Phil Wire by Morris

Why read the book?

Two saloon keepers, O'Sullivan and O'Hara, are at war over trade in a dusty frontier town. When O'Sullivan brings in Phil Defer, a long, thin professional killer, the feud turns deadly, so Lucky Luke fakes O'Hara's death and takes the assassin's place to buy time.

When the real Phil Defer arrives, the matter comes down to a duel. Luke wins by wounding the gunman in the shoulder rather than killing him, ending his trade for good. O'Sullivan is run out, and the two saloons join as one. Jolly Jumper carries Luke through it with his usual calm.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

Phil Defer is one of the earliest great Lucky Luke villains, all sharp angles and slow menace, and the contrast with Luke's easy manner gives the book real tension. The plot is lean and the duel is handled with restraint, since Luke disables the killer rather than killing him.

The rival saloons and their squabbling owners give the small town life and a touch of comedy.

Key Takeaway

An early, taut showdown where Lucky Luke beats a hired gun without taking a life.

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