Contention and Other Frontier Stories, edited by Hazel Rumney, features seventeen brand-new stories that will delight historical fiction fans. These stories capture the spirit of freedom and individualism in the evolving American frontier through the early 1900s and feature exciting new characters who face life-changing challenges in settings that are in stark contrast to civilized society. Ranging from high-action traditional Westerns to introspective historical dramas set in the American West, readers will discover the amount of courage and tenacity it took to survive the tumultuous frontier. In this anthology, you’ll enjoy discovering stories by New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors such as Loren D. Estleman, Johnny D. Boggs, Michael Zimmer, Max McCoy, John D. Nesbitt, Preston Lewis, Rod Miller, W. Michael Farmer, Greg Hunt, Bill Brooks, Tim Champlin, Robert D. McKee, Michael R. Ritt, Kathleen Morris, Vonn McKee, John Neely Davis, and Marcia Gaye. Michael Ritt’s story, Aces and Eights, is the 2019 Peacemaker Finalist Award winner for best short Western fiction.
Contention And Other Frontier Stories
A Highly Engaging And Enjoyable Read…
I’d never heard of this genre but a friend recommended it and I’m hooked! The stories in this collection are varied in style and setting and so far every single one has been riveting. (I haven’t finished the book yet.) I especially loved the one by Michael R. Ritt. What a fabulous ending! No spoilers here so read it! I’m going to get more books by these authors and this editor and for sure Michael R. Ritt.
– Karen S.
I Didn’t See It Coming…
Michael Ritt has done it again. He totally buffaloed me with his story “Aces and Eights” in Five Star’s anthology – “Contention.” I usually see the ending coming long before getting there, but I have to hand it to Mike, he misdirected me like a skilled prestidigitator. You have to pick up a copy and read “Aces and Eights. Great writing, Mike! Bravo!”
– Otto R.
Well-Written, Thought-Provoking, Emotional Stories…
The ending to Michael R. Ritt’s Aces and Eights will make the reader gasp and laugh in quick succession.
– Booklist