Iron Star - by Loren D Estleman (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From his youth as a revolutionist to his time as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, aging lawman Iron St. John has become a larger-than-life figure-and in the process, the man has disappeared behind the myth. During his brief, unsuccessful political career, St. John published his memoirs-a sanitized version of his adventures to appeal to the masses. A generation later, the clouded truth of this giant of the Old West has been all but lost. Now, Buck Jones, a pioneering film star, is vying for a cinematic story that will launch his career to incredible heights. He approaches Emmet Rawlings, a retired Pinkerton detective, to set the record of St. John's life straight once and for all. Twenty years ago, Rawlings accompanied St. John on his final manhunt, and in desperate need for the funding a successful book promises, he dives deep into St. John's past-and his own buried memories-to tell the truth about this part-time hero."--

Book Synopsis

Set against the sprawling landscape of the Wild West, this riveting adventure by Spur Award-winning author Loren D. Estleman follows a man on a journey to set his legacy, and the men dedicated to bringing his story to life.

From his youth as a revolutionist to his time as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, aging lawman Iron St. John has become a larger-than-life figure--and in the process, the man has disappeared behind the myth. During his brief, unsuccessful political career, St. John published his memoirs--a sanitized version of his adventures to appeal to the masses. A generation later, the clouded truth of this giant of the Old West has been all but lost.

Now, Buck Jones, a pioneering film star, is vying for a cinematic story that will launch his career to incredible heights. He approaches Emmet Rawlings, a retired Pinkerton detective, to set the record of St. John's life straight once and for all. Twenty years ago, Rawlings accompanied St. John on his final manhunt, and in desperate need for the funding a successful book promises, he dives deep into St. John's past--and his own buried memories--to tell the truth about this part-time hero.

As the story of St. John unfolds, the romance of the period is stripped away to reveal a reality long-forgotten in this unvarnished, heart-racing depiction of the American West by acclaimed author Loren D. Estleman.

Review Quotes

"Captivating... Estleman affectionately takes an axe to the tropes on which he built his career while delivering a gripping story in its own right. This finds a crime fiction legend working in a delightful new register."--Publishers Weekly, on Iron Star

Praise for Loren D. Estleman:

"Loren Estleman is my hero."--Harlan Coben

"A fast-paced western with action on every page."--Historical Novel Society on Cape Hell

"Estleman delivers his tall tale with dollops of western lore, elegant prose, and crisp, tongue-in-cheek dialogue."--Booklist on The Long High Noon

"An exciting western loaded with intrigue, suspense, and clever plot twists. One of Estleman's best, a smart, tightly wrapped story."--Publishers Weekly on The Book of Murdock

About the Author

LOREN D. ESTLEMAN has written more than eighty books--historical novels, mysteries, and westerns. The winner of four Shamus Awards, five Spur Awards, and three Western Heritage Awards, he lives in Central Michigan with his wife, author Deborah Morgan.