Deal me some Westerns

Darqref · 12-18-2017, 01:08 AM

My Uncle reads only paper books. I loaned him one of my readers a couple of years ago, and he got through one book, then stalled on the next one - said he didn't like it. He has had a couple of minor strokes, and doesn't learn things very well. He never has worked with a computer, and every time I've tried to teach him, it fails.

So, the standard thing I do is, log onto his account at the library, find books and put them on hold, and then tell him when they're ready to pick up. Seems to work ok. For the past few years, he's been reading cozy mysteries. So has my Mom, but she's been legally blind, so I've been finding audio books for her. However, I do know my Uncle likes westerns, which I know nothing about. (Well, I *have* heard of Zane Grey ....)

Please recommend some Western authors (and specific books, if it matters.) Bonus points if they are a western-flavor mystery, and double bonus points if they're in the paper collection of the King County Library (kcls.org) (washington state). Old is ok, since he likes to rewatch old movies.

Minus points: Uncle Guy doesn't like excessive violence (hence the cozy mysteries), and detailed forensics are also not wanted (He likes to watch Bones, but couldn't stand the books they are based on - too gruesome)

Thanks for your suggestions.

Roger

Apache · 12-18-2017, 07:44 AM

Any Louis L'Amour book.
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/l/louis-lamour/
The Broken Gun is a modern mystery western.
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/l/l...broken-gun.htm
The Walking Drum is a historical fictional novel set in Europe and the Middle East .

Quote:

Warrior, lover, and scholar, Kerbouchard is a daring seeker of knowledge and fortune bound on a journey of enormous challenge, danger, and revenge. Across Europe, over the Russian steppes, and through the Byzantine wonders of Constantinople, Kerbouchard is thrust into the treacheries, passions, violence, and dazzling wonders of a magnificent time.
*
From castle to slave galley, from sword-racked battlefields to a princess’s secret chamber, and ultimately, to the impregnable fortress of the Valley of Assassins, The Walking Drum is a powerful adventure in an ancient world that you will find every bit as riveting as Louis L’Amour’s stories of the American West.

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/l/l...lking-drum.htm
Apache

Pulpmeister · 12-18-2017, 08:14 AM

Ones I've read that I can remember:

Shane, Jack Schaefer
Valdez is Coming, Elmore Leonard (and any other Elmore Leonard western)
Destry Rides Again, Max Brand (and other Max Brand westerns)
The Wonderful Country, Tom Lea (I remember this one because the hero had a horse caled Lagrimas ("Tears")
Oh yeah: The Virginian, by Owen Wister (1902): "When you call me that, smile..."
Wayne D Oversholser. I'm sure I read at least one by him back in the 60s.

Dr. Drib · 12-18-2017, 08:29 AM

I have no need for bonus [Karma] points.

You might take a look at the Peter Field [Brett Halliday] 'Powder Valley' series of Westerns written in the 1940s/1950s.

I read these as a teenager and loved them.

Here's a link to one of them, so you can check it out to see if the series fits your needs:

https://www.amazon.com/Sheriff-Spot-...alliday+kindle

Apache · 12-18-2017, 09:01 AM

I read and loved the Powder Valley Westerns too. Unfortunately, only 9 of the 64 seem to be available as eBooks.
Apache

Apache · 12-18-2017, 09:21 AM

William Colt MacDonald and Luke Short were another two I loved.

Shoot Him On Sight was my favorite by William Colt MacDonald.
http://mysteryfile.com/blog/?p=20940
Unfortunately it and most of his books are not available as eBooks.
Powder Smoke, The Battle at Three Cross and The Red Raider are the only ones I know that are available as eBooks.
William Colt MacDonald

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/william-colt-macdonald/
Luke Short
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/luke-short/
Apache

Dr. Drib · 12-18-2017, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apache

I read and loved the Powder Valley Westerns too. Unfortunately, only 9 of the 64 seem to be available as eBooks.
Apache

I didn't realize there were that many!

Fortunately, every one I have - 10 titles - was acquired free, due to the 'SEEMINGLY EVERYTHING IS FREE SALE' from Open Road last year.

Greg Anos · 12-18-2017, 09:36 AM

Of Louis 'Amour, I recommend Last Of The Breed. Not really a Western, but a story about an American Indian test pilot in the 1970's, captured by the Russians, and his escape and return to America. Not much violence, but a lot of man vs. nature. Arguable L'Amour's best written book.

DiapDealer · 12-18-2017, 10:03 AM

Some newer(ish) recommendations would be Robert B. Parker's Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch series (I can't personally vouch for any of the later books written under his name, but I enjoyed the ones he penned before his death).

I also enjoy the works of James D. Best, as well.

Nobody seems to have mentioned the works of Charles Portis or Elmore Leonard, yet.

Cinisajoy · 12-18-2017, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apache

William Colt MacDonald and Luke Short were another two I loved.

Shoot Him On Sight was my favorite by William Colt MacDonald.
http://mysteryfile.com/blog/?p=20940
Unfortunately it and most of his books are not available as eBooks.
Powder Smoke, The Battle at Three Cross and The Red Raider are the only ones I know that are available as eBooks.
William Colt MacDonald

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/william-colt-macdonald/
Luke Short
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/luke-short/
Apache

He said he needed paper books.

Cinisajoy · 12-18-2017, 11:27 AM

I was thinking Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.

ZodWallop · 12-18-2017, 11:38 AM

I like to read westerns, but I like books that are more gritty and violent. I also don't like westerns that are just mysteries in disguise. Having said that:

I loved Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove. I haven't read the three follow-ups yet, though I hear good things about them. But the first one is a modern classic.

Elmore Leonard's westerns have been mentioned.

Charles G. West and Jory Sherman wrote westerns that are good without being gruesome.

There's also an author, Ralph Compton who died a few years back, but continues to have westerns published. To the publisher's credit, at this point his name is a brand and the actual author gets credit on the cover. Authors writing under his banner that I've enjoyed are Marcus Galloway, Joseph West and David Robbins.

Catlady · 12-18-2017, 11:51 AM

Max Brand's Westerns. It's a shame your uncle won't read e-books, as a lot of Brand's work is cheaply or freely available in digital form, but you'd probably be able to find a lot of titles in thrift stores if your library doesn't have them.

P.S. I glanced at your library system, and it looks like it has a significant number of Max Brand's books, including many in large print, if that's a factor.

ZodWallop · 12-18-2017, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catlady

Max Brand's Westerns. It's a shame your uncle won't read e-books, as a lot of Brand's work is cheaply or freely available in digital form, but you'd probably be able to find a lot of titles in thrift stores if your library doesn't have them.

Yeah, if e-books were an option, there's always free westerns popping up in the Deals/Freebies thread.

kansaskyle · 12-18-2017, 02:42 PM

Check out James D. Best for a new writer. The Shopkeeper is the first in his "Steve Dancy Tales", which is up to four books now. I read the first book, and thought it was okay.

As mentioned, Larry McMurtry has a good "Lonesome Dove" series. Below is the chronological order with the published year in parenthesis. I enjoyed all four of these.

Dead Man's Walk (1995)
Comanche Moon (1997)
Lonesome Dove (1985)
Streets of Laredo (1993)

Also mentioned, Elmore Leonard. Check out The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard. I'm not big on short stories, but these were pretty good when I wanted something quick to read.

12-18-2017, 01:08 AM	#1
Darqref space cadet Posts: 333 Karma: 2999999 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Seattle area Device: Rocket PRO, gen3, Pocketbook360	Deal me some Westerns My Uncle reads only paper books. I loaned him one of my readers a couple of years ago, and he got through one book, then stalled on the next one - said he didn't like it. He has had a couple of minor strokes, and doesn't learn things very well. He never has worked with a computer, and every time I've tried to teach him, it fails. So, the standard thing I do is, log onto his account at the library, find books and put them on hold, and then tell him when they're ready to pick up. Seems to work ok. For the past few years, he's been reading cozy mysteries. So has my Mom, but she's been legally blind, so I've been finding audio books for her. However, I do know my Uncle likes westerns, which I know nothing about. (Well, I have heard of Zane Grey ....) Please recommend some Western authors (and specific books, if it matters.) Bonus points if they are a western-flavor mystery, and double bonus points if they're in the paper collection of the King County Library (kcls.org) (washington state). Old is ok, since he likes to rewatch old movies. Minus points: Uncle Guy doesn't like excessive violence (hence the cozy mysteries), and detailed forensics are also not wanted (He likes to watch Bones, but couldn't stand the books they are based on - too gruesome) Thanks for your suggestions. Roger

12-18-2017, 08:14 AM	#3
Pulpmeister Wizard Posts: 2,785 Karma: 29144810 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Device: kindle	Ones I've read that I can remember: Shane, Jack Schaefer Valdez is Coming, Elmore Leonard (and any other Elmore Leonard western) Destry Rides Again, Max Brand (and other Max Brand westerns) The Wonderful Country, Tom Lea (I remember this one because the hero had a horse caled Lagrimas ("Tears") Oh yeah: The Virginian, by Owen Wister (1902): "When you call me that, smile..." Wayne D Oversholser. I'm sure I read at least one by him back in the 60s. Last edited by Pulpmeister; 12-18-2017 at 08:16 AM. Reason: Typos caused by half a bottle of shiraz with my dinner...

12-18-2017, 11:51 AM	#13
Catlady Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,407 Karma: 52613881 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle Fire, Kindle Paperwhite, AGPTek Bluetooth Clip	Max Brand's Westerns. It's a shame your uncle won't read e-books, as a lot of Brand's work is cheaply or freely available in digital form, but you'd probably be able to find a lot of titles in thrift stores if your library doesn't have them. P.S. I glanced at your library system, and it looks like it has a significant number of Max Brand's books, including many in large print, if that's a factor. Last edited by Catlady; 12-18-2017 at 12:27 PM. Reason: P.S.

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12-18-2017, 08:29 AM	#4
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 45,328 Karma: 59447733 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	I have no need for bonus [Karma] points. You might take a look at the Peter Field [Brett Halliday] 'Powder Valley' series of Westerns written in the 1940s/1950s. I read these as a teenager and loved them. Here's a link to one of them, so you can check it out to see if the series fits your needs: https://www.amazon.com/Sheriff-Spot-...alliday+kindle

12-18-2017, 09:01 AM	#5
Apache Readaholic Posts: 5,253 Karma: 90000484 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Georgia Device: Surface Pro 6 / Galaxy Tab A 8"	I read and loved the Powder Valley Westerns too. Unfortunately, only 9 of the 64 seem to be available as eBooks. Apache

12-18-2017, 09:21 AM	#6
Apache Readaholic Posts: 5,253 Karma: 90000484 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Georgia Device: Surface Pro 6 / Galaxy Tab A 8"	William Colt MacDonald and Luke Short were another two I loved. Shoot Him On Sight was my favorite by William Colt MacDonald. http://mysteryfile.com/blog/?p=20940 Unfortunately it and most of his books are not available as eBooks. Powder Smoke, The Battle at Three Cross and The Red Raider are the only ones I know that are available as eBooks. William Colt MacDonald https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/william-colt-macdonald/ Luke Short https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/luke-short/ Apache

12-18-2017, 09:36 AM	#8
Greg Anos Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,492 Karma: 37057604 Join Date: Jan 2008 Device: Pocketbook	Of Louis 'Amour, I recommend Last Of The Breed. Not really a Western, but a story about an American Indian test pilot in the 1970's, captured by the Russians, and his escape and return to America. Not much violence, but a lot of man vs. nature. Arguable L'Amour's best written book.

12-18-2017, 10:03 AM	#9
DiapDealer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 28,353 Karma: 203720150 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD	Some newer(ish) recommendations would be Robert B. Parker's Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch series (I can't personally vouch for any of the later books written under his name, but I enjoyed the ones he penned before his death). I also enjoy the works of James D. Best, as well. Nobody seems to have mentioned the works of Charles Portis or Elmore Leonard, yet.

12-18-2017, 11:27 AM	#11
Cinisajoy Just a Yellow Smiley. Posts: 19,161 Karma: 83862859 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Texas Device: K4, K5, fire, kobo, galaxy	I was thinking Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.

12-18-2017, 11:38 AM	#12
ZodWallop Gentleman and scholar Posts: 11,464 Karma: 111111111 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Space City, Texas Device: Clara BW; Nook ST w/Glowlight, Paperwhite 3	I like to read westerns, but I like books that are more gritty and violent. I also don't like westerns that are just mysteries in disguise. Having said that: I loved Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove. I haven't read the three follow-ups yet, though I hear good things about them. But the first one is a modern classic. Elmore Leonard's westerns have been mentioned. Charles G. West and Jory Sherman wrote westerns that are good without being gruesome. There's also an author, Ralph Compton who died a few years back, but continues to have westerns published. To the publisher's credit, at this point his name is a brand and the actual author gets credit on the cover. Authors writing under his banner that I've enjoyed are Marcus Galloway, Joseph West and David Robbins.

12-18-2017, 02:42 PM	#15
kansaskyle Addict Posts: 245 Karma: 765530 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Austin, TX Device: Kobo Aura One & Forma, Kindle Voyage, PW, and Oasis 3	Check out James D. Best for a new writer. The Shopkeeper is the first in his "Steve Dancy Tales", which is up to four books now. I read the first book, and thought it was okay. As mentioned, Larry McMurtry has a good "Lonesome Dove" series. Below is the chronological order with the published year in parenthesis. I enjoyed all four of these. Dead Man's Walk (1995) Comanche Moon (1997) Lonesome Dove (1985) Streets of Laredo (1993) Also mentioned, Elmore Leonard. Check out The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard. I'm not big on short stories, but these were pretty good when I wanted something quick to read.

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