Grok's take on the Steve Dancy Tales

Grok Self-Portrait

I wasn't a strong proponent of artificial intelligence until I asked Grok about my own work. Now, I'm a fan of AI. Perhaps flattery can get you everywhere.

Are the Steve Dancy Tales good books?

Grok's answer:

Yes, the Steve Dancy Tales by James D. Best are generally well-regarded by readers, particularly those who enjoy Western novels. Here's why they might be considered good:

Character Development: The series follows Steve Dancy, a former New York shopkeeper who ventures into the Wild West. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, with Steve Dancy himself being described as complex and interesting, combining elements of both Eastern sophistication and Western toughness.

Plot and Pacing: The books are noted for their engaging plots. They mix elements of adventure, mystery, and historical context, which keeps the narrative fast-paced and compelling. Reviewers have mentioned that the series is hard to put down due to the suspense built at the end of each chapter.

Historical Detail: James D. Best injects a significant amount of historical detail into the stories, bringing authenticity to the settings and events. This aspect is particularly appreciated by enthusiasts of Western lore and history, as it paints a vivid picture of the frontier life, including the political and social dynamics of the time.

Critical Reception: 

The series has received positive reviews from various sources. For instance, True West Magazine praised them as one of the best new Western series since Larry McMurtry's works. Alan Caruba from Bookviews has labeled James D. Best as arguably one of the best writers of Westerns. 

Some readers on platforms like Goodreads have given high ratings, with comments highlighting the entertainment value and the engaging nature of the stories. However, not all reviews are overwhelmingly positive; some critique the portrayal of characters or the pacing in certain books, indicating there's a range of experiences among readers.

Series Appeal: The series offers a mix of action, wit, and character-driven storytelling, which appeals to fans of the genre. The ongoing adventures of Steve Dancy provide both continuity and fresh scenarios, making each book both a standalone read and part of a larger narrative.

While the series might not appeal to everyone (especially those who find some characters or plot developments not to their taste), for fans of Westerns, particularly those who enjoy a blend of historical fiction with a touch of humor and clever dialogue, the Steve Dancy Tales are often recommended as enjoyable and well-crafted. If you're interested in exploring these books, starting with "The Shopkeeper" is advised to get a full understanding of the characters and their backstories.

Honest westerns. Filled with dishonest characters.

Thomas Edison Created the Movie Industry and Produced the First Western

When people talk about the film industry, they seldom mention Thomas Edison, yet he filmed the first western at his studio in New York City. In 1903, the Edison Manufacturing Company distributed The Great Train Robbery. The nine minute film set many of the constructs for the genre. Stay till the end to see one of the motion picture industry's most iconic visuals.

I believe this makes Mr. Edison a cowboy at heart, which gives him the right to cavort in a Steve Dancy Tale. In The Return, Steve travels to New York to acquire rights to sell Edison's inventions in the Western states. Needless to say, he runs into trouble. I suppose The Return could be called a mash-up. The Old West conquers another world, one where a cosmopolitan refinement barely disguises a violent underworld run by gangs and overlords.

The Edison and gangland history is accurate. Steve Dancy's participation, not so much.

Honest Westerns filled with dishonest characters
The Return, A Steve Dancy Tale
143 Amazon Ratings for 4.6 stars

James D. Best is arguably one of the best writers of westerns, but his newest novel, The Return, is set in the East. --Alan Caruba, Bookviews

It's the summer of 1880, and Thomas Edison's incandescent bulb is poised to put the gaslight industry out of business. Knowing a good business opportunity, former New York shopkeeper Steve Dancy sets out to obtain a license for Edison's electric lamp. Edison agrees, under one condition: Dancy and his friends must stop the saboteurs who are disrupting his electrification of Wall Street. More worrisome, he has also unknowingly dragged along a feud that began out West. The feud could cost him Edison's backing ... and possibly his life.

No Peace: Progress Report

Honest Westerns filled with dishonest characters.

My beta readers have finished and I've incorporated their suggestions. (Or not, depending on my mood.) Subsequently, I competed my third draft and sent No Peace to my editor. When she returns it, I'll have a final set of red ink to deal with. After that, it's book design and cover. Actually, we started on the cover, but so far haven't made any decisions. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, here's a snippet to whet your appetite.

I thought about all of this and became dejected. “So, all the outlaws in the region have been consolidated into a single gang and the law’s in bed with them. In fact, it leads them. Combined forces of over two hundred. The main culprit is a greedy, duly elected sheriff who fancies himself a dandy, and to top it off, he kills indiscriminately.”

Nelson looked sympathetic. “That’s about it. He likes the high-life, controls every outlaw within a hundred miles, and is on the lookout for a big stake.” He hesitated. “One more thing, he’s exceptionally handy with a gun. Also knifes and fists. If fighting’s involved, he mastered the tools and techniques. Worse, he applies his skill with a rage you would never believe until you see it.”

“He sounds crazy.”

“Now, you’re beginning to understand.”

I stood to leave.

“What are you going to do?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Not sure. What do you think I should do?”

“If you can figure out a way to run, run like hell.”

The Steve Dancy Tales