The Return of Kid Cooper

A Novel

By: Brad Smith

Narrated by: Milton Bagby

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In the style of Cormac McCarthy, a gritty tale of justice and revenge in the Wild West

The year is 1910.

Nate Cooper is an old-school cowboy. He sees the change brought by the turn of the century - horses giving way to motorcars, his girlfriend marrying his best friend, and his nemesis running for governor - and reckons none of it to be good. The west is being tamed, and with progress, some things are lost. But people? They tend to stay the same. Even after spending nearly 30 years in a Montana prison for a wrongful murder conviction, Nate’s moral compass is true and unwavering: He does all the wrong things for all the right reasons.

So when he returns to his northern Montana ranching town to find the Blackfoot Indians - the people he went to prison trying to defend - are still being cheated out of their territory by ranchers, Nate can’t rest on his laurels. With grit, determination, a quick trigger finger, and the help of the woman he used to love, Nate sets out to settle the score and force some justice in to the changing world. Before long, though, he will discover that justice doesn’t come cheap.

©2018 Skyhorse Publishing (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

Critic reviews

A Western Writers of America 2019 Spur Award Winner 

“A compelling, action-packed romp through politics, romance, morality and history.” (Toronto Star)

Great Western

A very enjoyable traditional Western novel. Great characters, plenty of gunplay. Narrator was a good choice, his voice suited the characters.

Great Western Yarn

Rich with real characters during a time of transition in the west. Worth a listen by any fan of the traditional Western.

The narration is OK. Character voices and tone shifts happen. The book is strong enough to more than overcome these, though, for a 5 star rating.

I like my western stories cleaner

I don't want to hear, "Yer F***ing little boys," in a western. If that doesn't bother you, go for it.

It wasn't even worth listening for FREE!

Too much explicit sex and taking God's name in vain as well as other gross expletives. Won't choose this writer again

An amazing wester move!

A no holds barred script of the old west and the new. A fantastic story line that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. A must read for any western lover.

Excellent Western

Totally engrossing and entertaining. Definitely recommended if you enjoy western tales and slightly larger than life characters.

Could Have Been Great!

This story started out with the potential to be a great western novel, instead it kind of floundered out like a wet n wiggly fish.

You always expect something big to happen that never does, and at the end the characters that should dish out the justice don't. Add to that, there are still lose ends with the story.

I feel the author may have grown tired of writting it and rushed the ending.

The narrator however, was a fantastic choice and has a old west quality to his voice.

To summarize if you are looking for an epic western novel, this isn't it. However, if looking for an escape into the old west, and don't expect too much, this is for you.

good story

good western story. worth the listen. I read lots of genres, just started westerns. this was a good one.

A good western

A western with individuality that I enjoyed listening to. The fact that it was free with my membership the week I got it made it even better. I would spend a credit on it any day and am happy to recommend it to friends.

Great book

The story is from the way back and the present condition of folks after money and or power. Thanks John. Ps this is my second read Every bit as good as the first maybe even better.