The Man Who Rode Midnight

By: Elmer Kelton

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Real People

I so enjoyed this...a story about real people living life as they see it. And the performance was perfect.

Great story

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

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.

Best western I’ve read

I was skeptical at first because it was of a more recent time. But after listening to it , it is my favorite book, and I have listened to several hundred westerns. Highly recommend it, you won’t regret it.

The man

I am a great fan of Mr Kelton and I thought his book “The time it never rained” is as good a book as Grapes of Wrath. Mr. Kelton out did himself with this book. You will not go wrong reading The Man Who Rode Midnight. Exceedingly enjoyable. If you listen to it George Guidall’s narration will only increase your pleasure. I only wish it would have gone.

Good storyline.

A modern day western that has a romantic touch. Land grabbing greedy people, old timer loves his land and owes too much, grandson tries to help and falls in love. Realistic narrative.

A New Cowboy Literature Convert

In this single novel, Elmer Kelton purchased my love for a previously unexplored genre and George Guidall secured my appreciation for books that are better listened to than read. If more stars than 5 were available then I would bestow them all. At very first, the title and the sample were enough to warrant my intrigue. I had never explored Western fiction. My dubious expectations were more than satisfied. The longer the book went on, the better I liked it. Both author and narrator bring heaps of talent and discipline to the table - true masters of their crafts. I am so glad that I took the chance and spent the time with this story. Both men have fully established themselves within this new fan’s affections.