The Killing Man

“The Killing Man” contains Western tropes found in films like “Unforgiven,” but its structure is closer to pulse pounding thrillers like “Seven.” The story is about John Morrison, a Mexican war veteran and bounty hunter, who arrives in 1849 Gold Rush San Francisco after tracking a band of outlaws. Morrison is set to retire after years as a hired gun, but he reluctantly agrees to one last job after his old war buddy is savagely killed. Before long, however, Morrison realizes this will not be like any bounty he's ever claimed. With help from the coroner, William “Doc” Barker, he pieces together a terrifying puzzle using early forensics -- someone is killing men with military backgrounds in a serialized manner. As Morrison sinks deeper into the city's underbelly, he is taunted by the elusive killer and harassed by the vindictive sheriff and other unsavory characters. But nothing prepares Morrison for what he learns next -- HE is on the killer's list. With only his will to survive intact, Morrison confronts the killer in an epic climax, but it proves to be more shocking than he could have ever imagined. With time running out, Morrison must defeat his nemesis, or face an unimaginable fate.