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Maverick Queen
After his partner is killed during a card game, Linc Bradway goes to South Pass, Wyoming, to find the killer. But South Pass is overrun with gamblers and gunslingers, and Bradway's search leads him straight into the bloody action where he finds he's going to need much more than a gun to stay alive.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1950
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 11, 2024
In the shadowy realm of an 1870s cattle town, this Zane Grey novel unfolds like a weathered map leading to uncharted territory. Unlike the more familiar landscapes of his earlier works, this tale bears a dark undertone that settles like a storm cloud over South Pass, Wyoming, only to culminate in a last chapter that leaves you breathless, grappling with the complexities of human frailty.
The protagonist, Linc Bradway, a cowboy molded by the dust of Nebraska and the fire of resolve, embarks on a harrowing quest to uncover the truth behind the death of his best friend. His arrival in South Pass is a descent into a world fraught with deception and moral ambiguity. Linc believes with every fiber of his being that Jimmy Weston was murdered, and he aims to find out who and why.
As Linc sits in on a game of poker, he encounters Kit Bandon, the intoxicating Maverick Queen, whose beauty is rivaled only by the dangerous secrets she harbors. Her sultry dark eyes hold a tempest of temptation, and Linc can’t help but feel the pull of her enigmatic nature. Yet, the tension is palpable, thick as the dust in the air, as he senses the shadows that cloak her past and the murmurings of her cowboy companions.
Then, in a twist of fate, he meets Lucy, Kit’s niece, and is swept away by a love that ignites the flames of passion and purpose. He suddenly finds himself torn between desire and the urgent need for justice. The stakes rise higher when Kit pursues his affections like a hungry cougar unaccustomed to being denied.
“‘Lordy! I never felt this way before,’ mused the Nebraskan, falling into his old habit of talking to himself. ‘Trying to dodge Kit’s advances and to court Lucy’s love would just about make a man balmy if it wasn’t that I’ve got the fight of my life on my hands.’
Fight indeed, for his own life, for his friend’s good name, for love that called with all the tenderness and insistence and fire-filmed enchantment of this valley. The surroundings seemed as boundless as his emotions. In the clear air of early morning, the mountains, range upon range, to the farthest snowy peak stood out sharp in the distance. The rose-tinted peaks two hundred miles away seemed to loom just beyond the valley rampart; the carpet of sage seemed to stretch on endlessly. The wavering line of the river bed and the dots that were ranch houses accentuated the valley’s vastness. No veil of purple haze obscured the cowboy’s sight at this early hour. He wished that the future might be spread as clearly before his gaze as that valley in the clear morning light.”
The violence that surfaces in the narrative is not for the faint of heart, but it is portrayed with a tasteful realism that serves the story well, yet echoing the harsh truths of life on the frontier. Grey's prose, sharp and vivid, mirrors the stark beauty of the landscape, and though he chooses to lean into dialogue more than in previous works, the tension crackles like static in the dry air.
This novel, unlike most of the romances of Grey's canon, is a compelling exploration of darkness woven with threads of hope. It captures the essence of the West in all its rugged glory, offering a hauntingly beautiful journey that will resonate with anyone who dares to brave the wilds of both love and loss. While Linc’s path is strewn with shadows, there is a flicker of light that urges the reader onward, making this a tale worth every turn of the page.
The protagonist, Linc Bradway, a cowboy molded by the dust of Nebraska and the fire of resolve, embarks on a harrowing quest to uncover the truth behind the death of his best friend. His arrival in South Pass is a descent into a world fraught with deception and moral ambiguity. Linc believes with every fiber of his being that Jimmy Weston was murdered, and he aims to find out who and why.
As Linc sits in on a game of poker, he encounters Kit Bandon, the intoxicating Maverick Queen, whose beauty is rivaled only by the dangerous secrets she harbors. Her sultry dark eyes hold a tempest of temptation, and Linc can’t help but feel the pull of her enigmatic nature. Yet, the tension is palpable, thick as the dust in the air, as he senses the shadows that cloak her past and the murmurings of her cowboy companions.
Then, in a twist of fate, he meets Lucy, Kit’s niece, and is swept away by a love that ignites the flames of passion and purpose. He suddenly finds himself torn between desire and the urgent need for justice. The stakes rise higher when Kit pursues his affections like a hungry cougar unaccustomed to being denied.
“‘Lordy! I never felt this way before,’ mused the Nebraskan, falling into his old habit of talking to himself. ‘Trying to dodge Kit’s advances and to court Lucy’s love would just about make a man balmy if it wasn’t that I’ve got the fight of my life on my hands.’
Fight indeed, for his own life, for his friend’s good name, for love that called with all the tenderness and insistence and fire-filmed enchantment of this valley. The surroundings seemed as boundless as his emotions. In the clear air of early morning, the mountains, range upon range, to the farthest snowy peak stood out sharp in the distance. The rose-tinted peaks two hundred miles away seemed to loom just beyond the valley rampart; the carpet of sage seemed to stretch on endlessly. The wavering line of the river bed and the dots that were ranch houses accentuated the valley’s vastness. No veil of purple haze obscured the cowboy’s sight at this early hour. He wished that the future might be spread as clearly before his gaze as that valley in the clear morning light.”
The violence that surfaces in the narrative is not for the faint of heart, but it is portrayed with a tasteful realism that serves the story well, yet echoing the harsh truths of life on the frontier. Grey's prose, sharp and vivid, mirrors the stark beauty of the landscape, and though he chooses to lean into dialogue more than in previous works, the tension crackles like static in the dry air.
This novel, unlike most of the romances of Grey's canon, is a compelling exploration of darkness woven with threads of hope. It captures the essence of the West in all its rugged glory, offering a hauntingly beautiful journey that will resonate with anyone who dares to brave the wilds of both love and loss. While Linc’s path is strewn with shadows, there is a flicker of light that urges the reader onward, making this a tale worth every turn of the page.
January 11, 2021
My grandma recommended this book to me. It was the first western I've read. It was a good story, but it is so filled with sexism that I simply cannot look past that. I know the times were like that back then, but still, it was kinda hard to read.
July 15, 2015
Although things continued to happen fast, none of it was very surprising or interesting. The mystery was basically, exactly what you think it will end of being.
The ending was a typical (tied up nice in a bow) Zane Grey ending. But I do like him for that.
Cute book. A different flavor than modern novels. Interesting dialog style.
#SR015
2014 (book was left half read for a long time - originally rated 4 stars)
So far I really like this book. It wastes no time in getting right into the story. You meet the Maverick Queen about 12 pages into the book. It even seems to poke fun at itself on this matter, or at least Mr. Grey lets you know he's aware his extra-fast track is a bit outlandish.
I'm about 1/2 through and the story is keeping pace. I'm not so sure about the romance angle, but we'll see where we end up.
The ending was a typical (tied up nice in a bow) Zane Grey ending. But I do like him for that.
Cute book. A different flavor than modern novels. Interesting dialog style.
#SR015
2014 (book was left half read for a long time - originally rated 4 stars)
So far I really like this book. It wastes no time in getting right into the story. You meet the Maverick Queen about 12 pages into the book. It even seems to poke fun at itself on this matter, or at least Mr. Grey lets you know he's aware his extra-fast track is a bit outlandish.
I'm about 1/2 through and the story is keeping pace. I'm not so sure about the romance angle, but we'll see where we end up.
August 8, 2016
I've read a lot of Zane Grey's westerns and they are all great. This is another, but the story of the Maverick Queen is the first of his books that I have read that deals with a really tough lady of those times; with questionable morals. As always, tho, very entertaining.
February 2, 2022
I paid for this as a Kindle version. It ended abruptly in the middle of the second chapter. (and it wasn't billed as a 'sample' So no, I didn't finish it as Goodreads claims. The story was just beginning. I have no idea if it's good or not.
This is the second and probably the last time I purchase a book from them. I love my Kindle, but I'd do better buying used books.
This is the second and probably the last time I purchase a book from them. I love my Kindle, but I'd do better buying used books.
February 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. It is totally different than the 1956 movie that was supposedly based on this book. I think I know why the storyline was changed for the movie, but I won't say it because it will spoil the book for all readers. I will say I will recommend this book to everyone.
June 13, 2017
Terrible. DNFed half way. The audiobook has the worst production value of any I have ever heard.
June 20, 2018
Great Old Western Story
November 21, 2019
Excellent western: love, hate, wild and beautiful western lands.
The main characters search for the truth of a mystery: who caused a cow boy's death?
It is a fast read.
The main characters search for the truth of a mystery: who caused a cow boy's death?
It is a fast read.
October 5, 2021
Throughly enjoyed this title, one of my top 3 Grey novels.
November 30, 2021
By Zane Grey?
I don't believe that this book was written by Zane Grey. It doesn't match his style at all, and is not very well written.
I don't believe that this book was written by Zane Grey. It doesn't match his style at all, and is not very well written.
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December 17, 2021Good read , love Zane Grey books , this one keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2019
A handsome and skilled cowboy attempts to find the killer
of his friend and finds a woman who believes she has at last found the man of her dreams in him.
of his friend and finds a woman who believes she has at last found the man of her dreams in him.
July 4, 2022
Read to compare with the film (particularly as it came out after Zane grey died). And while the film broadly gets the character of the Maverick Queen right, the scenario, the relationship with the other female lead and - well the whole Hole In The Wall Gang of it is different. The ending here is more harsh too. As for Grey's writing, it takes a while to get into his rhythm and slang. I'll not be going back often, but interesting
July 28, 2011
This was an ok story, but not as good as some of the Louis L'Amour stories I've read. Pretty good description of the scenery, but somewhat incomplete in the storyline. Overall, not bad. Might be a good start for a person new to reading or to the Western genre.
May 13, 2018
3 ½ stars
March 26, 2014
very good story
May 18, 2013
Pure pulp - a dime store story set in the West.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews