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72nd out of 85 books
—
35 voters
The Mule Tamer (The Mule Tamer #1)
by
John Horst (Goodreads Author)
"A mighty fine, meandering Western" ~ Kirkus Reviews
Arvel Walsh can tame mules, but can he tame the wild Arizona frontier, and the Mexican woman known as Chica, as unpredictable as the land she roams? 1892 Arizona is the last of the wild country in America. Laws are hard to enforce and bad hombres know it. Texas pushed them out of their land with the famous Texas Rangers,...more
Arvel Walsh can tame mules, but can he tame the wild Arizona frontier, and the Mexican woman known as Chica, as unpredictable as the land she roams? 1892 Arizona is the last of the wild country in America. Laws are hard to enforce and bad hombres know it. Texas pushed them out of their land with the famous Texas Rangers,...more
Paperback, 246 pages
Published
February 2012
by CreateSpace
(first published January 10th 2012)
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I won a copy on Goodreads Firstreads.
I don't read westerns usually, so when I do read one, it is a nice change.Especially if it is a good one. This is a good one.Arvel and Chica are great characters.Arvel is not your typical shoot-em up cowboy.He prefers to be around the mules he trains more than people most of the time.He seldoms carries a gun but is more than willing to use one when he thinks it is necessary.Unlike most people of the time, he is tolerant of people despite their race, nationali...more
I don't read westerns usually, so when I do read one, it is a nice change.Especially if it is a good one. This is a good one.Arvel and Chica are great characters.Arvel is not your typical shoot-em up cowboy.He prefers to be around the mules he trains more than people most of the time.He seldoms carries a gun but is more than willing to use one when he thinks it is necessary.Unlike most people of the time, he is tolerant of people despite their race, nationali...more
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I love the west and especially Arizona. The lead character was fascinating and very likable. The era was intriguing, a time we have no personal knowledge of. Each incident kept the book moving. I couldn't put it down till I was finished. Great job! Hopefully there is a follow up book on Arvel and his family.
I forgot to mention that I got this as a Goodreads Firstreads.
I forgot to mention that I got this as a Goodreads Firstreads.
"The Mule Tamer" by John C. Horst is my first ever attempt at reading a western and I was pleasantly surprised. I was drawn right in with the likable and realistic characters who continued to develop throughout the story. There's Arvel the main character, who goes from being a humble mule tamer to one of the heads of the Arizona Rangers. Then there's Chica, a saucy Mexicana cowgirl who is not afraid to say her mind or kill a man to make a point. She starts off as unlikable but quickly turns into...more
Feb 01, 2012
John Horst
rated it
5 of 5 stars
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
January 29, 2012
Review by Patrick Smithwick, Author of Flying Change: A Year of Racing and Family and Steeplechasing and Racing My Father: Growing Up with a Riding Legend:
Reading The Mule Tamer reminded me of the same adrenalin-pumping experience I had when watching the TV mini-series Lonesome Dove. Every night after dinner, I looked forward to the next episode of Larry McMurtry’s novel, and every night I did not want it to end. Indeed, I can see The Mule Tamer’s Arvel Walsh being played by Robe...more
Review by Patrick Smithwick, Author of Flying Change: A Year of Racing and Family and Steeplechasing and Racing My Father: Growing Up with a Riding Legend:
Reading The Mule Tamer reminded me of the same adrenalin-pumping experience I had when watching the TV mini-series Lonesome Dove. Every night after dinner, I looked forward to the next episode of Larry McMurtry’s novel, and every night I did not want it to end. Indeed, I can see The Mule Tamer’s Arvel Walsh being played by Robe...more
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway. This book has some great characters that come in and out of the story. I felt like there is so much more to Chica than we were given. She is just a whirlwind of a character and would like to know about her. How did she become what she is? The writing of this book was done very well. It was fun to read about a mule tamer and how he founds the Arizona Rangers and is able to accomplish what he does through thinking things through to the end. I liked the fa...more
I want to start by saying thank you for this first-reads-giveaway. I just love a good western.
I really liked the characters in this book. They were easy for me to understand and I agreed with them mostly. Chica was a bit much for me as I saw her just as a spoiled child. The romance was cute though and I liked seeing his side of things.
I also liked the young man who got his toe shot off. I'm glad there was such a variety of people. It made me think of what it would really have been like to live...more
I really liked the characters in this book. They were easy for me to understand and I agreed with them mostly. Chica was a bit much for me as I saw her just as a spoiled child. The romance was cute though and I liked seeing his side of things.
I also liked the young man who got his toe shot off. I'm glad there was such a variety of people. It made me think of what it would really have been like to live...more
I was lucky enough to win this book from Good Reads and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book brought back memories of the great Western shows we used to have on television and that are missed today.
Arvel and his friend Dick were selected to start up the Arizona Rangers to stop the criminal elements that were forming in the territory after being run out of Texas. Some of their adventures were downright funny such as the time they robbed the robbers by building a huge bonfire in the middle of...more
Arvel and his friend Dick were selected to start up the Arizona Rangers to stop the criminal elements that were forming in the territory after being run out of Texas. Some of their adventures were downright funny such as the time they robbed the robbers by building a huge bonfire in the middle of...more
A Rollicking Tale.
Arvel Walsh, the main character, is the type of man a gal wants to fall in love with: kind, intelligent, playful and good looking. Armchair cowgirls will adore the spirited Chica – got to love a girl with attitude who’s handy with guns and answers to no one, but herself. This story is packed with colourful characters and their adventures in an untamed Arizona. The west was a melting pot of cultures and this story reflects many different aspects of their interactions. A rollicki...more
Arvel Walsh, the main character, is the type of man a gal wants to fall in love with: kind, intelligent, playful and good looking. Armchair cowgirls will adore the spirited Chica – got to love a girl with attitude who’s handy with guns and answers to no one, but herself. This story is packed with colourful characters and their adventures in an untamed Arizona. The west was a melting pot of cultures and this story reflects many different aspects of their interactions. A rollicki...more
Ah, the wilds of Arizona during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Where else would you rather be? The Mule Tamer builds off of a strong and quirky protagonist who is simply fun to read about. The Arizona/Mex flavor of this book strikes a bold note like fresh pico de gallo on a summer day.
Alas, at times the prose of this book can be a bit tricky to navigate, bordering on convoluted. It took me a bit to get used to.
But if you enjoy a good posse every now and then, The Mule Tamer has what...more
Alas, at times the prose of this book can be a bit tricky to navigate, bordering on convoluted. It took me a bit to get used to.
But if you enjoy a good posse every now and then, The Mule Tamer has what...more
I won this book in a Goodreads give away and have in no way been compensated for the review I am about to give.
I truly enjoyed this book. It is hard to find a western that seems to capture the heart of the west without being over the top gunfights and indian raids. I put this up there with the best westerns Elmore Leonard has written, as I feel he is more in tune with the west than the over hyped and equally over wordy Louis L'amour, which I don't care for.
This is a great collection of small as...more
I truly enjoyed this book. It is hard to find a western that seems to capture the heart of the west without being over the top gunfights and indian raids. I put this up there with the best westerns Elmore Leonard has written, as I feel he is more in tune with the west than the over hyped and equally over wordy Louis L'amour, which I don't care for.
This is a great collection of small as...more
I had read the last book of the trilogy and because I liked it very much decided to read the whole series. I am glad that I did.
The characters were well developed and very likeable. Chica was magnificent! The story was all about action from the very start, packed with twists and turns and was much wilder which I liked as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The author tipped me that the second installment in series is a more violent one. Although I usually am a no-violent-stuff type of a reader I canno...more
The characters were well developed and very likeable. Chica was magnificent! The story was all about action from the very start, packed with twists and turns and was much wilder which I liked as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The author tipped me that the second installment in series is a more violent one. Although I usually am a no-violent-stuff type of a reader I canno...more
GREAT book, really enjoyed it! It has all the features needed if you want to relax and enjoy a fun book! Not too serious with humer... And just plain good! It's got hreos, villians and a girl... I highly recomend this to every one, even if your not usually into westerns... This one will change your mind! My eyes aren't what they use to be,so figured it would take me a bit to read... But I couldn't put it down after I started,lololol. Hope there are more where this one came from! Thanks again for...more
First, I really love the cover art, it was very pretty.
I highly enjoyed this book. I really liked the main character, Arvel, and his entertaining relationship with Chica. I liked how Arvel's character contrasted with the wild lands he lived on. He is honest and gentle, but not to be messed with!
(view spoiler)...more
I highly enjoyed this book. I really liked the main character, Arvel, and his entertaining relationship with Chica. I liked how Arvel's character contrasted with the wild lands he lived on. He is honest and gentle, but not to be messed with!
(view spoiler)...more
A western with true character! The story is told with a beautiful form. The character development is exquisite and both the "heros" and "villans" seem like actual figures from the era. In addition to the wonderful old timey prose in English, Spanish is used smoothly making this book quite enjoyable! I urge readers of all ages to take the time to read The Mule Tamer. Chica is one woman you definately want to know!
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and really didn't know what to expect. However, it wasn't long into it that I knew this was going to be a great book. The plot is engaging and the overall flow of the book makes for a very enjoyable read. The histories of the main characters are intriguing and leave you wanting for more. Needless to say, I gladly recommend this book and eagerly await its sequel.
Received this book through First Reads and really enjoyed it. The lead character, Arvel, is well written, the kind of person who prefers using his intelligence to solve problems, but willing to resort to stronger methods if the situation calls for it. Reminded me of the two leads in Lonesome Dove, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call. The other characters, especiallly Chica, are well conceived and creative. A great read that I really enjoyed. I look forward to the author's next book.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Multiple story arcs and interesting charachters added several layers to this satisfying read. Not only do I hope there's a sequel in the works, I am also looking forwards to reading additional works by Mr Horst as they come along.
Highly recommended to those who like the genre.
Highly recommended to those who like the genre.
Won a copy through Goodreads' First Reads program.
What’s going to happen next? I had to find out and couldn’t put the book down. The story kept me on the edge of my seat.
What’s going to happen next? I had to find out and couldn’t put the book down. The story kept me on the edge of my seat.
Really enjoyed it, both Arvel and Chica are excellent characters well fleshed out.
Will definitely read the sequels.
Love a good western!!
Will definitely read the sequels.
Love a good western!!
Arvel Walsh is not your typical western hero. He is a mule tamer and a man that stands tall and doesn't take any guff from anyone...till he meets Chica a wild Mexican beauty. Horst's characters are very real and quite memorable. The plot weaves the complexities of both the era, characters and story twists into a great read. I can't wait to read the rest of Horst's collection of the Mule Tamer and the West
Apr 10, 2013
Cuidhil
is currently reading it
Mar 23, 2013
Judy Love
marked it as to-read
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introducing my new novel on goodreads | 2 | 4 | Sep 03, 2012 01:51pm | |
| The Mule Tamer is free on Leap Day Wed | 1 | 6 | Feb 28, 2012 05:04am |
John Horst (1962-) was born in Baltimore Maryland and studied Philosophy at Loyola College. His interests include the history and anthropology of the old west. The Mule Tamer series is his first work of fiction. Learn more about The Mule Tamer, The Mule Tamer II, Chica's Ride, and The Mule Tamer III, Marta's Quest at http://www.themuletamer.com
More about John Horst...
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