The Chili Queen: A Novel

Something smells at the Chili Queens's house of ill repute, and it's not in the kitchen. The Chili Queen is a tale about a tough as nails madam with a tender heart who takes in an abandoned bride, who repays her by turning her well-ordered life upside down. At times hilarious, at times tender, even sad, the Chili Queen is a colorful adventure of the old west filled with ladies of the night, bank robbers, and con artists. Sandra Dallas's wonderful prose recreates the honky-tonk atmosphere of frontier towns. Her West is dry and dirty, a hopeless place where one can only expect a hard-scrabble existence. Everybody has a past that has brought them to their present, and some of the stories are hallowing. Rape, incest, murder, bigotry, and war are part of life, and influences the paths that people end up taking. However, this is not a tale of victims, but triumph. Each character uses what life has dumped on them, carving out a niche, trying to find a spot to thrive. Nobody appears as they seem, and despite living on the wrong side of the law, even the most corrupted inhabitants have a conscience. This was an interesting book, and while I guessed some of the intentions of the characters, I missed others. I was entertained and well as surprised by the outcome.

I am a lover of Sandra Dallas' books, especially _The Diary of Mattie Spenser_. Those who love western novels written in the 1800's should check out her work._The Chili Queen_ takes place in Nalgitas, New Mexico in the 1860's. It is fairly evident from the start that someone is trying to swindle someone. The roof over most of them is called The Chili Queen, which is basically your standard bed bug infected whorehouse. The characters are colorful and entertaining enough to keep the novel lively. There is Addie, a buxom madame in charge of her "girls'" in the house of compromised repute. Meet Ned Partner, her lover and known outlaw/bankrobber/hustler-but nice guy. Also, pathetic Emma, a gawky helpless spinster left at the altar by a mail order husband and her abusive brother, John, who apparantly has sold her to some guy and likewise cheated her of her rightful inheritance. Most notable, a black slave employed as the housemother of the Chili Queen named Welcome reigns considerable authority over the group.The ultimate question is that something is going on, and someone is doing something not right, but who is it, and is it a he or she?A purely entertaining novel, this will not change your life or be the best book you have ever read, but it is fun and worth the time. Enjoy.

Sandra Dallas is one of my very favorite authors. She doesn't write in series, and each one is like another gem, totally different from the last. The Chili Queen reminded me a little of the movie "Maverick," one of my all-time faves. The characters were so intriguing, and the main characters each had a section of the book, where you learned their backstory and motivation for their actions. There were so many twists, and it was impossible to know the full story until the very end, although there were hints dropped here and there. There was a graphic part that was hard to stomach; it provided the emotion needed, but still. . .I could have done with a lesser description. Sensitive people, be warned.

If you are a previous reader of Sandra Dalla, get ready to enjoy this fast paced book with many surprises at the end.Addie French is the raciest character yet to grace the pages of a novel by Sandra Dallas. She could be her own Lifetime movie special.Once again Sandra Dallas paints a detailed picture of the basis of this book. You can literally taste the chilly and feel the heat and dust. She is one of my favorite authors because of her use of detail.Great book for a road trip or lying at the pool. I think everyone should read it. It's a quick read that teaches a little history while still giving you a juicy plot. But, I would suggest reading one of her earlier books first. Persian Pickle Club is a great place to start. Chili Queen will intrique it's readers. But, don't be surprised if you throw the book down at the end mad like I did. The ending really does surprise you. If anyone can see the end coming then they should think about writing their own book.

I enjoyed it. I read a lot so this time in history is alway fun for me. Takes place after the Civil War in TX and CO. Featuring women that earned ttheir living in a "boarding house". Plus stealing from people they knew or banks. Had several twist to the plot which kept you on your toes.

This novel was completely unexpected with every page turn. It evoked so many different emotions throughout. This is one book I did not figure out right away which was so fun to read because of the unexpected twists it took.I would fully recommend reading this novel! Wow, what a terrific book. I plan on reading another by this highly creative author.

I was very pleased with this book as I found the plot very well done and original. Perhaps I have been reading too much cookie cutter historical romance but found this book refreshing. I look forward to reading more by this author.

My 2nd book by this author. This genre is pretty far outside my norm, but I did enjoy reading it. The multiple perspectives and surprises throughout was not difficult to navigate. A touch of darkness keeps things interesting.

Sandra Dallas is one of my favourite Authors. This story was not up to par as per her usual books.