Coyote Cal

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from *Coyote Cal*—the ‘Weird West’ label gets tossed around a lot, but this one *earns* it. Fowler’s prose is tight and muscular, with a knack for dropping you into a scene so vivid you can taste the dust. The story follows Cal, a bounty hunter with a past that’s equal parts tragic and absurd, as he stumbles into a conspiracy that’s part *High Plains Drifter*, part *Annihilation*. The horror elements aren’t just window dressing; they’re woven into the setting so seamlessly that the line between folklore and science fiction blurs. That said, the pacing stumbles in the middle—there’s a stretch where the myth-building feels a little *too* cryptic, like Fowler’s holding back when he should be leaning in. Rich Brennan’s narration is the secret weapon here. His voice has this perfect mix of weariness and wit, like a guy who’s seen too much but still finds the energy to smirk about it. He nails the dry humor, especially in Cal’s internal monologue, and his character voices are distinct without veering into caricature. My only gripe? The production could’ve used a touch more atmospheric sound design—something to underscore the eerie moments, like a distant coyote howl or a wind that sounds just a little *too* human. Still, the lack of frills forces you to focus on the writing, and Fowler’s world is weird enough to hold your attention without bells and whistles. If you like your horror with a side of existential dread and your Westerns with a sci-fi chaser, this is a damn fine ride—just don’t expect a neat ending.