The Trail To Seven Pines

Hopalong Cassidy #2

by Louis L'Amour, Tex Burns

Louis L'Amour, The Trail to Seven Hopalong Cassidy series, vol. 2, paperback

Genres: Westerns, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Action, Novels, Adventure

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

About the author

Louis Dearborn L'Amour was an American novelist and short story writer. His books consisted primarily of Western novels, though he called his work "frontier stories". His most widely known Western fiction works include Last of the Breed, Hondo, Shalako, and the Sackett series. L'Amour also wrote historical fiction (The Walking Drum), science fiction (The Haunted Mesa), non-fiction (Frontier), and poetry and short-story collections. Many of his stories were made into films. His books remain popular and most have gone through multiple printings. At the time of his death, almost all of his 105 existing works (89 novels, 14 short-story collections, and two full-length works of nonfiction) were still in print, and he was "one of the world's most popular writers".

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoppy rides to new country to visit friends and finds himself right in the middle of a range war. Luckily, Hoppy is a veteran of such things and knows what to do.

Lots of shooting and riding.

[*Stani* · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the rain-drenched trail to the  lawless town of Seven Pines, Hopalong discovers two men—one dead, the other badly wounded. Returning  with medical help, Hopalong finds the wounded man  has been shot through the temple. Who would  commit such a murder? To find out, Hopalong hires on  at Bob Ronson’s Rocking R Ranch. There he learns  that more than a thousand cattle have been run off  by men keeping one scheming eye on the ranch and  the other on the monthly stagecoach shipments of  gold. Hopalong is determined to stop those  responsible. But even the best gunfighter needs men he  can trust to watch his back, men willing to risk  their lives to do what’s right. With their help,  Hopalong fights to save the Rocking R, only to  find himself the target of a ruthless gunman in a life-and-death struggle for frontier justice.

*******

Another well drawn out story of a frontier west and the hard life that people lived and struggled through.

Ranching, rustling and all matter of lawlessness comes front and center in this tale and hope for the restoration of peace and justice.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my least favorite of any Louis L’Amour book I’ve read. Moved slow. Felt jilted at times. And had an ending, or what felt like the ending, and then a painful chapter after that felt rushed into a second ending (or the actual ending). I wished so much I felt it was at least a 3-star but I just can’t get there.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopalong Cassidy, iconic western hero of stories and films, is minding his own business, traveling to the violent town of Seven Pines, when he discovers two men on the trail—One dead and one severely wounded. He leaves to seek medical assistance but upon his return he finds the wounded man has now been shot through the temple. That’s certainly enough for Hoppy to get involved and find out who would murder the man in cold blood. He hires on as a ranch hand at the Rocking R Ranch and proceeds to investigate in the manner of the sensationalized Ol’ West…meaning lots of gunfights are about to take place. Turns out there a number of factions vying to conquer the territory including rustlers, stagecoach robbers, and villainous gunmen of all kinds.

This is the second of L’Amour’s Hopalong Cassidy novels he wrote under the name “Tex Burns”. They are among his very first novels ever published but even so, this was a pretty decent western. Yes, it had almost every western trope conceivable thrown in but the plot was nicely paced with a lot of interesting characters. The quality of L’Amour’s work would only get better and better but I have been pleasantly surprised by the enjoyment these early novels have brought me. Of the three Hoppy books I've read by L'Amour, this has been my favorite so far.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Latest road trip, latest audio book. We like westerns and neither of us were really familiar with Hopalong Cassidy--apparently, he's a cowboy legend about whom lots and lots of stories have been written. Hoppy, as he's called by his friends, consistently saves the day. He is smarter, wilier, and more humble than most, but it's his accurate shooting that ultimately saves the day--which happens several times throughout this adventure. It was fun to listen to, but even more important, it was easy to follow as we navigated our way on our own journey. P.S. The reader, Robert Petkoff, was excellent--he made the characters easy to distinguish.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of L'Amour's Hopalong Cassidy tales. I'm giving it 3 and a half stars. It was entertaining and certainly held my interest. There was some redundancy here and there but I always looked forward to picking it up again whenever I put it down.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hopalong Cassidy has to solve a chain of murders while he becomes the target of a murderer. The is the second of four Hopalong Cassidy books written by L'Amour.

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first-ever Western novel I’ve read, found for $1 at a library book sale. It took 2 months to read because some moments dragged on and were hard for me to wrap my head around, (I’m not good with names) but the scenery, dramatic shootouts and murder mystery aspect created moments that made my jaw drop open… I caught my eyes gliding down the page as I pictured this harsh desert landscape and the people in it in vivid detail.

Absolutely worth it if you want to get past the learning curve, a very fun and enjoyable read! Didn’t give it five stars because at some points it did drag on a bit…

but the thunderstorm shootout and earthquake after a lightning strike kept me VERY engaged; and the reveal after the fight that, among the rubble, Clarry Jacks wasn’t dead after being shot in the head gave me goosebumps. That part alone turned the novel from good to great.

His character growth from a handsome, laughing, devil-may-care outlaw and kind of side character to bitter, angry, and insane murderer/antagonist by the end of the novel…. I want to read more novels with character arcs like that because I already liked him at the beginning, and he jumped to my favorite character, even before Hopalong by the end of it.

I keep feeling like I need to know more lore than what I already do, and it intimidates me from reading with more enthusiasm. Maybe I’d be more willing to read a Western again if it was a standalone or had some kind of fantasy/sci-fi element. Was a very fun ride!

[Anderson Rearick III · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Dad’s favorite author, Louie L’Amour, was New York Times bestseller in hardcover. I can see why. L’Amour is completely comfortable with the setting and characters, even if he disliked the movie Cassidy’s character interpretation. According to the afterward he asked that his name not be connected with the text. L’Amour wanted the more rough, foul talking cowhand who’d been shot in the leg (creating his distinctive hopping gait) as envisioned by his creator, Clarence E. Mulford. Seven Pines is the second of L’Amour’s Hopalong Cassidy novels. “On the trail to the lawless town of Seven Pines, Hopalong arrives too late too stop an ambush, but it's never too late to catch those responsible and exact some frontier justice”. Clean and well shaven or not, L’Amour’s cowboy is a force for justice and peace, but as expected in the archetype of the hero, he never stays. L’Amour knows the landscape and the habits of the west, even the fireside love by some of coffee. Very satisfying

[Jonathan Jerden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd of 4 stories commissioned for the new 1952 William Boyd TV series version of Hopalong Cassidy.

Louis L'Amour attempts to bridge the gap between the original 1904-41 rough and uncivilized character - portraying the hired gun good-guy as a private citizen (counter to the popular, taxpayer-funded Texas Ranger) as created by Clarence E. Mulford in numerous short stories, novels, and some 60 Hollywood movies of the 30s and 40s - with the easy-going, non-smoking, non-drinking version that the actor William Boyd wanted to portray when he modernized the character for 50+ television episodes in the early 1950s.

Unlike the typical hero Louie favored - stoic, slow to burn, shy with women but gets the girl in the end, often seriously wounded by the bad guy before retribution, packing one lightening-fast six shooter - Hoppy is gregarious, quick to confront and challenge, never is injured, wanders off to the sunset before getting the girl, and is lightening-fast with two, bone-handled pistols.

Quite a storyteller if you like the good guys winning.

[Oleta Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books should be read before Rustlers of High Rock. I didn't realize that there was a reading order to the Hopalong Cassidy books written by Mr. L'Amour. This story is set in the weeks before Hopalong reaches his friend in Riders of High Rock.

This is a fast paced story with lots of bad guys. So many you need a score card to keep track of who is dealing with whom. There are a number of factions that want the Ranch of the Rocking R. That however is just one of the conflicts that happen in this story.

There are lots of characters on both sides and Cassidy must sort them out to get to the bottom of what is going on in Seven Pines.

I have enjoyed reading the Hopalong Cassidy books that I have read to read to this point. I only have one left to go. I think that any of the fans of Mr. L'Amour will enjoy these stories. I am sad that he never acknowledged these stories. I think that many of his fans were rob of the opportunity to read and enjoy this side of Mr. L'Amour.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoppy is on his way to Montana and gets distracted by a building range war when he stumbles across a murdered man during a thunderstorm. Like most L'Amour books, this starts out intriguing and exciting, and is filled with true-to-life descriptions and settings.

Earthquakes feature fairly strongly in this story, unusual for a western frontier novel, and the range war goes in an unexpected direction as well. Those who are expecting Hopalong with ivory handled silver colts and dudley do-right attitude are going to be surprised (as in the other L'Amour Cassidy books) but then so will fans of the original novels as well. This is a different take on the character that stays truer to the times and people, but still echoes with the typical Cassidy Tropes.

As L'Amour novels go, its not his best frontier fiction, but this was among his first westerns he wrote, and it took a bit to get his stride. There are elements of his later best work, and its a good read still.

[Chicory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This doesn't take a lot of attention, so it is a good gym read. Not great lit, but I have always had trouble reading great lit while bouncing up and down and checking my heart rate. Certainly a cut above the TV or the music that is played in gyms. And the action keeps you interested.

I have a bit or a love hate relationship with Louis. His plots are predictable and so are his characters
But he can be suprising in the details. L'Amour researches his books so the locations are accurate, the activities are true to the time, and the western lore is precice and credible. This gives his books a gravitas and authenticity that makes the reader more comfortable with the characters and action than most other writers in the genre. There are some interesting historical incites that add a little extra to his books. I think he could have made a good writer or western history.

[Keith Swinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the great books L'Amour denied writing

I've been a fan L'Amour as since I could read. The men I grew up with were great examples of what men should be. Workers, fathers, readers, doers. You can learn anything you want to, go any place through books. My Dad, and Uncles were the equals of and of 'A ours characters. Shucs As a kid I though we might be related to the Sacket bunch.
This is a very early novel written under some duress from his publisher. Its a little stilted due to that I think, that said its still chock full of the great descriptions of geography of the old west and the people who meet it great. I thoroughly enjoyed this western/detective story. You don't always know who the bad guys vs the good guys are, but you know good will prevail! Enjoy!

[Ward G · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the early Hopalong Cassidy novels.

This one a very nice example, of the western genre.
An interesting start. As well as a nicely paced tale.

Involving mysteries, cattle rustling, and gun battles.

Hopalong did not pan on staying. From experience, he knew things would become deadly.
As a cattle ranch, in decline.
Has the outlaws and criminal masterminds circling it.

Soon he is drawn into the fight. As he tries to discover.
Who are the men, behind the outlaws.
Looking to take it all for themselves.

An outlaw town, and not knowing for sure who he could trust.
Hopalong, must rely on his wits, and his guns. If he is to survive.

An enjoyable western read here.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you say about Louis L'Amour? The author with the most fabulous natural 'pen name'- that Doubleway felt the need, nevertheless, to assign him one!? The Trail to Seven Pines is a Hopalong Cassidy story. Perfect in most every way. I did get lost in the characters once or twice, but that's probably me. The descriptions of the West; the sights, sounds, and I swear tastes on the Range are
spot on. Humor, turn of a phrase, history. Has it all. You'll love it if you love him. Now I need to get busy, I just acquired 100 L'Amour and Zane Grey books, lol. It's about cattle rustlers, killers and gold thieves but I know that won't single it out much. It's just good!

[Greg Nuttle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just recently posted that one Louis L'Amour book a year seems about right, and then immediately violated my own rule by reading another one a month later. I don't know if it's that, or the fact that I'm just not digging the Hopalong Cassidy stories so much that made me not love this one so much. Hoppy's just too perfect. He never makes a mistake and he's never really threatened. I like the traditional Louis L'Amour novel where the protagonist takes a whooping but still prevails at fisticuffs with one of the bad guys, and then outdraws the other bad guy in a gunfight.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Louis L’Amour book down. It’s book three in the Hopalong Cassidy series. Not bad but nothing special. Hopalong Cassidy rides into Seven Pines. There is some cattle rustlers. There is a quick draw gunslinger that Hopalong has to beat in showdown for the book to end. There is a beautiful woman part of the mix of the story to add some western romance. In this book, Hopalong is a hired gunman to protect the cattle from the rustlers. Hopalong meets up with some old buddies to save the day and I can honestly see why L’Amour wouldn’t want his name on the cookie-cutter western novels. Entertaining book worth reading.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopalong Cassidy is at it again. Out drawing and out smarting rustlers and bad guys all over. If you’re itching to try Westerns out I do not think you could do better than following the escapades of Cassidy. I really enjoyed the read and felt that harshness of this time and place. It is amazing to enjoy this time period with such a spectacular writer. He pulls you in and puts you right in the saddle. By the. End of the novel I am surprised I do not have saddle sores. Great read and I highly recommend, unless of course you are a low down polecat.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read, but there were some inconsistencies and loose ends that bothered me. For example, there were several occasions where a character commented on something that he could not have seen because he arrived shortly after the event. There was also at least one character that the author implied was important on a couple of occasions, often in a way that didn't seem to fit with the rest of what was going on, then never mentioned again - I can only think that he was planning to incorporate the character into a story arc and forgot. Still, I enjoyed it overall.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is enjoyable to experience the stories of “good guys” that are written for books or television series that are so competent that they are untouchable by the designs of any antagonist. Hopalong Cassidy is such a hero. This is another story where he learns of criminals in the area and adopts a leadership position where he can protect the interest of a local business-man herding cattle. Some of the local rustlers are persuaded by Hopalong’s example to abandon rustling.

[John Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopalong is traveling to Seven Pines and on the way, he passes a dead man, then he comes upon a man who is still alive, barely. They have been victims of a stage robbery. He cleans his wounds and sets out to find a doctor. When he returns, he finds the man dead, a gun in his hand.

Hoppy decides to stay in the area to learn who killed the man. He takes a job at Ben Ronson‘s ranch. Ronson has lost about one thousand head of cattle to rustlers. He rides out to get a the lay of the land. He finds a small town populated by outlaws. He takes several of them in a card game.

He gets into several gunfights. He finds the stage robber’s secret hideout.

Cassidy is unlike a normal L’Amour hero. He is friendly, but quick to draw.

June on the Range 2024 #2

[Milan Buno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veľmi vydarený L´Amour a jeho Hopalong Cassidy. Taká pravá kovbojka, oddychovka. Skvelé opisy prostredia a ešte lepšie postáv. Rád občas zablúdim do sveta rančerov, správnych chlapov, ktorí neváhajú bojovať za druhých, pre spravodlivosť. Sú féroví, majú ťažký život, makajú, napriek tomu nestrácajú svoju dušu, zmysel bytia, smer.

[Deanna Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great wild west story in the style of Louis L'Amour wrapped around Hopalong Cassidy. Lots of colorful characters like rustlers, stage robbers, gold miners and ranch hands focusing on stolen gold and a range war.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'Amour did not like these books. He did them under contract and a pen name. Not admitting authorship. The books are decent and reflect the quality of the books to come. Clearly he had developed some skill as a writer by this time and he rendered good portrayals of Hop-a-long Cassidy.

[Delonna Oskouee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooray for Hoppy!

He is quite the hero. Mr. L'Amour has outdone himself again. I thought I'd had my fill of range wars, but this storyline was fresh and entertaining, with lots of humor to give it zest.

[Carol Gleason-Rechner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopalong Cassidy gets 'er done.

[Joe Aldrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Read it. Carry on.

[Monte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Compelling plot and characters. Now headed to read the other Hopalong Cassidy tails by Louis L’Amour.

[John Worthington · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can't go wrong with a Louis book. This book was actually first written under another name.