The Sisters Brothers by Patrick de Witt

Despite reservations I really enjoyed this book. It is a western about Eli and Charlie Sisters who work as hired killers for the mysterious Commodore. I wouldn't usually read a western but it was recommended to me by a very kind, generous, intelligent colleague so I kept an open mind and I am glad I did. This is an exciting story, which is a lot less brutal than I was expecting, and the characters are suprisingly likeable. It is also quite funny in places (in a pretty dark way) so that lightens some of the more gruesome bits. Definitely an enjoyable read.