Nightrider Deputy

The Classic Novel of the Range Wars

By: Ralph R. Perry

Narrated by: Steve Castello

Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

He learned there's no appeal from vigilante law!

"Intense. Reaffirms Perry's mastery of the action thriller. One of the most thrilling westerns I've read." (True Pulp Fiction)

Mat Karney knew the score in Toltec Valley. A man needed enough land and water for his cattle or he was through. When Mat's neighbor, Big Tom Parks, began sneaking in nesters, a showdown was inevitable. Especially when Parks had the Law in his vest pocket.

But Mat never figured that the blow-off would have the savage ferocity of a maddened herd on a rampage. Nor did he expect to find himself hunted by hardcases and deputies alike.

Then there were two prairie women; one loved him, one hated him. Both had reason to want him dead.

A thundering novel of the authentic West that will grip you and ranks with the best.

In it you will meet:

Mat Karney: He knew that the only language men understood in Toltec Valley was gun talk.

Big Tom Parks: He was adept at getting get around the law because he'd paid to drill its loopholes.

Sally Flandreu: When her Pa passed, she took on a man's job raising her family and running the homestead — even though she knew hot lead might be the payoff.

Tex Smith: This deputy was Tom Park's top gunhand, tied to his boss by unseen ropes.

Juanita Evans: This south-of-the-border fireball could give any man a burn; but her heart burned for Mat — whether he wanted it or not.

Jerry Hackett: He had a special talent for gun-play — especially from the back.

"Plumb good readin'." (Oakland Tribune)

"A range war book, but instead of the usual two factions, there are half a dozen, and the alliances between them are constantly shifting until you can’t be sure who’s really on whose side. Several overlapping romantic triangles complicate things even more, and this is one case where I wasn’t sure which girl the hero was going to wind up with, or even which one he should wind up with. Characters you don’t expect to die don’t make it to the end. A fine Western novel." (James Reasoner)

©1954, 2019 Buckskin Editions (P)2020 Buckskin Editions

Lone ranger might get jealous

Well, saddle up, partner! If there's one thing I've come to appreciate in my time ridin' the range, it's a good ol' Western yarn that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And let me tell ya, "Nightrider Deputy: The Classic Novel of the Range Wars" by Ralph R. Perry, brought to life by the talented Steve Castello, is a real gem that's got me feelin' like I've found a kindred spirit out there in the literary plains.

Reckon this here story ain't just your run-of-the-mill cattle rustlin' tale – it's a full-blown showdown of vigilante justice and wild pursuits that'd make even Silver break into a gallop. Perry's mastery of action-packed storytelling is like the crack of a whip, sharp and electrifying. The intensity is akin to a lightning storm sweepin' across the open range, and believe me, it's got my heart racin' faster than the hooves of a runaway mustang.

Now, what's got me truly smilin' under this mask is the fact that Mat Karney, our lead rider in this tale, finds himself tangled up in a whirlwind of rivalries and shifting loyalties – much like the complex web of justice and retribution that I've been known to navigate. And as for the competition, well, it's like findin' another lawman ridin' the same trail, bringin' their own brand of justice to the wild frontier. It's a fine thing to have a companion in the pursuit of righteousness.

The cast of characters in this here saga is as diverse as the landscapes I've traversed. From Big Tom Parks, a crafty feller who dances 'round the law like a sidewinder in the sand, to the fiery Juanita Evans, whose heart burns hotter than the sun itself. And let's not forget about Tex Smith, a deputy tied to his boss by unseen ropes, a reminder that loyalties can be as treacherous as quicksand.

But it ain't just the characters that make this story shine like a lone star in the night sky – it's the way Perry weaves alliances and rivalries like the intricate stitching on a saddle. With overlapping romantic triangles and alliances that shift quicker than the wind, you won't know whose side to be on 'til the dust settles.

In a world where the only language men understand is gun talk, "Nightrider Deputy" fires off rounds of suspense, grit, and gunplay that'll leave you breathless and yearning for more. A fine piece of Western craftsmanship, indeed. So, if you're lookin' for a rootin', tootin', gun-totin' adventure that'll keep you hooked from sunup to sundown, give this audiobook a listen. It's a true testament to the spirit of the West, and it's got the kind of fire in its belly that even this Lone Ranger can't help but admire.

Western Adventure

This is not my typical genre but I enjoyed the writing and the storyline. I purchased the title to once again be entertained by the narrator: Steve Castello. Steve has the ability to make characters come alive! He is masterful at assigning distinct voices to the characters and allows the listener to follow the dialogue and differentiate between the characters throughout the story. I look forward to listening to many more titles performed by Steve.

Gritty Western

An adventure full of grit and gun play from the western frontier. Fast paced and full of colorful characters. However, I found the non-stop daisy chain of metaphors to be smoke obscuring the plot like a morning fog on the meadow hides the deer from the hunter's eyes.

Excellent Listen

I was really impressed with this book. I never knew which way the plot would take me and it made it hard to put down. If you like a great exciting book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, you will really like this book. Plus there are several great one liners that cracked me up, For instance "Your buzzing around like a horse fly, go fly somewhere else" ... The narrating done by Steve Castello was also excellent...I received this audiobook from the publisher and I am giving my voluntary unbiased review.

Pretty much what you would expect from a western

Narration: The cast of voices was exceptional; however, it seemed that the pacing was a little off for me. Not much, but enough to notice.

Story: It's a western story about a range war with all the tropes that would imply. Within that, you get a bit of a love triangle with a couple of twists that seemed more abrupt than I like, but that also limited the "drama" to a bareable level. Over all I would put this over most in the genre, so if you like "clean" westerns, it is worth a go.

I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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