a short story in
Wolf Creek, Book 10:
Romancing The West is pleased to present a double feature: Wolf Creek, Book 9, A Wolf Creek Christmas, and Wolf Creek Book 10, O Deadly Night. Each volume contains six Christmas stories, all centering around Wolf Creek in 1871, written by award-winning western authors. Today, RTW is pleased to host a western writer, who, in the spirit of Wolf Creek where everyone has a secret, is disguised as a Scottish doctor, Clay More.
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| Dr. Keith Souter writing as Clay More |
Clay More is actually my western pen name. My real name is Keith Souter and I live in England within arrow-shot of the ruins of a medieval castle, the scene of two of my historical novels. I am a part time doctor, medical journalist and novelist, writing in four different genres – westerns, crime, historical and YA. I also enjoy the challenge of short fiction for which I have won a couple of prizes, including a 2006 Fish Award for my story The Villain’s Tale.
Clay's story:
The Spirit of Hogmanay
Doc Logan's road to Hogmanay — the Scottish New Year's Eve celebration — is littered with good intentions. And injuries and diseases galore. And to top it all off, someone has stolen his good Scotch...
About Dr. Logan Munro
Logan Munro, the Wolf Creek town doctor has had a pretty tough Christmas. He’s had some challenging medical and surgical cases to deal with and, as a true Scotsman, he is looking forward to Hogmanay when he can see out the old year and usher in the next. Like most of the town’s citizens he won’t be sad to see the end of one singularly turbulent year in the town’s history.
In preparation for Hogmanay he has had a special shipment of The Glenlivet, the finest malt whisky sent all the way from Ballindalloch in the Highlands of Scotland. He is peeved when he discovers that two bottles have been stolen – especially since he has a good idea who took them.
Yet there is more to the theft than at first meets the eye and Logan has further challenges ahead of him. And as the year’s end approaches he has a burning question he wants to ask a lady, but inexplicably, rather like the malt spirits, she has gone and he can’t find her anywhere.
Logan Munro is Scottish, as am I. He is a doctor, as am I, and he regards his Hippocratic Oath as the guiding principle in his life, as do I. I have always had an interest in medical history and when Troy Smith came up with the idea for Wolf Creek and asked for characters, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. I packed my black bag with 19th century instruments and applied and was fortunate to gain the position of town doctor. I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed practising in Wolf Creek – even if it is impossible to hold onto a couple of bottles of decent malt whisky.
Clay More
Double Dealing at Dirtville
Western Fictioneers Library
Dirtville is just a peaceful frontier settlement . . . until a sudden eruption of violence leaves two people dead and a mysterious stranger comes to town in search of vengeance, only to find that a web of corruption, greed, and murder hangs over the entire community! Once again, acclaimed author Clay More spins a fast-paced, engrossing Western tale featuring action, mystery, romance, and suspense. Nothing is quite what it seems in this thrilling new release from the Western Fictioneers Library except that it's pure Western entertainment!
What's new from Keith Souter
Skyhorse Publishing
Tea drinking has become a way of life. To put it frankly, it is a love, an addiction, and some would even go as far to say a philosophy. Dr. Keith Souter examines the perpetual impact that this adored beverage has bestowed upon the world for centuries, from its mystical origins in the East, to its inevitable influence on the West.
The Tea Cyclopedia is an indispensable reference for anyone interested in all things tea. Commencing each chapter with insightful quotes, it not only captures the historical beginnings of this beloved drink, but also explores tea's involvement in politics, health, the economy, and even fortune-telling.
This unprecedented beverage has united people in times of adversity; it has also divided nations, causing volatile revolutions, such as the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Boston Tea Party. But today you will most likely find that various cultures have developed their own unique style of enjoying tea, and the ritual of tea drinking itself is not only intriguing, but also highly rewarding.
In this meticulously detailed guide, readers will rediscover tea, its cultivation, and all of its richness and intricacy as a worldwide beverage. The Tea Cyclopedia is an enthralling tribute to the illustrious, invigorating, and elusive leaf that has vehemently continued to inspire people for more than two thousand years.
Wolf Creek Book 9:
The Last Free Trapper
by Jory Sherman
A Savior is Born
by Meg Mims
That Time of Year
by Jerry Guin
‘Twas the Fight before Christmas
by Jacquie Rogers
A Kiowa Christmas Gift
by Troy D. Smith
Renewal of Faith
by James J. Griffin
Wolf Creek, Book 10:
Sarah’s Christmas Miracle
by Big Jim Williams
Irish Christmas at Wolf Creek
by Charlie Steel
A Home for Christmas
by Cheryl Pierson
The Angel Tree
by Chuck Tyrell
The Spirit of Hogmanay
by Clay More
O Deadly Night
by Troy D. Smith
Doc Munro is always good, and he's easy to write about (with your help). He adds an important layer to the denizens of Wolf Creek.
ReplyDeleteI for one am glad that Doc Munro is Wolf Creek's own. Good show Keith.
ReplyDeleteJerry
Hogmanay: "The eve of New Years Day."
ReplyDeleteHad to look it up!
Keith writes a fabulous story with well developed characters. He has the knack of introducing a person and then building believability by what the character says and does, and in such an easy and natural style.
Linus the watch repairer is briefly introduced, but you will never forget him, or what Dr. Munro does to him. The same with the butcher and his poor foot and toes, who the author (who is a doctor himself) describes in great detail, how a particular surgery was done in the 1870’s. Billy, the teenager, is someone the reader will instantly take an interest and liking for, and will wonder what more is going to happen to this young lad. Martha Pomeroy the future nurse for Dr. Munro, who the doctor has great respect for, and a platonic relationship with, will it grow into something else?
All interesting characters in a wonderful story.
As always, Keith does a wonderful job of writing.
Charlie
Keith does an especially good job of making our little town feel real.
ReplyDeleteThank you, gentlemen, for your kind words. I am pleased that Logan put his shingle up in Wolf Creek.
ReplyDeleteI am trekking in the mountains in Gran Canaria and have enjoyed all of the stories in books 9 and 10, while I have been here. The finale with Troy's tale O Deadly Night is worth waiting for!
I am looking forward to 1872!
Wolf Creek would not seem as real, nor would the stories be as accurate, without the help and information Keith provides all of us who need medical background for our Wolf Creek chapters. Thanks, Keith,
ReplyDeleteJim Griffin
It is entirely a pleasure, Jim. And it is a pleasure being a member of the Wolf Creek community.
ReplyDeleteJacquie, thank you for giving us all cyber-space over the last fortnight.
ReplyDeleteLet me also say that I am enjoying Sleight of Heart.
Keith, I love Dr. Munro, too. He's so realistic I can see him in my mind's eye, and I always look forward to stories that include him. Now this tea book of yours is one I believe I must have. I'm trying to wean myself off of soft drinks and am looking for some tasty alternatives. LOL I enjoyed your story, The Spirit of Hogmanay, very much, as always!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Thanks, Cheryl. You could always wean yourself off 'soft' drinks with one or other type iof tea. Alternatively, you could try a 'hard' drink like The Glenlivet!
ReplyDeleteKeith, you are the second person today who has suggested Glenlivet. I believe I am going to have to get some and see how that works for me. LOL
ReplyDeleteCheryl
The Glenlivet would be good for several of us about now. Haha. Keith, it's always a pleasure to host you on RTW. Keep writing those wonderful stories.
ReplyDelete