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The Sacketts #13
Mustang Man
In Mustang Man, Louis L’Amour takes Nolan Sackett on a dangerous journey into family betrayal, greed, and murder.
When Nolan Sackett met Penelope Hume in a cantina at Borregos Plaza, the girl immediately captured his attention. That she was heir to a lost cache of gold didn’t make her any less desirable. But Penelope isn’t the only one after her grandfather’s treasure; Sylvie, Ralph, and Andrew Karnes, distant relatives with no legal claim to the gold, are obsessed with claiming the Hume fortune for themselves. Their all-consuming sense of entitlement recklessly drives them to ambush and murder. Even if Sackett and Penelope are fortunate enough to escape this deadly trio and find the canyon where the gold is hidden, Indian legend has it that nothing will live there—no birds or insects. They say it is filled with the bones of men.
When Nolan Sackett met Penelope Hume in a cantina at Borregos Plaza, the girl immediately captured his attention. That she was heir to a lost cache of gold didn’t make her any less desirable. But Penelope isn’t the only one after her grandfather’s treasure; Sylvie, Ralph, and Andrew Karnes, distant relatives with no legal claim to the gold, are obsessed with claiming the Hume fortune for themselves. Their all-consuming sense of entitlement recklessly drives them to ambush and murder. Even if Sackett and Penelope are fortunate enough to escape this deadly trio and find the canyon where the gold is hidden, Indian legend has it that nothing will live there—no birds or insects. They say it is filled with the bones of men.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1966
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1486 people want to read
About the author
Louis L'Amour
996 books3,474 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 184 reviews
November 13, 2018
Not quite my favorite L'Amour, but definitely a great read!
March 28, 2015
We met Nolan Sackett in Mojave Crossing and it was pretty clear that there was more to him than met the eye. This book merely proves it. I can't help liking Nolan. He's a big galoot, better than he thinks he is, and fundamentally uncertain of his place in the world. Naturally, my heart went out to him immediately.
This story isn't as solid as Mojave Crossing, meandering a bit with a confused through-line that wanders between the girl and the gold. It doesn't help that L'Amour plays a bit with circumstances to cast more doubt on Penelope than she deserves. And I can't help being a little uncomfortable that the women are so polarized (being either paragon or pariah). L'Amour manages to make Penelope believably human and that helps. Having her be smart and competent and level-headed when the chips are down is a big plus as well. Still, I can't help feeling that Sylvie is almost one-dimensional in contrast—mitigated somewhat by having her brother join her in the soullessly evil category (so it's clear the evil isn't so much female as it is that "some folks just ain't right").
So it's a 3.5 book with the big softie Nolan giving it enough heart to push it to four. I liked Penelope, too, but detracted somewhat. In all a good read and another solid Sackett novel.
This story isn't as solid as Mojave Crossing, meandering a bit with a confused through-line that wanders between the girl and the gold. It doesn't help that L'Amour plays a bit with circumstances to cast more doubt on Penelope than she deserves. And I can't help being a little uncomfortable that the women are so polarized (being either paragon or pariah). L'Amour manages to make Penelope believably human and that helps. Having her be smart and competent and level-headed when the chips are down is a big plus as well. Still, I can't help feeling that Sylvie is almost one-dimensional in contrast—mitigated somewhat by having her brother join her in the soullessly evil category (so it's clear the evil isn't so much female as it is that "some folks just ain't right").
So it's a 3.5 book with the big softie Nolan giving it enough heart to push it to four. I liked Penelope, too, but detracted somewhat. In all a good read and another solid Sackett novel.
May 15, 2024
I liked this one all right. It was an enjoyable and fast-paced read, but I didn't love it. The story was solid, and Nolan Sackett was an interesting character, but I didn't really like the main female character, Penelope. She didn't get as well-fleshed-out as most of L'Amour's heroines, and so I never got a chance to know her, and that means I didn't get invested in Nolan's desire to help her and his secret hope that she might see him as more than a crooked-nosed outlaw.
Oh well -- not every Sackett book needs to be my favorite!
Oh well -- not every Sackett book needs to be my favorite!
January 15, 2020
This is a good L'Amour western with lots of action and adventure. It has most everything: many bad guys, 2 purty gals (one good, one evil), lost gold, and even two good horses. The only problem was the too predictable ending. I guess most westerns have predictable endings. Good guys usually win, bad guys usually lose. Recommended to L'amour and western fans.
December 13, 2013
Although it is 14th in the series, this was the first book in the Sackett saga I read. I loved it. I didn't think at first this was the book for me because it's a western, but I was so wrong. I got pulled into the story from page one. Louis L'Amour is wonderful at setting the stage and I was instantly drawn in. I found it to be a wonderful story, with lovable characters, and a brilliant plot. These books is lke the Lays potato chip commercials except "You can't read just one." Since reading it, I have been searching out other books in the saga to read. I am now reading the 5th book "Ride the River" with Echo Sackett.
January 25, 2016
So back when I was a horse-crazy little kid living in cowboy country, this book (and a slew of others by L'Amour) were what I fell asleep reading every night. And Mustang Man in particular was my very favorite. I must have read it thirty times in three years. :-D It was probably a very bad influence on me, but I still can't see that title without smiling fondly.
July 6, 2018
Classic Lamour plot trajectory. You know who the good guys and bad guys are. You know who is going to win. You know who is going to get the girl. And waht's wrong with that?
A great way to spend a few evenings getting lost from the necessary.
A great way to spend a few evenings getting lost from the necessary.
June 13, 2024
My first western and i loved it. I almost read it in one day because i couldn't put it away.
Certainly not my last western!.
Certainly not my last western!.
June 20, 2016
I wanted to read a Louis L'Amour book because he is my dad's favorite author, and I'm pretty sure he has read every single book he has released. I thought it would make my dad happy to read and know what his work is like, and I was right. Upon asking my dad which book I should read first as I didn't want to start with a dud and have a sour taste in my mouth from it, making me now want to read any more of his books. He suggested a couple of them, one being Mustang Man. I'm glad I started with this one, it was a pretty neat little read!
I'll be honest, I didn't love this book, but I believe that I will not love any books of this genre simply for the fact that it's not "up my alley." That doesn't mean that the experience was bad, or that the writing was bad or that I didn't like it at all, just that I probably will not pick up a L'Amour novel every chance I get. I did like that the story started right away, with one straightforward topic and multiple small conflicts. I didn't like that there was no character build-up or much of a backstory, but something tells me that the type of audience reading L'Amour westerns aren't looking for much of a character based novel anyway.
Nolan Sackett is "one bad motherfucker," as I texted my dad halfway through the book. His response was typical of my dad, "the whole family are." He is clearly invested in the entire Sackett clan, which I find completely endearing! He's an honest, straight-shooting outlaw, but one with a kind heart and simple emotions, making it easy for him to do what he has to do to get done what he needs, or is paid, to get done. The story was easy to follow, nothing to decipher or analyze, and entertaining.
This novel was a quick and fascinating read, but not my kind of genre. I'd give it a 3.5 star, simply because those of us who like to dive into an annoyingly analytical and deep type of read where we're reeling for days afterwards trying to figure out what the hell happened may not completely enjoy the simple kind of read this novel was. But if you're into westerns without any gushy romance, this is your kind of book and I recommend it!
I'll be honest, I didn't love this book, but I believe that I will not love any books of this genre simply for the fact that it's not "up my alley." That doesn't mean that the experience was bad, or that the writing was bad or that I didn't like it at all, just that I probably will not pick up a L'Amour novel every chance I get. I did like that the story started right away, with one straightforward topic and multiple small conflicts. I didn't like that there was no character build-up or much of a backstory, but something tells me that the type of audience reading L'Amour westerns aren't looking for much of a character based novel anyway.
Nolan Sackett is "one bad motherfucker," as I texted my dad halfway through the book. His response was typical of my dad, "the whole family are." He is clearly invested in the entire Sackett clan, which I find completely endearing! He's an honest, straight-shooting outlaw, but one with a kind heart and simple emotions, making it easy for him to do what he has to do to get done what he needs, or is paid, to get done. The story was easy to follow, nothing to decipher or analyze, and entertaining.
This novel was a quick and fascinating read, but not my kind of genre. I'd give it a 3.5 star, simply because those of us who like to dive into an annoyingly analytical and deep type of read where we're reeling for days afterwards trying to figure out what the hell happened may not completely enjoy the simple kind of read this novel was. But if you're into westerns without any gushy romance, this is your kind of book and I recommend it!
March 23, 2019
This was one of the best stories with Nolan Sackett yet. This was a Good Read.
February 5, 2020
A story of Nolan Sackett, the ‘famous outlaw’ of the Sackett bunch.
The premise is rather dumb in my opinion, because as Sacketts go they are usually clever bunch with sense of honor in some shape of form and they are not easily ‘roped’ into schemes.
So when Nolan Sackett runs into a lonely wagon in the middle of nowhere and tries to help the folks that has been stranded, he hopes he found honest folks that has been taken advantage of and left for dead.
But soon enough he finds that the 3 siblings have been after gold treasure that doesn’t belong to them and are a murderous and conniving bunch, especially the female sibling named Sylvie.
She learned of the treasure from her friend, Penelope, who got the map and location of the treasure from her dying grandmother.
So Nolan, almost being killed twice by the 3 siblings decided to stick around, instead of riding away from the trouble as fast as he could.
Now I understand that wouldn’t be a story with him riding away, but L’Amour surely could device a little more clever story line to make sure Nolan was in on this gold hunting adventure. The way this is achieved just doesn’t make much sense and it’s rather an insult to the whole Sackett saga.
But whatever, let’s move along. He decides to stick around despite his best judgment and when he sees Penelope riding towards the gold with bunch of gold seekers that she hired for protection, Nolan’s spidey senses prick up and he decides to accompany them.
Now Sylvie hires an outfit of murderous outlaws to help her get the gold first and from that point on is just a race towards a canyon where the golden treasure is stashed away.
Who will survive and who will find the treasure? How far will Nolan be willing to go to help a pretty girl mom distress?
****
The second least favorite books of the Sackett saga. He acted irrational the entire book and I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief pretty much the whole time.
Sometimes you do wish the main character would ride into the sunset and leave stuff well alone. I’d rather read about him sitting in a pub in a Mexican town and eat beans and tortillas than re-read this.
The premise is rather dumb in my opinion, because as Sacketts go they are usually clever bunch with sense of honor in some shape of form and they are not easily ‘roped’ into schemes.
So when Nolan Sackett runs into a lonely wagon in the middle of nowhere and tries to help the folks that has been stranded, he hopes he found honest folks that has been taken advantage of and left for dead.
But soon enough he finds that the 3 siblings have been after gold treasure that doesn’t belong to them and are a murderous and conniving bunch, especially the female sibling named Sylvie.
She learned of the treasure from her friend, Penelope, who got the map and location of the treasure from her dying grandmother.
So Nolan, almost being killed twice by the 3 siblings decided to stick around, instead of riding away from the trouble as fast as he could.
Now I understand that wouldn’t be a story with him riding away, but L’Amour surely could device a little more clever story line to make sure Nolan was in on this gold hunting adventure. The way this is achieved just doesn’t make much sense and it’s rather an insult to the whole Sackett saga.
But whatever, let’s move along. He decides to stick around despite his best judgment and when he sees Penelope riding towards the gold with bunch of gold seekers that she hired for protection, Nolan’s spidey senses prick up and he decides to accompany them.
Now Sylvie hires an outfit of murderous outlaws to help her get the gold first and from that point on is just a race towards a canyon where the golden treasure is stashed away.
Who will survive and who will find the treasure? How far will Nolan be willing to go to help a pretty girl mom distress?
****
The second least favorite books of the Sackett saga. He acted irrational the entire book and I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief pretty much the whole time.
Sometimes you do wish the main character would ride into the sunset and leave stuff well alone. I’d rather read about him sitting in a pub in a Mexican town and eat beans and tortillas than re-read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2008
First book so far (from what I've read) told from the perspective of one of the Clinch Mountain Sacketts. Nolan was a surprisingly enjoyable character to follow, and I liked his woman. Again, the ending took my off guard, but I think it was mainly because I was listening to it. Since I can't see the pages as I'm getting toward the end, and since L'Amour tends to end abruptly, it sometimes takes me off guard. However, once I stopped and re-listened to the last minute or so again, I had a better feel for things.
June 4, 2009
I've always liked L'Amour's Sackett books, and have re-read them on several ocassions. But as I read this one, I was suprised how little of it was familiar, which tells me I had only read this one once or twice. I was pleasantly surprised, it's one of the better Sackett novels. there are some intelligent twists to this one that you don't expect. It's a western, but it's a good one. It is what it is. I don't go to L'Amour expecting deep philosophy, I go for escape and fun.
November 18, 2021
This is another great Sackett tale. Nolan Sackett finds gold and something like affection for a young lady. Nolan is a good character. He is one of the Clinch Mountain Sackett's. It is a good story that is full of excitement.
January 14, 2010
You just have to love L'Amour books. Simple, interesting, fun! What the old wild west must have been like!
March 3, 2014
Good book! The two female characters were annoying. It kind of reminded me of Bonanza.
March 2, 2025
I actually thought that this book was one of his better. (His characterization seemed real to me.)
August 30, 2017
Good read, even if it is formulaic.
January 15, 2020
This one was hard to put down and kept me on my toes until the end.
January 16, 2019
Resub
Name: Mason Marquette
Book title: Mustang Man
Personal Response
I liked the book Mustang Man. I liked it because there was a lot of action, and there was always something exciting happening. There is a good story behind the action, and you never know what is going to happen next. The book is also fairly short, and it does not take you forever to read. If you like western books this is a good one.
Plot Summary
The book started with Nolan meeting Sylvie and Karnes. They tried to poison him but he was smart enough to not fall for it. Nolan then got there missing horses, and he found out about the hidden gold. He met Penelope, Flinch, and the others and agreed to help them. He then helped them get to the rabbit ears, he offered to help them longer, but they did not want it. Nolan then left them and tried to find the gold himself. He met Penelope again, and they made a plan and got the gold. They met Sylvie again and almost lost the gold. There were a few other challenges along the way, but Nolan and Penelope eventually got the gold.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anyone older than 15. Boys or girls could read it, but I would recommend it to a boy. If you are a fan of western books I would recommend reading it. If you like action and adventure books you would enjoy it also. I would recommend reading this book.
Characterization
The character Nolan changed a lot because at the start of the book he was doing stuff for himself. When he met Penelope he helped her. He did a lot for her, he even helped her find the gold. He tried to be a gentleman around her. Nolan was a better man after he met Penelope.
Name: Mason Marquette
Book title: Mustang Man
Personal Response
I liked the book Mustang Man. I liked it because there was a lot of action, and there was always something exciting happening. There is a good story behind the action, and you never know what is going to happen next. The book is also fairly short, and it does not take you forever to read. If you like western books this is a good one.
Plot Summary
The book started with Nolan meeting Sylvie and Karnes. They tried to poison him but he was smart enough to not fall for it. Nolan then got there missing horses, and he found out about the hidden gold. He met Penelope, Flinch, and the others and agreed to help them. He then helped them get to the rabbit ears, he offered to help them longer, but they did not want it. Nolan then left them and tried to find the gold himself. He met Penelope again, and they made a plan and got the gold. They met Sylvie again and almost lost the gold. There were a few other challenges along the way, but Nolan and Penelope eventually got the gold.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anyone older than 15. Boys or girls could read it, but I would recommend it to a boy. If you are a fan of western books I would recommend reading it. If you like action and adventure books you would enjoy it also. I would recommend reading this book.
Characterization
The character Nolan changed a lot because at the start of the book he was doing stuff for himself. When he met Penelope he helped her. He did a lot for her, he even helped her find the gold. He tried to be a gentleman around her. Nolan was a better man after he met Penelope.
October 1, 2021
This story is okay until about the halfway point where it spirals out of control.
The passage of time makes no sense. The author flips character behaviour out of nowhere and adds characters and actions taken that just do not add up. The plot holes are many.
Things that happen just do not make sense, all coming across as mightily contrived and rushed.
The last half of the book reads like one of the poorly conceived and executed stories prevalent nowadays due to the multitude of self published amateur indie authors. The only difference being that this doesn't suffer from technical editing issues (spelling grammar) or poor narration in the one audio version I listened to.
The ending/wrap up is fairly snappish but still enjoyable as such things go, which along with the first half of the book stops me from giving this a 1/5 rating.
Still its indeed evocative of penny dreadfuls.
The passage of time makes no sense. The author flips character behaviour out of nowhere and adds characters and actions taken that just do not add up. The plot holes are many.
Things that happen just do not make sense, all coming across as mightily contrived and rushed.
The last half of the book reads like one of the poorly conceived and executed stories prevalent nowadays due to the multitude of self published amateur indie authors. The only difference being that this doesn't suffer from technical editing issues (spelling grammar) or poor narration in the one audio version I listened to.
The ending/wrap up is fairly snappish but still enjoyable as such things go, which along with the first half of the book stops me from giving this a 1/5 rating.
Still its indeed evocative of penny dreadfuls.
November 14, 2025
I was expecting it to be a simple western but I wasn’t expecting it to be that simple … (man strong, woman need saving, a touch of 1960s racism)
The main character has to continually remind the reader how manly he is and the author over explains things.
It’s as though L’amour doesn’t trust the reader to make the simplest connection or he doesn’t trust his own writing enough to get the job done.
The setting was somewhat interesting as it was near where I grew up so the names of many places and the descriptions of the landscapes were familiar.
The main character has to continually remind the reader how manly he is and the author over explains things.
It’s as though L’amour doesn’t trust the reader to make the simplest connection or he doesn’t trust his own writing enough to get the job done.
The setting was somewhat interesting as it was near where I grew up so the names of many places and the descriptions of the landscapes were familiar.
August 27, 2023
Un western nudo e crudo, parte di una lunga saga. Un classico, per il periodo in cui è stato scritto (anni '60). Interessanti i personaggi femminili, non esattamente indifesi come di norma.
May 9, 2020
This is not one of my favorite genres generally, but I can't say that I had any problem getting into it. The man can tell a story.
July 23, 2024
I appreciated the more vulnerable character of Nolan Sackett. He was still a L’amour tough guy, but wasn’t always as sure of himself.
August 17, 2018
It was fun and typical of Louis L'Amour, no character growth, lots of action, some convolutions in the plot, good description of the country, and a little love interest thrown in for good measure. I had read this some years back but didn't remember any of it. I guess that says something about the book or me; take your pick.
I always enjoy a Sackett novel, and this did not disappoint. Yes, there were a few too many coincidences, particularly regarding those who had connections to Nathan Hume and the last stand of his gold train. How the Karnes were related was never disclosed, but it is a western, so some things can be forgiven. The reader is kept in the dark about Penelope's motives and loyalties until the very end. That was a good touch. Nolan, well, he is Nolan, a good guy outlaw of sorts, rough around the edges but good at heart.
So, if you want a couple hours of mindless but entertaining western reading, get a copy of this and have a good time.
I always enjoy a Sackett novel, and this did not disappoint. Yes, there were a few too many coincidences, particularly regarding those who had connections to Nathan Hume and the last stand of his gold train. How the Karnes were related was never disclosed, but it is a western, so some things can be forgiven. The reader is kept in the dark about Penelope's motives and loyalties until the very end. That was a good touch. Nolan, well, he is Nolan, a good guy outlaw of sorts, rough around the edges but good at heart.
So, if you want a couple hours of mindless but entertaining western reading, get a copy of this and have a good time.
April 12, 2010
this book is very interesting and action pact even though it the first sackett book that i had read it got my attention from the start.the criminal outlaw having a change of heart for the better and stoped being selfish as he guides a group of "yellabellys" through the old wild west.at first he was just doing it for the money then as he got to know the poeple he was guiding he became emotionly attached specially to a young women named penalope.later find out that the city poeple that hired him in search of gold that was to enherited hidden in an old mine but there not the only ones looking for gold.appeaerntly camanches know about it too so he hlps penalope thruogh the desert fighting off frequent run ins with camonches.but there are traders penolpes fiance is planning on running with the gold the first chance he gets nobody sees that but mr.sackett
September 12, 2018
One of the few books since the first 4 that I'd give a 5/5. This book brought the action from Page 1 until the end, and the villains in this book were markedly different, and in most ways- darker, than the average Sackett villain. It was also kind of refreshing to read about a Sackett who isn't a total superman, who has some chinks in his armor, who sometimes gets beaten and outsmarted along the way.
Great read from start to finish!
Great read from start to finish!
December 14, 2020
Nolan Sackett has the name of outlaw because he is a tough, unforgiving man. In New Mexico he has to stand off a horse thief and the some Easterners who mean him harm. He comes across a girl from the East that is searching for a gold mine that was left her. The problem is that others want the mine and are willing to kill for it.
November 9, 2017
Another book in the Sackett series, this features Nolan Sackett who is an outlaw with a heart of gold -- or is that a heart that lusts after gold? Never you worry, Nolan is a Sackett and a good man who will no doubt save the day and the girl. This is a quick-read Western and I enjoyed it.
If you like Westerns, you'll probably like this one, too.
If you like Westerns, you'll probably like this one, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews