Customer Reviews

The Rustlers of West Fork: A Hopalong Cassidy Novel

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

 

 

This is my first experience with a Hopalong Cassidy novel, and can't say I enjoyed it as much as the Sackett novels or some of Lamour's other work.

Hopalong Cassidy realized that an old friend is in need of some help. Dick Jordan and his daughter Pam are being held prisoner on their own ranch by some of the hired help. The villains are intent on taking over the ranch entirely, and they are using the threat of violence to gain Jordan's signature on documents that will hold up to external scrutiny once the ranch changes hands.

Hopalong rides into town as a lone gunman, but he is eventually joined by a couple of old friends, as well as some locals who have been living in fear of the oppressive Avery Sparr.

I did like many things about this book. The pacing and narrative are both done with the characteristic Lamour flair for mastery, and there are plenty of rootin tootin action scenes. I also appreciated some of the creative solutions that Hopalong applies to the unique situations in which he finds himself.

But for me, the story ultimately fell flat because I didn't feel for the characters, not even Hopalong himself. There are just too many convenient outcomes to Hopalong's risky decisions, most notably when he faces down an entire room full of outlaws whose purpose is to kill him. Things are just a little too pat for my liking.

If you're a Lamour fan, by all means read this as part of his canon, but if you're trying him out for the first time, you might want to start somewhere else.

If you enjoy a good western, does it get any better than Louis L'Amour? The man knows his cattle, saloons, cowpokes, and gunslingers, and ol' Hopalong is definitely a 'slinger.

L'Amour books are classics - in the western sense - and this one doesn't disappoint at all. It's certainly not the type of book that you'll need to find the corresponding Cliffs Notes in order to understand what's going on, but it's still enjoyable, entertaining, and classic. Appreciate this book for what's it is: a wonderful piece of western literature that makes for a light and fun read.

His Writing are the real thing! The characters are written so realisitc and not too super-human..... Mulford's stories of Hopalong make you feel like your reading about a real person form the past....

An excellent western! Louis L'Amour is such a compelling storyteller, and this novel is one of his number one BEST!!! Although almost all his books are great, this one is especially good because there is not a lot of language, nor is there any adult insinuations.

As always Louis L'Amour proves to be one of the best story tellers ; in the history of Hopalong Cassidy he succeeds to give life to a true heroe.

One of Louis L'amours best. The whole hopalong Cassidy list is great reading for both young and old.

Originally came out under Louis L'Amour's "Tex Burns" pseudonym...

Your standard romp with "Hoppy". Amazingly good and easy read for a 55 year-old novel.

About 9 out of 10 for Hopalong Cassidy novels.

The book stunk through the mailbox!!! I had to keep it out in the garage. I hope it airs out before next year. I'd be embarassed to carry it in public. The seller must smoke 24 hours a day, and blow all that smoke into the books they sell.

A great book in typical Louis L'Amour style. For a western fan, this is a must get!