Robert Parker writes most wonderful, funny, feel-good, satisfying books - and this one's a beauty. I just wish he'd write a new one every week.

I liked this new book as a continuation of the Vergil Cole / Everett Hitch
storyline. Its a testament to Parkers versitility as a writer. Keep writing, I'll keep buying.

Mark A. Kruger
Milton, Vermont

I was sorely disappointed in Parker's "Appaloosa" thinking only an author of his stature would be able to get such a weak effort published. So I skipped "Resolution". I picked this up and enjoyed it so much I will go back and read "Resolution".

"Brimstone" is moved along almost exclusively by dialogue; an art at which Parker has long been a master. His two stars, Virgil and Everett, don deputy's stars and get in the middle of a power struggle between the local bar and brothel owner and his equally power-hungry foe, the evangelist. Along the way is an Indian with a long memory for revenge. The duo is joined by a terrific supporting cast member - a half Apache half Mexican who can track anyone anywhere (by his own admission).

The dialogue is filled with wry humor that carries the book through a plot that was refreshingly different. There is plenty of flavor of the old-fashioned western, but, at the same time, Parker's humor and dialogue makes it modern.

This is highly recommended for a quick, amusing and thoroughly entertaining quick read.

"Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens." -- Genesis 19:24

Be sure to read the first two books in this series before Brimstone, Appaloosa and Resolution. You'll enjoy Brimstone much more if you do.

Brimstone is the ancient name for sulfur, that evil smelling mineral that reminds us of rotten eggs. Obviously, Mr. Parker is drawing on the Old Testament habit of picking a name for a place that captures the character of the residents. Let's see what smells.

After the events in Resolution, principled gunman Virgil Cole and long-time acolyte Everett Hitch wander across the west, checking out saloons and other places where ladies of easy virtue reside hoping to find Mrs. Allie French, the object of Virgil's affections during the events in Appaloosa. Then, one day they found her . . . and she was a mess.

Allie tells Virgil she wants to make a fresh start, and the three head off to another town, Brimstone. Once there, they find there's no permanent law . . . and Virgil and Everett soon take that on. The town is booming, filled with saloons and places where men entertain themselves. There's also a man of God, Brother Perceival, who seems interested in getting rid of the sinning in town.

There's also a wild card. Someone is attacking and leaving behind a child's toy arrows. Could this become a threat?

A horrible abduction leads to continuing agony that attracts Allie's motherly instincts.

Naturally, there's a continuing battle to take over the town. Who will succeed? What role will Virgil and Everett play?

Allie finds herself drawn to the church, playing the organ there rather than her habitual saloon piano . . . but just as badly. Her singing still stinks. And her cooking is even worse. But she's devoted to acting as though she can do all the domestic things of a reformed woman. But can she reform?

And if she can reform, can Virgil forget that she ran away with another man?

Brimstone improves as it goes, developing themes about sin and redemption that are unexpected even in a morality tale like this series. The ending is particularly interesting, providing much encouragement to read the fourth book in this series when it becomes available.

As usual, Mr. Parker's plot provides lots of food for thought, but you'll be most drawn to the quiet, principled strength of Virgil Cole (who will remind you of a 19th century Spenser) and the West Point educated Everett Hitch. In fact, you'll probably find yourself imagining that you are one or the other of these characters.

Even more reliably, the terse dialog makes the story sing . . . and it's a song you'll enjoy much more than Allie's screeching.

Ultimately, you'll wonder if they will be able to avoid looking back whenever they leave Brimstone.

Brimstone brings back the pairing of Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch in their travels across the old west. This book continues the story that began with Appaloosa. These two are very likable characters who communicate not only with words, but often with a look or only a glance. Everett Hitch could stand alone, but once he is partnered with Virgil Cole they make an indomitable pairing. The search for the wandering Ellie, who makes a career out of getting herself into trouble with men, leads the pair to a town called Brimstone, where they decide to use their own sense of justice to resolve not only the town's conflicts but the ongoing attraction that Virgil harbors for Ellie. This is a good read that will satisfy the need for a good evenings reading.