A Man Called Trent

by Louis L'Amour

Set in New Mexico, A Man Called Trent opens to a nester named Dick Moffitt lying dead where he was killed by King Bill Hale's riders. Sally Crane, who is sixteen and was adopted by Moffitt, and Moffitt's fourteen-year-old Jack witnessed the murder from their hiding place.

Genres: Westerns, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Adventure, Historical

342 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

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

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic L'Amour - so reliable and enjoyable for exactly what it is.

[Jason Koivu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely rounded western by L'Amour. I like the portrayal of the "Trent" character, and there were some colorful secondary characters as well. These were people I could pull for.

[Mickey Knipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still one of my favorites.
If you looking for good fun reads Louis L'Amour is the a great place to start. Lance Kilkenny is my top 3 characters. William Tell Sackett is my favorite.
If your sitting on the edge of your seat wondering where to start Louis books there are I believe 3 Kilkenny books start with them them move on to the Sacketts.

[Nick Dupree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another hero against villainy, alias "Trent," is deeper and more complex than most of the L'Amour protagonists I've become acquainted with so far. He's tough, but he's become tired of all the shooting and bloodshed that's commonplace on the lawless frontier. and a darkness weighs on him. Sick of all the "Badman" nonsense, he's taken an alias, "Trent," and hung up the gun belt permanently in rural New Mexico Territory, or so he thought.

When "King" Bill Hale, local land baron and expert off-screen villain, decides to claim the entire valley, he sends his thugs in to shoot and burn everyone farming and homesteading in the valley, including "Trent," who's trying to settle down there. He and his neighbors, including some comically battle-eager Hatfields (of the Kentucky back-country Hatfield-McCoy feud) homesteading in the valley, band together to resist Hale. "Trent" soon comes up with a plan and takes up the gun belt again.

Like most L'Amour dime novels, it's not the plot that gives it value. The plot is the standard Western fare, and in parts lumbers along in a way that would bore many (hence 3 stars). But I love fiction that immerses the reader in its world, and this novella does that. Descriptions like "between the rows of saloons, dance halls, stores, and stables, a river of dirt, sand and mud that passed for the town's main street" and "a burro wandered sleepily through the town" create an atmosphere, really drawing you in. Those little peeks into the Old Southwest are where L'Amour shines. I do wish our beautiful half-Irish/half-Mexican love interest had been explored more instead of left a two-dimensional "damsel-in-distress," all her lines expressing distress.

Good casual reading. An off-shoot of L'Amour's "Kilkenny" series.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I liked it more than I expected I would.

Although my literary taste runs more towards Trollope and Austen, I love good story-telling and decided to give L'Amour a try. I discovered that he can write a fast-paced Western that even a book snob can enjoy.

In addition to the "good guys against the bad guys" scenario, there are the themes of "man against nature" and "man fleeing from his past," which gave the book a more nuanced feel. The characters were more multi-layered than the stereotypical characters I've seen in similar novels. The shootouts and fist fights intermingled with heroism and courage were a tribute to the American West:

"But as he turned the horse into the pines, he remembered the Hatfields digging the grave for their brother. Men died, men were married, and the fighting and living and working went on. So it would always go. Elijah Hatfield was gone, Miller and Wilson were gone, and Jess Hatfield lay near to death in the cabin. Yet Sally was to marry Tom Bartram, and they were to build a home. Yes, this was the country, and these were its people. They had the strength to live, the strength to endure. In such a country men would be born, men who loved liberty and would ever fight to preserve it." (from Chapter 17)

Clean with a sprinkling of profanity.

I could hardly put it down.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My latest visit to the Kilkenny series was through the Recorded Books edition with the talented George Guidall narrating Kilkenny's tale. In the Recorded Books version, 'A Man Called Trent' is the same as 'Mountain Valley War' the second book in the Kilkenny Triolgy.


The Mountain Valley War sees Kilkenny homesteading peacefully up in a lush mountain valley and not looking for trouble. Then a big ranching operation down in the lowlands figures out that the water and situation is much better in the higher valleys and sets out to drive out Lance and the other homesteaders. Kilkenny must sling on his gunbelt once again and go to war when innocents start getting gunned down by guns for hire. And, he may not be drifting at the end of this battle since the lovely Nita Riordan has waited for him long enough.

George Guidall was a good match for these old-style westerns.

This was quintessential western and just as enjoyable as the first time I encountered it. I love the development of Kilkenny's character even if the others are developed lesser so, the mystery and romance that are often present, but always the thoughtful, descriptive moments and the gritty action scenes.

[Oli Turner]

#amancalledtrent aka #themountainvalleywar by #louislamour a greedy bad guy and his cronies trying to pinch good hard working folks land by killing them and driving them off, a man with secret identity hiding a dangerous past helps the innocent defend their land and lives. A classic #western featuring all the usual themes good vs evil, independence vs tyranny. Enjoyable

[Stifynsemons · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.4 stars = I liked it, might read again]

Louis L'Amour builds tough, rugged characters for a land where the law is thin on the ground. A Man Called Trent is a fast paced tale involving dangerous treks, gun-slinging, and camaraderie; but underneath the surface is an exploration of how men (yes, it's a chauvinistic world) gain and lose power in the absence of authority.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Louis L'Amour story featuring Lance Kilkenny.

Favorite quotes:

He recognized the feeling for what it was - the need within him to protect and care for something beyond himself. It was that in part that these past years had led him to fight so many fights that were not his. And yet, was not the cause of human liberty and freedom always every man’s trust? (chapter 1)

In the west you found all kinds of men... looking for what the romantic called adventure and the experienced knew was trouble. (chapter 17)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read westerns very often, but when I do it’s hard to beat Louis L’Amour.

I really enjoyed this book, the second in the Kilkenny series, first published in 1954.

I listened to the audiobook (with a fantastic narrator) and was delighted to find the entirety of The Rider of Lost Creek (Kilkenny #1) was tacked on to the end.

Both are short, easy reads and I loved them!

[Michael Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is actually two novels in one, "The Rider of Lost Creek" and "A Man Called Trent". Ironically, while I loved the first, the titular story on the cover, I couldn't really get into. I may revisit "Trent" at some point, but the first one is much better.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this one.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. I enjoyed listening to this audio book with my teenage son.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio book re-read of an old favorite from Louis L'Amour

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two novellas featuring the beginning of the Kilkenny series. This 2006 compilation of Louis L'Amour material shows the late author's estate is still repackaging his pulp stories 18 years after the prolific author's death.

Kilkenny series - two pulp novellas featuring Lance Kilkenny, originally published in 1947 under the byline Jim Mayo. #0.1a "The Rider of Lost Creek" was expanded and published as an original paperback in 1976. #0.1b "A Man Called Trent" was reworked and published as the original paperback "The Mountain Valley War" in 1978.

[Dayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, down-to-earth story. The good guy is the guy that outsmarts the bad guys. So much better to have the protagonist avoid killing others. Louis L'Amour puts on display his brilliant plot lines that outshine most westerns today.

[Lloyd Hinkle]

Always love Louis L"Amour books. His description of the area and people makes you feel as if you are there.

[Fred LaMotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an homage to an earlier type of hero. L'Amour loved Sir Walter Scott, Conan Doyles' 'The White Company,' tales of chivalry and its knights. He also loved Homer's 'Illiad,' the greatest study ever made of men in battle. Those are the real roots of this story. The action is often brutal, as in Homer, yet there are depths to these men that most "cowboy novels" never fathom. There are moments of tenderness, not only Trent's love for Nita whom he returns to save from the cruelty of a rich and vicious rancher, but his care for the 16 year old girl, Sally, whom he protects and sponsors as a kind of guardian. In even more extraordinary passages, Trent, who is really Kilkenny the fast-draw, feels heroic compassion for the gun fighters who want to kill him, and convinces two of them to lay down their weapons and join him. In this early novel, Louis L'Amour is dealing with something much deeper than macho and guns: he is dealing with the soul of a lonely man who wants to connect, to belong, and to build a community. It's a great Western yarn, and yet it's also a very profound study of American manhood, rooted in an ancient heroic tradition, with an authenticity of which only Louis L'Amour is capable, because has lived the battle, the aloneness, and the compassion.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trent is a "nester" just trying to make a home for himself in the New Mexico hills. He keeps to himself and doesn't want trouble. But trouble finds him in the way of King Bill Hale. Hale owns most of the land in the area and now wants it all. His name has gone to his head and he thinks he actually is king. So he is driving all the nesters out of the high country any way he can. Trent bands together with the other nesters to fight Hale and keep their rightful claims.

So it turns out Trent is actually Kilkenny, a famous gunman, who has hung up his guns for a life of peace. But when trouble comes calling he is willing to take up those guns again. This story is pure Louis L'Amour even though it is one I haven't read. Confession: I read many a Louis L'Amour book in my teen years and quite enjoyed them. These books are good stories even if they are pretty formulaic. There is the typical western strongman trying to take over and the good people who are willing to stand up to him. It isn't particularly to my tastes now, but it is entertaining.

[Tim Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A man called "Trent" who, we discover three pages into the book is really Lance Kilkenny of "Kilkenny" fame, wanders into a remote western town where the "law" is whatever King Bill Hale says it is. "Trent" joins forces with the other oppressed people and...you can figure out where this one goes.

I'm a fan of Louis L'Amour. I have two problems with this book: First, if you are going to call your protagonist "Trent", then make him "Trent" and hold the revelation of his true identity to somewhere near the climax (especially if that's your title.) Page 3 is, well, just FAR too early.

Second, at some point in his early career, L'Amour rewickered "Trent" into "The Mountain Valley War", a good read. "A Man Called Trent" just retells that story, in a poorer way that even the author understood, so it has the feel of publishers asking "how can we repackage everything the man ever wrote and squeeze a little more money out of it?"

'Twould have been better to leave it in the pile of unpublished books. This story was already told.

[wally · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished 10th march 2025 good read three stars i liked it nothing less nothing more have read more than 40 from l'amour more if you totaled the shorts more than a one for the volume they're included all entertaining reads. seems like all of life is a never ending battle on the playground where the bullies do what bullies do and others do what they can and occasionally someone punches the bully in the nose. all action packed most of it non-stop and more than a few look like the other on the shelf and from time to time (he does have over 105 stories to his credit) you will find a real gem somewhat different than the others. it's not hard to find an analogy to our present days...or the playground. just as that asshole representative from texas who said crossing our border is not illegal (it is and if you need to be told that you're fucking hopeless) there are those in these stories that are a law unto themselves.

[Milan Buno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Príbeh Nečakaný odpor je klasický western, aké píše Louis L´Amour a robil to skvele. Pre mňa je vždy takýto western nostalgickým návratom do detstva, ale tiež dôležitým pripomenutím, že ani zlí ľudia nie sú úplne zlí. Že existovala a snáď existuje čestnosť, spravodlivosť a férovosť. Že ešte aj dnes si nepriatelia podajú po súboji ruku, pretože pociťujú k tomu druhému úctu.
Tento príbeh sa výborne čítal, L´Amour vedel vykresliť divoký západ, vtedajší boj o holý život, priekopníkov osídľovania; chamtivosť a bezohľadnosť; krutosť, ale aj nesmiernu ľudskosť a odvahu. Snahu za každú cenu pomôcť tým, ktorí sú v práve.
Lance Kilkeny je veľmi zaujímavá postava, sadla mi a bodaj by takých ľudí bolo viac...

[Steve Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kilkenny rides again!

Louis L’amour - depending on the story - had a bunch of characters that he rotated on a regular basis. The Sackett clan, of course, were the main ones, as well as the Talons and Chantrys, and even Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie. But for some reason, I find myself looking forward the most to gunfighter Lance Kilkenny and his crew, as well as his great love Nita Riordan.

As “A Man Called Trent” is one of the earlier Kilkenny stories, I kinda view this as a bit of an origin tale. All he wants to do is work his land under the name of Trent, but when a big rancher wants his claim and those of his neighbors, Kilkenny can’t just stand by even if it means owning up to his past.

Good storytelling that leads up to some of the other Kilkenny tales.

[Glenn Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Western from the Master Story Teller Louis L'Amour.

The book covers the story of a famed gunfighter desperate to hang up his guns and to live a peaceful life in the secluded mountains.

Opposing his ambition is an already wealthy rancher both in terms of land and cattle and he and his son's insatiable appetite for more, more power and more land.

In the middle are a small number of homesteaders who held government titles to their land but the rancher wants them gone at any cost.

There is an inevitable clash as there will be no peace until the rancher and his son are gone.

[Sep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trent, the main character, is dealing with a murdered neighbor and his orphaned children right off the bat. Trent and a group of small farmers have settled on the ridge out of the way of the local big cattle baron. The cattle baron, faced with a drought, hankers after the lush, stream-filed ridge and can think of only one way to get it and that involves threats, guns and, if necessary, murder.

Trent turns out to be an old friend living under an assumed name AND has the possibility of romance in his future.

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in New Mexico, A Man Called Trent opens with a nester named Dick Moffitt lying dead where he was killed by King Bill Hale's riders. Sally Crane, who is sixteen and was adopted by Moffitt, and Moffitt's fourteen-year-old Jack witnessed the murder from their hiding place
Trent knows eventually he will have to fight, he will have to strap on his guns, and come hell or high water someone would pay. He knew that he would be found out but he was tired of moving on, this was his home, they would learn Killkenny would bring the war to them.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a small blip in this audio that shouldn't be there, but other than that this is a good book. I have read a lot of Louis L'Amour books. The narrator for this one is good not great, imo, but he is good. A man wanting only to be left alone gets pulled into a war not of his making. He has help in Parson Hatfield and his sons and a few other nesters. When they realize the man they know as Trent is actually a gunman named Lance Kilkenny they realize things are going to be hot and heavy and bullets are going to fly fast.

[Shanan Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

It sounds strange to say, but Louis L'Amour books were my childhood/pre-teen/early teen years. This is the first time I've read one in at least 5 years, and honestly, probably a lot longer than that. For a quick read in the Western genre, I enjoyed it. Out of all of his books that I've read, I have about 3 categories - ones worth re-reading, ones that I enjoyed the first time but probably wouldn't re-read, and ones that were just okay. This book fits into the second category. A good ol' Western.

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oplæser: George Guidall. Rigtig god til denne type bøger.

Når man kaster sig over Louis L’amour ved man hvad man får: cowboys, heste, saloons, bjergene og masser af slagsmål og skyderier. Det ER det vilde vesten, der bliver serveret. Og det er som det skal være. Denne gang handler historien om den store der prøver at presse de små ud. Og hvis ikke de små forsvinder af sig selv, så skyder man dem. Jo - vi er i Amerika - Landet der flyder med guld og kugler.

[Thomas Radigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, Louis L'Amour's stories are formulaic-the bad guys lose and the good guys win. But no worse than, say, detective stories where the detective invariably solves the mystery. It's not a question of the outcome so much as how the story gets to it. Who are the real villains, who dies, who escapes?

Admittedly this story has problems. Some characters act in ways you would not believe, and the ending is rather anticlimactic. But overall a decent read