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The Man Without a Gun
[Read by Jack Garrett]
Two stories of men trying to reckon with their violent pasts from one of Western literature's most prolific greats, Lauren Paine, whose 900 novels helped define the genre.
'' Man Without a Gun '' - Jack Swift didn't choose not to carry a gun; it chose him. After he served his sentence for horse thieving, he was told it's illegal for a former convict to wear a gun. So he went unarmed into the Arizona territory, where he found a small cattle town, settled down, and became a respected local businessman. But when Jack's young, lame friend steals a horse to run from a cruel uncle, Jack goes after him unarmed, because he knows full well that the uncle does carry a gun and won't hesitate to use it.
'' The Crescent Star '' - Another man trying his best to stay on the straight and narrow is Sadler Carrel. Once upon a time he was a notorious outlaw known as the Gila River Kid, but he left his violent past behind to work a cattle ranch, always careful to keep ''The Crescent Star,'' the only known identifying mark from his former life, carefully covered. But when the railroad comes to town, putting up fences that keep his cattle from the water and grazing land, the only one that can protect everything that Sadler Carrel built is the Gila River Kid.
Two stories of men trying to reckon with their violent pasts from one of Western literature's most prolific greats, Lauren Paine, whose 900 novels helped define the genre.
'' Man Without a Gun '' - Jack Swift didn't choose not to carry a gun; it chose him. After he served his sentence for horse thieving, he was told it's illegal for a former convict to wear a gun. So he went unarmed into the Arizona territory, where he found a small cattle town, settled down, and became a respected local businessman. But when Jack's young, lame friend steals a horse to run from a cruel uncle, Jack goes after him unarmed, because he knows full well that the uncle does carry a gun and won't hesitate to use it.
'' The Crescent Star '' - Another man trying his best to stay on the straight and narrow is Sadler Carrel. Once upon a time he was a notorious outlaw known as the Gila River Kid, but he left his violent past behind to work a cattle ranch, always careful to keep ''The Crescent Star,'' the only known identifying mark from his former life, carefully covered. But when the railroad comes to town, putting up fences that keep his cattle from the water and grazing land, the only one that can protect everything that Sadler Carrel built is the Gila River Kid.
- GenresWesterns
238 pages, Library Binding
First published December 1, 2010
About the author
Lauran Paine
318 books28 followersaka John Armour, Reg Batchelor, Kenneth Bedford, Frank Bosworth, Mark Carrel, Claude Cassady, Richard Clarke, Richard Dana, J F Drexler, Troy Howard, Jared Ingersol, John Kilgore, Hunter Liggett, J K Lucas, John Morgan (many more).
Lauran Bosworth Paine (born February 25, 1916 in Duluth, Minnesota – 2003 in California) was an American writer of Western fiction. Paine wrote over 900 books, including hundreds of Westerns as well as romance, science fiction, and mystery novels. He also wrote a number of non-fiction books on the Old West, military history, witchcraft, and other subjects.
His apprenticeship as a Western writer came about through the years he spent in the livestock trade, rodeos, and even motion pictures where he served as an extra because of his expert horsemanship.
Lauran Bosworth Paine (born February 25, 1916 in Duluth, Minnesota – 2003 in California) was an American writer of Western fiction. Paine wrote over 900 books, including hundreds of Westerns as well as romance, science fiction, and mystery novels. He also wrote a number of non-fiction books on the Old West, military history, witchcraft, and other subjects.
His apprenticeship as a Western writer came about through the years he spent in the livestock trade, rodeos, and even motion pictures where he served as an extra because of his expert horsemanship.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 3, 2019
Westerns have recently been added to my genre of reading, thanks to my hubby and his trucking career, we listened to this one this spring break. I didn't get to know what happened to Mary and Rob 🤔
May 20, 2019
Two stories, surprising and unique heroes.
The first story in this duo is a short read to bring a smile to your face. Fun characters who are not always what they seem, yet pull you in and have you cheering them on .
The second story slowly builds to an amazing climax. Not only is the hero a surprise, being an ex-con, but the author keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The language sweeps you in then kills you while the characters deep under your skin. I've been a fan of Paine's work for years. This story ranks up there with 'Holding the Ace Card' as my favorites of his. Well worth the time it takes to read, and don't skip anything or you might miss the gem that hints at what's to come.
The first story in this duo is a short read to bring a smile to your face. Fun characters who are not always what they seem, yet pull you in and have you cheering them on .
The second story slowly builds to an amazing climax. Not only is the hero a surprise, being an ex-con, but the author keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The language sweeps you in then kills you while the characters deep under your skin. I've been a fan of Paine's work for years. This story ranks up there with 'Holding the Ace Card' as my favorites of his. Well worth the time it takes to read, and don't skip anything or you might miss the gem that hints at what's to come.
September 3, 2026
If you like western this is a great one. Reminded me a lot about the movie young guns. Great plot and it was an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews