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The ShootistGlendon Swarthout

Western

The Shootist

by Glendon Swarthout

In 1901, legendary gunfighter John Bernard Books arrives in El Paso and learns that cancer will soon end his life. He rents a room from widow Bond Rogers, whose teenage son is fascinated by his reputation even as she distrusts the violence attached to it. News of Books's illness draws enemies, opportunists, and admirers hoping to profit from the final days of a famous man. Stark and reflective, this western suits readers who enjoy aging protagonists, the closing frontier, unsentimental mortality, and stories asking whether a man defined by killing can choose the manner of his death without repeating the worst of his life.

Paired for this story

Yuja Tea + Last Round Rye

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense4 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Gun violence, death, illness, and prostitution references

Alcohol-Free Pour

Yuja Tea

Yuja marmalade melts into hot water for a citrusy cup with a hint of sweetness.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Stir yuja marmalade into hot water until fully dissolved.
  2. Garnish: Thin citrus slice, optional.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Last Round Rye

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A spare rye pour for a gunslinger facing his final days.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Pour rye whiskey into a rocks glass neat or over one large ice cube.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Rocks glass.

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