Six-Gun Two-Step

William C. Duncan
PublishAmerica (2007)
ISBN 9781424186099
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (7/08)


“Six-Gun Two-Step” is a novel that contains plenty of action and some incredible secrets that will leave the reader stunned.  The story revolves mainly around Timmy Thomas, a small-time drug dealer in Cleveland whose clientele are successful individuals who use recreationally.  After Timmy stumbles upon a major stash of drugs at a crime scene, he decides to go into business for himself to get rich quickly.  Naturally, the true owners of the drugs are not pleased that Timmy has taken them so they set into motion a plan to retrieve their merchandise.  The action then moves from Cleveland to New York as Timmy selfishly puts his girlfriend Glendy, his friend Bobby Fallon, and his brother Wade in extreme danger as he tries to elude the owners of the drugs.

The author effectively captures the lifestyle of an addict and a drug dealer through Timmy’s character.  The constant threat of being caught by the authorities or swindled by customers was documented well.  The ways that their loved ones enable them in their habit are also evident.  However, the most poignant message is that an addict’s greed can lead to great tragedy for innocent people.  Things that have been damaged cannot always be fixed, no matter how hard one tries.

Duncan keeps the plot moving at a good pace and has a way of holding the reader’s interest by divulging small bits of information at a time.  By doing this, he builds up the reader’s anticipation as to where this newly-disclosed information will lead.  This technique was especially well used in the parts where the identity of the “top boss” of the drug ring was revealed and what his or her true motivations were.

“Six-Gun Two-Step” by William C. Duncan will appeal to any adult reader who likes a lot of action and an intriguing ending.  Teenagers could benefit from the messages in this book but some of the content may be a little difficult for them.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because of the author’s style.  By using short chapters and developing strong characters, Duncan kept the action moving and made me want to learn how each character would fare.

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