and when need be, a killer. Think of a western version of John Constantine with a little bit of Doc Holliday mixed in. He is our somewhat reluctant hero; he knows and sees things others cannot or will not believe. Karl is an outstanding character. I would have sat and read a whole chapter of just Karl talking to himself, that is how relatabley the author has written the character. The other supporting characters are developed just as effectively. You will love some while hating others, but you will still find yourself somewhat connected to each as the story goes along. We are also treated to a few clues and characters that might be connected to future books.
And yes, there is blood, lots of blood. The author does not hold back on the gore and horrific deaths. The creature is perfect. The author's descriptions and actions of the grotesque creature keep you on the edge of your seat. Again, I would just love to just blurt out stuff but I must hold my tongue.
Let's just say that this is an outstanding book that pulls you along relentlessly into a bloody and action filled finale.
THE MAGPIE COFFIN was the first book in this series and it was terrific, but HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL has made me into a true "Splatter Western" fan. The series has just been extended to 11 books (YES, 11) with the next being DUST by Chris Miller.
I feel like I need to go out and buy a cowboy hat now.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2021
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