Arma Del Diablo The Colt of Destiny

 

"Arma Del Diablo The Colt of Destiny" by award-winning author Manuela Schneider is a brilliantly constructed novel, published by Wolfpack Publishing.  The plot is shrouded in mystery and murder with biblical connections delivering numerous twists and turns that span over 100 years in search of a cursed weapon Colt 45 Arma Del Diablo, the weapon of Satan. Well, I was hooked right from the start and read the entire book start to finish in one sitting.

Much speculation still exists today on outlaw Johnny Ringo's death. Was it really suicide or could have one of the 4 men who wanted to see him dead commit the crime. Johnny's Colt 45 has been historically documented to be laying near his body when discovered at Turkey Creek and later returned to his family members with his possessions. Schneider's imaginative writing bursts with creativity as she weaves a brand new story with the disappearance of Colt 45 from the body. And from that moment forward the blue Colt 45 takes on a life of its own in a compelling story that passes through many decades. As in most westerns there exists a battle between good and evil but Schneider has incorporated another element, the battle of God against evil-Satan with ensuing human tragedies for those who have possessed the weapon.

Michael Kent, the protagonist, is one of the most sought-after experts on firearms. His goal was to build up his reputation, earn enough money and then move back home again to build his dream house next to his parents in Montana. His new contract from a mysterious wealthy client Gorgo Conway who wants to own this Colt 45 at no matter what the cost would be a lucrative job. Michael is uneasy about accepting the job.

Michael's research begins with reading all the material that his client gave him, including both diaries of the Spanish priest and young gunsmith Ludwig, the designer of the weapon and the object of Michael's search. Due to the age of the weapon, called the Peacemaker, which was produced before 1876, the search becomes extensive with so many years gone by. Michael learns this curse all started with young Ludwig who designed the gun and continues to the last known person to have possession of it, the priest Padre de la Vega. He was the one who had given the last rites to the young Mexican boy that had used the gun to kill his father. Michael's search for the truth leads him from the US to Europe, back to Connecticut, and then to California. With the invaluable help of the Benedictine Monks at Abbey Monastery in Einsiedeln, Switzerland to the Abbey Santa Domingo de Silos in Spain Michael gains new insights. He begins to connect biblical pieces: Michael the Archangel, his battle with Satan, the cursed weapon, and Gorgo Conway. The end of the story leaves open-ended possibilities for another book.

The story moves at a breathtaking pace with multiple revelations. Schneider certainly knows her craft, how to hook her readers keeping them engaged as they figure out connections, clues, and motives. It's a thoughtfully written and intriguing book making it a very enjoyable read.

Manuela Schneider (https://manuelaschneider.com)

As someone born and raised in Germany, author Manuela Schneider’s love of American Native and Western history might be surprising to some. But her fascination with pioneer life, cowboy heroes, and treacherous outlaws have been her constant companion for as long as she can remember.

As a child, Schneider recalls being mesmerized by American TV shows like Gun Smoke, Little House on the Prairie, and Bonanza. In her adult years, Schneider fueled her deep interest in the American West by traveling to the US and visiting historic sites like Tombstone, Monument Valley, and Kanab, UT. After experiencing the wild beauty of the Southwest firsthand, her desire to write stories of love, struggle, and survival in the Wild, Wild West became even stronger.

After leaving a successful career designing motorcycle fashion for the European market, Schneider penned her first Western fiction novel in 2017. To date, Schneider has written and published three books that feature strong female characters who are immersed in a battle against hardship, mystery, and deception while searching for true love and a better life. Her newest book "Arma del Diablo Colt of Destiny" is a departure from her other books with a male protagonist.

Author Notes Shared With Readers

• I hope readers will take away from reading my book a more positive view of the Roman Catholic Church with its acts of charity and good work rather than being influenced by negative media attention. 
• Family is the most important stronghold. Fighting and dissension among family members can ultimately cause irreversible damage within the family.   
• Writing and creating my own stories and my own world touches my heart and makes me feel complete. I cannot always influence my own destiny, but I sure can in my books. Life is influenced by so many aspects but in a book, I am the one who influences my character's destiny.
• I have always been into history and can use everything I learned about cultures, countries, and history when I write. Research is fun because I can continuously learn while researching. 
  
                           Monastery Einsiedeln in Einsiedeln, Switzerland

Manuela's cousin is a Benedictine monk there. She was able to study some books in their library for research when writing the novel. 

Einsiedeln Library 
All photos submitted by author