The Last Ride: A Western Story

by Les Savage Jr.

Pothooks Marrs was the name by which he was known. He was the day cook at the Cowman's Rest, a small cafe in Dallas. He is actually hiding out. He was once a top-hand cowboy and expert roper. He is also a maverick, suspected of mavericking after the law prohibiting it on the range was passed. Above all he was believed to have shot his best friend in the back and was wanted for murder. He had been tried and convicted and sent to prison from where he escaped. He was young at the time and time has changed his looks, but time can not hide the rope burns on his hands. Out the window he spots Kettle Cory, a man originally on pursuit of him. As he wonders about this, he is offered the job of cook on a cattle drive. At first he declines - all he wants to do is get away from Kettle Cory, but then he changes his mind and takes the job.

Genres: Westerns

208 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

A writer from age 17, Les Savage Jr. was a contributor to pulp magazines for a number of years. In addition he penned over twenty books. A few of his better known titles are: "Treasure of the Brasada," "Silver Street Women" and "The Royal City."

Reviews

[Joe Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nicely paced western of a cattle drive and a man hiding a past. The depiction of the cattle drive and the role of the cook is authentically done. The hero, while having some anger issues, is too perfect, and the love interest does not come as a surprise; nonetheless, this is an entertaining story filled with action, some twists, and at 208 pages, just the right length.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thinking this book deserves a 4.5 until the end when there was this great scene with a chicken... you'll have to read for more info on that.

Savage tells a good story with amazing imagery. i can still hear the cows bellowing, feel the fog sinking into my bones and the wet, soggy feeling.
I see the range land, rivers, hills and trees, the smell of pine and wet leather...
Not your average shoot-em-up cowboy book.