The Witch of Silver Mesa

A Supernatural Western Thriller (Zeb Clemens, Book 3)

By: J.R. Rain, Matthew S. Cox

Narrated by: Craig W Van Sickle

The latest Zeb Clemens supernatural western novel is here!

Deputy Marshal Zeb Clemens usually goes out looking for trouble—but sometimes, it finds him first.

The town of Silver Mesa seemed ideal for him: not too large, not too small, neither too remote nor too close to civilization… and even a woman he fancies. It’s the perfect hometown for a man who cannot die.

For Zeb, death is a painful inconvenience… provided he keeps a particular ancient goddess happy. Having to hunt down not-so-mythical beasts every so often is a small price to pay.

Strange things start happening right in Zeb’s backyard after the arrival of the town’s newest resident. People are talking. This young woman is too young to have the money she seems to have. She’s too old to not be married. She’s too pretty, and far too independent. She’s avoiding Pastor Eli’s church, and worst of all, she moved into a house outside town that everyone knows is cursed by evil.

People are talking. They say a witch has come to Silver Mesa. They just might be right.

Deputy Marshal Zeb Clemens doesn’t know what to believe, but one thing is certain: it’s about to get weird.

Luckily, weird is what he knows best.

Continue the Zeb Clemens series of Supernatural Westerns today!

©2024 J.R. Rain (P)2025 J.R. Rain

Great story, clunky narration

The Zeb Clemens series is terrific. Book number three is a fun ride with its mix of classic western tropes and twisted paranormal elements. Zeb is smart, tough, and believable as a 19th Century lawman navigating the Wild West with his supernatural secret. The reader/listener spends a great deal of time in Zeb’s thoughts but the insights and processes add to the experience.

What takes away from the fun is the narrator. He reads the formal Victorian language with obvious discomfort. Sentences that should flow regardless of the non-use of contractions (a literary trick to create a sense of history) come out choppy and awkward, dragging the listener out of the moment. It’s downright cringy. This isn’t a talentless narrator, but he needs training so that his reading doesn’t sound like a bad imitation of William Shatner and female characters don’t come off as stereotypes.

If you can handle the rough narration, go for it. If not, get the book. Get the series.