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Big Medicine
A short novel and three stories, restored to their original magazine versions.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2008
1973 people are currently reading
617 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 97 reviews
April 27, 2021
The novel in the collection is so so at best
From the introduction I learned that there was much more to L'Amour's success than his ability as a writer. Here is a quote:
"A basic element to many a range war plot is the villian’s means for crowding out the other ranchers in a district. He brings a giant herd that requires all the available grass and forces all the smaller ranchers out of business. It was this same strategy Bantam used in marketing L’Amour. All of his Western titles were continuously kept in print. Independent distributors were required to buy titles in lots of 10,000 copies if they wanted access to other Bantam titles at significantly discounted prices. In time L’Amour’s paperbacks forced almost every one else off the racks in Western sections. L’Amour himself comprised the other half of this successful strategy. He dressed up in cowboy outfits, traveled about the country in a motor home visiting with independent distributors, taking them to dinner and charming them, making them personal friends. He promoted himself at every available opportunity. L’Amour insisted that he was telling the stories of the people who had made America a great nation and he appealed to patriotism as much as to commercialism in his rhetoric."
This collection of early L'Amour stories, often written under the name Jim Mayo, are copyright expired. In most cases the periodicals which published and copyrighted them have been long out of business. The collection is available free through Kindle Unlimited.
I did not enjoy this volume as much as WEST OF THE TULAROSA which I read first. The novel in this collection, SHOWDOWN ON THE HOGBACK, really isn't very good. It is saved to some extent by L'Amour's writing skill but overall is spoiled by inconsistencies and the fact that the main character Kedrick isn't very bright and does not live up to his billing as a strategist and tactician.
From the introduction I learned that there was much more to L'Amour's success than his ability as a writer. Here is a quote:
"A basic element to many a range war plot is the villian’s means for crowding out the other ranchers in a district. He brings a giant herd that requires all the available grass and forces all the smaller ranchers out of business. It was this same strategy Bantam used in marketing L’Amour. All of his Western titles were continuously kept in print. Independent distributors were required to buy titles in lots of 10,000 copies if they wanted access to other Bantam titles at significantly discounted prices. In time L’Amour’s paperbacks forced almost every one else off the racks in Western sections. L’Amour himself comprised the other half of this successful strategy. He dressed up in cowboy outfits, traveled about the country in a motor home visiting with independent distributors, taking them to dinner and charming them, making them personal friends. He promoted himself at every available opportunity. L’Amour insisted that he was telling the stories of the people who had made America a great nation and he appealed to patriotism as much as to commercialism in his rhetoric."
This collection of early L'Amour stories, often written under the name Jim Mayo, are copyright expired. In most cases the periodicals which published and copyrighted them have been long out of business. The collection is available free through Kindle Unlimited.
I did not enjoy this volume as much as WEST OF THE TULAROSA which I read first. The novel in this collection, SHOWDOWN ON THE HOGBACK, really isn't very good. It is saved to some extent by L'Amour's writing skill but overall is spoiled by inconsistencies and the fact that the main character Kedrick isn't very bright and does not live up to his billing as a strategist and tactician.
July 21, 2025
FOUR WESTERN CLASSICS IN ONE.
☆☆☆☆ 4.75 stars average for the 4 books
FOUR WESTERN CLASSICS IN ONE.
Bad Medicine:
☆☆☆☆
Sad to say this short story only rated 4 stars in my opinion. Maybe if it were a little longer of a story it might have rated better in my judgment. That being said, I would still recommend it to others and might even reread this short story in the future. I really liked the cunningness of Old Billy Dunbar when it came to dealing with the Indians and the wolf.
Trail To Pie Town:
☆☆☆☆
Again, this story well just a little short of a five-star rating for the same reason as Big Medicine. I felt it was just too short of a story and it lacked detail and conclusion. The story in itself was good with the exception of the story felt incomplete when it came to Dusty Barron and Ruth and Billy Grant. It could have easily gone into a full-blown novel instead of a short story.
McQueen of Tumbling K:
☆☆☆☆
This story was a little more to my liking but still fell short of a five-star review rating. I enjoyed the good guys versus bad with the good guys coming out on top in the end. Again, this short story with all the characters that were brought to the pages could have easily been two to three times longer than what it was. It just seemed to me that it lacked depth and detail.
Showdown on the Hogback:
☆☆☆☆☆
Now this is a story that I enjoyed. The action and suspense was through out the book. A mystery that thought it was fairly easy to see who the good guys were and who the bad guys were with a few exceptions. Louis L'Amour wrote a story that I really enjoyed in this fourth story in this book.
This being the first book in which I have read by Louis L'Amour has caught my interest and I plan to read more of his works in the future.
☆☆☆☆ 4.75 stars average for the 4 books
FOUR WESTERN CLASSICS IN ONE.
Bad Medicine:
☆☆☆☆
Sad to say this short story only rated 4 stars in my opinion. Maybe if it were a little longer of a story it might have rated better in my judgment. That being said, I would still recommend it to others and might even reread this short story in the future. I really liked the cunningness of Old Billy Dunbar when it came to dealing with the Indians and the wolf.
Trail To Pie Town:
☆☆☆☆
Again, this story well just a little short of a five-star rating for the same reason as Big Medicine. I felt it was just too short of a story and it lacked detail and conclusion. The story in itself was good with the exception of the story felt incomplete when it came to Dusty Barron and Ruth and Billy Grant. It could have easily gone into a full-blown novel instead of a short story.
McQueen of Tumbling K:
☆☆☆☆
This story was a little more to my liking but still fell short of a five-star review rating. I enjoyed the good guys versus bad with the good guys coming out on top in the end. Again, this short story with all the characters that were brought to the pages could have easily been two to three times longer than what it was. It just seemed to me that it lacked depth and detail.
Showdown on the Hogback:
☆☆☆☆☆
Now this is a story that I enjoyed. The action and suspense was through out the book. A mystery that thought it was fairly easy to see who the good guys were and who the bad guys were with a few exceptions. Louis L'Amour wrote a story that I really enjoyed in this fourth story in this book.
This being the first book in which I have read by Louis L'Amour has caught my interest and I plan to read more of his works in the future.
August 23, 2020
It's Louis L'Amour
Always a great read. Characters are defined in detail and the Western desert never looked better.
The action and love interest are all here for your reading fun. Never a dull moment with Mr L'Amour.
Always a great read. Characters are defined in detail and the Western desert never looked better.
The action and love interest are all here for your reading fun. Never a dull moment with Mr L'Amour.
May 11, 2015
BIG MEDICINE collects some of L'Amour's early writing (a few short stories and a brief novel) originally published under a pen name in Western magazines.
If you've ever read a pulp Western novel, you pretty much know what to expect.
L'Amour does a wonderful job detailing the setting, the scenery, and the Old West lifestyle. Unfortunately, the characters are one-dimensional, the action feels straight out of a comic book, and cheesy romantic subplots are shoe-horned in for no good reason. It's worth buying for a quarter if you come across it at a yard sale, but that's about it.
If you've ever read a pulp Western novel, you pretty much know what to expect.
L'Amour does a wonderful job detailing the setting, the scenery, and the Old West lifestyle. Unfortunately, the characters are one-dimensional, the action feels straight out of a comic book, and cheesy romantic subplots are shoe-horned in for no good reason. It's worth buying for a quarter if you come across it at a yard sale, but that's about it.
December 17, 2022
Is it a great book? Nah. But there's something very appealing about L'Amour's writing. It's almost addictive, and once you start reading you just have to get to the end, even if you know more-or-less how it's going to turn out. Kind of like a Hallmark movie. Yes, they're going to end up together and save the town or whatever, but you still want to see it happen.
I'd give it 3 and a half stars. Not something I'd read again, but not a waste of time either.
I'd give it 3 and a half stars. Not something I'd read again, but not a waste of time either.
August 3, 2019
This book is a collection of 3 short stories and 1 short novel by the bard of the west, Louis L’Amour. They aren’t his best work, but they’re still enjoyable tales. In the title story, a prospector trapped by several Apache braves, combines a chance circumstance with a bit of superstition to escape with his gold.
Showdown on the Hogback was the best story in the anthology. Like many of L’Amour’s tales, it’s a story of an honorable man finding himself having to take a stand against greed and corruption. L’Amour is quite adept at bringing to life a believable range of people with differing mixtures of honor, greed, corruption, and proclivities to violence. I always enjoy watching the various leaders of his factions trying to motivate their supporters for attack or defense, and then to control the various personalities that they’ve put into play. It makes his communities quite credible when everyone is not a literary clone of all of their neighbors.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Showdown on the Hogback was the best story in the anthology. Like many of L’Amour’s tales, it’s a story of an honorable man finding himself having to take a stand against greed and corruption. L’Amour is quite adept at bringing to life a believable range of people with differing mixtures of honor, greed, corruption, and proclivities to violence. I always enjoy watching the various leaders of his factions trying to motivate their supporters for attack or defense, and then to control the various personalities that they’ve put into play. It makes his communities quite credible when everyone is not a literary clone of all of their neighbors.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
September 17, 2022
One of my favorite western authors
I'm discovering that I don't like short stories anymore as I want more of the story. I got to meet Louis L'Amour many years ago, riding around the desert with him and my grandfather in a beat up old car to see Willie Boy's grave and several of the springs in our area. My sisters and I raced our horses along beside them the following day as they rambled up Pipes Canyon to visit Echo Bend and the old bull ranch for research for a book he was writing. I was pretty disgusted when only the men got to go the following day to visit the many mines on the other side of Twenty Nine Palms. Was fascinating to read several of his books years later that had many of those spots in them!
I'm discovering that I don't like short stories anymore as I want more of the story. I got to meet Louis L'Amour many years ago, riding around the desert with him and my grandfather in a beat up old car to see Willie Boy's grave and several of the springs in our area. My sisters and I raced our horses along beside them the following day as they rambled up Pipes Canyon to visit Echo Bend and the old bull ranch for research for a book he was writing. I was pretty disgusted when only the men got to go the following day to visit the many mines on the other side of Twenty Nine Palms. Was fascinating to read several of his books years later that had many of those spots in them!
June 8, 2024
This L’Amour was a little different, as it was 3 short stories in one book. The last, longer one was my favorite - the little twist with the backstory of the mastermind was fun.
Brb, dreaming of gallant cowboys and the Wild West.🫠
Brb, dreaming of gallant cowboys and the Wild West.🫠
September 2, 2024
My Dad always loved Louis L’amour! I read this over Labor Day weekend. An easy engrossing western, a fun and entertaining read.
April 2, 2015
This a collection of his works from circa 1948. His later work is so much better that I was stunned -- stunned, I tell you! -- at how ungood, if I may use a term coined in 1948, his old stuff is.
June 29, 2022
Action
The story was filled with suspense and action. The characters were good. I liked the style of the writer. I have always read Louis's books. Since I was a young child.
The story was filled with suspense and action. The characters were good. I liked the style of the writer. I have always read Louis's books. Since I was a young child.
January 11, 2023
Short stories
The last story is awesome! You really get sucked in to each story and the writing style is incredible! Worth the read
The last story is awesome! You really get sucked in to each story and the writing style is incredible! Worth the read
March 26, 2024
Wonderful Western🐺🐎🗡🔫 Story Collection📚 by late western author Louis L'Amour.
I got this e-book from Amazon with Kindle unlimited.
I got this e-book from Amazon with Kindle unlimited.
November 9, 2019
EXCITING, GUNSLINGERS, ACTION, LAND
5 STARS for this action packed book with several short tales & 1 short novella. Filled with action, women & men, boys were made men in some cases as young as 13, they seemed prepared, ready or just willing to meet whatever the west put in their way on their journeys. Filled with characters you like & respect as well as those you like to see get their due; this book has characters you will remember such as I remember very well the widow who left her house just long enough to go out in the street in town to avenge her husband. I will not spoil it & tell why! Louis L'Amour has written a wonderful book and as usual I will read it several times over.
5 STARS for this action packed book with several short tales & 1 short novella. Filled with action, women & men, boys were made men in some cases as young as 13, they seemed prepared, ready or just willing to meet whatever the west put in their way on their journeys. Filled with characters you like & respect as well as those you like to see get their due; this book has characters you will remember such as I remember very well the widow who left her house just long enough to go out in the street in town to avenge her husband. I will not spoil it & tell why! Louis L'Amour has written a wonderful book and as usual I will read it several times over.
October 19, 2021
An Anthology of Louis L'Amour Westerns
I'll be upfront about it. Louis L'Amour is my favorite Western writer. There is something special in his stories that makes you hope there were good men like that and wouldn't it be great if one was your ancestor.
I believe part of it is the great choice of character names ... Often a mix of nicknames along with the surnames. Certainly the wonderfully descriptive scenery is a key factor.
If you love his writing like I do, stick this one in your "Want To Read" category. And if you have Kindle Unlimited ... that's where I found this one.
I'll be upfront about it. Louis L'Amour is my favorite Western writer. There is something special in his stories that makes you hope there were good men like that and wouldn't it be great if one was your ancestor.
I believe part of it is the great choice of character names ... Often a mix of nicknames along with the surnames. Certainly the wonderfully descriptive scenery is a key factor.
If you love his writing like I do, stick this one in your "Want To Read" category. And if you have Kindle Unlimited ... that's where I found this one.
July 8, 2019
Short stories from a master of the western.
Defiantly a group of short stories about the west. Louis L'Amour lived the life he wrote about. His stories are set in real places throughout the whole world, places he had been to, walking the walk. The character's he wrote about where individuals who he had run into or talked about during his wandering time..Many where the type he grew up around or worked with.
Defiantly a group of short stories about the west. Louis L'Amour lived the life he wrote about. His stories are set in real places throughout the whole world, places he had been to, walking the walk. The character's he wrote about where individuals who he had run into or talked about during his wandering time..Many where the type he grew up around or worked with.
April 16, 2021
This book contains three short stories and a novella. The short story "Big Medicine" was good, but the others short stories were too predictable. The novella seemed to rush through some exposition to get to the fight scenes, which were drawn out. The writing was not always clear; I had to reread some sentences to figure out who was being referred to. The plot held my interest but did not make me feel for the characters or give a sense of being there.
August 11, 2022
Some good Western stories
Several of these stories I have read before, but they were good the first and they are this time. I enjoyed the stories and probably will the next time I read them. There is just something about the writing, the characters and the setting of each story that applies to me. I would say that I have read a lot of Louis L'Amour stories over the years and will continue to read them.
Several of these stories I have read before, but they were good the first and they are this time. I enjoyed the stories and probably will the next time I read them. There is just something about the writing, the characters and the setting of each story that applies to me. I would say that I have read a lot of Louis L'Amour stories over the years and will continue to read them.
April 26, 2019
Although I used to read westerns I never read many of L'Amours - don't really know why. Anyway, I guess these are some of his earlier works and I'm going to be checking out more. They were enjoyable stories with all the important ingredients an old time western needs: action, mystery and romance.
January 11, 2020
Captivating
Great read! As usual L'Amour keeps the action and suspense in a good balance. It's hard to put the book down and yet stopping gives time later to enjoy another section. I notice that the short story books have duplicates in each other, so it is rare to find one that I am not familiar with, at least two or more although the details are slightly different.
Great read! As usual L'Amour keeps the action and suspense in a good balance. It's hard to put the book down and yet stopping gives time later to enjoy another section. I notice that the short story books have duplicates in each other, so it is rare to find one that I am not familiar with, at least two or more although the details are slightly different.
October 7, 2021
Three stories I had not read. One was called Showdown on the Hogback and I had read it. This was originally published in a magazine under this name, but when it went to book form, the title was changed to Showdown at Yellow Butte. They are all good stories but his short stories to have a tendency to repeat.
February 3, 2022
Gotta Love L'Amour
This book starts off with a few short stories then ends with another great novel from the king of Westerns. Great book, great stories. Every time you feel as though you've reached the end of the story, where another writer may end the book, L'Amour continues the story with another exciting twist.
I loves his books and you will too.
This book starts off with a few short stories then ends with another great novel from the king of Westerns. Great book, great stories. Every time you feel as though you've reached the end of the story, where another writer may end the book, L'Amour continues the story with another exciting twist.
I loves his books and you will too.
September 9, 2025
Louis L’Amour does it again.
Another absolutely entertaining book by Louis L’Amour. Incredible read you won’t want to put down. What a treasure his books are. I never read one that I don’t enjoy and the strangest thing is I always learn something new. What a treasure his writing is.
Another absolutely entertaining book by Louis L’Amour. Incredible read you won’t want to put down. What a treasure his books are. I never read one that I don’t enjoy and the strangest thing is I always learn something new. What a treasure his writing is.
October 20, 2017
Ok book have read much better some else might enjoy book takes awhile to get interesting
Led awhile to get going but like I say someone else might read into it differently so there stars is my rating
Led awhile to get going but like I say someone else might read into it differently so there stars is my rating
May 23, 2019
The old west as only Lamor tells a story!
I enjoyed this book very much! The hero struggles and wins, and they all live happily ever after! The good old days come alive once again!
I enjoyed this book very much! The hero struggles and wins, and they all live happily ever after! The good old days come alive once again!
June 12, 2019
Great collection of short stories.
W hat can I say, it is Louis Lamour! I was introduced to Louis Lamour's writings by my grandmother at a early age a was instantly addicted. I have read each story multiple times and have never grown tired of them. Higher praise I cannot give.
W hat can I say, it is Louis Lamour! I was introduced to Louis Lamour's writings by my grandmother at a early age a was instantly addicted. I have read each story multiple times and have never grown tired of them. Higher praise I cannot give.
July 3, 2019
Louis spins a western story that will please every fan. Complete
With mystery, love, murder,ghosts, lust for gold and assorted issues of revenge, political intrigue with high government officials called to verify important facts.
With mystery, love, murder,ghosts, lust for gold and assorted issues of revenge, political intrigue with high government officials called to verify important facts.
May 8, 2020
Louis L'Amour has always been one of my favorites; and, surprisingly his short stories are some of my favorites. There is only so many superlatives that you can say about L'Amour's books, and I like them and would recommend them to anyone.
May 18, 2022
Good book
Well written bit long winded last story he has always been a favorite author. However like many authirs you have to take a break from reading him to really appreciate him
Well written bit long winded last story he has always been a favorite author. However like many authirs you have to take a break from reading him to really appreciate him
October 15, 2022
Big medicine by Louis L Amour
I thought it was an interesting story that kept me wanting to keep reading every time I got a chance I would pickup where I left off The characters depicted were just right for the dialog.
I thought it was an interesting story that kept me wanting to keep reading every time I got a chance I would pickup where I left off The characters depicted were just right for the dialog.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews