The man from the broken hills

Talon and Chantry #7

by Louis L'Amour

Louis L'Amour Collection Western Novel

Genres: Westerns, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Classics, Action, Adult

217 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1975

About the author

Louis 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".

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of L'Amour's better novels. Lots of twists and suspense at the end.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
In the mood for something different as I looked through the new releases on Audible, I saw The Man From The Broken Hills narrated by MacLeod Andrews. It fit the bill perfectly, although I didn’t realise at the time it was part of a series. As it happens, it can easily be read, or listened to, as a standalone.

Narrated in the first person by Milo Talon, a drifter enjoying seeing and experiencing the wild American West from the back of his horse. Born and raised in Colorado, he grew up on one of the largest ranches around and has his mother’s blessing to roam the country for as long as he needs to. He can handle himself when necessary and is known to be good with a gun but doesn’t look for trouble, loves to explore the country and enjoys working with cattle.

Picking up jobs on his travels he happens upon three cowhands round a camp fire. Stirrup-Iron, the small outfit they work for needs extra hands for a roundup. Milo had a moment when he learned the outfit was run by a young woman and a blind, old man—but he was a man of honour who sticks by his word and dislikes those that use threats or force against others. It transpires a war between the neighbouring ranchers is threatening to erupt over cattle going missing, each rancher blaming the other. From the short exchange Milo and the Stirrup-Iron men just had with several men from one of the other outfits who seemed too aggressive, Milo’s decision to join the Stirrup-Iron was reenforced.

The story flows well, mostly centering around the missing cattle, and includes just about everything you’d expect in a classic western—a fair share of action including the good and the bad, gun fights and a hint of romance. A mystery concerning Milo runs alongside the main story, which isn’t resolved until quite near the end. There are several twists in the slowly unfolding story, adding to the suspense, as well as great dialogue and wonderful descriptions of the landscape.

Several introspective recollections and musings give a good indication of Milo’s backstory and character. It’s apparent from the start there’s history between Milo and his new boss, Henry Rossiter. Rossiter had worked for Milo’s parents when Milo was a boy. He’d disappeared one day without a word, taking a few hundred head of cattle with him. The cattle and the rustlers were found by Milo’s mother, a formidable woman, but Rossiter got away. Milo hadn’t seen him since, until he realised it was Rossiter he was now working for.

I haven’t read any other books by this author and enjoyed this one very much. It’s obvious Louis L’Amour knew his subject incredibly well. Characters are well defined and the authenticity of time, place and working ranch hands was described vividly. As always, MacLeod Andrews delivers a perfect narration, bringing the characters to life with distinct voices and accents.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Mostly good western revolving around a long-term cattle rustling plot.

For as much as I liked this book, there was a lot of repetition in the phrasing and one of the foundational plot-points was hard to believe. Still a fun, relaxing read that I looked forward to picking up. America’s storyteller indeed.

[*Stani* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young cattle disappearing, Milo Talon starts on a cattle ranch and has to find out who is stealing cattle from all the ranches in the valley in Texas and who is trying to deliberately kill him and stop him from investigating, or is the reason more personal?

*****
Very well hashed out story of cattle ranching and what it takes to run it.

The mystery was well thought out and kept me guessing almost to the end.

Lots of moving part, lots of characters, plenty of action set in the beautiful state of Texas.

I like a good western tale and throw a mystery on top like a cherry and I am in love.

Definitely recommend to anyone that likes westerns and a good mystery.

[Noah Goats · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louis L’Amour was the first writer I loved. My dad had just about every one of his books and when I was 13 I started reading them. I chain read them one right after another. They made me realize that I could actually enjoy books. I’ll still read one every year or two, and I usually enjoy it, but I suspect that my pleasure in reading them may be mostly nostalgia. These novels are formulaic, heavily laden with cliches, and chunkily written. But, I like ‘em anyway. The cliches and the formulas are solid.

[Alyssa DeLeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers* One of the best L’Amour’s I have read! While Borden Chantry felt like a whodunnit, this felt like a deeper, richer mystery mixed with adventure. I always like the initial villain to have a sort of comeback, and I always think it’s interesting when the real culprit is someone you haven’t even met! L’Amour pulled both of those off very well. Milo is a great character and I always love a good Sackett tie-in.

[Craig Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have wanted to discuss Louis L'Amour books on this forum for some time, but hesitated after reading terms like "formulaic". I feel many reviewers take themselves too seriously -- something L'Amour never did. He always referred to himself as a "story teller". He wrote to please those who did and continue to do the work of the world and struggle to make ends meet. I have read over 50 of his novels and at least two volumes of his short stories. Many of his tales are set in the old West and it feels like he is speaking to the people living in that area today as well as those who yearn to explore its geography, culture, and history. I view L'Amour stories the same way I think of my favorite TV shows. The plots and characters seem familiar, but the adventure never gets old. You can call that formulaic if you would like. I call if fun. Now, having gotten that out of the way, my review of The Man from the Broken Hills...

Milo, son of Barnabas Talon and Em Sackett and cousin of William Tell Sackett, is a wandering cowpuncher from Colorado. He hires on with an outfit at the outset of a brewing cattle war with neighboring ranchers over disappearing cattle. Broken Hills, set near modern-day San Angelo, Texas, is some of L'Amours best writing and character development. Milo Talon confesses to his new amigo and saddle partner, Tony Fuentes, "there's a promised land somewhere beyond the mountain. I was born to look for it... I was born for the trail, not for the journey's end. We were born to discover and to build, you and I, for the others who will come after us. They will live in a richer, sweeter land, but we will have made the trails. We go where the Indian goes, and the buffalo. We will rid far lands where the only companions are wind and rain and sun."

Broken Hills is notable for clean, vivid descriptions of the countryside, lively dialogue, and more plot twists than you typically get with a L'Amour story. Milo Talon and Tony Fuentes are two of L'Amour's most interesting and likable characters. This was one of my favorite L'Amour stories, and I hope you enjoy the surprises at the end.

[Meta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I have read a book from Louis L'amour.
The Man from Broken Hills.
I was pleasantly surprised with the story.
I hope to read more from him.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is my first L’Amour and it definitely won’t be my last. I am really impressed by the writing and the story was so good!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery yarn and some of L'Amour's best writing. Reveals an intimate knowledge of western terrain, survival, and wildlife. Throw in an assortment of long-range rifles, cattle rustlers, and beyond Boy Scout tracking abilities, and you've got an excellent book. There are times when phrases here and there are reminiscent of Hemingway in their elegant sparseness. Will Jamestown, North Dakota, ever produce another writer this great?

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of Milo Talon while he lives in Texas working as a cowhand. He learns that someone is stealing from all of the ranchers who have cattle in the area. Talon decides that he will learn what or who is taking livestock.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really two and a half stars.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has more of a detective novel flavor than his other works. Recommended.

[Vincent Darlage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Milo Talon was pretty much the same as the Sacketts (his mother was a Sackett, btw), but this novel was fun from start to finish.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been lots of years since I read a L'Amour. It is great story of a young man riding the trails, falls in with a cattleman who he knows, not in a good way. Horses are rode, cattle rounded up, & box social revealed strangers. Gunfighting plays a role as a rustler is rounded up, cows go to rightful home, & Milo Talon rides off into the sunset.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man From the Broken Hills is a mystery western. The book is about Milo Talon and his search to find the dangerous cattle thief. One of the most admirable things about Milo Talon is his willingness to risk his life. The book is set in Texas in the 1800s. The most noteworthy feature of the book is that there is so much conflict. If you like mystery books you will really like this book. I really did, overall it was a great book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me way too long to finish this book— roughly a month and a half if I’m not mistaking—and during that time it was stolen from a shelf that I leave it on at work. I almost pursued another book after the loss, and wasn’t particularly concerned with finishing this one.
A trip to the Wal-Mart book section made me notice another copy of this story, and I decided to pick it up, yet again. It was as though L’amour, or the powers that be, were not content with me being unable to finish. One month and a few weeks in— after many life changing events— I finally finished the story, and am glad that I did! It is a worthy five star read!
Louis L’amour never ceases to amaze me with his stories of the west, and “The man from the broken hills” will forever be one of my most favorite books by this author. I find it interesting how things work out in life, even if it is something as insignificant as finishing a book. Sometimes it just simply MUST be done, and nothing can change that, no matter the circumstances.
In closing, I’d like to leave you with a conversation between two of the main characters in this story. Something about this conversation struck me as interesting and had me pondering it for quite some time. I altered some of the wording, but the focus of the conversation is still there.

Pg 192- conversation between Milo Talon and Tony Fuentes:
It was close to sundown before we had them down there, and Tony rode in close to me, hooked a leg around the pommel and dug out the makings. He tilted his sombrero back and said, “She likes you?”
“Who?”
He looked disgusted. “Ann Timberly….The senorita.”
“Her? I doubt it.”
“She does. I know it. If you want to know about romance, ask me. I have been in love...oh, dozens of times!”
“In love?”
“Of course. Women are to be loved and I could not permit it that they linger and long for some other man to come along. It is my duty, you see.”
“Tough,” I said, “I can see how it pains you.”
“Of course. But some of us were made for suffering. Our hearts accept it. Some are happier when they are sad...sad over the senorita, whoever she may be. It is always better to be broken hearted, amigo. To be brokenhearted and sing about it— rather than win the girl and have to support her. I cannot think of loving just one. How could I be so cruel to the others, amigo? They deserve my attention, and then…”
“Then?”
“ I ride away, amigo. I ride into the sunset, and the girl, she longs for me...for a while. Then she finds someone else. That someone is a fool. He stays with her, and she becomes without illusion, and always she remembers me..who was wise enough to ride away before she realized I was no hero, but only another man. So I am always in her eyes a hero, you see?”
I snorted.
“We are but men amigo. We are not gods, but any man can be a god or a hero to a woman if he does not stay too long. And she will always remember…”

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A drifting cowboy, more than he seems, who enjoys riding the wild country and experiencing life from the back of his horse stumbles upon a big cattle rustling mystery and he now sits in the center of a potential cattle war powderkeg waiting for the spark to touch it off.

Milo Talon grew up on one of the largest spreads in Colorado owned by his fierce Tennessee mountain bred mother and his renaissance man father. His brother Barnabas takes on scholarly pursuits and will run the family ranch some day, but Milo hasn't found what he needs to make him settle down. He's a hard worker and enjoy the hard life out on the wild frontier. He's loyal and hates bullies which is what makes him take a job with a small ranch operation in north central Texas working for a man from his past who may or may not have mended his ways after attempting to steal Talon cattle back in the day. Someone is stealing and they are doing it from all the local ranches. That person is also trying hard to make Milo dead. Meanwhile, Milo encounters four local Texas gals and falls back on what he learns from his ma and pa's marriage to keep him out of that sort of trouble. Hopefully.

I love the blend of elements that L'Amour brought to this story. There is traditional western frontier adventure, a thriller-style mystery, whiffs of romance, and excellent characters and feel for time and place. Milo is an introspective man who is looking for a reason to light and stay even while appreciating all he encounters along life's journey. He has strong principles and works hard, crediting both his parents for this. The reader is immersed in the life of a cowboy and ranch work throughout this book even while the tension from a potential range war that will hurt everyone sits on the horizon. There are lag times, but for the most part, this story moves along drawing the suspense and offering a few twists to keep the reader fully engaged.

The narrator, MacLeod Andrews, did excellent work bringing to life the men and women living on the Texas frontier. He gave distinct accents for southern aristocrat The Major to Mexican California Tony. He told this tale in a way that kept me riveted even through the philosophical moments let alone the action sequences.

All in all, another winner for me from this author that left an ongoing thirst for more particularly from the Talon and Chantry family series. Those who enjoy western fiction with a strong mystery and lesser romance element should pick this one up.

My thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

[KarenLana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally care for westerns but I'm glad I picked this up. I was pulled in from the first sentence and thoroughly enjoyed the book. At times, I did get a bit tired of the detailed descriptions of cattle herding but that was offset by the scenery and horses. The main character is intriguing and the plot was interesting. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on my second time with this book. I had forgotten how good the Sackett books are! It has been alot of years since I read it the first time. It's just as good the second time! I recommend Louis L'Amour books to anyone. They are good reading. Very entertaining!

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Milo Talon id drifting in Southwest Texas when he signs on with an old blind man who tried to steal cattle from his mother's ranch. Caught in the middle of a budding range war he has to stay alive as he traces stolen cattle and defuses the situation despite a feud between two beautiful young women.

[Kedron Skiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

someone is rustling cattle. everyone thinks it is everyone else doing it. milo Talon come along and tries to solv the problem, and nearly gets himself killed.

[Barbara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

this author is always entertaining. It was nice to read a western for a change.

[Shorel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ride, boy. I know it's in you to go. Ride as far as you've a mind to, shoot straight when you must, but lie to no man and let no man doubt your word. "It is a poor man who has not honor, but before you do a deed, think how you will think back upon it when old age comes. Do nothing that will shame you."
Unknown, the man from the broken hills, pg. 6, loc. 80-83

"I ate of your salt, and I'll ride for the brand if they'll take me on." "What's that mean?" Danny asked. "That about the salt?" "Some folks think if you eat of somebody's bread and salt it leaves you in debt. .. or something like that," said Hinge. "That's close enough," I said.
Unknown, the man from the broken hills, pg. 6, loc. 92-94

They expect little of me, but I expect much of myself. "What is it a man wants? A few meals when he is hungry and, at least once in his lifetime, a woman who loves him. And, of course, some good horses to ride."
Unknown, the man from the broken hills, pg. 22, loc. 326-327

He was a man who believed the world had built a wall around him, and he was eternally battering at it to make breaches, never understanding that the wall was of his own building. We moved our
Unknown, the man from the broken hills, pg. 125, loc. 1910-1911

"Rossiter," I said patiently, "I suspect everybody wants to have it all when they're young, but it just doesn't work that way. Pa worked, too. Worked hard. Maybe a man shouldn't have it when he's young. It robs him of something, gives him all he can have when he's too young to know what he's got. I don't know... Maybe I'm a damned fool, but that's the way it seems to me."
Unknown, the man from the broken hills, pg. 172, loc. 2623-2626

Long ago, an old gunfighter had told me, "Make the first shot count. You may never get another." I wasn't going to need another.
Unknown, the man from the broken hills, pg. 181, loc. 2767-2768

"Bury them," I said. "There'll be money in their pockets; and it will buy you an easy winter... Take it. Keep their outfits. Bury them, and put some markers on their graves." I pointed at each in turn. "His name was Laredo Larkin, and his was Sonora Davis." "Where they from?" "I don't know," I said, "but they got where they were going. They've been riding down the road to this place for a long, long time."
Unknown, the man from the broken hills, pg. 181, loc. 2773-2776

[Oleta Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get a little more information on Milo Talon in this book. There is a little back history, when he was younger and his brother was still on the ranch. Most of this story centers around a rustler taking cattle for three ranches in the Edwards Plateau area of Texas. The villain of the story was a surprise for me. I really did think it was someone else all together. It is always nice to get a glimpse into what life was like in the wilds of Texas after the Civil War. Texas even today is a state of wide open spaces and not a lot of water. Texas can have fierce dust storms and brutal blizzards. There are years were the summer sun bakes the land with little relief from rains.

Milo Talon is a man that wants to see what is over the next hill or mountain. He wants to explore the wide open spaces and the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. He is good with a gun but doesn't hunt trouble with anyone. He enjoys working with horses and cattle and in this story he isn't ready to go home to his parents ranch in Colorado. There are several interesting characters in this story. Ann Timberly, the daughter of an ex-major of the Confederacy. China Benn a lovely young woman that is a little on the wild side and finally Barby Ann Rossiter, daughter of a blind father who was once a cattle rustler. There is also a Mexican name Tony Fuentes. Fuentes is a good hand and makes friends with Milo.

There are the elements of a good western, gun battles, cattle rustlers, and a mystery that none of the mains are prepared for. This is a quick and enjoyable read. There isn't a lot of need for an intellectual debate over the rights and wrongs of society. This is just entertainment that will let you go to a simpler and less complicated age.

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Nobody lives long low-rating an enemy. You've got to give the other fellow credit for having as much savvy as you have, and maybe a little more.”

I love that quote. Most of the times I've been blindsided in life is when I've started to get a little cocky and underestimate people around me, whether it's been political stuff, work stuff, or anything else. If you think of everyone as smarter than you, you always play your A game.

This was my introduction to Louis L'Amour westerns and I'll admit that although I'm solidly in my fourth decade of life and an avid reader I'm new to westerns in general. I liked it. I don't think it would have been as interesting to me ten or fifteen years ago but westerns are something that has grown on me with age. Some kind of weird biological nostalgia I'm growing into? Who knows. I grew up watching them with my brother and father, but mostly I was in it for the ice cream back then.

This particular story was about a kind of knight errant, roving paladin with a six shooter. He was an architype of an old cowboy with a white horse and white cowboy hat. The Lone Ranger personified. It was an interesting mystery and tale with some turns and surprises that I didn't see coming which is always nice. I love being surprised in books.

There were a few cheesy parts that I internally groaned over.

All in all. Not bad. Entertaining. Fun. I'd read more of them.

[Barry Martin Vass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is set in southwest Texas a few years after the end of the Civil War; call it 1870. With the end of the war, soldiers from both sides, Union and Confederate, have drifted west, trying their hand at cattle ranching. It's a tough, harsh existence, with trouble from Indians, rustlers, and outlaws making life challenging for these cattlemen in the best of times. Into this comes Milo Talon, a drifter from Colorado, who signs on with one of the competing outfits; the story is told through his eyes. Author Louis L'Amour lived and worked various jobs around the world, and his writing is born of experience; i.e., he knows what he's writing about, and his work always reflects that. Here's an example of the prose: "He got to his feet and mounted up. Then he turned, started to say something, and rode away. He was a hard man, a very hard man, but a lonely one. He was a man who believed the world had built a wall around him, and he was eternally battering at it to make breaches, never understanding that the wall was of his own building." If you're looking for authentic stories of the American West, you won't do better than Louis L'Amour.

[Doug Lunsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

All right, so I’ve never been a fan of Louis L’Amour because I read one book called “Last of the Breed.” I thought it was awful. My father was a very avid reader of anything western. After he passed My sister got the books and my brother-in-law has given me the books to earn a little bit extra money for him. I picked up the only book that wrote about the San Angelo Texas Concho Valley area. I could actually see the arroyos, the crossings, and the pioneer towns! and I knew where all of the creeks and and the three Concho Rivers! It was kind of like historical fiction and exciting mystery kind of western learned a lot about horses. I did not like the way this book ended. It was a little too predictable and curt. I will also say I never wanted to go to New Orleans because I didn’t drink. I didn’t want to go to Las Vegas because I don’t gamble. I’ve never wanted to go deer hunting because the killing a deer not cool. I also did not want to read L’Amour because of “Last of the Breed”. I’ve now made a trip to New Orleans, Las Vegas, and read “The Man from the Broken Hills.” I’m scared to go hunting now. I’m afraid I’ll like that as well.

[Shoshana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The country of Texas is wide open and ruggedly beautiful. Milo Talon intends to ride through it all. A drifting cowhand, Talon roams from ranch to ranch picking up work as the need arises, yet as the son of a successful rancher he is well educated. When Talon begins working the country, riding the round up looking for Spur and Saddle Iron cattle, he puts that education to work as he uncovers a theft three years in the making. Will this discovery lead to the end of his life or the thief’s long drop from a short rope? Andrews’ distinctly voiced, steady pacing, and tone immerses the listener in the life of roving cowboy. Rough country and rough men are masterfully portrayed by the layered storytelling, akin to listening to stories around the campfire out on the range. Readers of westerns will be sure to enjoy the new audio of a L’Amour classic.

[Barbara Lee Wood]

BLIND HENRY

Another 👍great western by Louis L'Amour. If you enjoy reading, then I say read about the brave settlers and Native Americans who helped mold the way history would be written.
The Sackett's men started from the Carolinas and headed and settled in the Ozarks of Kentucky, Tennessee. Cousins were all over the territory, strong men and women who were not afraid to fight and come to the aid of family of needed.
You'll enjoy this adventure involving Milo Talon whose mother is a Sackett😀. Read and enjoy how men get themselves caught up in a hot mess of cattle rustling. Men who've deposited their seeds, will soon meet the sons of daughters that were born. Sometimes the mothers will tell them who their fathers are, in case something happened to them. If not it's a hit and miss, more of a miss...