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Improbable Fortunes
Winner of the 2016 Laramie Awards for Western Fiction
Longlisted for a Reading the West Book Award
Finalist for the Colorado Book Award for Best Fiction
Finalist for the High Plains Book Awards
In Improbable Fortunes , Jeffrey Price takes us on a wild ride into Vanadium, a dusty, down-on-its-heels mining town in southwest Colorado—where it would be fair to assume that nothing has ever happened. But you’d be wrong. As it turns out, quite a lot has happened, starting with a suspicious mudslide that destroys the town’s Main Street and a cowboy, Buster McCaffrey, arrested for the death of one of the richest men in America, Marvin Mallomar.
As the soon-to-retire Sheriff, Shep Dudival, investigates the circumstances surrounding the murder, it comes to light that Buster and Mallomar’s young wife were having a Cowboy Always Rings Twice affair. From there, Price takes this familiar story plot and turns it on its head—folding a rococo cast of Vanadium’s characters into a timeline that begins with Vanadium’s post-WWII labor strife and ends with the Kulturkampf of present day.
While it may all seem humorous and surreal at first blush, one gets the feeling by Improbable Fortunes’ unguessable conclusion that Price has used the fictitious town of Vanadium—a place without a recognizable gas station, a decent restaurant, or a clean bathroom—as the Rosetta Stone for something larger.
Longlisted for a Reading the West Book Award
Finalist for the Colorado Book Award for Best Fiction
Finalist for the High Plains Book Awards
In Improbable Fortunes , Jeffrey Price takes us on a wild ride into Vanadium, a dusty, down-on-its-heels mining town in southwest Colorado—where it would be fair to assume that nothing has ever happened. But you’d be wrong. As it turns out, quite a lot has happened, starting with a suspicious mudslide that destroys the town’s Main Street and a cowboy, Buster McCaffrey, arrested for the death of one of the richest men in America, Marvin Mallomar.
As the soon-to-retire Sheriff, Shep Dudival, investigates the circumstances surrounding the murder, it comes to light that Buster and Mallomar’s young wife were having a Cowboy Always Rings Twice affair. From there, Price takes this familiar story plot and turns it on its head—folding a rococo cast of Vanadium’s characters into a timeline that begins with Vanadium’s post-WWII labor strife and ends with the Kulturkampf of present day.
While it may all seem humorous and surreal at first blush, one gets the feeling by Improbable Fortunes’ unguessable conclusion that Price has used the fictitious town of Vanadium—a place without a recognizable gas station, a decent restaurant, or a clean bathroom—as the Rosetta Stone for something larger.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2016
11 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 8, 2020
This book is as improbable as the title suggests but is all the more fun because of it.
Set in Vanadium, a town built around a worked-out uranium mine in South West Colorado, "Improbable Fortunes" tells the story of a likeable, impeccably honest, and almost unbelievably naïve, ranch hand called Buster,
The story opens with a dramatic and slightly zany disaster, involving a mud slide a destroyed luxury ranch house that is, for some reason, full of cattle, a damsel in distress and Buster, apparently to blame for it all.
Most of the rest of the book is spent recounting Buster's progress towards this event from his birth onwards.
Abandoned at birth, Buster is raised by a variety of foster parents who gift him, almost accidentally, with a wide range of skills that will become useful to him in later life
The families that Buster lives with each has something odd about them and each suffers an unexpected tragedy that soon gives Buster a reputation as Jonah or worse.
Buster is guided through his chaotic life by the local sheriff who acts as Buster's guardian angel for reasons that only become clear towards the end of the novel.
The sheriff, like many of the other characters, is a larger than life individual with complex, and sometimes concealed, motives for his actions.
Few people in this book, apart from Buster, are who they at first seem to be. The fates of the characters are as dramatic and as interwoven in surprising ways as those of characters in a Restoration Comedy.
Although many bad things are done by many bad people, some of whom are the same people you thought were good people, I was left with a persistent sense of optimism and hope.
“Improbable Fortunes” is the kind of book that you can only really get by reading it, not be reading about it. Even then, if you're like me, you'll be smiling, scratching your head and saying "I've no idea what just happened but I enjoyed it so much I want ti to happen again”.
Set in Vanadium, a town built around a worked-out uranium mine in South West Colorado, "Improbable Fortunes" tells the story of a likeable, impeccably honest, and almost unbelievably naïve, ranch hand called Buster,
The story opens with a dramatic and slightly zany disaster, involving a mud slide a destroyed luxury ranch house that is, for some reason, full of cattle, a damsel in distress and Buster, apparently to blame for it all.
Most of the rest of the book is spent recounting Buster's progress towards this event from his birth onwards.
Abandoned at birth, Buster is raised by a variety of foster parents who gift him, almost accidentally, with a wide range of skills that will become useful to him in later life
The families that Buster lives with each has something odd about them and each suffers an unexpected tragedy that soon gives Buster a reputation as Jonah or worse.
Buster is guided through his chaotic life by the local sheriff who acts as Buster's guardian angel for reasons that only become clear towards the end of the novel.
The sheriff, like many of the other characters, is a larger than life individual with complex, and sometimes concealed, motives for his actions.
Few people in this book, apart from Buster, are who they at first seem to be. The fates of the characters are as dramatic and as interwoven in surprising ways as those of characters in a Restoration Comedy.
Although many bad things are done by many bad people, some of whom are the same people you thought were good people, I was left with a persistent sense of optimism and hope.
“Improbable Fortunes” is the kind of book that you can only really get by reading it, not be reading about it. Even then, if you're like me, you'll be smiling, scratching your head and saying "I've no idea what just happened but I enjoyed it so much I want ti to happen again”.
October 14, 2016
3.5 of 5 stars – Interesting and Funny Yet Not Fully Engaging.
I enjoy a variety of genres, including mysteries, historicals, and both contemporary and old westerns. Jeffrey Price blended those in a way that took me on a journey I wasn’t expecting, both good and not so good.
I expected it to be more of a western than it was, but I still liked the small-town Colorado western setting, described in a rustic manner. There was also an interesting enough story and cast of characters, but somehow I just couldn't get into it. The pace seemed rather slow and methodical at times, although the dark humor and ironic turns did help. The humor came partly from stretching credulity to the point of being ridiculous and absurd, which at times was a little too weird for my tastes.
The story wound me around several twists and turns of MC's, Buster’s, life and the mystery of that and of the mudslide. Buster was likable, more in the sense of feeling sorry for him, which wasn’t a selling point for me. He was a hard-working, competent, even skilled cowboy, but not too bright, and always seemed to be unlucky, even cursed, somehow finding misfortune rather than fortune. He and the other characters were nice to observe from afar, but not really ones I could really get into.
I may not be sophisticated enough to enjoy Price's humor, because maybe I missed something or I should have read more into it. But ultimately, while interesting, it just was too slow and nonsensical to engage me or make me want to care enough.
As the story went along, there were certainly "improbable," maybe too improbable, "fortunes;" and indeed probably more appropriately improbable MISfortunes. I don't feel unfortunate to have read this, just not fully entertained, and some may indeed find their fortunes in this.
I enjoy a variety of genres, including mysteries, historicals, and both contemporary and old westerns. Jeffrey Price blended those in a way that took me on a journey I wasn’t expecting, both good and not so good.
I expected it to be more of a western than it was, but I still liked the small-town Colorado western setting, described in a rustic manner. There was also an interesting enough story and cast of characters, but somehow I just couldn't get into it. The pace seemed rather slow and methodical at times, although the dark humor and ironic turns did help. The humor came partly from stretching credulity to the point of being ridiculous and absurd, which at times was a little too weird for my tastes.
The story wound me around several twists and turns of MC's, Buster’s, life and the mystery of that and of the mudslide. Buster was likable, more in the sense of feeling sorry for him, which wasn’t a selling point for me. He was a hard-working, competent, even skilled cowboy, but not too bright, and always seemed to be unlucky, even cursed, somehow finding misfortune rather than fortune. He and the other characters were nice to observe from afar, but not really ones I could really get into.
I may not be sophisticated enough to enjoy Price's humor, because maybe I missed something or I should have read more into it. But ultimately, while interesting, it just was too slow and nonsensical to engage me or make me want to care enough.
As the story went along, there were certainly "improbable," maybe too improbable, "fortunes;" and indeed probably more appropriately improbable MISfortunes. I don't feel unfortunate to have read this, just not fully entertained, and some may indeed find their fortunes in this.
October 2, 2016
Improbable Fortunes was an entertaining, darkly humorous tall tale of the fortunes, or misfortunes, of a modern-day cowpoke in the mountains of Colorado.
I quite enjoyed Jeffrey Price’s style of writing, laced with sarcasm and dry wit, animating his characters in the style reminiscent of his entertaining movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I enjoyed how he set the scenes as well as wrote the dialogue, especially the slang for Buster and others.
The characters were well drawn, and they were quite a set of characters at that. I'm referring both to what that idiom means (strange, colorful, idiosyncratic) and to how diverse and developed they were. They ranged from fatherly to macho, motherly to slutty, quirky to psychotic.
Of all the characters, I was attracted the most to Buster. That was good, because this mainly followed his life and mishaps. He was an endearingly dim-witted yet good-natured fellow, similar to Forest Gump’s appeal, but maybe not as innocent. And I ended up rooting for him no matter what he may have gotten himself into.
It all ended in a surprising, satisfying way – fitting with the tone and arc of the rest of the book. So this rated a solid 4 stars.
[I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Rare Bird Lit!]
I quite enjoyed Jeffrey Price’s style of writing, laced with sarcasm and dry wit, animating his characters in the style reminiscent of his entertaining movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I enjoyed how he set the scenes as well as wrote the dialogue, especially the slang for Buster and others.
The characters were well drawn, and they were quite a set of characters at that. I'm referring both to what that idiom means (strange, colorful, idiosyncratic) and to how diverse and developed they were. They ranged from fatherly to macho, motherly to slutty, quirky to psychotic.
Of all the characters, I was attracted the most to Buster. That was good, because this mainly followed his life and mishaps. He was an endearingly dim-witted yet good-natured fellow, similar to Forest Gump’s appeal, but maybe not as innocent. And I ended up rooting for him no matter what he may have gotten himself into.
It all ended in a surprising, satisfying way – fitting with the tone and arc of the rest of the book. So this rated a solid 4 stars.
[I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Rare Bird Lit!]
January 2, 2017
This highly enjoyable story of a very likeable and improbable cowpoke named Buster is a fun and endearing tale of the winding turns that can and do present themselves in life and how to best make an honourable existence as a result. Excellent narration here in the audiobook version should be commended. Moviemakers could have a winner with this one!
February 26, 2017
Buster is the cowboy and star of this long and meandering tale of small town Colorado. The novel, written by a screenwriter who lives in Telluride, has moments of truth and is inventively witty and just plain fun to read.
April 28, 2016
A fantastic novel set in a small mining town in Colorado. The author paints an extremely vivid picture in little words, capturing the essence and air of small town Colorado lifestyle. One would think this book is a western, until discovering the surprising references to brand names, modern technology, and how much of the novel takes place in 2008. The book has a fabulous and diverse cast of characters, each one keeping you on your heels with their surprising responses in delicate situations.
The main character, an orphaned rancher named Buster McCaffrey has had a long life running into unusual circumstances. Whether that be the relationship with his many foster parents, the town sheriff, or the relationship he finds himself trapped in with the town's wealthiest businessman-turned-rancher, Buster always finds himself in unwelcoming predicaments. He is however, one of the most likeable and kind protagonists I've read in a book. He is an ignorant and lovable dumbass.
The book itself relies on the humor that we find ourselves in these uncertain situations, heavily relying on characters making selfish and blindsighted decisions, or poking at the entitled pleasantries we have in modern life. The book comes from a very established writer, having written many Hollywood screenplays. The book balances a wonderful blend of humor, action, life lessons, and character reflection all in one well-written and concise novel. Go read IMPROBABLE FORTUNES.
The main character, an orphaned rancher named Buster McCaffrey has had a long life running into unusual circumstances. Whether that be the relationship with his many foster parents, the town sheriff, or the relationship he finds himself trapped in with the town's wealthiest businessman-turned-rancher, Buster always finds himself in unwelcoming predicaments. He is however, one of the most likeable and kind protagonists I've read in a book. He is an ignorant and lovable dumbass.
The book itself relies on the humor that we find ourselves in these uncertain situations, heavily relying on characters making selfish and blindsighted decisions, or poking at the entitled pleasantries we have in modern life. The book comes from a very established writer, having written many Hollywood screenplays. The book balances a wonderful blend of humor, action, life lessons, and character reflection all in one well-written and concise novel. Go read IMPROBABLE FORTUNES.
April 8, 2020
I think this book had everything...love, adventure, humor...
This is such a great underdog story set in such a beautiful and wild setting but also interestingly connected with a very modern context (very recent history with characters from NYC).
If you love adventure, fun characters and some Americana...you'll love this book.
I wish the author would write another book...this book was GREAT!
Reading some of the comments...I get that the dialect was at times a little challenging at times...but what is the alternative...to NOT have Buster speak in this manner?
Anyway...loved this book...including the ending which was very well tied together and in mostly a reasonable way.
This is such a great underdog story set in such a beautiful and wild setting but also interestingly connected with a very modern context (very recent history with characters from NYC).
If you love adventure, fun characters and some Americana...you'll love this book.
I wish the author would write another book...this book was GREAT!
Reading some of the comments...I get that the dialect was at times a little challenging at times...but what is the alternative...to NOT have Buster speak in this manner?
Anyway...loved this book...including the ending which was very well tied together and in mostly a reasonable way.
May 11, 2021
Hysterical. Complex. Unique. My brother gave me this book as a gift. I figured it would be some weird western mystery that I would struggle to get into. I was partially right. It was a weird western...it was also wonderfully written, intricately developed and downright hysterical. I feel grateful that I read it, and thrilled that it is a story straight out of Telluride’s famed history of wealthy people and double deals.
June 17, 2016
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. I was hooked from page one. This story is told in way that reminded me of Mark Twain. You cannot help but to grow fond of buster as the story goes along. I can truly say I had no idea the surprises waiting towards the end. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend.
October 10, 2016
An excellent book, which picked up after the first couple of chapters to become one of "those" stories that is addictive. It has all the right ingredients, including brilliant twists and turns at the end. I'd recommend it, and wonder if there'll be a second book to follow??
April 28, 2019
I finished it... Not the best, but not the worst book I've read. Found myself needing a translator at times and seemed like I spent a lot of time reading and re-reading portions of this book. Not an easy read.
June 5, 2021
Surprising
A page turner of a yarn. Witty. Funny. There are many twists and turns to keep you guessing and changing your judgments. There is a underlying philosophical question that girds the tale, who has the right to justice?
A page turner of a yarn. Witty. Funny. There are many twists and turns to keep you guessing and changing your judgments. There is a underlying philosophical question that girds the tale, who has the right to justice?
April 3, 2016
Move over Larry McMurtry....
A wonderful entertaining and thoughtful character study of small town, Wild West, cowboy life in modern day terms. Couldn't put it down!
A wonderful entertaining and thoughtful character study of small town, Wild West, cowboy life in modern day terms. Couldn't put it down!
July 27, 2018
-2018 popsugar reading challenge: a book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
January 13, 2017
Excellent story....not sure why Goodreads suggests mostly LGBTQ-RSTYETC. books as the most liked along with this one. I guess ol' Jimmy Morgan struck a chord with them.
February 4, 2017
What a great read. A true modern day tall tale.
May 11, 2017
fast, funny cowboy tale. I especially liked the phonetic twang and drawl.
May 21, 2017
Good but not great story, mediocre actor reading the book( I listened to the book on tape).
November 30, 2017
Farcical novel that might contain more truth about that part of Colorado than one would expect.
August 14, 2018
A contemporary western full of ridiculously silly happenings in a pretend Colorado town. The characters are quirky and fun as is the plot. This should be a movie in the making.
October 8, 2021
2.75/5 stars
November 18, 2021
An absolute hoot, once I got started. Super fun, especially if you’re familiar with Colorado.
July 16, 2022
This book was given to me by a friend who admires my own 'quirky' writing. I loved, Improbable Fortunes. It was a great blend of a fun story with lots of wit, quirk, surrealism, sarcasm and other words ending in 'asm' and 'ism'. It was never predictable, yet the story pulled me along by the writing that felt familiar at times. I'd like to see this made into a movie!
April 21, 2024
This book was given to me by a friend who admires my own 'quirky' writing. I loved, Improbable Fortunes. It was a great blend of a fun story with lots of wit, quirk, surrealism, sarcasm and other words ending in 'asm' and 'ism'. It was never predictable, yet the story pulled me along by the writing that felt familiar at times. I'd like to see this made into a movie!
June 23, 2022
A fun read whose improbable twists and serendipity I really found myself basking in. Jokes didn't always land for me and the ending felt a bit rushed but I somehow couldn't take myself away from start to finish.
October 1, 2022
First thing I did upon finishing this was to go searching for more books by Mr. Price. To my disappointment this is his only novel.
This novel was Fun to read kind of reminding me of “Little Big Man” situationally.
This novel was Fun to read kind of reminding me of “Little Big Man” situationally.
May 26, 2021
Damn. Why isn't this book known? Jeffrey Price, a renowned screenplay writer, has written one of the most entertaining novels I have read in the last few years. Part mystery, part western, and part parable, Mr Price has produced a classic. Price's writing contains story-telling, and humor worthy of the late Larry McMurtry. This book is one entertaining ride.
May 18, 2017
I really ended up liking this book. It was funny, had some mystery, had some romance, a little bit of everything really. This book would actually make a wonderful movie. The writing was vivid and engaging. I was hooked from the first page!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews