Stampede Canyon

The Smoke Wade Trilogy

By: Robert J. Hogan

Narrated by: Bill Brooks

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Smoke Wade was riding to save a friend from hanging...and he was riding straight into a pack of blood hungry outlaws!

Stampede Canyon held all the natural beauty of the West—and all of it's dangers. Sheer cliffs studded with silver rose straight to the sky on three sides—and the fourth was pitted with traps.

Smoke Wade rode into the town at its heart to attend the wedding of his friend, Chaz Borman. But he stayed to save Borman's neck from a noose.

Borman had been accused of helping outlaws raid silver from the canyon—and the riled miners were dead-set for a necktie party.

Wade's only hope was to track the real outlaws to their den and fight it out with lead. But Wade was riding alone—and he was facing some of the deadliest killers the West had ever known. Smoke Wade was a rough and tumble cowpoke who never came across a fight or a bet he was afraid to take on. He was thought by most to be just another pistolero for hire, but he always seemed to be on the side of justice when the powdersmoke settled.

©2022 Buckskin Editions (P)2023 Wordwooze Publishing

Like smoke from a gun barrell

In the heart of the wild and untamed West, where danger lurked behind every rock and beauty sprawled across the horizon, lies an audiobook experience that's more immersive than a tumbleweed caught in a dust storm. "Stampede Canyon," the first installment in The Smoke Wade Trilogy by Robert J. Hogan, as narrated by the incomparable Bill Brooks, is a thrilling ride through treacherous terrain, bloodthirsty outlaws, and the resounding echoes of justice.

At its core, "Stampede Canyon" is a tale of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of righteousness amidst the harsh backdrop of the frontier. Smoke Wade, a rugged cowpoke with a heart of gold, rides into the formidable Stampede Canyon to attend the wedding of his friend Chaz Borman. However, what starts as a joyous occasion takes a dark turn when Borman is accused of aiding outlaws in raiding the precious silver from the canyon. As tension escalates and the noose looms closer, Smoke Wade takes it upon himself to clear his friend's name and deliver justice to those who truly deserve it.

Hogan's masterful storytelling is a testament to the Western genre, crafting a narrative that encapsulates the rugged charm and heart-pounding action that defines the era. The action is relentless, the tension palpable, and the thrills unceasing. Each chapter unspools with the suspense of a loaded six-shooter, keeping listeners at the edge of their seats. From daring chases along precipitous cliffs to gritty showdowns in dusty saloons, the story brims with heart-racing sequences that make you feel as if you're dodging bullets alongside Smoke Wade himself.

What sets "Stampede Canyon" apart is the sheer immersive quality of Bill Brooks' narration. Brooks' voice is more than a vessel for the story—it's a time machine that whisks you away to the rugged landscapes and turbulent times of the Old West. His intonation and pacing infuse life into each character, making them feel like old acquaintances sharing tales by the campfire. When the winds howl through the canyon, you can practically feel the gusts against your skin. As the tumbleweeds rustle by, you'll swear you're standing right there in the desert breeze. Brooks' narration is not just an accompaniment; it's an indispensable element that elevates the experience to a whole new level.

The chemistry between Hogan's riveting prose and Brooks' evocative narration is a match made in audiobook heaven. With every sentence, Hogan paints vivid landscapes that sprawl before the mind's eye like an artist's canvas. The intricate details of Stampede Canyon—the towering cliffs, the treacherous traps, the rugged beauty—are not just scenery; they're integral players in this tale of survival and justice. Through Hogan's words and Brooks' voice, these elements come alive, transporting listeners back to an era where grit and honor were the currency of the land.

Moreover, the character of Smoke Wade is a gem of a protagonist. A multifaceted blend of audacity, courage, and a strong moral compass, Smoke Wade exemplifies the spirit of the Old West's unsung heroes. He's not just a gunslinger; he's a symbol of resilience and integrity, a beacon of hope against the shadow of lawlessness. Hogan's deft characterization, coupled with Brooks' skillful narration, breathes life into Smoke Wade, making him a figure that listeners will root for and admire.

In conclusion, "Stampede Canyon" from The Smoke Wade Trilogy is a masterpiece of Western storytelling, and Bill Brooks' narration is nothing short of mesmerizing. If you're seeking an audiobook that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Wild West, look no further. Hogan's gripping narrative and Brooks' captivating voice are a winning combination that will have you feeling the grit of the trail beneath your boots, the adrenaline of a high-stakes showdown, and the camaraderie of friends brought together in the face of danger. So, saddle up and embark on this gripping adventure—it's a ride you won't want to miss.

Action packed

Enjoyable story set in the old West…the days of gunslingers and outlaws. Smoke Wade arrives to attend his friend’s wedding, only to learn that his friend is dead and was tied to a series of robberies. Except, the more that Smoke investigates, the more he feels that the outlaw gang has inside help. Lots of action…and a great ending. Narrator is perfect for this book…you expect a hardened lawman to have a deep voice :)
I voluntarily accepted an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.