Review: The Redemption of Mattie Silks by Kimberly Burns

SEEKING REDEMPTION, SHE FINDS RETRIBUTION

In 1892, running one of the West’s fanciest brothels is a rough game. In a town filled with brazen criminals, corrupt police, zealous politicians, and morality committees, Madam Mattie Silks makes her fortune catering to Colorado’s gold and silver millionaires.

Notorious crime boss “Soapy” Smith is at the top of the Denver underworld. There are no rules for Smith’s gang. They solve problems with bribes and bullets. When Mattie’s husband stumbles into Soapy’s dealings, she struggles to protect him.

Gold is discovered in the Yukon and Mattie seizes the opportunity for adventure and profit. But Skagway, Alaska, is even more lawless than Denver. Mattie must use all her business sense and street smarts to safeguard those she cares about. Will it be enough? Or will Lady Justice again turn a blind eye?

Based on a true story, The Redemption of Mattie Silks is an action-packed tale of a woman succeeding in a man’s world even when the cards are stacked against her.

My Review

In old Denver, at the beginning of the 1890s, our protagonist Mattie Silks is a madam with a heart of gold. She runs a class establishment, takes care of her girls, pays the corrupt officials on time, and tries to get along with her competition. Her only weakness is a lazy, no-good husband. But hey, a woman needs a front man to run a business and besides, he’s good looking, charming, and she loves him. She could do worse. Things go all right, notwithstanding occasional brushes with local gang leader Soapy Smith, until the local Temperance Union comes to town and decides to clean up all the gambling halls and brothels:

Mattie could only stammer, but in a cool voice, Suzanne asked, “Doesn’t the Temperance Union concern itself with drinking and saloons? And doesn’t temperance mean moderation or restraint, not abstinence?”

“We strive to improve moral character through several avenues, including the prohibition of alcohol and gambling.”

“Just a ding dang minute.” Mattie finally found her voice. “Let me set you straight.” She took a step closer and pointed a finger in the face of the temperance leader. “I don’t run a saloon, I don’t run a gambling hall, and I am not a criminal. I am a businesswoman, plain and simple. I treat my employees and my customers right.” She pulled herself to full height. “Now, I will tend to my business, and I suggest you tend to yours.”

Good try, Mattie! It’s an uphill battle, but when the Klondike gold rush created a feeding frenzy, she saw a new opportunity. Is she up to the challenge? Especially when she runs into the nefarious Soapy Smith, who threatens to ruin everything. Fun and easy to read. Take a trip to the old west!

This title is available to read with #KindleUnlimited

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mlpKRv

Meet Kimberly Burns

Kimberly Burns grew up in Colorado hearing stories about the colourful characters of the Old West. She has degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of Hartford. Kimberly is a member of the Historical Novel Society, Western Writers of America, and Women Writing the West. She lives with her husband and black Lab in Leesburg, Virginia.

Her debutnovel The Mrs. Tabor won numerous awards including the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best New Novel, a gold medal for Best Regional Fiction from the IndependentPublisher Book Awards, a National Indie Excellence Award, and a silver medal from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards.

Kimberly and her unruly heroines make for an entertaining book talk. She is available to discuss her novels with book groups in person or online. Email her at info@kimberlyburnsauthor.com.