Finished Blue-Eyed Devil by the late Robert B. Parker. This is the latest book in Parker’s western series about gunslingers and occasional lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch.

In this one, Virgil and Everett have returned to Appalaoosa to find that the town is being run by a corrupt sheriff named Amos Calico (isn’t that a great name for a western villain?). Of course, Virgil and Everett soon get on Amos’ bad side, even as the town is threatened by some renegade Indians. What follows from there are elections, shootouts, and more, as Virgil and Everett crack wise and follow their own code of justice …

I’ve enjoyed many of Parker’s books, and this one is no exception. He has such an easy, elegant style that’s always a pleasure to read. Virgil and Everett are two cool customers, and they know it. Sure, you know that they’re going to tangle with Calico sooner rather than later, but going along for the ride is half the fun in this series.

The only thing that I didn’t particularly care for was the character of Allie, who is Virgil’s main squeeze. Then again, I’ve never liked Allie, who has repeatedly cheated on Virgil and shown very little in the way of common sense. But, Parker tends to write this kind of female character in many of his books. To each his own.

Overall, though, if you like westerns, you should definitely check out this series. Thumbs up.

Up next: Something from the TBR pile.

Books in my TBR pile: About 15.