Dead Man's Hand by Eddie Jones

Synopsis: It's All Just a Show...Right? 'This is an authentic old west ghost town, son. Around these parts the dead don't stay dead.' Nick Kindle's vacation at Deadwood Canyon Ghost Town takes a deadly turn toward trouble when the fifteen-year-old finds himself trapped in a livery stable with the infamous outlaw Jesse James. The shooter whirls, aims and... vanishes. Great theatrics, Nick thinks, except now he's alone in the hayloft with the bullet-riddled body of Billy the Kid. And by the time the sheriff arrives, the body disappears. Soon Nick is caught in a deadly chas---from an abandoned gold mine, through forbidden buffalo hunting grounds, and across Rattlesnake Gulch. Around every turn he finds another suspect. Will Nick solve the murder? Will his parents have him committed? Or will the town's infatuation with Hollywood theatrics conceal the real truth about souls, spirits and the destiny that awaits those who die.

 

Review: Dead Man’s Hand was a good, quick read with some enjoyable characters and an interesting murder mystery premise. Even though I would consider this book aimed more towards readers in Middle School it was still enjoyable and the main character, Nick, was hilarious! I liked the twists and turns throughout the story and the fact that almost every character was a suspect at one point or another throughout the book. I have been getting more into mystery books lately and this one definitely held my interest and I liked the Western theme to it as well, it gave the story a little something extra.

 

My one issue with the story was that Nick, the narrator/main character/detective, seemed much older then fifteen. It really threw me off every time he mentioned his age because I keep picturing him as at least sixteen if not older. I thought that his relationships and interactions with his parents, sister, and the other adults were well written and true to the voice of a teenage boy I just felt as though he was rather wise beyond his years and it threw me off from time to time. The ending sets upa potential sequel, I think the author is going to make it a series so I am interested what new spins he puts on the next mystery. Overall Dead Man’s Hand is a good, clean read for readers of all ages but will especially appeal to those between 12 and 17.

 

Rating:3/5 Diamonds

Reviewed by: Jennifer