Deer Run Trail

Publisher's Summary

The year was 1881, an' young Ruben Beeler was makin' his way along near the Missouri River, findin' work when he could an' livin' the only life he knew. When he come on ol' Arliss Hyatt, beat to hell an' near shot to death, Rube done what he could for him. He didn't know that act of kindness was gonna wind up changin' his whole life, but it did.

Green as grass, Rube was a long way from bein' any kind of pistoleer or shootist, but when Marshal Marion Daniels come on him an' Arliss, an' needed help with the Duncan bunch for what they'd done, that tussle growed Rube up right quick. He stopped driftin', found friends worth lookin' up to, an' a young woman that was right admirable. Then a town in trouble put him behind a badge of his own, an' Rube done things he never thought he'd have to do. Life got tough. For the sake a Marion, Arliss, an' Miss Harmony, it come time for him to root hog or die, on the Deer Run Trail.

©2012 David R. Lewis (P)2012 David R. Lewis

Turned me into a grinnin' fool!

Forget all the previous reviews I wrote where I said a book was good for some laughs. This audiobook is truly FUNNY and could be a new found cure for depression or for a listening slump. You just have to be willing to jump genres and get outside of the box.

It is a cowboy story! Certainly not my first choice for a great listen. However, I really loved Lonesome Dove and this book had great ratings, too. I had never heard of this author before and he reads his own book. Arg--what a leap of faith!

And believe me, it paid off. Everything about Deer Run Trail is perfect. It's a must read audiobook. David R. Lewis is a very talented fellow. He nailed the cowboy dialogue like you can't imagine, and he reads his own book like no one else could. I was smiling and chuckling (out loud) through the entirety of the story and loving every minute of it.

You can't not get drawn in by young Reuben Beeler as he travels along the Missouri River seeking his fortune, or better yet, coming of age and finding his calling in law enforcement. And enforce he does! No political correctness here, no catering to the bad guys. It's the way we used to do it and it felt good, really good to hear Reuben and his mentors take care of business. And yet, what a sweetheart Reuben is! This book has a lot going on and it isn't all shoot-em-ups.

I can imagine listening to all the books in this series. And soon. Highly recommended for pure enjoyment and a fun listen!

19 of 21 people found this review helpful

Don't Miss This Author

David R. Lewis will keep your interest. This is well written, and since the author is doing the reading, the tale flows smooth as silk. The characters voices are clearly separate and firmly recognizable. The musical interludes between chapters is another plus, as it allows the imagination a few seconds to consider the storyline. David R. Lewis Is marking a clear trail and I will surely follow.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Delightful !!!!

You might find the description "delightful" strange for a western, but it is an apt description. The bantering between friends was delightful. It's been a long time since I have found so much humor in word play in a book. I smiled through most of the book, even chuckled aloud a few times.

This was my first listen for David R. Louis but now I want to hear more from this talented man. He is also a terrific narrator.

Although with all westerns people get hurt or killed violence is not the theme of this book; justice is. The book revolves around a young drifter whose life is transformed by a good deed.

David R. Louis is one of the few western writers I have enjoyed. Usually if I can't find a book of my liking in my favorite genre, Historical Romance, I usually turn to Louis L'Amour westerns. He's a great story teller and usually has a talented narrator. Although very different styles of writing, I must say I found David R. Louis's "Deer Run Trail" even more entertaining. I look forward to listening to more of his books.

If you'd like to listen to a book that leaves you smiling I highly recommend it this one. Thoroughly entertaining!

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

3rd fun listen before writing this review!

I loved this series. This was the first book. I have listened to all 5--- three times. I thrill over the gun battles. I smile with glee at the language of the "old timey" men and women of the post civil war "West". There is humor, there is chivalry, there is brutal violence, There is "good guy" wins over "bad guy". If you love westerns, you'll love all 5 books in this series. Highest recommendation!

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Excellent

I loved this book and will definitely be continuing the series. It is a clean, wonderful western that brings the nuances, food, clothing and livestock of the early 1900's to life. This is certainly not anywhere close to my usual genres, but the characters and the story sucked me in and I stayed up late into the morning to finish it in one sitting. The story is based around law men of this era, which could absolutely go toward the macabre, but the timely humor and no nonsense personalities of the characters kept it light. I usually don't think it is a good idea for authors to narrate their own work, however, in this case it would not be the same without David R Lewis's delivery and finesse of the different characters voices. I highly recommend this book to readers of all genres.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Best I have heard in a long tine

This story kept me laughing and hoping it would not end. I listen to books a lot and It has been a long time since I enjoyed one as much as this one. A good story, easy writing, believable, just a wonderful listen. I will look for more books by David R. Lewis, but he will have a hard time topping this one

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Seems like you are there. Loved it

Great book to get away from everyday stress. I listen when doing my daily work outs

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Good guys win

Like a western must be, the good guys deserve the win and they get it. The story is simple and the characters are identifiable and the words give a clear visual of another time and place that we would all like to believe existed.
The author does a uniquely excellent job of narrating the story.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

you gotta hear Deer Run Trail, impressive narrator

What made the experience of listening to Deer Run Trail the most enjoyable?

As someone else wrote, it is rare an author is a good narrator for his own book. Lewis hit a home run. He weaves honesty, helping folks in trouble, young love, loyalty and standing up against evil into this story. I enjoyed the male / female tension and differences. None of that political correct crap. Authors different voices are very authentic. I enjoy narrators like, Guidall, Bagby, Nelson, Engene . Also Folksy guitar music.. Blends well..
You need to hear this!! I am a platnum listener.. J.k.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The old Marshall.. Sounded gritty, fearless but had compassion.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the deputy received back, his Dads old rifle that the old gunsmith and Rube refinished.. Very sweet and moving.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely..
Will listen to it again.
Already bought & sent a second Deer Run Trail as a gift to a family member.

Any additional comments?

I was impressed with this author
Will order his next book...

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

A MUST READ!

Wow! I don’t usually write full reviews, but I feel obligated after listening to this story. A truly enjoyable book. The characters are clearly established without all the descriptions that a lot of authors use to fill up space and slows the pace. I was smiling and outwardly laughing throughout listening. The author truly writes a great story and narrates as good as he writes! If you love good old fashioned westerns, do you yourself a favor and give this book a listen!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful