The Hider

by Loren D. Estleman

To 18-year-old Jeff Curry, the old hider and the buffalo he hunted was something of a myth, like a ghost from the past stalking a dream. The old man claimed to have tracked the last of the mighty beasts all the way from Arizona to Oregon, where buffalo hadn't been seen in ten years. It was the chance for adventure that Jeff had ached for. But when these two men help an Indian wanted for murder, the buffalo hunt turns into a manhunt--and Jeff is one of the prey.

Genres: Westerns, Fiction

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Loren D. Estleman is an American writer of detective and Western fiction. He writes with a manual typewriter.

Estleman is most famous for his novels about P.I. Amos Walker. Other series characters include Old West marshal Page Murdock and hitman Peter Macklin. He has also written a series of novels about the history of crime in Detroit (also the setting of his Walker books.) His non-series works include Bloody Season, a fictional recreation of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and several novels and stories featuring Sherlock Holmes.

Series:
* Amos Walker Mystery
* Valentino Mystery
* Detroit Crime Mystery
* Peter Macklin Mystery
* Page Murdock Mystery

Reviews

[Glen U · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rarely, if ever, will I read a Western. But being a Loren D. Estleman fan, I decided to give his Western a try. And although, Westerns are still not my genre of choice, Estleman is such a great storyteller and competent writer, I really did enjoy "The Hider". Estleman throws everything into this novel. Corrupt lawmen, gunfights, Indian bounty hunters, a teen on a quest, and a curmudgeonly protagonist with a heart of (maybe not gold) silver. Throughout the book, the reader feels he knows where this story is headed and there really are no surprises. But again, Estleman, because of his excellent prose and storytelling skills, keeps "The Hider" from becoming just another boiler plate thriller/western. All in all, an entertaining read, especially if you are a fan of Loren D. Estleman.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first library book of the year, and I really enjoyed it!
I loved the story that was told, as well as all the events that took place. I love how our main character is technically telling the story of how he went with a stranger to go hunt the last buffalo, but also tells us what all went on along the way. I also liked the conclusion between characters.
3.5 stars!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like Moby Dick written as a western.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hider is such a heartwarming story that will touch the heart of every Western fan.

The Hider by Loren D. Estleman is a classic Western novel that follows the journey of eighteen-year-old Jeff Curry and an old tracker known as The Hider. The story begins with The Hider's quest to hunt the last remaining buffalo, a creature believed to be extinct. Jeff, seeking adventure, joins The Hider on this perilous journey, which takes them from Arizona to Oregon. As they travel, they encounter an Indian wrongly accused of murder, turning their buffalo hunt into a manhunt. Jeff and The Hider must navigate the dangers of the American West, facing both natural and human threats. The story delves into themes of survival, justice, and the clash between the old and new ways of life.

Throughout their journey, Jeff learns valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the frontier. The Hider's relentless pursuit of the buffalo symbolizes a longing for a bygone era, while Jeff's coming-of-age story highlights the challenges and growth that come with such an adventure. The Hider is a gripping tale that captures the essence of the American West, with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Estleman's storytelling brings to life the rugged landscape and the complex dynamics of the time, making it a compelling read for fans of Western fiction. Don't miss this incredible read; pick up your copy today.

• ASIN: B0DQY5CR4Z
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/21/2025
• File Size: 5615 KB
• Print Length: 218 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction - Western Fiction Classics

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a young boy of 18 (Jeff Curry) just taken from his farm by the Hider (Jack Butterworth). The Hider is in search Of the last buffalo which he has been tracking for years. Jeff gets his inheritance from his uncle and joins the hunt. ALong the way they met up with an Indian (Logan Sleeping Bow) who tries to rob them. Logan is being hunted by reservation police and in the fracas, Jack kills one of the police. From then on, the other policeman is hunting the three. There is plenty of action to keep your interest and at times it is hard to put the book down. The story has a lot of interesting detailed descriptions during the telling. I really enjoyed the reading.

[Thomas Burchfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read 4 westerns by Loren Estleman that I thought excellent. This, the 5th one I've read, published in 1978, not so. At first I thought it was going to be an Old West riff on "Moby Dick"; it turned out to be an unconvincing actioner with unconvincing characters--why the three main characters form their alliance is neither clear nor believable. Oh, well, four out of five still pretty good shootin'. Another bit of proof of my "50 Percent Theory" regarding fiction, which I write about here: http://tbdeluxe.blogspot.com/2012/05/...

[Craig Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this more than the other reviewers. For me, this is a solid western. I was not surprised at the ending, but the book drew me in to care about the characters and where Estleman would take them.