AS SEEN IN ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ...It's not exactly the Pulitzer Prize, but the December 28, 2007 issue of Entertainment Weekly listed Shalom On The Range as the runner up to best book title of the year. Hey, we're just thrilled to have been nominated ...
THE LATEST REVIEWS:
"Interspersed with moments of humor, and a solid story, are some challenging truths about discrimination in many forms. ... This isn't your typical western by any means and I don't think it's the kind of tale that everyone will enjoy, but if you're looking for something different, give this one a try. There's a lot to recommend it."
"A tenderfoot Jewish railroad detective is sent west to investigate a train robbery, where he grapples with anti-Semitism, culture shock, and plenty of misadventure. This one is a fast paced 'kosher' Western with plenty of action, some unexpected twists, and more than a few laughs."
-- Roundup Magazine
"A robust tale of a Jewish railroad detective, bounty hunters, gunslingers and other varied Western characters, Shalom On the Range is frequently funny.
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"If the slightly Yiddish-flavored humor doesn't grab you, Katz's adept mastery of stylized Western fiction probably will. The book sounds and feels authentic, and the settings are convincingly rendered."
-- Chris Leppek, Intermountain Jewish News
"Shalom on the Range is a historical western novel about a Jewish detective in 1870 Colorado. Assigned to investigate a train robbery, David Goldstein will have to call upon his wits, his muscles, and the aid of his companions.... In the process of unraveling the mystery, David will face off against anti-Semitism, moral quandaries, and ultimately, have to confront what it means to be a detective, a Jew, and a human being. A balance between action and introspection interweave in this exceptional tale."
"[A] fresh and interesting take on the hunt-down-the-baddies story with Michael S. Katz’s Shalom On The Range, which – if you’re smart enough to tell from the title – is Jewish-centric.
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"While the history lessons and anti-Semitic prejudices can be a bit heavy-handed at times, it’s easily forgiven because Shalom is just so damn entertaining. Katz has a very laid-back, matter-of-fact storytelling style that seems more suited for a film novelization than a real novel. As a matter of fact, this book is so ready-made to be transformed into a movie, I’m sure you’ll see this on TNT soon enough."
-- Louis Fowler, Bookgasm
"Set in 1870, this novel uses a deadly robbery on a Kansas Pacific train outside Denver as a springboard for an amusing yet clear eyed look at the stereotypes and prejudice that permeated the Old West.
"[T]he author does a nice job of using humor to remind readers of some of the uncomfortable realities of the fabled Old West."
-- Sybil Downing, The Denver Post
