The Kid

By: Ron Hansen

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

A new novel from Ron Hansen, the award-winning author of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, about an iconic American criminal of the old West: legendary outlaw Billy the Kid.

Born Henry McCarty, Billy the Kid was a diminutive, charming, blond-haired young man who, growing up in New York, Kansas, and later New Mexico, demonstrated a precocious dexterity at firing six-shooters with either hand - a skill that turned him into an American legend of the old West. He was smart, well spoken, attractive to both white and Mexican women, a good dancer, and a man with a nose for money, horses, and trouble. His spree of crimes and murders has been immortalized in dime Westerns, novels, and movies. But the whole story of his short, epically violent life has never been told as it has been here.

In The Kid, Ron Hansen showcases his masterful research and inimitable style as he breathes life into history, bringing listeners back into the late 1800s and into Billy's boyhood as a ranch hand just trying to wrest a fortune from an unforgiving landscape. We are with Billy in every gunfight and horse theft, and we get to know him in full before his grand death in a hail of bullets in 1881 at the age of 21. Original, powerful, and swiftly told, The Kid is an unforgettable listen about a uniquely American antihero.

©2016 Ron Hansen (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

loved it

had me laughing and rooting for the kid even though I knew how it all turned out. great story

A fine old yarn

Having relistened to Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides, I became interested in the history of New Mexico and stumbled across The Kid. Fine story, colorful language, and superb narration - and learned a bit about the wild west use of a corn cob.

Another great Hansen look at the Old West

Ron Hansen has written several of my favorite books, starting with Desperadoes in the 70s. This book belongs on the same shelf as the others -- excellent Literary Westerns. This one is also superbly narrated by Mark Bramhall. Highest recommendation for all readers, especially those interested in the Wild West

great listen

Great biography on Billy the Kid, author has a great writing style that takes you back in time.

A good easy listen

Narration is perfect for the story, interesting without being too imposing of a story. Enjoyable, engaging and intervals of humor make for a good listen.