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The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour #3
The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour: The Frontier Stories: Volume Three
This third volume of Louis L'Amour's collected stories gathers twenty-eight tales of the American West in a keepsake edition sure to delight fans old and new. This collection is a thrilling tribute to the unique spirit of our frontier heritage and proves again the enduring popularity of America's favorite storyteller.
The essence of Louis L'Amour's timeless appeal can be found in these unforgettable short stories. Filled with men and women who embody the values we cherish most, L'Amour's frontier tales satisfy our longing for the inspiration provided by those who struggle against the odds with justice, honor, and courage.
Open this volume anywhere and you'll discover classic stories you'll never forget: like that of the man who finds a gruesome mystery at the site where a friend's ranch has vanished into thin air, or the one about the soft-spoken young suitor accused of cowardice who proves his courage when the guns are against him�without firing a shot. You'll read stories of ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances, from the drifter who poses as a murdered man to solve a mystery to the grizzled recluse who protects a runaway from a brutal "guardian" with the law on his side.
Whether following the exploits of a couple taking refuge in a cabin with a group of outlaws who don't intend to let them see sunrise or a man on horseback battling sleeplessness, Indians, and a cold-blooded killer in a life-and-death race through a harsh wilderness, these gripping tales all have one thing in common: you won't be able to put them down until the last page.
For lovers of great storytelling everywhere, this exciting collection features the unforgettable characters, heart-stopping drama, and careful attention to historical detail that have entertained readers for decades and earned Louis L'Amour a permanent place among our finest American writers.
The essence of Louis L'Amour's timeless appeal can be found in these unforgettable short stories. Filled with men and women who embody the values we cherish most, L'Amour's frontier tales satisfy our longing for the inspiration provided by those who struggle against the odds with justice, honor, and courage.
Open this volume anywhere and you'll discover classic stories you'll never forget: like that of the man who finds a gruesome mystery at the site where a friend's ranch has vanished into thin air, or the one about the soft-spoken young suitor accused of cowardice who proves his courage when the guns are against him�without firing a shot. You'll read stories of ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances, from the drifter who poses as a murdered man to solve a mystery to the grizzled recluse who protects a runaway from a brutal "guardian" with the law on his side.
Whether following the exploits of a couple taking refuge in a cabin with a group of outlaws who don't intend to let them see sunrise or a man on horseback battling sleeplessness, Indians, and a cold-blooded killer in a life-and-death race through a harsh wilderness, these gripping tales all have one thing in common: you won't be able to put them down until the last page.
For lovers of great storytelling everywhere, this exciting collection features the unforgettable characters, heart-stopping drama, and careful attention to historical detail that have entertained readers for decades and earned Louis L'Amour a permanent place among our finest American writers.
749 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2008
122 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Louis L'Amour
996 books3,478 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 39 reviews
December 31, 2018
Note, Dec. 31, 2018: In keeping with my usual practice with short story collections that I read in bits and pieces, intermittently between other books, I started this review some time ago, after my first stint in reading these stories (in which I read the first ten of the 28, plus "A Gun for Kilkenny"). However, I forgot to date that first installment. I also failed to add an installment after the second stint (long story!). I've now finished the book; so I've decided to rework the part of the review I'd written earlier, and just make this a unified review of the whole thing. (Aapologies to any readers who "liked" the review earlier --hopefully, the changes won't prompt anyone to "unlike" it!)
This is the third and final volume of L'Amour's collected Western short stories (I'm treating the collection as a single, three-volume book, though Goodreads doesn't have a unified entry for it). L'Amour's prose style and literary quality are highly consistent, and the basic characteristics of the stories here are much the same as in the preceding volumes; so many of the general comments made in my reviews of those would also apply here. Hostile critics, in order to find an accusation against L'Amour, would be most apt to charge him with "predictability." To a degree, the general outlines of his plots do tend to be predictable, in the sense that good will triumph, reflecting a way of looking at the universe that's morally optimistic. (Nonetheless, he can pull some genuine surprises out of the hat in places, in the details of his plotting, though they fit into the story organically without being dragged in.) To my mind, this isn't necessarily a literary fault, and moral pessimism isn't a plus. (In a very real way, despite the frequent violence in the stories and the way they recognize and depict the great depths of callous evil that humans are capable of, these tales can qualify as comfort reads.) But L'Amour's characterizations of people are nuanced, not always drawn in stark shades of black and white. For instance, reflecting the historical realities of late 19th-century Western life, he's well aware that "outlaws" aren't necessarily incarnations of evil --and may in fact be principled men (he doesn't depict any female outlaws) with a certain moral code, and capable of selfless behavior in some situations. That adds a dimension of literary quality to the tales that I find appealing. And while these aren't mysteries as such (L'Amour did some writing in that genre, however, such as the stories collected in The Hills of Homicide), these tales often involve mysterious secrets that take detecting to ferret out, adding to their complexity and suspense.
The stories featuring Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie were apparently all grouped in Volume 2; none of those here is an overt Bowdrie story, though from the description of the unnamed Ranger just referred to as "Sonora" in "The Guns Talk Loud," he could be Bowdrie. Besides the story I named in the first paragraph, though, some other selections also feature the restless gunfighter Kilkenny, who emerges as another L'Amour series character here. (Besides the works here, the author wrote three Kilkenny novels, and now I'm interested in reading them!) Because of their similar quality, it's hard to pick just one or two favorites among the tales. "In Victorio's Country" would probably rank as one of the most thought-provoking, however. I'd say that my favorite among the heroines here is probably Clarabel Jornal in "Pardner from the Rio" --but they're all admirable, and so are the heroes.
In all, I think my appreciation of this volume, and of the whole three-volume book, would have been even better if I'd read it continuously, one volume after the other, without other books interspersed, and without long intervals between the volumes that stretched the read out over three years. (This was particularly true here, where I had to leave the novella-length Monument Rock in the middle last summer, and ultimately reread it from the beginning because I wasn't sure where I'd left off.). But even with the disjointed reading, this was an outstanding read!
This is the third and final volume of L'Amour's collected Western short stories (I'm treating the collection as a single, three-volume book, though Goodreads doesn't have a unified entry for it). L'Amour's prose style and literary quality are highly consistent, and the basic characteristics of the stories here are much the same as in the preceding volumes; so many of the general comments made in my reviews of those would also apply here. Hostile critics, in order to find an accusation against L'Amour, would be most apt to charge him with "predictability." To a degree, the general outlines of his plots do tend to be predictable, in the sense that good will triumph, reflecting a way of looking at the universe that's morally optimistic. (Nonetheless, he can pull some genuine surprises out of the hat in places, in the details of his plotting, though they fit into the story organically without being dragged in.) To my mind, this isn't necessarily a literary fault, and moral pessimism isn't a plus. (In a very real way, despite the frequent violence in the stories and the way they recognize and depict the great depths of callous evil that humans are capable of, these tales can qualify as comfort reads.) But L'Amour's characterizations of people are nuanced, not always drawn in stark shades of black and white. For instance, reflecting the historical realities of late 19th-century Western life, he's well aware that "outlaws" aren't necessarily incarnations of evil --and may in fact be principled men (he doesn't depict any female outlaws) with a certain moral code, and capable of selfless behavior in some situations. That adds a dimension of literary quality to the tales that I find appealing. And while these aren't mysteries as such (L'Amour did some writing in that genre, however, such as the stories collected in The Hills of Homicide), these tales often involve mysterious secrets that take detecting to ferret out, adding to their complexity and suspense.
The stories featuring Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie were apparently all grouped in Volume 2; none of those here is an overt Bowdrie story, though from the description of the unnamed Ranger just referred to as "Sonora" in "The Guns Talk Loud," he could be Bowdrie. Besides the story I named in the first paragraph, though, some other selections also feature the restless gunfighter Kilkenny, who emerges as another L'Amour series character here. (Besides the works here, the author wrote three Kilkenny novels, and now I'm interested in reading them!) Because of their similar quality, it's hard to pick just one or two favorites among the tales. "In Victorio's Country" would probably rank as one of the most thought-provoking, however. I'd say that my favorite among the heroines here is probably Clarabel Jornal in "Pardner from the Rio" --but they're all admirable, and so are the heroes.
In all, I think my appreciation of this volume, and of the whole three-volume book, would have been even better if I'd read it continuously, one volume after the other, without other books interspersed, and without long intervals between the volumes that stretched the read out over three years. (This was particularly true here, where I had to leave the novella-length Monument Rock in the middle last summer, and ultimately reread it from the beginning because I wasn't sure where I'd left off.). But even with the disjointed reading, this was an outstanding read!
November 19, 2024
This was another solid collection of stories. Reading these collections back to back allowed me to notice both the temple stories L'Amour wrote, as well as the wide range of stories outside of those familiar templates.
November 27, 2007
Louis L'Amour is one of the masters of the Western. In a genre that is so often defined and confined by its cliches and archetypes, he wove wonderful stories about strong men and women on the frontier. His short stories are captivating tales, and this collection is a great presentation of that. Yes, the stories follow familiar paths and can be unbearably predictable, but the journey is so well written and expertly done that the fact that you already know the destination like the back of your hand doesn't really matter.
September 12, 2020
Watched Red River last night (Howard Hawks directed, John Wayne starred, Montgomery Clift costarred, Walter Brennen was the obligatory coot natch) and, since it was just about the perfect Western, I was jonesing for more Western. Had this sitting around and it has been filling the bill nicely, thank you. Strong men, right and wrong, brave women, etc.
Overall it was good enough but way too many of the stories seemed similar, ending with the ultimate shootout between the fellow no one thought could shoot (or ranch or whatever) and the baddie.
Overall it was good enough but way too many of the stories seemed similar, ending with the ultimate shootout between the fellow no one thought could shoot (or ranch or whatever) and the baddie.
February 19, 2023
I read the first four stories. They were fine and I learned new things but all very Same ish. And not really my style. But I did enjoy his writing. In other words, it’s not him, it’s me!
February 9, 2018
Haven't? I read you somewhere before?
If you like Louis L'amour you will like this collection. And if you like Louis l'amour you probably read half the stories before in other books. There ought be a law about mixing previously published stories in with newer stories. At least I think there newer. Anyway I still enjoyed them but it caused them a star
If you like Louis L'amour you will like this collection. And if you like Louis l'amour you probably read half the stories before in other books. There ought be a law about mixing previously published stories in with newer stories. At least I think there newer. Anyway I still enjoyed them but it caused them a star
August 17, 2016
Another reliable book from a very reliable writer. Louis L'Amour does not mess around. He delivers every time. You always know what you're going to get. It's going to be a cowboy hero who is extraordinarily competent and always tries to find non-lethal ways to get out of incredibly violent situations. If it comes down to it, he will kill, but only if driven to it. The villain is always very fast and hard and is surrounded by weasels and back shooters. But the hero will always beat the living daylights out of the villain in a two-fisted battle to the death. Oh yeah, and the hero always gets the girl. ALWAYS. There's something attractive about that. This time out I noticed a few things that I haven't noticed before. Most of these stories begin with either the word "he" or the hero's name. Many of them end with a one-liner in dialogue form. Very interesting. You can't go wrong with L'Amour. I can count on the fingers of one hand how many times he's disappointed me.
July 2, 2019
Wonderful Stories of Western Men Committing Violence as a Way of Life
Remarkable stories of a time where killing and fighting were common. The short stories are fascinating and recall a time when aggression seemed necessary to survive. Difficult life for all and especially for females. Despite being short stories, the plots, characters, geographical locations, and the writing present the experiences of western life as extremely hard and everyday demanding of more. Life has changed quite a bit today and walking around ‘gunning’ for people was a terrifying way of life.
Remarkable stories of a time where killing and fighting were common. The short stories are fascinating and recall a time when aggression seemed necessary to survive. Difficult life for all and especially for females. Despite being short stories, the plots, characters, geographical locations, and the writing present the experiences of western life as extremely hard and everyday demanding of more. Life has changed quite a bit today and walking around ‘gunning’ for people was a terrifying way of life.
November 8, 2008
FORK YOUR OWN BRONCOS.
One day I'll stage readings (with my coworker and cohort, Travis "Jingle Bob" Johnson) from these illustrious works of fiction during slam night at my local coffeeshop; I'll swagger in, a Stetson on my head and a waterpistol on my hip, and turn late night Monterey upside down. And then I'll probably be arrested for sheer lack of taste, but I won't care, because I'm one plumb salty hombre.
One day I'll stage readings (with my coworker and cohort, Travis "Jingle Bob" Johnson) from these illustrious works of fiction during slam night at my local coffeeshop; I'll swagger in, a Stetson on my head and a waterpistol on my hip, and turn late night Monterey upside down. And then I'll probably be arrested for sheer lack of taste, but I won't care, because I'm one plumb salty hombre.
May 28, 2008
This is another fabulous volume of Louis L'Amour. It's always as though your reading about real people in his short story series.
March 30, 2014
Exactly the stuff I was looking for.
Now I've satisfied my craving for some good old fashioned sun-baked, dusty westerns.
Now I've satisfied my craving for some good old fashioned sun-baked, dusty westerns.
February 13, 2015
Some of these stories I have read in other collections and many were new to me; I enjoyed each and everyone of them.
April 9, 2019
After the somewhat average content of Vol.2, this third edition of L'Amour's 'Frontier Stories' returns to the highly impressive standard of the initial collection. Plenty of enjoyable tales are to be found in this volume, featuring a wide range of solidly entertaining storylines, a fine selection of interesting characters (both good and bad), and a pleasing amount of variety in story structure, settings and written style. I now look forward to reading the next book in this series after fearing that the quality of these short stories was already slipping.
August 1, 2021
I loved these stories. I have read books by Louis L'Amour for years. My Mom got me started on them when I was much younger. They are always a welcome release from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Mr. L'Amour has a way of making you see the Old West and the people that lived there. This collection of short stories has several about a Kilkenny. They are wonderful stories and provide an additional glimpse into this family. If you are looking for something that you can read on the way to work or in an office waiting for an appointment then this is the book for you.
August 25, 2021
Short stories
Riding for the Brand
Four-Card Draw
One Last Gun Notch
Shandy Takes the Hook
A Night at Wagon Camp
Six-Gun Stampede
Valley of the Sun
Fork Your Own Broncs
Pardner from the Rio
The Guns Talk Loud
Squatters on the Lonetree
That Slash Seven Kid
Home in the Valley
Red Butte Showdown
Jackson of Horntown
Ride or Start Shootin'
Regan of the Slash B
Lonigan
Lit a Shuck for Texas
West of Dry Creek
There's Always a Trail
We Shaped the Land with Our Guns
To Hang Me High
West of Dodge
Monument Rock
A Gun for Kilkenny
In Victorio's Country
That Packsaddle Affair
Riding for the Brand
Four-Card Draw
One Last Gun Notch
Shandy Takes the Hook
A Night at Wagon Camp
Six-Gun Stampede
Valley of the Sun
Fork Your Own Broncs
Pardner from the Rio
The Guns Talk Loud
Squatters on the Lonetree
That Slash Seven Kid
Home in the Valley
Red Butte Showdown
Jackson of Horntown
Ride or Start Shootin'
Regan of the Slash B
Lonigan
Lit a Shuck for Texas
West of Dry Creek
There's Always a Trail
We Shaped the Land with Our Guns
To Hang Me High
West of Dodge
Monument Rock
A Gun for Kilkenny
In Victorio's Country
That Packsaddle Affair
July 12, 2019
LIFE ON THE FRONTIER
All the stories are written as quickies. Each adventure is different, but they give you the true feel of the characters and their plots.
Some westerns are mundane, for instance, certain
author's plots are wishy washy, you know from reading the two chapters, whether or not it's going to catch your interests.
So I suggest, read and enjoy these novellas they are worth it.
All the stories are written as quickies. Each adventure is different, but they give you the true feel of the characters and their plots.
Some westerns are mundane, for instance, certain
author's plots are wishy washy, you know from reading the two chapters, whether or not it's going to catch your interests.
So I suggest, read and enjoy these novellas they are worth it.
November 20, 2020
This is a good collection of L'Amour's short stories only I had read about one third of the stories in other books such as Monument Rock and Last of Breed. L'Amour may have been one of the best 20th century short story writers. This is a good collection of his Western Short Stories.
November 24, 2017
I went looking for 1 story with a specific character (Kilkenny) and actually found 3 so I was pretty happy.
February 17, 2020
Old faithful
Was nice to read some stories l had not read along with ones I know well. Will definitely order other ones
Was nice to read some stories l had not read along with ones I know well. Will definitely order other ones
July 6, 2020
Typical L'Amour. Varied and interesting short stories about cowboy adventures in the Wild West days. He's a very good author of this genre if you have an interest.
January 5, 2022
Good reading.
March 23, 2022
Anything by L'Amour is fantastic.
November 27, 2022
Another great collection of short stories by a master storyteller of tales of the old wild west.
June 5, 2023
Sure, by this point his style is very familiar, almost expected, very few things are shocking or surprising, but it’s the best kind of familiar.
March 7, 2024
Liked the book the short stories have characters from some of his books that he has written over the years.
May 7, 2024
Very good, as always! This is a book of frontier stories that are set in western U.S. Mr. L'Amour is the best author of such stories.
August 5, 2024
Great collection of short stories.
October 21, 2025
great introduction to western stories. each story can keep you reeled in
July 9, 2024
Really good stories. Although they do have similarities I think the formula works. Louis always describes the countryside and the characters so well you could be standing there.
December 24, 2023
28 terrific short stories, likely written from the late 1940s to the mid-60s, when the market for shorter stories of 7,000 words for the popular Western magazines like Big West, Pioneer West, True West & Westerner shifted to 'dime' novels of some 50,000 words until the middle 80s when demand once again shifted to thicker paperback novels - 150-300pages/70,000 words plus.
As far as I can tell Louie wrote maybe 100 of these shorter stories, earning a flat fee of $200-$300 for each one submitted. Decades later he lengthened many of these stories to novels, sometime retaining the short-story title, at other times earning a new title satisfying the publisher.
As far as I can tell Louie wrote maybe 100 of these shorter stories, earning a flat fee of $200-$300 for each one submitted. Decades later he lengthened many of these stories to novels, sometime retaining the short-story title, at other times earning a new title satisfying the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews