Western Annotation: The Rustlers of West Fork by Louis L'Amour

The Rustlers of West Fork
By: Louis L'Amour







Synopsis: The trail-hardened Hopalong Cassidy is tasked with delivering a large amount of bank notes to his long-time friend Dick Jordan. Upon arrival at the Jordan's ranch, Hopalong discovers that Jordan and his daughter, Pam, are being held captive by a notorious group of outlaws, but Hopalong, no stranger to danger himself, isn't going to take this injustice lying down.

Genre: Western

Pace: Fast-paced

Characteristics that make it a Western:

• Hero is a loner, arriving to right wrongs and move on
• Descriptions of landscapes and terrain frame the book
• Fast-paced and action-packed
• Traditional story line centered on lawlessness of Old West

Read-a-likes:

• Any other L'Amour western (there are plenty to choose from)
• Butch Cassidy by William W. Johnstone
• Six Guns and Double Eagles by Ralph Compton
• High Wild Desert by Ralph W. Cotton

My Thoughts: It pains me to do so, but I have to only give this book the Rising Tide award. Confession time: I love reading westerns, especially Louis L'Amour. I actually own all of his books (but not read all of them); a collection that began many years ago. However, I as I have grown up, I have come to realize that the writing leaves much to be desired which is why I have to knock it down a notch. A few years ago, and I would have given this book a Highwater Mark. That said, I still love westerns. After reading more serious novel, it is nice to read something relaxing and fun, which L'Amour always delivers. The stories are fast and always entertaining, making up for their predictability. This particular book is the first in a series of four, and was originally published under a pen name, Tex Burns. If you enjoy daydreaming of the dusty old west and showdowns at high noon, then you will never be disappointed in a Louis L'Amour western. If you want to give one a try, just ask. I'm happy to recommend.