The Man Who Rode Midnight

By: Elmer Kelton

Narrated by: George Guidall

Nearly 70, Wes Hendricks has led a tough and colorful life as a cowboy and broncobuster, and all he asks now is that he be left alone on his poor, hardscrabble ranch in the West Texas hill country. Not a chance - the powers that be in the little town of Big River (including Wes' old cowboy pal, druggist/Mayor Orville Levitt) have decreed that an artificial lake will be created to generate tourism, and Wes' ranch stands squarely in their way.

Wes is offered great sums of money and is even threatened by the strong-arm tactics of Sheriff Wally Vincent, but he stands firm.

©1987, 1990 Elmer Kelton (P)2018 Recorded Books

A Great Story about family & Truth...

This story starts out a little odd kind of like life's little mysteries and tribulations. an old man with roots to the land, I lost love from long ago, too young people trying to find their way. This story could actually be history, I've seen a lot of this kind of thing in my life and I understand what they are about. I don't often enjoy books that tend to pull on the emotions..This guy did it with truth and I value truth... This is a just and believable picture of what life is like in small towns, They have all these characters in them If you were raised in a small town, squint a little and look to the side, you'll see yourself or somebody you know. The thing is that If you weren't unlucky enough to be born and raised in a small town... listen to the book anyway and maybe you'll understand some of the things that are causing our country to have so much trouble it's because 1/2 doesn't understand the other and we don't take the time to learn or try to see what's real. Westerns aren't one of my favorite genres but I have found that this Man does write good ones, I think this book could be used as a good social studies text. Best Western ranch book I have ever read or heard about.
PS: I didn't buy this book, my partner did. I am glad that it happened that way or I would have missed the chance to hear it.

What you would want out of a modern western

It's not a fast or complicated book. Just great character development and quality writing narrated by the best in the business.

Great Western Story, Interesting Characters

Very enjoyable book—looking forward to more from this author. And, of course, George Guidall always provides great narration.

Great story with a solid ending

Elmer Kelton weaves a modern cowboy story yet brings in age old traditions. The plot is believable and the theme sets in an old versus new paradigm.

Great story

Modern setting age old story. Great narration.
Recommend it to anyone. Appreciate the values portrayed.