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The Man from Battle Flat: A Western Trio
Louis L’Amour brings the Wild West back to life in three unstoppable adventures!
“Mistakes Can Kill You” is the story of Johnny O’Day. Half-dead from pneumonia and on the brink of giving up, he was taken in as a boy and nursed back to health by a young couple. Growing up, Johnny harbored nothing but resentment and jealousy of their biological son, Sam. But now Sam is in big trouble, and it seems that Johnny may be the only person who can come between his half brother and a pair of gunmen.
Ross Haney is “The Rider of Ruby Hills.” At twenty-seven, he’s broke, armed, and ready to settle down. But when a feud breaks out between the owners of two of the biggest spreads in Ruby Hills, it looks like the fair town is on the brink of destruction. Ross was a loner at first, but now he’s got allies and a plan . . .
In the title story, Krag Moran is a rider who becomes involved in a range war among ranchers and nesters. The town is divided, and by the time shots are fired and the body count starts to rise, Krag will have a lot of explaining to do to the wrong people.
Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction that takes place in the old West. Westerns—books about outlaws, sheriffs, chiefs and warriors, cowboys and Indians—are a genre in which we publish regularly. Our list includes international bestselling authors like Zane Gray and Louis L’Amour, and many more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
“Mistakes Can Kill You” is the story of Johnny O’Day. Half-dead from pneumonia and on the brink of giving up, he was taken in as a boy and nursed back to health by a young couple. Growing up, Johnny harbored nothing but resentment and jealousy of their biological son, Sam. But now Sam is in big trouble, and it seems that Johnny may be the only person who can come between his half brother and a pair of gunmen.
Ross Haney is “The Rider of Ruby Hills.” At twenty-seven, he’s broke, armed, and ready to settle down. But when a feud breaks out between the owners of two of the biggest spreads in Ruby Hills, it looks like the fair town is on the brink of destruction. Ross was a loner at first, but now he’s got allies and a plan . . .
In the title story, Krag Moran is a rider who becomes involved in a range war among ranchers and nesters. The town is divided, and by the time shots are fired and the body count starts to rise, Krag will have a lot of explaining to do to the wrong people.
Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction that takes place in the old West. Westerns—books about outlaws, sheriffs, chiefs and warriors, cowboys and Indians—are a genre in which we publish regularly. Our list includes international bestselling authors like Zane Gray and Louis L’Amour, and many more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2010
About the author
Louis L'Amour
618 books3,723 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 30 reviews
February 23, 2018
Three fine stories
By Charles van Buren on February 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I have always liked Mr. L'Amour's short stories and short novels better than his longer works. The shorter writing showcases his strengths as a writer - fast action, characters drawn with quick, broad strokes, ample and excellent descriptions of the country, etc. The three stories in this collection are no exceptions. The Rider of the Ruby Hills is about as good as anything I've read by L'Amour. And I have read a lot. He is one of the authors whose work I used to carry around with me to read while traveling and between interviews and interrogations. Written well enough to hold my attention but easy to put down and pickup. I left L'Amour books in police stations and government and private offices all over Mississippi. I'll bet a lot of people were happy to find them. Later, I left about 50 of them scattered across southwestern Finland. During that adventure, I discovered that Mr. L'Amour has quite a following in Finland.
I have had a lot of trouble with accuracy in books and stories by many popular modern western authors. I have never had that problem with L'Amour. His history and his descriptions of everything from guns to horses is dependable.
There is a pretty decent forward by Jon Tuska in this volume. Particularly good for newcomers to the life and writing of Mr. L'Amour.
By Charles van Buren on February 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I have always liked Mr. L'Amour's short stories and short novels better than his longer works. The shorter writing showcases his strengths as a writer - fast action, characters drawn with quick, broad strokes, ample and excellent descriptions of the country, etc. The three stories in this collection are no exceptions. The Rider of the Ruby Hills is about as good as anything I've read by L'Amour. And I have read a lot. He is one of the authors whose work I used to carry around with me to read while traveling and between interviews and interrogations. Written well enough to hold my attention but easy to put down and pickup. I left L'Amour books in police stations and government and private offices all over Mississippi. I'll bet a lot of people were happy to find them. Later, I left about 50 of them scattered across southwestern Finland. During that adventure, I discovered that Mr. L'Amour has quite a following in Finland.
I have had a lot of trouble with accuracy in books and stories by many popular modern western authors. I have never had that problem with L'Amour. His history and his descriptions of everything from guns to horses is dependable.
There is a pretty decent forward by Jon Tuska in this volume. Particularly good for newcomers to the life and writing of Mr. L'Amour.
March 20, 2017
The Man From Battle Flat by Louis L'Amour is about settling the west. Back when there were cowboys and outlaws, Krag Moran lived. He was a strange man who was a hired gun for Ryerson, a top rancher in those parts. He came to town to settle an old score, and the majority of the town folk are against him. The ranchers and nesters are in a war against each other and Krag doesn't seem to be helping. He is only in town for a little while before he kills a man. Although the other man drew first, Krag isn't known for anything but his reputation with a gun. How will he escape this time?
I liked this book because of the action. It was adventurous and the way it was written made it seem like an old western on TV. I also liked it because it is so exciting to see the guys draw on each other. One thing I disliked about the book was that it had the same old ending: the bad guy dies and the good guy gets the girl. Every once in awhile you need a good downer where everyone dies or the plans don't work out. One movie I can compare this too is The Magnificent Seven. The guys go in and try to save the town and they end up dying for it.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes old westerns and reading. It's basically like a western in your head, because L'Amour makes the characters come to life.
I liked this book because of the action. It was adventurous and the way it was written made it seem like an old western on TV. I also liked it because it is so exciting to see the guys draw on each other. One thing I disliked about the book was that it had the same old ending: the bad guy dies and the good guy gets the girl. Every once in awhile you need a good downer where everyone dies or the plans don't work out. One movie I can compare this too is The Magnificent Seven. The guys go in and try to save the town and they end up dying for it.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes old westerns and reading. It's basically like a western in your head, because L'Amour makes the characters come to life.
September 2, 2017
Louis L'Amour noting mire needs to be. Said
Pure Louis L'Amour strong men and woman carving out their places in the west. His writing has the feel of one who lived the west he wrote about . like Zane Gray , Great Heart, even Mark Twain before him he captured what's good about the western belief.
Pure Louis L'Amour strong men and woman carving out their places in the west. His writing has the feel of one who lived the west he wrote about . like Zane Gray , Great Heart, even Mark Twain before him he captured what's good about the western belief.
February 8, 2018
Great western story telling by the master of western stories Louis L'Amour.
No other western story teller has L'Amours style, his drama, his detail. In his stories your are taken back in time to places once newly settled in the history of the American west. Places with sights to see, lives to be lived and a place made in the memory of a time past. That's what he shares with us.
No other western story teller has L'Amours style, his drama, his detail. In his stories your are taken back in time to places once newly settled in the history of the American west. Places with sights to see, lives to be lived and a place made in the memory of a time past. That's what he shares with us.
September 22, 2018
Okay but not great
These stories are really good but you can tell they were written for publication in a magazine. There's a few continuity problems and issues with pronouns shoo you don't know who's speaking sometimes our that they've mounted up and are riding with no indication in the text. But if still recommend them especially for fans of the western.
These stories are really good but you can tell they were written for publication in a magazine. There's a few continuity problems and issues with pronouns shoo you don't know who's speaking sometimes our that they've mounted up and are riding with no indication in the text. But if still recommend them especially for fans of the western.
December 30, 2021
True westedn
I have always enjoyed stories about the old west and especially ones by Louis Lamour. He describes the terrain like Hillerman and makes one feel you can smell the dust and see the green of the grasses. Life was hard and not romantic but the people weret tough and resilient.
I have always enjoyed stories about the old west and especially ones by Louis Lamour. He describes the terrain like Hillerman and makes one feel you can smell the dust and see the green of the grasses. Life was hard and not romantic but the people weret tough and resilient.
January 3, 2023
Classic westerns
Nobody wrote western stories like Louis L’Amour, and Jon Tuska assembled three good ones here. Hard riding, fast shooting and a little romance comes up in each one. If you like traditional old-fashioned westerns, you will enjoy these—the first and last pretty short, and the middle with enough action for a novel. Good stuff.
Nobody wrote western stories like Louis L’Amour, and Jon Tuska assembled three good ones here. Hard riding, fast shooting and a little romance comes up in each one. If you like traditional old-fashioned westerns, you will enjoy these—the first and last pretty short, and the middle with enough action for a novel. Good stuff.
December 8, 2023
Breaking the West was a hard Life
Men like all the ones mentioned in these stories whether real or fictious worked hard to open the west and to establish peace for everyone not just the wanton and greedy. Open territory had to have justice both hard and gentle. Without these men and women leading the way we would still be 100 years back and trying to make a life.
Men like all the ones mentioned in these stories whether real or fictious worked hard to open the west and to establish peace for everyone not just the wanton and greedy. Open territory had to have justice both hard and gentle. Without these men and women leading the way we would still be 100 years back and trying to make a life.
October 4, 2018
A Good Read
I have read a lot of L'Amour books and this is a typical example. There are few writers that can make the old West seem as alive as he can. A good way to spend a couple of hours.
I have read a lot of L'Amour books and this is a typical example. There are few writers that can make the old West seem as alive as he can. A good way to spend a couple of hours.
June 24, 2019
Action packed westerns
L’Amour shows you the story. His power of description pains a clear picture. Enjoyable storylines that build, and then wrap up quickly. Very quick, but good reads.
L’Amour shows you the story. His power of description pains a clear picture. Enjoyable storylines that build, and then wrap up quickly. Very quick, but good reads.
August 23, 2020
As usual...Great!
I have enjoyed the books of Louis L'Amour for 50 years or more. Being the grandson of Frank Eaton (Pistol Pete) I grew up with this kind of background to live up to.Thanks for writing then.
I have enjoyed the books of Louis L'Amour for 50 years or more. Being the grandson of Frank Eaton (Pistol Pete) I grew up with this kind of background to live up to.Thanks for writing then.
October 16, 2023
I'm a big fan of Louis L'Amour and enjoy his stories. This is three different stories, the middle story taking up most of the book. I've read the middle story before in as a expanded stand alone book that L'Amour later wrote. The other two stories were new and quite a treasure.
October 14, 2025
Short stories that quickly get to the point.
I love the L'Amour to read them descriptions of the geographic terrain of his stories. When reading his books you feel like you are there.
I love the L'Amour to read them descriptions of the geographic terrain of his stories. When reading his books you feel like you are there.
February 16, 2018
The Man From Battle Flat
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of his books. Kattie. 216/18.
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of his books. Kattie. 216/18.
June 16, 2018
Louis L'Amour's a master of the western tale. Enjoyable escape read.
November 3, 2018
Good Stories
I enjoyed all 3 stories.The backgrounds of the places they were in and the storey line of the book. Great characters and locations
I enjoyed all 3 stories.The backgrounds of the places they were in and the storey line of the book. Great characters and locations
September 10, 2019
Love reading LLA been reading his stories since the 60's. The stories are full of adventure, intrigue, loss, and just the right amount of life as it once was!
April 11, 2020
One of Louis best
This was very entertaining, I recommend it to anyone who likes to read western literature. Be sure to read it cover to cover.
This was very entertaining, I recommend it to anyone who likes to read western literature. Be sure to read it cover to cover.
April 30, 2020
Good story line.
July 16, 2020
I don't think I have ever read a disappointing Louis L'Amour book. You know what you're going to get, and you always get it, so, yeah, always worth reading.
July 19, 2020
Good Story
Decided to read this author because my late father enjoyed L'Amour's books so much. It was a good story that held my interest.
Decided to read this author because my late father enjoyed L'Amour's books so much. It was a good story that held my interest.
July 22, 2020
Three short stories from the late 1940s early 1950s written under the byline of Jim Mayo. Enjoyable break from work.
January 10, 2022
Fast read
All three stories move along quickly. A fun western read. A few twists and turns . you can smell the gun smoke and feel the saddle under your butt.
All three stories move along quickly. A fun western read. A few twists and turns . you can smell the gun smoke and feel the saddle under your butt.
August 11, 2022
Held my interest throughout the book.
December 3, 2023
A movie book
The man with no heart tries to take over three ranches watched by two women, then one man rides in to an old Volcano , then the eruption occurs ....
The man with no heart tries to take over three ranches watched by two women, then one man rides in to an old Volcano , then the eruption occurs ....
December 29, 2023
Three short stories that were a fun read
April 30, 2024
Pretty typical Louis L'Amour and reading all my life
June 29, 2024
I like most of Louis L'Amour's stories. They are always so detailed and descriptive. The countryside and the characters feel so real.
April 20, 2017
The book, The Man From Battle Flat, was about a feud between Nesters, and Cattlemen. Ryerson, and Chet Lee were cattle men that were upset about the fact that all their fields of hay, owned by the government, were now being overrun by nesters, headed by a killer named Bush Leason, and a more sensible man named Hedrow. Krag Moran, a drifter that was working for Ryerson, was upset after Bush killed a cattleman named Shorty Grimes. Krag beat Bush to the draw and upset the nesters even more. The cattlemen and the nesters continued to fight, and the cattlemen burned and raided the nesters homes. Dan Riggs, a writer for the newspaper wrote about it and the cattlemen came after Dan. Krag quit because of this incident and sided with Dan and his friend named Carol.
I really enjoyed reading this book. A few thing that I liked about the book was the ending, which I can't give away, and I liked the details about the gun fights. I felt as if it witnessed them. There was one thing that I didn't like about this book. The one thing that I didn't like about it was the way Chet talked, as if he was a person that thought that he was better than all others, and a know it all. Other than that I really enjoyed reading this book.
I would suggest this book to anyone that likes books about the wild west, and gunfights. Also I think that anyone that wants a time passing book that is full of action should read it.
I really enjoyed reading this book. A few thing that I liked about the book was the ending, which I can't give away, and I liked the details about the gun fights. I felt as if it witnessed them. There was one thing that I didn't like about this book. The one thing that I didn't like about it was the way Chet talked, as if he was a person that thought that he was better than all others, and a know it all. Other than that I really enjoyed reading this book.
I would suggest this book to anyone that likes books about the wild west, and gunfights. Also I think that anyone that wants a time passing book that is full of action should read it.
November 1, 2016
“That’s one of the things that drew me here.”“Revenge?”
“Call it what you like. I have a different name for it.” He leaned towards her, suddenly eager for her to understand. “You see, you can’t judge the West by any ordered land you know. It is a wild, hard land, and the men that came West and survived were tough stern men. … The only law we have here is the law of strength. The only justice we have must live in the hearts and minds of men … Someday we will have law. We will have order. Then we can let the courts decide, but now we have none of those things…. I agree that it is not right. I agree that it should be different, but … we must have our killers, not punished, but prevented from killing again. Vin Carter was my friend. Of that I can say nothing, only that because he was my friend, I must act for him”
-- from The Rider of the Ruby Hills (my heavy abridgement)
This little book collects two short stories and the novella quoted above from L’Amour’s early magazine fiction, published under a pseudonym between 1949 and 1952 and before his later fame under his own name. I am not well acquainted with Westerns but my grandfather was a big fan, and he always maintained that Louis L’Amour was the greatest writer in the genre. Certainly this collection has helped me see why.
It’s a very easy read: his prose is deceptively easy to read and sucks you rapidly into a convincing world of cowmen and their feuds, drawled dialog and saloons with half doors, and all painted with a minimum of wasted words or fuss or exposition. Having got you there he builds a character or two that you care about and then winds and winds the tension until finally the is a climax – a fast draw, a hail of bullets, and it’s all over. But it’s not so much about the violence in the end, as the emotional closure: all the injustice, the hero’s far-fetched longings for his own ranch and the smart, capable girl who is tangled up in this bad business – all the brokenness of the hard western town comes down to a set of bullet holes in a few hard cases, and suddenly the brokenness comes right. The novella has more space (and winds and releases the tension in several cycles first!) and the long exchange I’ve quoted from above is a spirited a defence of this idea.
Yet that is all being unfair to L’Amour. In The Rider of the Ruby Hills our hero Ross wins mostly by brains and careful preparation rather than a quick draw. None of the heroes shoot anyone who didn’t draw first and wasn’t basically a gangster. In The Man from Battle Flat the ranch-owning heroine makes an impassioned plea for a non-violent solution, which slowly makes the cowboy think; in the end it is BOTH his quick draw and a their willingness to seek a fair deal for the nesters [squatters] that brings peace to the town.
Certainly I'll keep an eye out for more by this master of stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews