Once again, KC Grifant offers up an entertaining, genre bending read. I had the fortune of reading the first installment of the Melinda West series over a year ago, and this second installment is just as imaginative as the first with an obvious tease for a third installment at the end.

I do recommend picking up Melinda West, Monster Gunslinger and reading it first in order to get to know the main characters and the weird West world that they live in. It also sets up some important elements about Melinda’s backstory and her struggle with PTSD that might be confusing if you go into book two blind. But if you’re a series reader, this mashup of Wild West, Horror and even SciFi promises to have some longevity.

As with the first, this installment is plot centric and pulpy, and I feel like it pulls its story from a wellspring of pop culture Scifi reimagined for a Wild West world, with the obvious hat tip to Gremlins. There are touches of Alien, and the Borg in Star Trek comes to mind, but the story is still its own story and not some rehash dressed in Western duds. Also, Grifant populates the piece with a diverse cast.

I want to thank Brigids Gate and Grifant for approving this ARC request via NetGalley. And one final shoutout for the striking cover!

It’s no secret that I love nearly everything that Brigid’s Gate Press puts out but the original Melinda West novel was one of my favourites. Supernatural vibes in a Western setting? What more could you want? Well actually you could want the second Melinda West novel. Now we know I don’t spoil the plot but I will say this is fast-paced and action packed with supernatural thrills to boot. Melinda is a dream protagonist who I love and it’s great to see her back once again and with Lance by her side it’s one fun filled ride.

This is perfect for those that are fans of westerns, horror and supernatural. You won’t be disappointed at all.
As always thank you to Brigid’s Gate Press for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.