i really enjoyed reading this, it was a really good western book with intersting characters and I enjoyed reading this.

BAD APPLE: A NOVEL OF THE ALAMO by author Lancaster Hill is a novel that takes place in the years following the well known legendary battle at the Alamo, and begins with a narrative by a bartender named Ned who encounters a weathered stranger entering his bar for a drink.

Ned cautiously draws out information from his new patron, and his patience is rewarded in the telling of a story that captivates both him and a newspaper reporter who arrives and involves himself in the conversation.

John Apple is the name of the mysterious newcomer who is clearly deep in his thoughts, and appears to be troubled by something, and has obviously been through quite an ordeal that has taken its toll on him.

Continued conversation reveals that John has firsthand knowledge of the events that took place in the fateful event at the Alamo along with recollections of the time just before and after, and has brushed elbows and developed friendships with some of the legendary figures, including Jim Bowie who gave him his most prized possession: the infamous Bowie knife he carried with him at all times.

Further along in his story after an unexpected situation that places John in serious trouble with the law present at the Army base where the telling of the story takes place, the true reason for John’s arrival is slowly revealed and makes sense of the actions he has taken to be able to accomplish what he has set out to do; even if it ends up costing him his life to reveal the truth of his mission that he is committed to seeing to its end.

Interesting take by the author on using a well worn subject, but making it of interest by the telling of the story by such an unusual character, and it leaves the reader wondering what his plan is, and what it will reveal about his intentions and what he hopes to find as a result of his arrival in town.

4 stars.

A great western tells the story of how the west was won...or lost by men with courage and shooting skills.  Before Texas was an actual state, it was a state of mind.  Tough men who lived free and would die to live as they choose.  John Apple was one of these men.  This is Lancaster Hill's first book in the western genre and he does a good enough job that I'll slot his book along my Johnstones.  John Apple did not start out to fight for Texas independence, he was just lucky enough to join up with the legendary men who would make a stand and die for it.  John then takes the fight to the enemy.  His skills will take vengeance for his friends while keeping hope alive in his fellow Texans.