Adventures of Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles: Volume 2 by Edward A. Grainger

In some ways, Volume 2 of Grainger's popular Cash and Miles series picks up where Volume 1 left off. Cash investigates crimes and exacts justice in a vivid, Western noir world. The stories are still told in Grainger's confident, no-nonsense style.

But I felt like I got to know Cash Laramie a lot better in Volume 2.

The first story in the collection, "The Origins of White Deer," (co-written with Chuck Tyrell) takes us back to Cash's formative days in the Arapaho tribe. His biological parents died in a battle at Fall Creek, and Cash ends up going to Cheyenne as a letter from his father had requested. It's there that he demonstrates his abilities and realizes his calling as a lawman. This story gives us the full picture of the challenges Cash faces as a biracial man on the frontier. It's a well-researched, patient piece that completes this character's fascinating history.

Every story in here is strong, but I particularly dug "Reflections in a Glass of Maryland Rye." This is a chilling tale that shows Cash living with one wrong decision. I liked seeing this other side of Cash -- reflective, sad, and uncertain.

Overall this is an excellent read and I know that Cash fans are already hungry for Volume 3.