Scan barcode
theatretenor's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this “splatter western”! It was gnarly and bloody and revenge-y. A man on a vengeful mission with his trusty Gun (capital G) at his side and an unwillingly sidekick. It was the perfect length. Written well. I’m really looking forward to Death’s Head Press’s second offering for the new splatter westerns they’re commissioning!
arockinsamsara's review against another edition
4.0
Bloody, relentless occult-western fun. Well-paced with interesting (if heartless) characters. Didn’t want to put it down once I started.
woofer's review against another edition
3.0
I'd been seeing so much hype on FB about this new line of splatter westerns and how good they were, I had to check 'em out. The first in the series is Wile E. Young's The "Magpie Coffin." And while I don't think it was as great as it everybody claims, it was enjoyable. The story is basically a revenge story, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I had read this before. A lone gunman, seeking revenge on the murder of his loved ones, makes a deal with a supernatural being to avenge their deaths via a cursed gun that claims the souls of the murderers. It makes me curious to see what the others in the series are about.
But back to the book at hand.
Young has created a fast-paced narrative that doesn't skimp on the gore. But unlike most splatter novels, the narrative moves beyond the attempts to gross out the reader and tells a solid story. But there were a couple of things I had a problem with. One of the things is the lack of backstory of the central character. I know Salem Covington is a man of mystery; however, because Young gives us a glimpse into the man's past, but he doesn't let us see enough, I'm left wanting to know more. We know he killed his brother, and we know the gun he carries is cursed, but it doesn't provide, at least for me, enough about the deal he made: who it was made with or why it was made. There's a big question mark there that is frustrating to this reader . And what prompts him to pursue the study and perversion of the occult. And yes, we know he has perverted what he has learned through his apologies to the ghost of his teacher.
The other thing that was kind of problematic for me was the ending. While Young does tie things up to a satisfactory ending, the story also ends on a cliffhanger (and I hate cliffhanger endings), so that at least gives me hope that this won't be the last time we'll be seeing Salem Covington.
But back to the book at hand.
Young has created a fast-paced narrative that doesn't skimp on the gore. But unlike most splatter novels, the narrative moves beyond the attempts to gross out the reader and tells a solid story. But there were a couple of things I had a problem with. One of the things is the lack of backstory of the central character. I know Salem Covington is a man of mystery; however, because Young gives us a glimpse into the man's past, but he doesn't let us see enough, I'm left wanting to know more. We know he killed his brother, and we know the gun he carries is cursed, but it doesn't provide, at least for me, enough about the deal he made: who it was made with or why it was made. There's a big question mark there that is frustrating to this reader . And what prompts him to pursue the study and perversion of the occult. And yes, we know he has perverted what he has learned through his apologies to the ghost of his teacher.
The other thing that was kind of problematic for me was the ending. While Young does tie things up to a satisfactory ending, the story also ends on a cliffhanger (and I hate cliffhanger endings), so that at least gives me hope that this won't be the last time we'll be seeing Salem Covington.
thinkspink's review against another edition
3.0
Think Red Dead Redemption but without any of the redemption. Some of the most violent gun fights in the old west.
felifirefly's review
4.0
Well, this was certainly a new experience for me. I love horror, I never read a western before, splatter - if it's done well and fits into the story I'm okay with it. This book has all three and a lot more.
The plot is easy but nevertheless good and interesting: we're talking about a pair of guns which demand killing, indigenous spirits, rites and their practicism, a lot of (deserved) killing, revenge and an anti-hero that I really started to like. Kind of.
Definitely recommend of you're into above mentioned genres or want to try something new like me
The plot is easy but nevertheless good and interesting: we're talking about a pair of guns which demand killing, indigenous spirits, rites and their practicism, a lot of (deserved) killing, revenge and an anti-hero that I really started to like. Kind of.
Definitely recommend of you're into above mentioned genres or want to try something new like me
sade's review
4.0
Vengeance is mine says the Lord except the wrong has been done to Salem Covington. In which case all bets are off and retribution will be sure, swift, violent and full of pain.
The Magpie Coffin is a gore splattered tale of vengeance set in America's wild west. Where the only law is whose gun kills you faster.
I loved it.
cutthroat_badger's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
tunnelrat47's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
skullheadface's review against another edition
5.0
WOW! This book... oh fat baby! It’s like... it’s like a fucking death metal Red Dead Redemption. AKA: IT RULES BABY!! Travel across the West with the Black fuckin’ Magpie as he seeks revenge against those who have transgressed. You don’t fuck with Salem Covington. So so so very awesome!! Wait till you meet the Gun. Yes, with a capital fucking “G”! EPIC.
6/6 6 Shooter Skulls!!!
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
6/6 6 Shooter Skulls!!!
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
the_enobee's review against another edition
4.0
I was having doubts over the first half of this. Then the second half was riveting and more than lived up to the splatter western moniker. Just a blast reading this, and I came around big time. Went from 3 star to 4 star and nearly higher. Highly recommended, and I'm hoping this is representative of the rest of the series from Death's Head Press. Totally buying in after this excellent lead off hitting by Wile E. Young.