Raton Pass

Following the Frontier

By: Tom. W. Blackburn

Narrated by: Jack de Golia

HE LET A WOMAN STEAL THE BIGGEST RANCH IN NEW MEXICO—AND THEN HE HEADED FOR THE BADLANDS!

Marc Challon had both money and power. His father and mother had built the majestic XO cattle ranch, a hundred-acre empire of waist-high grassland. And he had inherited it. But money and power spawn greed—and greed creates schemers.

With all the responsibilities of running the XO, Marc didn’t need any more problems. But slowly he discovered he had married one: Marcy Bennett, a land-hungry temptress whose very existence threatened to tear the heart out of his family and their empire.

Then Marc did two things that astounded his family, friends, and all the ranchers of Raton Pass.

First, he gave Marcy the deed to the XO!

What kind of man would do that? To Marc Challon life itself was the biggest gamble. That’s what made living fun. Better to let the stakes go now; it would be exciting to gather them back later, when the last hand was played.

Second, Marc lit out for El Malpais (the badlands)—a thirty-mile maze of lava flows and a haven for the lawless—including his wife’s hired guns.

How Marc Challon lost and regained the XO is a thrilling, swift-moving story Western listeners will not want to miss.

©1950, 1978 Tom W. Blackburn (P)2025 Wordwooze Publishing

Critic reviews

"Never a dull moment." - The Los Angeles Times

“Action! Adventure! Suspense!” —Ashland Gazette

“The exciting story of the fight for the hundred-thousand-acre XO brand ranch in New Mexico, near Raton Pass, paints a real Southwest ablaze with color. Blackburn was born on a big ranch (the TO) near Raton Pass—authentic background.” —Chicago Tribune

Engaging characters, storyline and narrator!

Marc Challon inherited the legendary XO Ranch—along with the wealth, power, and betrayal that came with it. When he realizes his wife is a ruthless schemer bent on taking everything, he makes a shocking decision that leaves the ranch—and his world—behind. What follows is a bold flight into the badlands and a reckoning no one saw coming.

Author Tom W. Blackburn, demonstrates a strong command of character development, crafting individuals who feel fully realized and true to their roles within the story. The dialogue flows naturally and feels authentic to both the situations and the distinct personalities of each character, pulling the listener deeper into the narrative. His carefully chosen language paints rich visual scenes, bringing the rugged Western setting and its action to life. An unexpected yet well-executed plot twist adds depth and momentum, reinforcing the story’s authenticity.

Narrator Jack de Golia delivers a strong, confident narration that elevates the entire listening experience. His performance enhances both the storyline and the individuality of each character, adding depth and clarity throughout. The cadence of his delivery, paired with deliberate pauses, builds stronger emotional connections between the listener and the characters. He uses distinct voices to keep the characters discernable. Each scene feels grounded and engaging because his narration matches the tone and pacing of the story perfectly.

This engaging and entertaining audiobook captures the spirit of classic Westerns while featuring characters that feel surprisingly modern and relatable. Jack de Golia’s skill proves to be a wonderful addition to this audiobook.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Western

Raton Pass by Tom. W. Blackburn is an excellent Wild Western. Jack de Golia did an amazing job with the narration. The story is entertaining, interesting, engaging, exciting, action packed and more. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.