Anyone familiar with his work will already know that McCarthy is undoubtedly the USA's greatest living author. I certainly have not read one better.

Although Blood Meridian is probably his masterpiece and one of the great books of the 20th century, the Border Trilogy is right up there with it.

Pretty Horses was a fairly light-hearted undertaking compared to the second and third instalments. The Crossing was nothing short of devastating. That ending has to rank as one of the most desolate in the history of the written word.

Cities of the Plain isn't exactly a laugh a minute either. I can only guess at what ails Mr McCarthy but the man is not given to great outpourings of joy.

Apart from that, the master does not fail us when it comes to evoking the beautiful country in which he resides. Who needs westerns when you've got McCarthy? If the image of a man on a horse has any kind of resonance for you, then he's your man.

His understanding of the relationship between man and beast is profound. One gets the feeling that he is happier in the company of horses than men.

And his descriptions of the countryside are as vivid and enduring as any painting. If you've read the first two then you will of course want to read this one. Just be prepared for the culmination.

It's a harsh blow. As usual McCarthy pulls no punches. And his disgust at the trappings of "progress" is palpable in this outing.

I just hope that the man hasn't given up on us. His is a unique voice and we can ill afford to do without it. Muchas gracias, senor. Vaya con dios.