Blood Moon

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Lore & Background

He sold his first short story and novel in 1935 under the pen name of Luke Short (which was also the name of a famous gunslinger in the Old West, although it's unclear if he was aware of that when he assumed the pen name.) His apprenticeship in the pulps was comparatively brief. In 1938, he sold a short story, "The Warning", to Collier's, and in 1941, he sold his novel Blood on the Moon, or Gunman's Chance, to The Saturday Evening Post. Some of his later novels were also serialised in the Post. His first agent was Marguerite E. Harper in New York, and later, H.N. Swanson in Los Angeles. The latter arranged to get many of his novels and short stories made into films.

In Their Own Story

After publishing over a dozen novels in the 1930s, he started writing for movies in the 1940s. In 1948 alone, four Luke Short novels appeared as movies. Among his notable film credits are Ramrod (1947) and Blood on the Moon (1948). His novel, The Whip, or Doom Cliff, was serialized in both Collier's and The Saturday Evening Post. The first two parts were published in Collier's in the December 21, 1956, and January 4, 1957, issues. Collier's then ceased publication. The Saturday Evening Post bought the rights to the remaining unpublished installment and published it on February 9, 1957. Over 35 million copies of his books had been sold by 1972. Among his fans were Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman. Short continued to write novels, despite increasing trouble with his vision, until his death in 1975. He married Florence Elder in 1934 and the couple had three children.

Reader's Guide

Luke Short's short-story collections include Luke Short's Best of the West, 1983, which includes 12 short stories: "Pull Your Freight!" (The Hangman, 1959 movie), "Gunslick Gold", "Lead Won’t Lie", "The Warning", "Bounty Hunter", "The Doctor Keeps a Promise", "High Grade", "Florida Manets West", "Court Day", "Payoff at Rain Peak", "Rough Shod", and "Top Hand." Another collection, The Marshal of Vengeance, 1986, includes six short stories: "The Marshal of Vengeance", "The Ghost Deputy of Doubletree", "Death Cold-Decks a Tinhorn", "War Fires Light the Stage Trails", "Hideout", and "Exile".

Did You Know?

• Luke Short was born Frederick Dilley Glidden on November 19, 1908, and died August 18, 1975.
• He sold his first short story and novel in 1935 under the pen name Luke Short, which was also the name of a famous gunslinger in the Old West.
• In 1948 alone, four Luke Short novels appeared as movies.
• Over 35 million copies of his books had been sold by 1972.
• Among his fans were Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman.

Origins and Anonymous Authorship

The Bourbon Kid franchise emerged from the unique circumstances surrounding its anonymous British creator, who prioritized mystery over personal fame. Initially conceived as a Western novel, the project underwent a significant transformation mid-writing to become a contemporary horror-thriller set in the modern day. The debut installment, titled The Book With No Name, faced rejection from traditional publishers because the author refused to reveal their identity and the manuscript defied standard genre classifications. Consequently, the book was first released online via Lulu.com in 2006 before finding a wider audience through Michael O'Mara Books. This unconventional path established a cult following that would eventually drive sales exceeding three million copies globally. The author's insistence on remaining nameless became a defining characteristic of the brand, creating an enigmatic aura that permeates the narrative itself and distinguishes it within the horror genre.

Narrative Premise and Antihero

At the heart of this supernatural thriller series lies the complex figure of the Bourbon Kid, an antihero whose life is irrevocably altered during his teenage years. After consuming tainted alcohol, he transforms into a supernatural serial killer, setting him on a dark path that blends elements of horror with action. As the story progresses across multiple volumes, the protagonist finds himself pursued by various factions while simultaneously attempting to thwart the malevolent schemes of numerous villains. The narrative scope expanded significantly in 2013 with the introduction of another serial killer character known as The Red Mohawk. These two distinct figures eventually crossed paths in a collaborative effort within the novel The Plot to Kill the Pope, published in 2015. This evolution demonstrates the series' ability to weave intricate plots involving multiple antagonists and allies while maintaining its core focus on supernatural crime and high-stakes survival.

Global Reach and Fan Influence

The series has achieved remarkable international success, with translations available in Spanish, French, German, Polish, and English, reflecting a broad global appeal. A pivotal moment in the franchise's history occurred when fans played a direct role in bringing a shelved manuscript to light. The author had temporarily halted work on the fourth book, The Book of Death, citing that the writing process had become too unpleasant. However, a dedicated Facebook campaign by enthusiasts convinced the creator to complete and release the novel. It was first published in France before being distributed in German, English, and Spanish markets. This interaction highlights a unique relationship between the author and their readership, where fan advocacy directly influenced the publication schedule. The series also saw creative expansion through a collaborative short story in 2011, featuring the Bourbon Kid alongside other notable French writers in a magazine contribution.

Adaptation Efforts and Future Projects

The commercial success of the books has sparked significant interest from Hollywood producers seeking to translate the story to screen. In 2011, Don Murphy acquired the film rights with plans for a feature-length movie, though this evolved into a television project titled Pulp developed by Fox Television Studios in 2012. Interest continued to grow with reports in 2014 that Tobey Maguire and Alexandra Milchan were producing an adaptation of The Red Mohawk spin-off. By 2015, Belga Films had initiated development on a film based specifically on the original novel, The Book With No Name. Beyond adaptations, the bibliography continues to expand with new titles released regularly, including recent entries like Killing The Elite in 2023 and an upcoming release titled The Return of Hitler scheduled for 2025. These ongoing developments suggest the franchise remains a vibrant and evolving entity within the horror landscape.