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The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour #2
The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour, Volume 2: Frontier Stories
In paperback for the first time, this second volume of Louis L’Amour’s collected stories showcases thirty more classic tales of the American frontier. Inside you will find the stories of heroism, honor and sacrifice that L’Amour made uniquely his own: like that of a young man sent out alone into a blizzard to face a deadly stampede, or a lawman who finds the bullet-riddled body of an infamous Mexican bandit and knows duty demands he track down a far more dangerous predator. Featuring L’Amour’s signature stories of Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie, this collection captures men and women at the crossroads of friendship and suspicion, loyalty or betrayal.
592 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2004
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491 people want to read
About the author
Louis L'Amour
997 books3,418 followersLouis 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".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 8, 2020
Note, Dec. 8, 2020: When I read short story collections intermittently over a long period of time, my reactions are similarly written piecemeal, while they're fresh in my mind. That gives the reviews a choppy, and often repetitive, quality. Recently, I had to condense and rearrange one of these into a unified whole because of Goodreads' length limit; and I was so pleased with the result that I decided to give every one of these a similar edit! Accordingly, I've now edited this one.
I consider the three volumes of the Frontier Stories to be a single large work., and have read all three. This volume contains 29 stories, and is very similar in style and outlook, and in the consistently high quality of the storytelling, to the first volume; most of my general comments in my review of that one (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) would be applicable here as well.
It can also be said that a number of these stories involve hidden culprits, with plots that make use of very real mystery genre elements (L'Amour also wrote some mystery fiction, such as The Hills of Homicide, although his Westerns are the best-known part of his corpus); so the hero's task often may be much more cerebral than simply to out-draw and out-aim his opponents in a gun fight. Of the 29 stories here, 18 feature one of L'Amour's series characters, the straight-shooting Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie; these include Bowdrie's origin story, "McNelly Knows a Ranger." So we get to know Bowdrie pretty well here. An appealing feature of many of the stories are that the author's characters on the wrong side of the law may be nuanced figures --they're not necessarily one-dimensional incarnations of evil. Another element of the appeal is the note of clean, low-key romance there often is in many of these yarns, as in Vol. 1 (though not in the Bowdrie stories; Chick considers his occupation a disqualifier for marriage and family life, although he sometimes regards the fairer sex wistfully), with worthy men and women sizing up each other's mettle quietly and unobtrusively, and then following up straightforwardly. L'Amour handles action scenes effectively, but action is subordinate to the human element in the tales, as it should be; and he writes at times with a note of dry humor that doesn't take over the book, but leavens it a bit.
As usual, it wasn't easy to pick a favorite here; the stories are too uniform in quality for that. But mine would probably be the lead story of the volume, "Law of the Desert Born." That was also one that had one of the most unpredictable denouements; and "Horse Heaven" was another tale that went in a direction I didn't anticipate. "Strawhouse Trail" is perhaps the Bowdrie story that's most effective in surprising the reader. My reaction to this volume was just as positive and enthusiastic as it was to the first one; these are excellent tales, crafted by a master!
I consider the three volumes of the Frontier Stories to be a single large work., and have read all three. This volume contains 29 stories, and is very similar in style and outlook, and in the consistently high quality of the storytelling, to the first volume; most of my general comments in my review of that one (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) would be applicable here as well.
It can also be said that a number of these stories involve hidden culprits, with plots that make use of very real mystery genre elements (L'Amour also wrote some mystery fiction, such as The Hills of Homicide, although his Westerns are the best-known part of his corpus); so the hero's task often may be much more cerebral than simply to out-draw and out-aim his opponents in a gun fight. Of the 29 stories here, 18 feature one of L'Amour's series characters, the straight-shooting Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie; these include Bowdrie's origin story, "McNelly Knows a Ranger." So we get to know Bowdrie pretty well here. An appealing feature of many of the stories are that the author's characters on the wrong side of the law may be nuanced figures --they're not necessarily one-dimensional incarnations of evil. Another element of the appeal is the note of clean, low-key romance there often is in many of these yarns, as in Vol. 1 (though not in the Bowdrie stories; Chick considers his occupation a disqualifier for marriage and family life, although he sometimes regards the fairer sex wistfully), with worthy men and women sizing up each other's mettle quietly and unobtrusively, and then following up straightforwardly. L'Amour handles action scenes effectively, but action is subordinate to the human element in the tales, as it should be; and he writes at times with a note of dry humor that doesn't take over the book, but leavens it a bit.
As usual, it wasn't easy to pick a favorite here; the stories are too uniform in quality for that. But mine would probably be the lead story of the volume, "Law of the Desert Born." That was also one that had one of the most unpredictable denouements; and "Horse Heaven" was another tale that went in a direction I didn't anticipate. "Strawhouse Trail" is perhaps the Bowdrie story that's most effective in surprising the reader. My reaction to this volume was just as positive and enthusiastic as it was to the first one; these are excellent tales, crafted by a master!
October 25, 2014
To put it simply, not Mr L'Amour's best effort. Most of these stories lacked the vivid description of the western locales that he is so good at bringing to life and were simply short stories about a lone cowboy that was either quicker or smarter than the rest of the crowd.
February 16, 2015
L'Amour was a very reliable writer. While he rarely did anything above-and-beyond, he never did anything that was merely par for the course. However, almost all of these stories are about Chick Bowdrie, and I really can't get into his character. He didn't connect with me on any level. Aside from his name, he's too bland, a cowboy hero like any other in the world of fiction. Of course, the stories are very well written. It was just that I couldn't get past the plainness of the main character.
Read
January 12, 2017After reading two volumes of these stories to my father in law, I'll admit I'm becoming a bit fatigued with the Louis L'Amour cookie cutter. He loves each and every story we read though, so full speed ahead to Volume Three!
August 18, 2011
An ok collection of short story westerns. Not my favorite, just ok.
February 18, 2014
I got this book through a library valentines program. This book was just not something I was interested in.
October 18, 2014
Five Stars! Anything by Louis L'Amour I will rate 5 Stars. Love everything he writes; gave me a new respect and appreciation for the Frontier Days!
August 30, 2015
A great collection of short western stories to read. I believe there are 8 books in the set. I started reading these after learning Louis L'Amour was my fathers favorite westerns writer.
May 9, 2018
Addictive
The short stories remind me of the hard-boiled detective novels and short stories. It makes me want to wander into the desert of Texas and build a cabin.
The short stories remind me of the hard-boiled detective novels and short stories. It makes me want to wander into the desert of Texas and build a cabin.
November 11, 2024
Just a solidly good time. Another great collection of short stories.
September 17, 2020
Thirty short stories involving, cowpokes, rustlers, killers, gunmen, womenfolk, mining towns, open ranges, Texas Rangers, horses, cattle, fistfights, guns a blazing in shootouts and much more in the American West and its frontier in this collection.
August 2, 2022
This one was good, but the previous volume was better. There was a large portion of stories about Chick Bowdrie, a traveling Ranger, probably enough stories for its own novel and this volume could have been condensed. There were some good stories in this one but it was not better than #1.
May 23, 2023
L’Amour, L’Amerrier
May 21, 2023
《Thoughts》
5 stars. Western.
This is one of my decorative books that I just randomly picked up and decided to read. I'd read only a few Western books before (not L'Amour) and didn't really like them, so I wasn't expecting much from this one. I'm also not really one for short stories.
But holy smokes, these stories drew me in from the very beginning. They were well-written, vivid, and engaging. I felt like I was back on the frontier, taking it all in. My favorites were of Chick Bowdrie, but even the ones that weren't with him were really good, too.
I now have the other volumes, as well as L'Amour memoir, on my TBR and would like to look up the screen adaptations of his work.
Loved these stories and would definitely recommend if it's your thing.
5 stars. Western.
This is one of my decorative books that I just randomly picked up and decided to read. I'd read only a few Western books before (not L'Amour) and didn't really like them, so I wasn't expecting much from this one. I'm also not really one for short stories.
But holy smokes, these stories drew me in from the very beginning. They were well-written, vivid, and engaging. I felt like I was back on the frontier, taking it all in. My favorites were of Chick Bowdrie, but even the ones that weren't with him were really good, too.
I now have the other volumes, as well as L'Amour memoir, on my TBR and would like to look up the screen adaptations of his work.
Loved these stories and would definitely recommend if it's your thing.
May 22, 2018
I'll admit this was no better or worse than the other volume I gave four stars.
It's still everything I wanted from the book ( simple, to the point dusty, sun baked cowboy yarns)...but...I have to admit to the limitations of the stories. A lot of clichés . Most are harmless and...actually kind of fun...but some are cringe inducing , like dangerous Indians and half-breeds who always seem to be bad guys. It wasn't so all pervasive that it killed the stories...but, it's here and there, seldom , if ever , the focal point of the story...but...still there.
It's still everything I wanted from the book ( simple, to the point dusty, sun baked cowboy yarns)...but...I have to admit to the limitations of the stories. A lot of clichés . Most are harmless and...actually kind of fun...but some are cringe inducing , like dangerous Indians and half-breeds who always seem to be bad guys. It wasn't so all pervasive that it killed the stories...but, it's here and there, seldom , if ever , the focal point of the story...but...still there.
January 10, 2019
Another entertaining collection of L'Amour stories, although the variety isn't as broad as in the first volume. Many of the stories are tales featuring Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie – unfortunately, a number of them feature similar set-ups and plotlines, and a few are a little bland. Bowdrie is an interesting character but he's not the most charismatic western hero, and only the better of his tales were genuinely memorable. Regardless, the best here is still worthy of your time, and I'm certainly keen to read more.
May 25, 2022
I love Louis L'Amour's writing. I love stories about the old wild west, and his are some of the best... sort of like reading an episode of one of the old Western TV series from the 1950s and 1960s, only more accurate.
This 2nd Volume was a real treat because most of the stories center around his Texas Ranger character Chick Bowdrie, one of my favorites. His tales aren't just tales of the old west, they each have an intriguing element of mystery as well. A wonderful collection by a master storyteller.
This 2nd Volume was a real treat because most of the stories center around his Texas Ranger character Chick Bowdrie, one of my favorites. His tales aren't just tales of the old west, they each have an intriguing element of mystery as well. A wonderful collection by a master storyteller.
April 29, 2019
Bulk of the stories had Chick Bowdrie as the main character. He is L'Amour's Texas Ranger detective. A combination of the traditional western and clue-finding Philip Marlowe-type investigator. Enjoyed the change from the traditional Shoot-em-up. These are some of his early stuff, I think, but readable. Recommended.
June 29, 2019
CHICK BOWDRIE IS IN TOWN
Great 👍 Great stories of the Western Frontier. Chick Bowdrie, Texas Ranger and other aliases Chick Bowdrie used carrying out his assignments.
Again another GREAT FAST MOVING NOVELLAS, that everyone will enjoy..
Louis L'Amour's western adventures are great. They draw you into the prairie drama taking place and you feel the heat of the bullet that just barely missed hitting you. What about the food they consume especially the peach cobblers, 🍎Apple pies and bear claws, aka doughnuts. How about those drowning rains beating you and your horse as you search for shelter. Yes, you feel, sense all of these, Oh yes, don't forget those waterless alkali basins and the overhead sun drying you out, until you find the next waterhole ten miles away..hopefully
Great 👍 Great stories of the Western Frontier. Chick Bowdrie, Texas Ranger and other aliases Chick Bowdrie used carrying out his assignments.
Again another GREAT FAST MOVING NOVELLAS, that everyone will enjoy..
Louis L'Amour's western adventures are great. They draw you into the prairie drama taking place and you feel the heat of the bullet that just barely missed hitting you. What about the food they consume especially the peach cobblers, 🍎Apple pies and bear claws, aka doughnuts. How about those drowning rains beating you and your horse as you search for shelter. Yes, you feel, sense all of these, Oh yes, don't forget those waterless alkali basins and the overhead sun drying you out, until you find the next waterhole ten miles away..hopefully
June 10, 2023
I enjoyed this collection of short stories, although a few had predictable endings, and a couple read slightly like pulp novels. Of course, Mr. L'Amour had to wrap things up pretty quickly, these being short stories. I did like the stories about Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie best. A pretty good read.
November 29, 2023
Another collection of L'Amour's short stories. I have come to enjoy his writing because of his ability to paint a picture with words. Whether it's his short stories or a full novel. As I read his many works, I am able to visualize what the main character is seeing. In my opinion, that makes for a good story teller.
July 24, 2017
Short stories vol2 Louis L'Amour
I chose 4stars because the stories were good and not great. Usually L'Amours books are great. Looking forward to reading more books by Louis L'Amour.
I chose 4stars because the stories were good and not great. Usually L'Amours books are great. Looking forward to reading more books by Louis L'Amour.
April 16, 2020
I have been reading Loui L'Amour's books for most of my adult life. My Mom started me reading his novels and I was hooked. This is the first of the short story books that I have read and I enjoyed it very much. Most of the book is short stories about a Texas Ranger named Chick Bowdrie. I loved each and every one of them. I give this book my highest recommendation. If you need a book to take on vacation or a business trip this is the book. I am looking forward to reading the other collection of short stories that are available.
April 30, 2020
This was an unexpected delight. Our local library was shut down because of Covid 2, so I was reading through my own bookshelves. I had got vol. 1 and 2 of Louis L'Amours short stories, but hadn't read them yet.
What a lovely read. Great stories.
Big book.
What a lovely read. Great stories.
Big book.
August 24, 2021
Short stories
Law of the Desert Born
The Town No Guns Could Tame
Man Riding West
What Gold Does to a Man
Horse Heaven
The Ghosts of Buckskin Run
McNelly Knows a Ranger
A Job for a Ranger
Bowdrie Rides a Coyote Trail
A Trail to the West
The Outlaws of Poplar Creek
Bowdrie Follows a Cold Trail
More Brains Than Bullets
The Road to Casa Piedras
Bowdrie Passes Through
Where Buzzards Fly
South of Deadwood
Too Tough to Brand
Case Closed - No Prisoners
The Killer from the Pecos
A Ranger Rides to Town
Rain on the Mountain Fork
Down Sonora Way
Strange Pursuit
Strawhouse Trail
Keep Travelin', Rider
No Man's Mesa
The Passing of Rope Nose
Trail to Pie Town
The Drift
Law of the Desert Born
The Town No Guns Could Tame
Man Riding West
What Gold Does to a Man
Horse Heaven
The Ghosts of Buckskin Run
McNelly Knows a Ranger
A Job for a Ranger
Bowdrie Rides a Coyote Trail
A Trail to the West
The Outlaws of Poplar Creek
Bowdrie Follows a Cold Trail
More Brains Than Bullets
The Road to Casa Piedras
Bowdrie Passes Through
Where Buzzards Fly
South of Deadwood
Too Tough to Brand
Case Closed - No Prisoners
The Killer from the Pecos
A Ranger Rides to Town
Rain on the Mountain Fork
Down Sonora Way
Strange Pursuit
Strawhouse Trail
Keep Travelin', Rider
No Man's Mesa
The Passing of Rope Nose
Trail to Pie Town
The Drift
April 29, 2022
Wow this took a long time for me to finish. I enjoy L’amour’s writing but a lot of these stories were the same, especially the Texas Ranger (can’t remember his name right now - telling?). I’ll read the other 7 books in the series but need a break for now.
October 7, 2024
Excellent. Collection of 30 of some of Louie's best Western short stories, including a dozen of one of my fav. characters Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie. One of his funniest quick reads is Down Sonora Way.
March 1, 2018
I loved reading this BIG book, as Chuck put it in his review..."simply short stories about a lone cowboy that was either quicker or smarter than the rest of the crowd."
August 25, 2018
James Bond in the Wild West - as ludicrous as delightful.
January 10, 2019
Liked the stories with Chick Bowdrie in them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews