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Harris: The Return of the Gunfighter
by
H. R. Williams
Henry Harris has become a farmer, but he remains
much more than that. He was and is a fast and deadly
gunman, some say the best that ever lived.  Now, he’s
summoned by his old friend, Sheriff Wilkie, to help face
a coming peril, and meet, once again, the challenging
quest of a gunfighter.

    Eight men in all.  Four against four.  Toward the town of Medford, hurrying from the west, come the
three Jones brothers and their uncle, Snake River Reese, riding to avenge an imagined wrong.  Wilkie, Harris, and two worthy companions are waiting.  In a matter of days they will meet.

    Harris: The Return of the Gunfighter entertains with lip-biting suspense and a violent finale, and will, at the same time, show how fellowship during danger can carry men forward to magnificent moments of courage.
ISBN: 978-1-932695-64-9
Rated [M] Mature
$11.50 Tradesize
Paperback
If you are looking for a new author, there is one now on the shelf. H.R. Williams is a fine new author who will put you in mind of all the greats from the height of the Western pulps: Louis L'Amour, Luke Short, Ernest Haycox. From the opening scenes to the end of the book you will know that Williams' book was written from the heart, with authority, knowledge of the country and a good grasp of human interaction. For a fast-paced, traditional novel, try Harris: The Return of the Gunfighter.

---Kirby Jonas, Author of "Reapers of the Wind" and "The Dansing Star" plus many others

Harris: The Return of the Gunfighter is a captivating traditional Western novel about honor, duty and revenge following the Civil War. H.R.  Williams weaves conflict, action and suspense into the fabric of this story.  Its outcome, in doubt until the final showdown, emerges after four lawmen are challenged on Locust Street  by four revenge-seeking outlaws. 

---Fred Boling, Author of "Incident at Crazy Woman Creek" and "Wakan Man"

H. R. William's Harris' The Return of the Gunfighter is a fast-moving, authentic tale of the real west when it was new, raw and dangerous. Harris tries to retire, but must return to the gun when the lives of his friends and his love are threatened. This is a good read with a strong sense of place. -

---A.H.Holt, author of "Riding Fence" and "Silver Creek"



Date of Review:  11, March 2008

The town of Medford, Missouri quakes and reels from the news of the release from prison of the Jones brothers.  Not only have they teamed up with their nefarious uncle ... Snake River Reese; but they have sworn revenge on the entire town that sent them to prison.

Henry Harris had retired from being a gun slinger.  Better known to the town of Medford as a farmer / rancher, the last thing he wanted to do was strap on his guns again.  He would rather spend his time with Kate, the hotel owner.  But when his old friend, Sherrif Wilkie called for help, on went the guns.
Wilkie knew it was not going to be easy, or quiet.  He also called for his other friend, John Murdock, also a very dangerous pistol handler.  Together with young Bubba they would simply have to contain the Jones.
Wilkie has a plan, Harris has a plan, Murdock has a plan, and Bubba just wants it to end soon.  There is a showdown coming to Medford, and tickets are not being sold.

Impression: 
No, this is not the 1967 film staring Robert Taylor.  That story was written by Robert Buckner.  This book is by H. R. Williams. Considering they are both Westerns, it's probably a good idea to keep in mind the fact that the same name is about all the two stories have in common.
This book, like its hero, stands as a loner, hunting his place in society. The intensity of the writing brings forth sweat, tears, and fear as you read it.  It is not for the faint of heart or those would devour a book in a single evening.
Rather, just as a 50 year old cognac should be savored sip by sip, so  too is this tale  best swallowed a little at a time, savoring the social implications, the plot, the theme, and the intertwining conflict.  H. R. Williams is a master of the craft, wrapping you up in a story both timeless and as old as is the West yet leaving you breathless and desiring more.
I give this book 9 campfires.
RATING:  9 Campfires
---M.D. Johnson