2. Calibre by Irving Shulman

Continuing my exploration into the Amboy Dukes literary universe, I found this non-canon Irving Shulman somewhere that I can't remember (note to self: note where I find books when I get them!). At it's core, it is basically a post Civil War western, but layered with rich melodrama and tortured Shulman characters. Had it been longer, I might have grown impatient, but the first half where we learn about the various characters ends just before it wears out its welcome. And the second half is full of great action and a satisfying conclusion. So overall a fun read. 

 Dave Shannel is a confederate soldier returning to the home of his colleague Ben, who died in battle. Ben spoke all about his family and Dave, rootless and shell-shocked with nowhere else to go, visits them at their failed desert inn. When he gets there, he discovers that three roughnecks and an alcoholic woman have taken over more or less. Their leader, Barlow, is a wealthy war racketeer on the run and they are waiting for some other men to make an escape to the north. Ben's family is his mother, his wife and his uncle (who believes there is treasure on the land and is always out prospecting). You know there has to be a showdown and Dave the hero, but we get there via lots of tension and conflict between and among the bad guys and the family. The historical context adds depth to the standard set-up. Dave is really suffering and lies to the family about Ben's bravery. The bad guys all represent different types of players in the Civil War and its aftermath, especially Barlow the war profiteer. 

Dave struggles with his role.  He's not a coward per se, but just so broken that he simply wants to keep moving.  The men aren't all even that bad, except Barlow and we learn that even he has a somewhat legitimate reason for stopping at the inn.  Turns out Uncle Darcy was a hunter of confederate deserters and murdered Barlow's brother.  The final battle is quite good and intense.