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Smoky Valley
John Parrish, an Easterner come West to recover from war wounds, did not count on trouble in the Basin. But when feuding bullies shot the sheriff and one of Parrish's cowhands, Parrish decided to pick up a gun and prove to the locals that a skinny tenderfoot would--and could--defend his land.
- GenresWesterns
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
About the author
Donald Hamilton
106 books111 followersDonald Hamilton was a U.S. writer of novels, short stories, and non-fiction about the outdoors. His novels consist mostly of paperback originals, principally spy fiction but also crime fiction and Westerns such as The Big Country. He is best known for his long-running Matt Helm series (1960-1993), which chronicles the adventures of an undercover counter-agent/assassin working for a secret American government agency.
Hamilton began his writing career in 1946, fiction magazines like Collier's Weekly and The Saturday Evening Post. His first novel Date With Darkness was published in 1947; over the next forty-six years he published a total of thirty-eight novels. Most of his early novels whether suspense, spy, and western published between 1954 and 1960, were typical paperback originals of the era: fast-moving tales in paperbacks with lurid covers. Several classic western movies, The Big Country and The Violent Men, were adapted from two of his western novels.
The Matt Helm series, published by Gold Medal Books, which began with Death of a Citizen in 1960 and ran for 27 books, ending in 1993 with The Damagers, was more substantial.
Helm, a wartime agent in a secret agency that specialized in the assassination of Nazis, is drawn back into a post-war world of espionage and assassination after fifteen years as a civilian. He narrates his adventures in a brisk, matter-of-fact tone with an occasional undertone of deadpan humor. He describes gunfights, knife fights, torture, and (off-stage) sexual conquests with a carefully maintained professional detachment, like a pathologist dictating an autopsy report or a police officer describing an investigation. Over the course of the series, this detachment comes to define Helm's character. He is a professional doing a job; the job is killing people.
Hamilton was a skilled outdoorsman and hunter who wrote non-fiction articles for outdoor magazines and published a book-length collection of them. For several years he lived on his own yacht, then relocated to Sweden where he resided until his death in 2006.
Hamilton began his writing career in 1946, fiction magazines like Collier's Weekly and The Saturday Evening Post. His first novel Date With Darkness was published in 1947; over the next forty-six years he published a total of thirty-eight novels. Most of his early novels whether suspense, spy, and western published between 1954 and 1960, were typical paperback originals of the era: fast-moving tales in paperbacks with lurid covers. Several classic western movies, The Big Country and The Violent Men, were adapted from two of his western novels.
The Matt Helm series, published by Gold Medal Books, which began with Death of a Citizen in 1960 and ran for 27 books, ending in 1993 with The Damagers, was more substantial.
Helm, a wartime agent in a secret agency that specialized in the assassination of Nazis, is drawn back into a post-war world of espionage and assassination after fifteen years as a civilian. He narrates his adventures in a brisk, matter-of-fact tone with an occasional undertone of deadpan humor. He describes gunfights, knife fights, torture, and (off-stage) sexual conquests with a carefully maintained professional detachment, like a pathologist dictating an autopsy report or a police officer describing an investigation. Over the course of the series, this detachment comes to define Helm's character. He is a professional doing a job; the job is killing people.
Hamilton was a skilled outdoorsman and hunter who wrote non-fiction articles for outdoor magazines and published a book-length collection of them. For several years he lived on his own yacht, then relocated to Sweden where he resided until his death in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 11, 2015
Wow! Hamilton writes such good westerns & this one was one of the very best. While there are some he-man types, the main character isn't what you'd expect. Better yet, there are several women prominently featured & they're as fully developed as the male characters. Some are good, others bad, some are in between. It's complicated, but there's no doubt about who to root for. The people are real. Great conclusion, too.
Lots of action & even a show down, but it's done so well. Hamilton knows the country - he's hunted it. He knows guns - he's researched & shot them. He knows horses - well, he's ridden & doesn't make any glaring errors. Some of the bit characters & actions are based on actual historical characters - even better.
I can't recommend this highly enough for western fans.
Update Feb2022:
Thanks to Harv for telling me this was made into a movie "The Violent Men" (1955) starring Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Dianne Foster, Brian Keith, and May Wynn.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vio...
Lots of action & even a show down, but it's done so well. Hamilton knows the country - he's hunted it. He knows guns - he's researched & shot them. He knows horses - well, he's ridden & doesn't make any glaring errors. Some of the bit characters & actions are based on actual historical characters - even better.
I can't recommend this highly enough for western fans.
Update Feb2022:
Thanks to Harv for telling me this was made into a movie "The Violent Men" (1955) starring Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Dianne Foster, Brian Keith, and May Wynn.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vio...
October 25, 2019
One of the often overlooked great American westerns
This novel was the basis for the outstanding 1955 movie, The Violent Men, with Glenn Ford, Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stanwyck and Brian Keith. Donald Hamilton knew the American west, the outdoors, hunting, firearms, people and more. He strove for realism and accuracy in his westerns. One of the top tier American western authors, Hamilton wrote with lean but effective prose. Read a couple of modern western authors then read this one or any other by Hamilton. If you appreciate great writing by a knowledgeable author, you should be delighted with Hamilton.
After finding major success with his Matt Helm novels, Hamilton and his publishers understandably concentrated on them and his westerns and other work fell by the wayside. Most of it is no longer in print and can be very hard to find.
This novel was the basis for the outstanding 1955 movie, The Violent Men, with Glenn Ford, Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stanwyck and Brian Keith. Donald Hamilton knew the American west, the outdoors, hunting, firearms, people and more. He strove for realism and accuracy in his westerns. One of the top tier American western authors, Hamilton wrote with lean but effective prose. Read a couple of modern western authors then read this one or any other by Hamilton. If you appreciate great writing by a knowledgeable author, you should be delighted with Hamilton.
After finding major success with his Matt Helm novels, Hamilton and his publishers understandably concentrated on them and his westerns and other work fell by the wayside. Most of it is no longer in print and can be very hard to find.
February 1, 2019
Short version first: This is one of the finest Western novels I have ever read.
Long version: Donald Hamilton, better known for Matt Helm, also had a great feel for the Western novel and how to bring that world to life for his readers. Few others can do that with Zane Grey, Max Brand, and Louis L'Amour being among that handful.
Our hero, former Cavalry Captain John Parrish, wants little to do with his ranch and the nearby town. Having just gotten a clean bill of health from his doctor, Parrish is ready to return East, willing to sell his ranch at a price that almost cheats him. Unfortunately, the bad guy decides to push Parrish around one last time, killing a ranch hand in the bargain.
Needless to say, Parrish does an about-face, turning the entire area upside down, igniting a powder keg of hatred and revenge that was building for twelve years. I won't spoil the ending or anything else, but while we get where the Western nearly always takes us, the way we get there is a pleasant, readable surprise.
FIND IT! BUY IT! READ IT! NOW!
Long version: Donald Hamilton, better known for Matt Helm, also had a great feel for the Western novel and how to bring that world to life for his readers. Few others can do that with Zane Grey, Max Brand, and Louis L'Amour being among that handful.
Our hero, former Cavalry Captain John Parrish, wants little to do with his ranch and the nearby town. Having just gotten a clean bill of health from his doctor, Parrish is ready to return East, willing to sell his ranch at a price that almost cheats him. Unfortunately, the bad guy decides to push Parrish around one last time, killing a ranch hand in the bargain.
Needless to say, Parrish does an about-face, turning the entire area upside down, igniting a powder keg of hatred and revenge that was building for twelve years. I won't spoil the ending or anything else, but while we get where the Western nearly always takes us, the way we get there is a pleasant, readable surprise.
FIND IT! BUY IT! READ IT! NOW!
May 15, 2010
Donald Hamilton, probably better known for his Matt Helm hardboiled series (Dean Martin starred in the not-so-good movies, not a knock on Dino who made good movies: Rio Bravo, Some Came Running, etc.), also wrote Westerns for his publisher, Gold Medal. Capt. John Parrish, lately of the U.S. Army, owns a ranch and is pitted against Old Man Wilkison who wants to own everything. Of course, Old Man has two beautiful daughters, one who's married to Hansen, Parrish's main foe, while the other falls in love with Parrish. There's the usual gunplay, murder, hell-for-leather riding, and fistfights. The author DH fits in a couple nifty plot twists towards the end.
Bottom line: Enjoyable with complex protagonist and snappy pace.
Bottom line: Enjoyable with complex protagonist and snappy pace.
January 22, 2013
Was this one originally published under the title, "Rough Company?" If so it was made into a movie called, "Violent Men," starring Glenn Ford and Edward G. Robinson.
September 8, 2019
Donald Hamilton is extremely adept at creating tough, competent and no-nonsense protagonists. This is one of the best westerns that I've ever read.
August 16, 2012
In his first western, Hamilton turns in a winner. The focus is on a Civil War vet after Hamilton's first three books dealing with post-WWII global tensions.
Western - John Parrish went west to recover from a civil war wound. He runs up against a big ranch owner (Wilkerson) and his gunfighter/foreman when they try to force him to sell his ranch for little to nothing. Wilkerson has him burned out and Parrish fights back -- but not like they expected. Wilkerson finds he has a tiger by the tail and doesn't know how to let go.
Western - John Parrish went west to recover from a civil war wound. He runs up against a big ranch owner (Wilkerson) and his gunfighter/foreman when they try to force him to sell his ranch for little to nothing. Wilkerson has him burned out and Parrish fights back -- but not like they expected. Wilkerson finds he has a tiger by the tail and doesn't know how to let go.
August 24, 2020
Wow! This was a great rip roaring western that does not disappoint! For my money Hamilton is up there with the greats and maybe he surpasses them in some ways. This is the story of a civil war veteran who moves west to heal his lungs and own a ranch. Of course in the old west we need to have valley wars to claim ranch territory and that is exactly what happens for our protagonist. The only problem is the Anchor Ranch owner, gets more than he bargained for. Also has a great twist laden love story which will surprise you.
May 3, 2011
Hamilton has long been a favorite. The Matt Helm series, sadly out of print(fortunately I own a complete set) was a fine set of thrillers. I just got onto his westerns in the recent past.
This one has John Parrish, a gentle Easterner out west for his health, up against the rancher that wants it all and doesn't want to pay for it. His son-in-law leads the charge and when he finally awakens something in Parrish, sparks start to fly. Literally.
A fine western.
This one has John Parrish, a gentle Easterner out west for his health, up against the rancher that wants it all and doesn't want to pay for it. His son-in-law leads the charge and when he finally awakens something in Parrish, sparks start to fly. Literally.
A fine western.
September 1, 2015
I picked this up, as it's the basis for one of my favorite movies. I noticed the filmmakers kept some of Hamilton's dialogue, and I wish he'd written more Westerns. It's a wonderful plot of an interesting range war. The writer teaches us not to underestimate one's enemy, and Parrish is an outstanding character. A terrific read.
February 3, 2015
Really enjoyed the book. Will look for other books by Hamilton.
Parrish turns out to be a great strategist when it comes to using his cow hand resources to go to "war" reluctantly with the guys at the big ranch the Anchor. Fast read and good story.
Parrish turns out to be a great strategist when it comes to using his cow hand resources to go to "war" reluctantly with the guys at the big ranch the Anchor. Fast read and good story.
March 15, 2016
Big fan of Hamilton...underrated in my opinion. This early western is fantastic. A bit darker and grittier than a L'amour or Brand story. Good pace and plot with great characters.
November 13, 2017
A very enjoyable western. I have read all of his Matt Helm books and several of his mysteries, but this is the first Hamilton western. I will be reading more of them.
November 25, 2023
John Parrish is a Civil War veteran who has come west for reasons of his health to the town of Logasa. He survived a bullet wound to the chest in the War but was left with breathing problems.
Outside Logasa is the Anchor ranch run by Lou Wilkison. It is the largest ranch around. He has two daughters: Martha and Judith. Judith Wilkison walks up to Parrish one day and tells him that her father wishes to meet with him tomorrow.
A crew of men from the Anchor Ranch come to town and provoke the sheriff into a confrontation. They shoot him in the back. There is nothing Parrish can do because he does not carry a gun.
Parrish and Caroline Vail have been flirting with each other for the last three years. He often has dinner with her and her parents. She begs him to sell his land.
He has planned for some time to sell his land. He has several unpleasant encounters with other small ranchers, who wish his help in dealing with their big neighbor, Anchor.
He does not want to get involved in their fight. He is leaving. He is better now and can go back east. The following morning, he sets out to the Anchor Ranch. He meets the new son-in-law, Cole Hanson. He is offered a pittance for his ranch and is told he has 24 hours to accept it.
That night one of his ranch hands, Bud, is killed by Anchor thugs and he decides what Basin matters now matter to him.
From then on, he plans carefully to defeat an overwhelmingly superior force. His relationship with Caroline proves flimsy. He finds an ally in one of the Wilkison daughters.
At one point, he warns Judith: “I'm sorry for you, but there's obviously nothing I can do about it, and my sympathy will not keep me from pulling your house down around your ears should Cole Hansen give me cause to strike back at him. Is that clear?”
Later, he says to his ranch hand Jim McCloud, “There's never anything to be gained by fighting an enemy on his own terms, particularly when he outnumbers you five to one.”
Early on, he is referred to as ‘dude’. Later on, he is called ‘cowboy,’ showing his change in the estimation of his neighbors.
This is well-written. An enjoyable read.
Outside Logasa is the Anchor ranch run by Lou Wilkison. It is the largest ranch around. He has two daughters: Martha and Judith. Judith Wilkison walks up to Parrish one day and tells him that her father wishes to meet with him tomorrow.
A crew of men from the Anchor Ranch come to town and provoke the sheriff into a confrontation. They shoot him in the back. There is nothing Parrish can do because he does not carry a gun.
Parrish and Caroline Vail have been flirting with each other for the last three years. He often has dinner with her and her parents. She begs him to sell his land.
He has planned for some time to sell his land. He has several unpleasant encounters with other small ranchers, who wish his help in dealing with their big neighbor, Anchor.
He does not want to get involved in their fight. He is leaving. He is better now and can go back east. The following morning, he sets out to the Anchor Ranch. He meets the new son-in-law, Cole Hanson. He is offered a pittance for his ranch and is told he has 24 hours to accept it.
That night one of his ranch hands, Bud, is killed by Anchor thugs and he decides what Basin matters now matter to him.
From then on, he plans carefully to defeat an overwhelmingly superior force. His relationship with Caroline proves flimsy. He finds an ally in one of the Wilkison daughters.
At one point, he warns Judith: “I'm sorry for you, but there's obviously nothing I can do about it, and my sympathy will not keep me from pulling your house down around your ears should Cole Hansen give me cause to strike back at him. Is that clear?”
Later, he says to his ranch hand Jim McCloud, “There's never anything to be gained by fighting an enemy on his own terms, particularly when he outnumbers you five to one.”
Early on, he is referred to as ‘dude’. Later on, he is called ‘cowboy,’ showing his change in the estimation of his neighbors.
This is well-written. An enjoyable read.
February 4, 2022
Smoky Valley by Hamilton is my favorite all-time Western novel. I've probably read it at least 20 times.
[it surprises me that I haven't reviewed this novel--I'm an old guy, and navigating websites is my weakness--if I have already reviewed it, I apologize]
What got me going today is I just discovered that it was made into a movie! For possibly two decades I have been thinking: "Somebody really should make this novel into a movie!" Just watched the movie.
THE VIOLENT MEN. Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson. Amazon rates it 4.5 stars; IMDb gives it a 7.0 score. If I hadn't read the novel I would think it was a pretty good western movie. Thinking about it as objectively as I can, the movie actually is a pretty good western. But it was a disappointment.
[if there have been 3 movie remakes of this movie that are better, again I apologize]
I am a difficult reader to please, but Donald Hamilton's Smoky Valley gunned down Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove to lie bleeding as my 2nd fav western. Some context: I've read 97% of Louis L'Amour's novels, and still have 50-60 of his titles in my library. Hamilton has written other westerns. I enjoy rereading The Two-Shoot Gun and The Big Country (the movie was a much better adaption).
Cheers!
[it surprises me that I haven't reviewed this novel--I'm an old guy, and navigating websites is my weakness--if I have already reviewed it, I apologize]
What got me going today is I just discovered that it was made into a movie! For possibly two decades I have been thinking: "Somebody really should make this novel into a movie!" Just watched the movie.
THE VIOLENT MEN. Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson. Amazon rates it 4.5 stars; IMDb gives it a 7.0 score. If I hadn't read the novel I would think it was a pretty good western movie. Thinking about it as objectively as I can, the movie actually is a pretty good western. But it was a disappointment.
[if there have been 3 movie remakes of this movie that are better, again I apologize]
I am a difficult reader to please, but Donald Hamilton's Smoky Valley gunned down Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove to lie bleeding as my 2nd fav western. Some context: I've read 97% of Louis L'Amour's novels, and still have 50-60 of his titles in my library. Hamilton has written other westerns. I enjoy rereading The Two-Shoot Gun and The Big Country (the movie was a much better adaption).
Cheers!
April 14, 2021
A really good Western!
August 21, 2023
📙This book was published in 1955.
🖋️ Book review: Here is an outstanding story of patience, betrayal, and righteousness. Full book review when I find a full copy to read.
🎥 1955 movie version with Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson under the title of "The Violent Men."
🖊 Movie review: Outstanding tale of righteousness, betrayal, patience, and vengeance. Everyone in this story gets his due.
📙+🎥 = 🖊 Comparing short story to movie: TBA
📽 ●▬● 📙 ●▬● 📽
🖋️ Book review: Here is an outstanding story of patience, betrayal, and righteousness. Full book review when I find a full copy to read.
🎥 1955 movie version with Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson under the title of "The Violent Men."
🖊 Movie review: Outstanding tale of righteousness, betrayal, patience, and vengeance. Everyone in this story gets his due.
📙+🎥 = 🖊 Comparing short story to movie: TBA
📽 ●▬● 📙 ●▬● 📽
June 12, 2026
3.5
This is a fun western. It has some twists and turns that you would expect from the author of the Matt Helm series.
It does a lot of telling when it comes to the emotions of the characters but it is to be expected in a western of its time.
This is a fun western. It has some twists and turns that you would expect from the author of the Matt Helm series.
It does a lot of telling when it comes to the emotions of the characters but it is to be expected in a western of its time.
September 14, 2025
Just what it is.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews