Set in the exciting backdrop of the Old West, Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid by Glenn McCarty opens with a man in pain who can’t remember who or where he is. At first, he wonders if he’s a lawman—but quickly concludes he must be a poor one, given his state. Then, fearing he might be an outlaw, he feels shame and wonders if outlaws feel shame, and if they do, why it doesn’t convince them to quit their outlaw ways. But within a few pages, it’s clear to the reader–this is no villain. While the man may be strong and dangerous to his enemies, his noble, respectful, and gentle demeanor proves that he is very much the good guy.

Written with a light and hopeful tone, McCarty’s language is both lovely and lively, pulling readers into a fast-paced story that holds attention from the first page to the last. Dead-Eye Dan, the story’s central figure, is the quintessential cowboy in a white hat—dangerous only to those who try to thwart justice. More importantly, even when he cannot remember who he is, he figures that he’s a man who stands by those in need. 

Rescued by a mute boy and his widowed mother, Dan arrives at their farm just in time to be a blessing to them and they to him. As he works with them to protect their crop from blight and their land from one of those bad guys, their kindness to him helps his memories return. When he realizes that he is Dead-Eye Dan, a U.S. Marshall from Santa Fe, everything begins to click into place. 

This book hits the perfect sweet spot for family reading—enjoyable for both kids and parents alike. First in a series, it has the hallmarks of a classic Western but with a refreshingly fun and sweet twist that makes it suitable for all ages. McCarty’s Tumbleweed books feature a main character who reads all of the “dime-novel” Dead-Eye Dan stories, which adds a fun layer of connection between McCarty’s worlds.

While Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid maintains a youthful tone, it echoes the spirit of classic Western writers like Owen Wister, Louis L’Amour, and even Willa Cather. It’s the kind of book that would make an excellent family read-aloud or car ride audiobook— well-written and refreshingly wholesome and fun for everyone.