Los Alamos Author Wins National Western Book Award

Death In The Tallgrass, A Young Man’s Journey Through The Western Frontier by Donald Willerton wins National Western Book Award. Courtesy/Donald Willerton

COMMUNITY News:

It was announced Saturday, March 9, 2024, that the Western Writers of America, the most prestigious national association dedicated to the recognition and advancement of Western Literature, has chosen Death In The Tallgrass, A Young Man’s Journey Through The Western Frontier as the 2024 Winner of the SPUR Award for Western Historical Fiction Novel. https://westernwriters.org/western-writers-of-america-announces-2024-spur-award-winners-and-finalists/

Written and published by Donald Willerton of Los Alamos, Death in the Tallgrass follows a young man in 1904 as he searches for his mother’s brother, kidnapped by Comanche warriors 34 years before. Crossing the rugged plains of Texas, Harry Bonner is confronted by land, people, and cultures that challenge his upbringing as a privileged child of a wealthy family. He battles Comanche magic, puzzles his way through dreams of his uncle fighting against his enemies, and suffers the brutality of men terrorizing the Texas countryside, all while being consumed by a new-found love in the unlikeliest of people.
When he loses that love, Harry explodes with violence and rage, betraying the personal and professional values he has always respected. He is left emotionally adrift on the prairie when he is called to experience the last episode of his uncle’s life.

The book can be ordered from Amazon in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. Willerton is a member of SouthWest Writers, the New Mexico Book Association, and Western Writers of America. For more information about this book and other books, see DonaldWillerton.com.

The following are excerpts from Death In The Tallgrass reviews:

“It was hard to stop reading this tale with its many twists and turns, dangers, and happy times…A real winner and if you are a Western genre fan, it should be put at the top of your reading list.” – Trudi L.

“An inherently engaging and deftly crafted novel from start to finish, [with a] genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that fully engages his readers throughout. Highly recommended for the personal reading lists of readers with an interest in western action/adventure sagas.” – Midwest Book Reviews, Small Press Bookwatch

“[The author] packages historical, metaphysical, and literary fiction into a single book, and…takes a no-holds-barred approach to pain, justice, and redemption…The writing is as raw as the story itself.” – Asher S.

“[With] the author’s ability to so keenly and vividly capture the essence of the time and place, it’s a richly textured historical novel that combines adventure, romance, and introspection…thoroughly engaging read for those who enjoy immersive historical fiction.” – K. C. F.

“…A historical novel with a complex story about a young man’s introspection, a clash of cultures, a romance, and several adventures. I did not want to put it down.” – Cindy

“It’s as dramatic a rethinking of the West as Lonesome Dove…As a detective novel and study of self-realization, [it] knits its complicated plot perfectly. And as historical fiction, it’s jammed with entertaining lore. – Chris W.

“[The author] is an extraordinary and engaging writer who has crafted an entertaining, adventurous, and intriguing story. Highly recommended and very well done!” – Don S.

“This book was amazing! Not since Lonesome Dove have I read a western that I enjoyed more.” – Jean S.

“[An] epic masterpiece that swept me off my feet…The tale possesses all the enticing elements of the genre: magnificent landscapes, indigenous cultures, and the undeniable allure of an untamed frontier.” – Kat C.

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