Comanche Moon (Gunsmoke Western)

Title of book: COMANCHE MOON by William R. Cox William R. Cox (1901-1988) wrote mysteries as well as 80 some westerns during his writing career. He used several pen names with 'Jonas Ward' being one of the better known. The stage station in this western, Comanche Station, "was halfway between Pecos and El Paso, on the Weyland Stage Line.". A typical adobe square building built for strength and safety would have to withstand attacks and seige by Comanche Indians. Twelve men and two women will be trapped within this isolated stage station in West Texas, as the author contrasts their interacting personalities as they face the fact that their next breath may be their last. One of the men, "White Eye" Pierce has been raised by the Comanche but now makes his living taking Comanche scalps for payment, paid by the Mexican government. This is the season of the yellow, harvest moon, known as the Comanche Moon, and this Moon Raid has been forecast for some time. The Comanche and Kiowa war cry is to be heard over Texas down into Mexico, as the Moon brings about yearly raiding and killing. Usually the Comanche move out from the Staked Plains farther north, but this season they are swinging south and southeast catching all in their way, leaving death and destruction in their wake. They come to Comanche Station wanting both the abundant horses at this way station and the women. Another great western read from a writer who knew how to write absorbing stories of the western frontier. Semper Fi.