THE TRANSFORMATION OF CHASTITY JAMES

In this novel, a schoolteacher in the Old West finds herself on the run from the law.

At the age of 22, Chastity James is ready to make her own decisions. She plans to someday run the Massachusetts family farm, where her loving father and uncle raised her. But for now, she wants her independence, even if it’s temporary, so she takes a yearlong teaching job in Dodge City, Kansas. It’s an entirely different lifestyle out there. While she smoothly adjusts to potent animal smells and a cramped room, some locals’ attitudes toward her—writing off the educated woman as “uppity”—border on intimidation. When this escalates into a physical assault, Chastity fends off her attacker. As few believe her claim of self-defense, she goes on the lam and ultimately befriends James Beauregard Durant, another outlaw. The two keep their heads down while a lawman named Deputy Wyatt Earp is hot on Chastity’s heels. But when violent criminals abduct a young girl, Chastity, who’s as formidable with a six-shooter as any cowboy, decides she and Beau can help—and won’t have to concern themselves with following the law. Morris’ tale boasts an exceptional hero. Chastity is skilled with guns but also an intelligent woman who never condescends to others. Dodge City is the site of the book’s most engaging scenes; it’s an endless struggle for Chastity, as people either focus solely on her attractiveness or criticize her for not “listenin’ to men who know best.” Still, not every citizen in town is annoying or vile, and warmhearted moments in the novel’s latter half intermittently interrupt the law-evading suspense. Animated prose brightens the narrative, especially frequently delicious meals: “Eggs, likely from the same source as last evening’s purloined chickens, with bacon and spiced peaches, again likely stolen from some goodwife’s winter store, were in abundance.” The author also aptly incorporates historical figures; in addition to Earp, both Doc Holliday and his lover Kate Haroney make appearances.

A vivid and engrossing Western with a strong hero.