
Whittington brings the same trenchant prose and dynamic yet concise plotting that characterized Gold Medal classics like Ticket to Hell to the Wild West of Shadow at Noon. Like Howard Hawks’ openings to both Rio Bravo and El Dorado, Whittington opens with a cinematic bang and forgoes any lengthy introduction to the character. Thrown headfirst into their world, we come to know them through high-pressure, decisive situations that show their true selves.
As Shadow at Noon begins, Jeff Clane is in a semi-conscious state, lost in a delirium of pain as a stranger is removing a bullet from his gut. Memories come in and out of focus: of meeting a girl who turns out to be the wrong one for him; of running from her trigger-happy suitor; of being set-up to die in a rigged duel; of somehow making it out alive, only to be arrested and falsely accused of murder; and of somehow escaping, but with a bounty hunter hot on his trail the whole way.
In his review of the book, esteemed author James Reasoner wrote that, “Whittington puts his characters through both emotional torment and physical torture.” The opening scene is indicative of Whittington’s ability to not only precisely capture a character’s psychology, but to imbue his words with the necessary emotional weight and immediacy to make the reader live the scene.

Using only the barest of plot elements, Whittington has filed down this story to its core: a stark, emotionally driven novel of revenge and desperation. Many of Whittington’s noir themes have seeped into this Western, particularly the innocent man on the run, as well as the protagonist who must wrestle with his own violent tendencies. With breakneck pacing and vigorous action scenes, Shadow at Noon is an excellent example of Whittington’s unmistakable craftsmanship.
A taste of Whittington’s prose:
“He lay passively between painful sleep and the agony of waking. He was aware of a desperate sense of urgency with the sudden realization that there was no longer any motion of his horse under him.”
“From her white dress he knew she was a waitress. From the look in her eyes he knew all the rest he needed to know about her.”
“Nothing had ever happened in his life to make him believe in anything.”
“A disturbed chicken clucked once.”
“Without faith in something, there was only one thing to do, go back in that cabin and murder Dardac.”
“It was the loneliness, the singleness of purpose, the starting on a trail and going through hell, but never turning back.”
Why would you use a pseudonym and then announce it?
ReplyDeleteAnother in-depth review. Sounds an excellent western too
ReplyDeleteKeep 'em coming Cullen. I'm enjoying all the history you're digging up. I have a Norbert Davis post coming tomorrow that could have benefited from your in-depth research as Gary mentioned. Unfortunately, I'm a monkey-copy and paste-kind of biographer.
ReplyDeleteI think I actually have this book. The cover looks very familiar. Didn't know it was Whittington. I like how you include the back covers here.
ReplyDeleteWhittington was so versatile and consistent. FYI, Stark House has a new book coming out soon with three rare Whittington titles: To Find Cora, originally published as Cora is a Nympho!; Like Mink Like Murder, originally published in France as T'as des Visions! and again with sex scenes added as Passion Hangover as by J. X. Williams; and Body & Soul, originally published under another one of Whittiongton's pseudonyms - Whit Harrison in 1952. I'm really looking forward to these.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm glad to see more of his working coming back into print.
ReplyDelete