"Jessie Outlaw Queen" is a bit more focused than "Eerie" in that we really only follow one character's adventure instead of five. This gives the readers an opportunity to explore just who is Jessie Hanks is, and how she will find out what being a grown woman is all about. That is the theme that runs through this and the previous story; the constant struggle for self identity and the fear of losing it.

The relationships that develop in this story grow over a great period of time. In some ways that is more gratifying than reading about a character who has just changed sex and is almost immediately looking for men to play with. The mental shift of Jesse into Jessie is extremely subtle, but the process does move forward whether you realize it or not. One of the scenes I love the most is when Jessie is forced to deal with a cranky baby in her arms. A ruthless outlaw would hardly sing to the child, and I doubt that the child and all those around would've reacted so positively. It shows maternal instincts that are far more dominant at that point, and it shows a possible future mother what to expect.

I almost feel foolish complaining about this, especially since it is quite obvious that both Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson have already written a tremendous amount of literature in regard to the Eerie saga. Still, after having finished this story, I find there are so many unanswered questions that I would love to see resolved.

The first is Jessie, here is this pretty woman who will probably get married to Paul, but there are still some things that could be explored. She has a wonderful voice, at least everybody thinks so. So, could a young pretty thing like her make a good living as a professional singer? I don't really know because western life, especially how women lived, isn't something I know much about. But since you already have a professional cook (Maggie), a professional card player (Bridget), and ummm…a lady of the night (Wilma), then why not a have professional singer like Jessie? Couldn't she be the singer for that band that was formed? Surely they might have some need for her talent, and I'd dare say that people might actually pay money to see and hear her sing, perhaps start up a theatre?

Another thing to consider is what Hanna currently has in her possession. She has no idea that what Jessie gave her is in fact stolen property. What if the jewelry was much more than a simple trinket? What if the husband who mailed that gift had insisted on hiring a detective to hunt it down because it was a valuable family heirloom? That could cause problems for Hanna, Jessie, and Paul on many different levels. Just when things look like a happy ending it may yet fall apart.

And get Maggie out of the kitchen and into Ramon's arms! ^-^  She's so busy cooking in the kitchen that she's forgotten how to cook in bed. And a poor fellow like Ramon shouldn't have to wait forever to find happiness for himself. Perhaps…you could….give Maggie a bit of competition. Maggie might not think she is a woman, but if she thinks another woman is out to take her man, then maybe that will get her riled up. Nothing like a woman scorned I say.

These are suggestions that could all fit together nicely into one fairly decent story. I'd loved to read it if you did go for it, but I certainly understand not wanting to take on yet another story.

Kim.

Very well done Ellie.  Quite a pleasant read, I hope you have more in the works.

(:O) Robyn (O:)