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13th out of 352 books
—
460 voters
Appaloosa (Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch #1)
When Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch arrive in Appaloosa, they find a town suffering at the hands of a renegade rancher who’s already left the city marshal and one of his deputies dead. Cole and Hitch are used to cleaning up after scavengers, but this one raises the stakes by playing not with the rules—but with emotion.
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Paperback, 320 pages
Published
June 6th 2006
by Berkley
(first published 2005)
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My first (and probably last) western. Kirkus, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly all gave this a starred review, so I guess people who like Westerns thought it was really good, but I do not get it.
The only western story I really know is of Wyatt Earp, and this is basically the same story. Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch are sherriffs-for-hire, and they are brought into Appaloosa because a local bad guy has too much power and is making the town miserable. There are gun fights and loose women an...more
The only western story I really know is of Wyatt Earp, and this is basically the same story. Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch are sherriffs-for-hire, and they are brought into Appaloosa because a local bad guy has too much power and is making the town miserable. There are gun fights and loose women an...more
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The book was fairly predictable but I still liked it. It's a little gritty with spots of humor here and there. It was a typical western featuring a cowboy that...here's the list:
Strong,silent type
Mysterious, don't know much about his background
Moves from town to town straightening out the miscreants
With ethics and principles
Easy on the eyes
Fast with a gun
Gets the girl
I'm perfectly fine with the predictable story line, it was a pleasure to read something that went really fast and in the end, th...more
Strong,silent type
Mysterious, don't know much about his background
Moves from town to town straightening out the miscreants
With ethics and principles
Easy on the eyes
Fast with a gun
Gets the girl
I'm perfectly fine with the predictable story line, it was a pleasure to read something that went really fast and in the end, th...more
A spare, beautifully written western about the Virgil, a marshal for hire, and his right hand man, Everett. When they take a job in Appaloosa, the plan is to take on Randall Bragg , the rancher who’s running the town and killing the lawmen. Things get more complicated with the arrival of the opportunistic Mrs. Allie French and the failed transport of Bragg to jail.
This has the same deadpan cowboy humor and camaraderie that I enjoyed with Larry McMurtry, but with a faster plot and less epicness....more
This has the same deadpan cowboy humor and camaraderie that I enjoyed with Larry McMurtry, but with a faster plot and less epicness....more
1 like · like · see review
I read this book for a book club that normally tackles literary classics and works that we feel have some sort of resonance in the wider world. This time, though, a new member of the group picked something out, and we ended up reading this Western novel, which I personally blew through in a day. I'm not sure what motivated him to pick it, as there were really no wider cultural resonances here that seemed to me to have any significance. This is pure pulp Western, narrated by a hard-working lawman...more
This is a book that has been made into a movie (starring Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen and Renee Zellweger) which I’d seen some time ago. The story goes like this: In 1882, the small western town of Appaloosa, is being terrorized by a local rancher (Randall Bragg), who killed the Marshal and two of his deputies in cold blood. The town decides to hire lawman Virgil Cole and his deputy, Everett Hitch to protect and regain control of the town. Cole and Hitch set out to bring Bragg to justice but en ro...more
I didn't excpect to ever give a 5 star review to a western...but here it is. I have never read Parker before and for some uneducated reason I had the preconcieved idea that he and Coben were a little bit likie Elmore Leonard (Who I dislike to the extreme...well his books really, I don't know him personally). Anyway after reading Coben and enjoying him I have had a number who told me I must read something of Parker's. So I set off to my local library looking for soomething in the Spenser or Stone...more
This is Parker's second western, but he takes total command of the genre, telling a galloping tale of two Old West lawmen. The chief one is Virgil Cole, new marshal of the mining/ranching town of Appaloosa (probably in Colorado); his deputy is Everett Hitch, and it's Hitch who tells the story, playing Watson to Cole's Holmes. The novel's outline is classic western: Cole and Hitch take on the corrupt rancher, Randall Bragg, who ordered the killing of the previous marshal and his deputy. Bragg is...more
(Original review http://hill-kleerup.org/blog/2008/03/...)
Take one of Parker’s Spenser novels — the newer ones, that aren’t as interesting or complex as the originals — strip it down to the frame, taking out all the tired backstory and too-oft-trod set pieces, then inject it with guns and horses and injuns and bad men and bad women and not-so-bad men, mix with heavy doses of myth and icon, then swig down in about 180 minutes of steady reading, and you have "Appaloosa".
Everett Hitch is a wanderi...more
Take one of Parker’s Spenser novels — the newer ones, that aren’t as interesting or complex as the originals — strip it down to the frame, taking out all the tired backstory and too-oft-trod set pieces, then inject it with guns and horses and injuns and bad men and bad women and not-so-bad men, mix with heavy doses of myth and icon, then swig down in about 180 minutes of steady reading, and you have "Appaloosa".
Everett Hitch is a wanderi...more
Appaloosa
by Robert B. Parker
I admit, I haven’t read a whole lot of westerns, but I thought I would give this best-sellling novelist a try. The novel begins with gunslinger Everett Hitch, the wandering type— that is until he stumbles into a dusty town and meets the stoic Virgil Cole. Cole is a man of honor, and Everett can see that. That is why when the two are approached to become sherriff and deputy in Appaloosa, a town plagued by the shifty rancher, Randall Bragg, Everett doesn’t even think tw...more
by Robert B. Parker
I admit, I haven’t read a whole lot of westerns, but I thought I would give this best-sellling novelist a try. The novel begins with gunslinger Everett Hitch, the wandering type— that is until he stumbles into a dusty town and meets the stoic Virgil Cole. Cole is a man of honor, and Everett can see that. That is why when the two are approached to become sherriff and deputy in Appaloosa, a town plagued by the shifty rancher, Randall Bragg, Everett doesn’t even think tw...more
Appaloosa was as any old western, full of horses, fights, and women. It had many good morals in between the lines, some of which were respect, honesty, and most importantly honor. The main characters were a town Marshall and his right hand man, the Deputy. Together they faught endless battles for their women and mainly to uphold the law. They were the best shooters and lawmen around but soon keeping track of the town got very boring and worrysome. The two were always together and faught for each...more
I have to admit, when our Book Club had to read this book I was not entirely enthusiastic or looking forward to it. Infact it was a book I thought I might not read at all. BUT everyone said it was a quick read and that they were enjoying it, so I borrowed a copy the week of our meeting. I finished it in 2 1/2 days and loved it (okay so it could probably be read in a day if that was all you did that day)! It is a nice easy read and the characters are enjoyable and easy to get to know (doesn't tak...more
Recommended to me because I thought I had never read a Western (I have though, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy!), Appaloosa surpassed my expectations. First of all, while covering the material that I often think of when thinking about Westerns - Whores, shootouts, Indians, Cowboys, Law men, and horses - Appaloosa was not so disturbing and dark (ahem McCarthy) that I never wanted to read anything by Parker again. In fact, I found Appaloosa the perfect quick read I was looking for. The dialogue...more
Growing up in a region where actual cowboys did not exist (nor had they ever, really), and yet where the “cool kids” liked to wear western boots and drive stupidly oversized vehicles loosely based on trucks, I have a long nurtured aversion to all things “Western.” Western needs to be in quotes there, because I realize the word has other meanings, some of which I’m very fond of. I think you know what I mean by those quotes.
(Punctuation Nerd Sidebar: remember when quotes meant dialogue? Or that yo...more
(Punctuation Nerd Sidebar: remember when quotes meant dialogue? Or that yo...more
There were several things I liked about this book. I found that the way Parker used the appaloosa stallion as a metaphore for the main character was very clever. I really liked the relationship between the main character, Virgil Cole, and his sidekick, Everett Hitch. The way they talked to and understood each other was very well developed and enjoyable. I will definitely read more in the series because of the two main characters. Finally, the story was interesting once it got going.
What I really...more
What I really...more
Robert B. Parker (1932 to 2010) is best known for his "Spenser" novels, about a private detective in Boston. He wrote about forty "Spenser" novels. They were the basis for the popular "Spenser for Hire" series on ABC in the late 1980's, starring Robert Urich. Parker wrote two other novel series, "Jesse Stone" and "Sunny Randall". He was quite prolific, sometimes releasing three novels in one year. He also wrote a number stand-alone novels such as this one. One previous western book was "Gunman's...more
Welcome to Appaloosa, New Mexico.
Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch come to town at the request of the town's Aldermen. It seems that a local rancher has killed the previous sheriff and wants to claim the town as his own little playground. So, Cole and Hitch have to restore order and bring justice.
I admit that I have never really been a fan of western novels. I don't usually enjoy cowboys or outlaws in the Old West. However, this time was different. I recently enjoyed a Spenser novel by this author,...more
Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch come to town at the request of the town's Aldermen. It seems that a local rancher has killed the previous sheriff and wants to claim the town as his own little playground. So, Cole and Hitch have to restore order and bring justice.
I admit that I have never really been a fan of western novels. I don't usually enjoy cowboys or outlaws in the Old West. However, this time was different. I recently enjoyed a Spenser novel by this author,...more
This is a western in the sense that it's set in the old west of the 1800's, and like all westerns I have read, it has a very simple plot: greedy rancher and his men terrorizes town people; town officials hire marshal to bring law and order to the town; marshal outwits, kills or jails anybody who disrupts the peace. Good guy defeat bad guys; good triumphs over evil, end of story.
Everett Hitch, a former military man leaves the army and drifts from town to town, taking whatever job pays. In one of...more
Everett Hitch, a former military man leaves the army and drifts from town to town, taking whatever job pays. In one of...more
Even if all indicators that Robert B. Parker wrote this book were removed, one chapter in, I'd know he wrote it.
No one does terse dialog or taut descriptions as well as Parker and no one ever will.
While Virgil Cole is the star of this novel, the story is told by Everett Hitch, his deputy and friend (and Watson to his Holmes). Cole is Parker's Spenser with a marshal's badge. He has a code of conduct he adheres to without deviation. And like Spenser, he always seems to be one step ahead of the bad...more
No one does terse dialog or taut descriptions as well as Parker and no one ever will.
While Virgil Cole is the star of this novel, the story is told by Everett Hitch, his deputy and friend (and Watson to his Holmes). Cole is Parker's Spenser with a marshal's badge. He has a code of conduct he adheres to without deviation. And like Spenser, he always seems to be one step ahead of the bad...more
I've read many of Parker's Spenser books and enjoyed them, and I've read many Louis L'Amour books and enjoyed them. So I thought I'd listen to this on cd. I don't think it spoils anything to say that in the first two minutes a woman is raped and the F-word is used. Whoa. Louis L'Amour this ain't!
Other than that, pretty typical Western and pretty typical Parker. Strong laconic types doing what is right with a little more philosophizing than anyone really wants or needs. Spare dialogue that shoots...more
Other than that, pretty typical Western and pretty typical Parker. Strong laconic types doing what is right with a little more philosophizing than anyone really wants or needs. Spare dialogue that shoots...more
Awful, just awful. Almost no plot, intrigue, or character development and replete with foul language (seemed like every other word, way beyond what I even hear in high schools these days!). It seemed to exist simply as a slow moving vehicle for bad behavior, brutal violence, and the worst that can be offered in the way of anti-heroes.
I'm seriously disappointed in Parker for putting out this trash heap of a novel. I've seen a decline in the quality and originality of his work in recent years, but...more
I'm seriously disappointed in Parker for putting out this trash heap of a novel. I've seen a decline in the quality and originality of his work in recent years, but...more
Apr 05, 2012
Shay
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
shay-s-12x12-challenge-2012
When this western series by Parker came out, all I could think was, "Why aren't you busy writing more Spenser novels?" I was even a little peeved. But, I guess authors of long running series need a break. Except, this novel is basically a Spenser novel set in the Old West. Virgil Cole is like Hawk and Everett Hitch is like Spenser. They engage in "witty" banter. Cole is a man of few words and an air of mystery, like Hawk. Hitch is more educated, well read, etc. like Spenser. The problem is, it's...more
Everett Hitch is the narrator of this story about Virgil Cole and the town of Appaloosa. Virgil personifies the "man of few words," and he and Everett have built an unspoken and effective understanding between them. They hire themselves out as lawmen who take care of the super troublesome element(s) in a town.
They've been hired by the aldermen of Appaloosa to address the behavior of a rancher, Bragg, who thinks that he and his men don't need to pay for any goods or services and can do whatever t...more
They've been hired by the aldermen of Appaloosa to address the behavior of a rancher, Bragg, who thinks that he and his men don't need to pay for any goods or services and can do whatever t...more
I saw this movie first and decided to read the book...hoping for some more character development and back story for the characters. I was disappointed. There are very few differences between the book and movie. There are some small plot changes, but nothing that alters the overall story or ending.
If it's possible, I think there was more character development in the movie...and that's not good in my opinion. I liked Everett Hitch and I liked that the story was told from his perspective. I wish I...more
If it's possible, I think there was more character development in the movie...and that's not good in my opinion. I liked Everett Hitch and I liked that the story was told from his perspective. I wish I...more
This is western set in the 1880's. It is about two friends Virgil and Everett who work for hire getting rid of thieves in the untamed west. They are called to the town of Appaloosa to try and get rid of a corrupt rancher, who wants to own the town and the people in the town. He takes what he wants with no respect for the law, having killed the sheriff and a deputy. Women in this book do not have a good image. Allie French comes to town and becomes a very manipulative woman, who tries to come bet...more
It was very nice to read a Parker book again, although
his westerns are not my favorites. This was the first in
a series of three. I had read the other two, but each
can stand alone, although there are continuing characters. The book was a reminder that I'm glad we
now have more accountability for law enforcement people.
Too much responsibility was left to the character of the individuals. Virgil Cole's love for Allie wears a bit thin. She was not deserving of him. It was a case of him loving her out...more
his westerns are not my favorites. This was the first in
a series of three. I had read the other two, but each
can stand alone, although there are continuing characters. The book was a reminder that I'm glad we
now have more accountability for law enforcement people.
Too much responsibility was left to the character of the individuals. Virgil Cole's love for Allie wears a bit thin. She was not deserving of him. It was a case of him loving her out...more
Taking a break from his long-running series of Spenser novels, Parker moseys back to the Old West. He's eyed this back-acre before in Gunman's Rhapsody, a fictionalization of the Wyatt Earp story, but critics feel Appaloosa
I started listening to this book on cassette. Yes, I know it's 2011, but some people have older cars with cassette players. Anyways, the last tape would not play, so I finished it the old-fashioned way: by reading. The audio narrator, Titus Welliver, was perfect for the part of Everett Hitch because his voice was low, and a little raspy, which made him perfect for a lawman of the Old West. It took me a little while to get my hands on the book, but his voice was still in my head. I'm glad he did...more
I was a quarter of the way into this book when I finally realized why it seemed so familiar. I had seen the movie that was based on the book starring Ed Harris, Viggo Mortenson, and Renee Zellweger. It follows the book quite closely so there wasn't a lot of suspense in the narrative. But the book does give you a better sense of Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch's friendship which is I think the biggest strength of this series of books. I enjoyed listening to the audio as it highlights the rhythms of...more
Hawk and Spenser - er, Virgil and Hitch - tame the frontier in this, Parker's second foray into the Western genre. Thankfully, it's far more successful than the steaming pile of cowchips that was Gunman's Rhapsody, despite being slightly derivative (Hitch has a resume that reads more than a bit like Wyatt Earp's, and Virgil - well, he was an Earp brother, too). Throw in a couple of doughnuts and you could just as easily be reading a Spenser novel, but Parker's laconic style of man-wit translate...more
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database named Robert B. Parker.
Robert Brown Parker was an American crime writer. His most famous works were the novels about the private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the late 1980s; a series of TV movies based on the character were also produced....more
More about Robert B. Parker...
Robert Brown Parker was an American crime writer. His most famous works were the novels about the private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the late 1980s; a series of TV movies based on the character were also produced....more
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“Colt makes a heavy firearm." - Virgil Cole”
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3 people liked it
“I headed straight into the setting sun, and rode west at an easy pace. It was going to be a long ride, and there was no reason to hurry.”
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3 people liked it
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Mar 13, 2012 02:14pm