Heresy

By: Melissa Lenhardt

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik, Bailey Carr, Ella Turenne, Nikki Massoud, Natalie Naudus, Imani Jade Powers, James Fouhey

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

"An all-out women-driven, queer, transgender, multiracial takeover of the Old West...and that's exactly what Melissa Lenhardt delivers in her unapologetically badass Western, Heresy." (New York Times)

"Lenhardt has created a bold new story where women have taken their rightful place in the narrative of the Outlaw Western genre; where wit, wisdom, and wiles could mean the difference between life and death, and where the fellowship of women bested every challenge." (Kathleen Kent)

Margaret Parker and Hattie LaCour never intended to turn outlaw.

After being run off their ranch by a greedy cattleman, their family is left destitute. As women alone they have few choices: marriage, lying on their backs for money, or holding a gun. For Margaret and Hattie, the choice is simple. With their small makeshift family, the gang pulls off a series of heists across the West.

Though the newspapers refuse to give the female gang credit, their exploits don't go unnoticed. Pinkertons are on their trail, a rival male gang is determined to destroy them, and secrets among the group threaten to tear them apart. Now, Margaret and Hattie must find a way to protect their family, finish one last job, and avoid the hangman's noose.

"Readers who relish an unusual narrative structure will enjoy this unique take on the traditional Western." (Booklist)

©2021 Melissa Lenhardt (P)2021 Redhook

Critic reviews

"A rollicking, engrossing book that'll keep you reading well past your bedtime." (BookPage)

Not bad but not great

Was it entertaining? Sure. Did it blow me away? Not really. It was a fun read but lacked some depth. I appreciated that it is a western story centered around women and queer people, but it couldn't have had more. For as great as the subject is, this book felt more like a fluffy read than one that could really stick with you.

great for the southwest roadtrip!

Read this while driving from FL to CA and it was such a good old west story for the trip! nothing groundbreaking, but a really good bad*** feminist story set in a time that really lacks them.

Wasn't sure...

Gave it a try and Loved it! I'd like more of this. More lost penny dreadfuls.

Actually worth a credit.

I realize this might not be for everyone but I personally thought the way the book was written was very good, and the way the book was narrated was great. There is a lot to this book and a lot happens but easy to keep up. I do look forward to maybe more of this story or similar to it by the author.

Thoroughly enjoyed

For non fiction, this reads like a novel. Is very different I imagine that is because this type of story could not be told at the time. I am so thankful to the author and other historians for broadening the view of our history

Difficult to follow

I really want to hear this story but the format used makes it to difficult for me to follow. I’d rather the author made it a story rather than patching together facts that are provided by so many characters and dates in time. I tried the book 3 times and all three times I had to to stop lost in what is really happening. I don’t want to discourage other readers as this could very well be how my brain works and others might enjoy the format and be thrilled with the book. I hope to give the author constructive information in hopes that a novel might come out of this critical information and fascinating look into the history of woman.

This book is special & unique

Heresy is the story of a gang of female outlaws in the old west. The women have been betrayed and robbed by the men in their lives, so they decide to claim their independence and get some revenge along the way. The characters are exciting, lovable and above all loyal to each other. The audio version of the book features seven different readers which makes it even more entertaining.

Nice listen

This book gave voice to women in the west beyond being whores, damsels in distress or wives. It was interesting.amd refreshing.

I very much enjoyed this book. It is written in an unique form.

The beginning was confusing and I almost stoped listening. I’m so happy I completed it. I loved the stories and the characters and the points of view from each. I loved the ending part from the historical point of view. Good read!!!!

Great listen

Not only is this book a great story, it's also narrated outstanding
ly.
loved it.