Western

Slightly different take on the usual Nester vs. Cattle Baron plot, with enough action and less introspection to keep the reader happy. I also really enjoyed the addition of Eddie Holt, who had an interesting background and more dimension than is common in this genre. I might just keep this one for another read later on. ( )

One of the few Westerns I've read with a strong secondary character who is a Black man. L'Amour treats this character respectfully. He is referred to as a 'boy' but so are other characters who are white. I see that another reviewer says the 'n' word is used. My edition uses the word Negro. It does not appear to be perjorative but is used to describe the character. L'Amour's heroes are always hard-working, honest men who do what they feel is right. The landscape is beautifully described. The story is one of rustling and murder, with some interesting twists along the way. L'Amour knows his history, knows the country, and is a good storyteller. ( )

A good dime novel. ( )

Pronto Pike and Eddie Holt hook up as partners. Pronto is a cowhand (a good one!) and Eddie is a boxer (a good one!). Together they go to Miles City, MT, and get jobs as hands to winter a herd of cattle through snow, rustlers, Montana politics, and a mysterious sniper. The two men help a brother and sister who are burned out by vigilantes, and put their own lives in danger after they are falsely accused of cattle rustling. I enjoyed [Hanging Woman Creek]. There are some racist terms (the "n" word, and the use of "boy" for Eddie) that are used for effect I believe, but the treatment of the character is respectful, although somewhat two-dimensional. As usual, L'Amour uses subtle twists throughout the plot to hold the reader, and his main character's philosophizing elevates the story above the ordinary - a common trait of L'Amour's westerns. ( )