Badlands

Ranger #2

by Ralph Cotton

The second novel in the Big Iron series, following Montana Red, finds Arizona lawman Sam Burrack, known as "The Ranger," and his beautiful companion, Maria, on the trail of a Mexican desperado and his gang of outlaws. Original.

Genres: Westerns

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Chris Gager · Rating 3 out of 5]

In need of a "new" book to read and having not been out West(book-wise) for a while I selected this one from my abundant bookshelves. A blurb at the back of the book describes this a "one of [the author's] "history" novels. HMMM... I don't EFFING think so. I'm getting near the end of this rambling, event-filled tale and have seen only the faintest whisp of historical detail. No dates or place names... no real historical characters. Just a plot set in some desolate land possessing of badlands and high country. I ASSUME that "the Ranger" is a once and possibly present Texas Ranger, but he has not been identified as such so far. Together with his MUCH younger female partner/sidekick(beautiful, of course) they are out to dispense justice and bring evil-doers to heel) somewhere out west in the 19th century(I assume). And so it goes... The plot both benefits and suffers from the unlikely presence of a psychopathic killer(think Judge Holden crossed with Hannibal Lecter and Larry McMurty's Blue Duck and Ahumado). A first for me... The no-name geography, no-time chronology and no-details history are not a first for me in reading westerns. I just prefer a bit more grounding in western fiction.

- In order to maintain suspense vis-a-vis the psycho dude, The Ranger and Maria have to be rendered terminally stupid. And so it goes...

- Would an 18th c. Wild West outlaw use the word "dagger"???????

Finished last night with plenty of twists and turns and blood and guts(literally - don't ask!). I spite of my carping I was well enough satisfied with this more-or-less standard western.

- 2.75* rounds up to 3*.

[Lowell Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite reads "the ranger" Sam Burrack

[Martha Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I have really enjoyed reading the books on Ranger Sam Burrack. He iS a tough but fair man. Ian also glad to see he found a lady to care for. Looking forward to book 3.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not normally a western fan but a few writers seem to jump out and grab me. Ralph Cotton writes a quick paced and very historically accurate book. Nice read with great characters. Very recommended

[Barbara Lee Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEEP INTRIGUE IN THE BADLANDS

As always love riding with Sam and Maria. Great character. Love the different situations that occur while they are trying to recapture escape prisoners. Fast reading...

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it. cotton is a terrific writer. love all of his westerns i have read or listened to on cd.