Blood Justice by Gordon Shirreffs

Blood Justice (1964) by Gordon Shirreffs

Gordon D. Shirreffs was a prolific writer, publishing 5 novels and 2 children’s books in 1964 alone. Blood Justice represents a more adult, less pulpy approach from other Shirreffs books I’ve read. 

Jim Murdock was almost lynched in the town of Ute Crossing for a crime he didn’t commit and is returning to the town for the first time in years. As fate would have it, he arrives just as another lynching is underway and is forced to be a witness to the hanging of the 3 accused to ensure his silence. Everyone, including the town sheriff, is convinced of the trio’s guilt. There has even been a failed attempt to achieve a change of venue for the pending court trial to avoid just this very outcome due to the toxic atmosphere within the town toward the accused men. 

The bulk of the book consists of Murdock on a self-imposed journey throughout the Southwest and into Mexico to notify the families of the lynched men of their fates. However, it quickly becomes apparent that he’s been followed by killers from Ute Crossing intent on keeping him from accomplishing his mission. 

The book slowly morphs into a mystery as the clues Murdock gathers on his journey begin to unravel the case against the 3 hanged men. It is quickly apparent that murder has been committed and there’s a conspiracy afoot. Mix in a little romance and several gunfights and you’ve got a solid straightforward western that may meander a bit and wraps up a little too quickly in the climax, but entertains throughout.

Reviewed by Steve Carroll