Customer Reviews

Ralph Compton: The Convict Trail (Thorndike Western I)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Joseph A. West has written a great western: spartan, violent, unrelenting, The Convict Trail stands above expectations and underscores why tales of the Old West still stand the test of time. Yes, all the elements are there--and for good reason. Many men of the west had lived through things most could never imagine today; many, like Logan Kane, were haunted by tragedies and failures. Some, like Kane, possessed the iron to live by a strict code of savagery and honor, a strange dichotomy known among men who have been through the fires of combat. Kane feels honest and real--not as much a hero of legend than a skilled, stubborn gunman with no bend in him--a man who knows who he is and is trying to change. He's a compelling figure written by a man who knows his subject. The focused, concise prose and lean plotting, the rich secondary characters and the black humor throughout the book make this a thrilling read that deserves a broader audience. Unlike so many westerns, Kane is challenged and tested to the bone. He earns our respect.

So does author, Joseph A. West.

I will be buying more of his novels.

I began reading Ralph Compton books recently, having read most of the Louis L'Amour westerns. It states that the Compton books are written in the same style as L'Amour, so I decided to give them a try. They definitely are in the L'Amour style....but they have far more intense descriptions of atrocities occurring in the story lines than the L'Amour books contain. If you can get beyond this...and I decided to as the descriptions are made briefly, and the action moves on...the stories are unbelievably good! And, in the style of L'Amour, they do not contain 'offensive cursing/swearing language' that so many other western authors use. Happily, I have discovered these as 'the westerns' of choice!! These books are page turners, difficult to put down, and as you finish one you are anxious to begin another. You'll not be disappointed!

This is my first time reading any of Ralph Compton books. I have found it a very interesting read. The marshal is a tough guy, kills a lot of men that get in his way without much regret. This tough guy starts show some changes in him self as the story moves forward.

I will read more of his books.

WRD