Westerns in 2024 - L'Amour and Beyond

This year we'll do a Westerns thread, any western author you wish to read is welcome.

Here's some suggestions from fuzzi:

Elmer Kelton
AB Guthrie
Glenn Balch
Max Brand
Forrest Carter
Will James
Elmore Leonard
Jack Schaefer
James Willard Schultz
Charles Alden Seltzer
Robert Parker
Conrad Richter
James Alexander Thom
Owen Wister
Dee Brown
Tony Hillerman
Larry McMurtry
Zane Grey
William W. Johnstone

And from the ladies:
Bess Streeter Aldrich
Patricia MacLachlan
Mary O'Hara
Mary Doria Russell (Doc etc.)
Elinore Pruitt Stewart

And my current favorite western author: C.J. Petit.

Added this thread to the group wiki!

>2 drneutron: Thanks!

>1 SilverWolf28: >2 drneutron: thanks to both of you!

Shelley Gray writes western romance that's pretty good. I've read two in her Texan "Heart of a Hero" series.

And I forgot William Donohue Ellis! I read one book of his, Jonathan Blair: Bounty Lands Lawyer. I saw it at the public library, on the discard table, and the COVER grabbed my interest. It turned out to be a four star read for me.

Here's my response to a query: "What is a Western?"

If a book takes place from the midwest US and beyond, on ranches or farms, about pioneers, homesteaders, explorers, all can be categorized as "Westerns".

I just went looking online for a simple definition of a western, and I was not impressed. The Wikipedia writers seem to have accepted a extremely limited stereotypical description. Another website declared that westerns are about "white people". L'Amour has non-white characters in his stories, even protagonists, and is not the only author to do so.

This definition is better:

What Is the Western Genre?
Western is a literature, film, and television genre. Westerns are primarily set in the American Old West between the late eighteenth century and late nineteenth century and tell the stories of cowboys, settlers, and outlaws exploring the western frontier and taming the Wild West.

The History of the Western Genre
Western novels emerged as a popular genre in the late 1800s. The first widely-read Western novel was The Virginian by Owen Wister, published in 1902. Other early Western fiction writers include Zane Grey, Ernest Haycox, and Louis L’Amour.

Western novels peaked in the 1960s and lost readership shortly after in the 1970s due to oversaturation of the Western genre on television and in movies. As western films lost popularity, so did western novels.

Actually that's not entirely true. L'Amour's books have been constantly in print, and other authors have continued to turn out books about The West, whether set in the past or current time.

How Did Western Genre Translate to Film?
The Western was the most popular film genre in Hollywood for decades. Westerns emerged during the silent film era in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. They experienced a revival in the late 1930s, which ushered in a golden age for Westerns that lasted into the 1970s. In the 1950s, Hollywood produced more Western movies than all other genres combined. During this time, actors like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood and directors like Howard Hawks and Sam Peckinpah became household names.

What Makes Westerns Different From Other Genres?
A Western novel is shaped and driven by the main characteristic of the genre: the setting in the American West during the second half of the nineteenth century. While not all Western novels are necessarily set during this time period, they all involve elements of the period and rely on the characteristics of the American frontier era, like cowboys, pioneers, and Native Americans. The characters, settings, and themes of Western novels are highly specific and belong exclusively to the Western genre.

What Are the Common Characteristics of Western Novels?
Westerns are defined by their genre-specific characters and settings. The essential elements of a western are:

Cowboys
Bad guys like criminals, outlaws, or bandits
The lawlessness of the region and era
Sheriffs
Native Americans
Western settlers or pioneers
References to the American Civil War
Descriptions of wilderness and vast landscapes
Ranches
Saloons
Railways
Shootouts and duels
Revenge

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-western-novel-definition-of-the-w...

I want to add a couple of recommendations too, although I certainly bow to Fuzzi's more complete knowledge.

The Edge books of George G. Gilman are great, but pretty violent reads.
J.T. Edson was another prolific writer in the genre.
Interestingly they were both British authors but the books are pretty good in my opinion.

Terry C. Johnston is another who wrote some quite sweeping books and I have his book Winter Rain on the shelves.

This thread is an excellent idea, Silver.

>7 PaulCranswick: thank you for your suggestions.

Please feel free to join us with any read you feel qualifies.

My pick for January:


The Big Sky by A. B Guthrie Jr

ETA: Can't find it...

Since I cannot locate my choice for January, I have picked another:

Indian Saddle-Up by Glenn Balch

I have chosen AND located a February read:

Hard Trail to Follow by Elmer Kelton

That one also fits the AlphaKIT challenge of both "E" and "F"!

>9 fuzzi: By an odd coincidence I can't find my copy either, nor Mountain Medicine (The Big It). That's what I get for reorganizing my shelves the last couple months. I do have the Way West handy though. I don't think I'll get to a western this month but I hope to read one at least every other month this year.

>11 RBeffa: weird.

I look forward to seeing your reads, and those of others who decide to explore this genre.

Started on a slim Max Brand, Silvertip's Chase

Indian Saddle-up by Glenn Balch

A "what if" explanation tale, of an 18th century young Comanche who discovered horses that had escaped from their Spanish owners. The introduction of a better method of hunting and fighting changed the Comanche way of life forever. It's respectfully written, without graphic violence, so suitable for pre-teens and up. I enjoyed it, and will keep it on my shelves for another read.

Just finished Silvertip's Chase by Max Brand. First published in 1933 makes it about 90 years old. If I was to give the book a title I might call it Frosty the Timberwolf. Parts of the story including the first chapter are told from Frosty's viewpoint. Later in the book we have him talking to his mate etc. It is a different book and I enjoyed most of it a lot, Good for at least 3 stars. The end was a little unexpected but I won't be spoilery.

I have not read a Max Brand novel in many years. That might have been a mistake because it was kind of a comfort read - easy to read and follow with a lot of good descriptions.

>15 RBeffa: I'm not sure I've read any Max Brand.

>16 fuzzi: Our library has quite a few books and audiobooks by Brand and I am pretty sure I have some of his stories in western anthologies that I have not read. I should probably write a proper review for the book before I forget things about it.

>17 RBeffa: if you do write a "proper review" please post it here.

Silvertip's Chase by Max Brand, finished January 19, 2024, 3+ stars



This story has a copyright date of 1933 so it is 90 years old as I read it. It is also the 7th book in a series featuring Jim Silver. I have not read any of the prior books in the series so I may have been at a slight disadvantage in understanding who Jim Silver and his stallion Parade are. Here he has been on the trail of two outlaws for a very long time. However the story begins before we meet Jim Silver, as it opens with a timberwolf who is a giant of his kind and is notorious in the area he lives. He has a $2000 bounty on his head and feeds at will on the ranch livestock in the valley below the mountain range he frequents. He has a very large reputation and has been named Frosty. A trapper has come a thousand miles to trap him and after six months he has failed to get him. The story begins with Frosty more or less telling us about things. Then we switch to the trapper, Bill Gary, who has laid a careful set of traps for Frosty. And it works. And in the words of Bill Gary, he got Frosty and Frosty got him.

There are many parts to the story that are quickly laid out with this beginning and the rest of the novel deals with some nasty bad guys, and a couple good guys. I got a kick out of the parts of the story told by Frosty. One chapter opens like this: "She was tall. She was beautiful. She moved with a light and delicate grace. There was bright humor and good nature in her eyes. And Frosty loved her the moment he set eyes on her in the moonlight of that glade." So begins the part of the story where Frosty finds his mate.

There are good descriptions of the people and the land in this western and I found it to be a good read.

I read a small bit of a very early Max Brand book from the library and it was a bit too over the top for my taste. The Silvertip book has really got me wanting to read more in that series so I am going to hit a few book sales and hope I get lucky.

I have just started on The Searchers by Alan LeMay. Actually I haven't started the actual story because I am reading through 40 pages of bonus material in my edition about the making of the movie with John Wayne and Harry Carey. I may actually watch the dvd before I get too far. I have a high regard for the film.

Last night I discovered my missing A B Guthrie books hidden in plain sight so to speak. So later this year sometime I will get to one or two of them hopefully.

>20 RBeffa: if I find cheap/free Max Brand I will definitely give him a try.

I still can't find The Big Sky, so I'll just read the Elmer Kelton I chose for next month.

I read an article hailing Elmer Kelton's The Time it Never Rained as the greatest western novel of all time. I searched for it on ebay & ended up buying a huge lot (29 books) - all Kelton. I wouldn't call it "the greatest" but thought it was a fine one.

For January, I've read Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry and Kelton's Joe Pepper. I'll be working through that Kelton paperback pile for quite some time & will read the rest of the Lonesome Dove books this year as well.

>22 ChrisG1: I have never read Kelton that I can recall. I do hope to read dead man's walk and Comanche moon, maybe, by year's end.

>22 ChrisG1: I have a stack of Keltons I've been working through. He is darker than L'Amour at times.

The Good Old Boys was very good.

The Searchers by Alan Le May, finished this morning, February 4, 2024, 4 - 4 1/2 stars



There are a number of slow parts in this novel, which is not a short book. It is however one of the best westerns I have read. Not in the class of a Lonesome Dove, but way above the usual. I had to read it slowly because it is rather nightmare inducing at the beginning. Several chapters a day worked best for me. This story really tears at you. I have not re-watched the film yet but I intend to. I may add a few comments later. The story in the film is a bit different than the book. The end of the book and film are different. From memory I thought the film end was better, although there is some character switching. The end was unexpected here. Reading this was a rather immersive experience.

I picked up a couple Elmore Leonards to read this year, Hombre and The Bounty Hunters. Two good westerns have whet my appetite for more.

>25 RBeffa: wow, nice write-up, and no spoilers. It's appreciated.

>26 fuzzi: Thanks. I did watch the film this evening, about two thirds of it. I skipped through some of the middle. There are word for word moments in the book to the film. The film vividly brings the landscape to life which is the big plus but I strongly prefer the story as it was told in the book. I am glad I read it.

Decided not to read guthrie's the big sky. Too raw for me is the simple way to put it. Probably very realistic about the way it was in 1830.

Just started Dry Bones by Craig Johnson. Would you consider the Longmire books to be Westerns? Granted, it's modern times, but it's a Wyoming lawman, indians, guns, ranches. I think of it as a modern western.

>29 ChrisG1: why not?

>28 RBeffa: I'd like to try reading it, just can't locate my copy.

Next book in the queue is Hard Trail to Follow by Elmer Kelton.

>29 ChrisG1: I definitely would consider them to be Westerns.

Check out this post, about Mary Doria Russell and her book Epitaph:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/356590#8412581

FWIW, I gave Epitaph four stars.

>32 fuzzi: I liked Doc ok - 3 1/2 stars. I received Epitaph as a Christmas gift when it was newish - 5 or 6 years ago. I didn't get very far in it and didn't leave any notes for myself as I often do. Gave the book away. I've read several of Russell's books and some I like and some I don't. I really liked, almost loved, her Dreamers of the Day.

Hard Trail to Follow by Elmer Kelton

Elmer Kelton writes good stories, but this one is a cut above his usual. In the seventh installment of the Texas Rangers series we are back with Andy Pickard, former Texas Ranger. He is facing domestic issues when outlaws escape after shooting one of Andy's friends. This is the story not only of Andy reenlisting and tracking one of the outlaws, but also shows the perspective of the outlaw himself, and it is very well done. You don't need to read the previous books but the story will make a little more sense if you're familiar with the characters.

This one is staying on the shelves for a future reread.

The March CalendarCAT challenge could be completed by reading a book by Louis L'Amour, as his birthday was in March.

I think I'll look over the L'Amours on my shelves that I've read but not reviewed. I'm a completist. :)

Aaaand I found one I'd not reviewed!


Kid Rodelo by Louis L'Amour

Read The Buckskin Line by Elmer Kelton last week & just finished Comanche Moon by Larry McMurtry. Both fine reads & recommended.

Kid Rodelo by Louis L'Amour

An ex-con, a few escaped prisoners, and a mysterious woman head into the desert with gold in their saddlebags, a posse of Yaquis on their trail. Will they survive the harsh desert, or will the lust for riches decimate their ranks before their pursuers can?

Good straightforward adventure story.

>37 ChrisG1: I have enjoyed the Texas Ranger series, have a couple more to read.

Other Men's Horses by Elmer Kelton

An engaging narrative of a young Texas Ranger on the trail of a man who allegedly killed a horse thief. There are several side plots that don't confuse but enrich the story, including a woman in search of her husband, and a Buffalo Soldier on the run for the shooting of a white man. It's a really good tale, recommended even if you've not read any previous books in the series.

Note: the Non-fiction challenge in May is "Wild, Wild West". It can be modern or historical, as long as it's a NON fiction book.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/359679#8488103

Think this will be my choice:


The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin - (ROOT)

Just finished Conagher by L'Amour. It was a fast read since I enjoyed the story quite a bit. I think I read it too fast tho because I must have missed the place where someone I thought was a friend of Conagher came after him. I'll hold on to this novel and maybe read it again before too long. I'm going to go back through parts to see where Kris Mahler went from buddy to bad guy. One of L'Amour's better stories. Happy ending although I wished we got a little more time with the happy part! 3 1/2 stars

eta: I quickly found the place where Mahler and Conagher confronted each other. I must have been falling asleep or something when I read those pages, or possible skipped a page. I dunno! This is a good story though.

>40 fuzzi: I'm enjoying this same series - just finished The Way of the Coyote last week.

I want to recommend author Bobby Underwood for his fantastic Wild Country Series, and for the best western I've ever read, "Winsome Creek".

>42 RBeffa: that is my most favorite L'Amour. There's something about Evie and Conn...

The movie with Sam Elliott and Katherine Ross is delightful, and almost as good as the book.

>43 ChrisG1: I think they get better as the series goes on.

>45 fuzzi: The notes in the tumbleweeds killed me. I will look for the movie.

Finished Lonesome Dove, I believe for the 4th time - roughly once for each of the past 4 decades. To me, this is the greatest western novel of all time & I'd be hard pressed to think of a better novel of any kind, period.

I just finished Conagher. Thanks to those who mentioned it, I haven't read it in a really long time and had actually forgotten most of it.