Howdy pard,

Grab a chair and finish your drink, because I’m buyin’!

It's September, and ’ve got lots to share – including a snippet of the next Sol Redding adventure, a giveaway you won’t believe, and a recipe for smoked jerky that will leave you drooling for more.

Darn it, just let me find someone to take my horse to the livery and I’ll meet you at the saloon. Barkeep, fetch me two glasses and a bottle of your best redeye!

A taste of Sol Redding’s next adventure

I’ve been writing up a storm lately, and I’m pleased as punch to report that my next Sol Redding western adventure is coming along nicely.

I’m really enjoying writing it – so much so that I’m going to share a snippet from the first draft manuscript to give you a taste.

**

The scene: Sol has just burst through the batwing doors of a shady-looking saloon, ready for anything. Trouble is waiting for him alright, but not quite what he expected…

Sol blinked while his eyes adjusted to the dim, smoky light in the saloon. A woman in a tight-fitting bodice hopped off her stool and glided over. The overpowering smell of cheap perfume made his eyes water.

The woman wound long ringlets of red hair around her hand. She traced a finger across Sol’s shoulder, glanced up and gave him a slow wink.

“Welcome to the Double-Aught, mister. Seems you’ve been an extended time on the trail.”

He heard little but the husky promise in her voice. The woman stepped closer, thrusting her bosom up under Sol’s nose. He looked away and cleared his throat.

She smirked. “My name’s Mollie, sugar. I’ve got a hot bath drawn upstairs.” She walked her fingers up his chest. “There’s room for two…”

Sol held up his hand. “I’m just here to wash the dust from my mouth, ma’am.” He looked across the bar. “And maybe somethin’ to eat.”

The Double-Aught saloon was dark and quiet, with empty tables scattered around the room. The counter ran the full length of one wall, where a barman busied himself polishing glasses under a dim lantern.

A staircase led to an elevated walkway hugging the opposite wall. A woman squealed and laughed from behind one of the doors crowded along the second-floor gallery.

Sol spotted several men counting cards around a table in an adjoining room. Tobacco smoke rose from cigars and pipes and swirled about the flickering lamp overhead.

Mollie grabbed his hand. “Sugar, ain’t nothin’ to fret over.” She ran her tongue across her top lip. “Just two folks lookin’ to share some private time, is all.”

She placed a finger on Sol’s chest and slid it up to his throat, before pulling down his bandanna. Sol wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

Mollie gasped, then smiled. “My, my, aren’t we wicked?”

**

Remember, this is just a first draft and the story could change by the time I publish it. Let me know what you think at [email protected].

Pulp fiction spectacular

Looking for something new to read this summer? Check out this new giveaway - more than 60 different pulp fiction novels to choose from.

There is everything here from detective stories to police procedurals, westerns, military, action, and crime novels to choose from. They are absolutely fantastic - and absolutely free.

Pick one, pick ten, pick them all – it’s up to you. Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

• Conspiracy in Tokyo, by Matthew Legare
• The Adventure of the Devilish Footnote, by Craig Stephen Copland
• Blood Tide, by Jay Tinsiano
• Murder on the East China Sea, by Mark W Smith

Don’t miss out, folks – this one is something special! Click here to get your free books: https://books.bookfunnel.com/pulpfiction/cvn7upge5z

I’ve been sharing more details about these books on my Facebook and Twitter accounts – head on over to find out more.

Smoked jerky

Smoked jerky is a staple of the Old West. If a cowboy or a gunslinger was on the range or headin’ to a hideout, chances are they survived on beef jerky.

In this youtube video, genuine cowboy cooking legend Kent Rollins will rustle up some jerky that your tastebuds won’t forget.

• Get his smoked jerky recipe here: https://kentrollins.com/smoked-jerky/
• Watch Kent cook it up here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTMrjz6Xrwo&t=1s

Passport to the past

Check out this bundle of free westerns, mysteries and histories. I’m hard to please when it comes to my reading, but there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

• One Good Deed, by P.W. Moore
• Jacob’s Justice, by PDR Lindsay
• The Buffalo Soldier, by Rob Bauer
• Unbound Justice, by Michael Beashel

Click here to get your free books: https://storyoriginapp.com/to/vKr3bqt

I’ve been sharing more details about these books on my Facebook and Twitter accounts – head on over to find out more.

Did you know?

The term “red light district” came from the Red Light Bordello in Dodge City, Kansas. The front door of the building was made of red glass and produced a red glow to the outside world when lit at night. The name carried over to refer to the town’s brothel district.

More great reading

While I’m at it, take a look at this bundle of free adventure novels celebrating Fathers’ Day, penned by some really talented authors who are offering some of their best work for you to try.

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

• Last Star Standing, by Spaulding Taylor
• God save the Queen, by Lilly Rayman
• The Ride Along, by Michaelbrent Collings
• Ice Station Wolfenstein, by Preston William Child

Click here to get your free books: https://storyoriginapp.com/to/n1qcLhH

I’ve been sharing more details about these books on my Facebook and Twitter accounts – head on over to find out more.

Happy trails,

Nick