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The Mule Tamer #1
The Mule Tamer
"A mighty fine, meandering Western" ~ Kirkus Reviews
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 Robert Duvall and Dick Welles being played by Tommy Lee Jones. On the other hand, many of the sharply, crisply written scenes – whether of shoot-outs, killings, drug-induced deliriums, or lust – brought back memories from Cormac McCarthy’s Border Trilogy which began with All the Pretty Horses.
Being a painstakingly researched novel, some of its most graphically etched scenes taken right out of the pages of 1890’s newspapers, The Mule Tamer will interest readers of historical novels as well as of American history. Also, all of us who love classic Western movies will be drawn to the challenges facing Walsh and Welles. Yet, author John Horst has set his sights higher than the creating of a stereotypical and rehashed Western plot. Walsh not only embodies the classic traits of a Western hero – he’s stoic, laconic, an excellent marksman, has a mysterious and tragic past, and is desirable by a young, sexy, fast-shooting, hard-riding, free-spirited woman – Walsh is also introspective, a character who changes and develops as he searches for answers to the questions in his life.
In a tight situation, Chica – a wonderfully drawn female gunslinger based on a true figure of the West – does not think twice before pulling the trigger, and you shouldn’t either: click instantly on the link to The Mule Tamer and buy this book."
Arvel Walsh can tame mules, but can he tame the wild Arizona frontier, and the Mexican girl known as Chica, as wild and unpredictable as the land she roams? Arizona in 1892 is the last of the untamed 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, can Arizona do the same? Challenged by savage bandits, psychotic serial killers, and anarchists, Arvel Walsh and Dick Welles will have to summon all their knowledge, and all their guts as veterans of the Civil War to make the fledgling Arizona Rangers a force to be reckoned with. Follow the men as they ride across the deserts and through the arroyos of southern Arizona, encountering dangers, a mystical aborigine, a severed head in a bottle, and side show freaks while discovering that heroes may be found in the most unlikely places, and that a certain beautiful and unpredictable woman may very well be the key to their success and their salvation, in more ways than one.
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 Robert Duvall and Dick Welles being played by Tommy Lee Jones. On the other hand, many of the sharply, crisply written scenes – whether of shoot-outs, killings, drug-induced deliriums, or lust – brought back memories from Cormac McCarthy’s Border Trilogy which began with All the Pretty Horses.
Being a painstakingly researched novel, some of its most graphically etched scenes taken right out of the pages of 1890’s newspapers, The Mule Tamer will interest readers of historical novels as well as of American history. Also, all of us who love classic Western movies will be drawn to the challenges facing Walsh and Welles. Yet, author John Horst has set his sights higher than the creating of a stereotypical and rehashed Western plot. Walsh not only embodies the classic traits of a Western hero – he’s stoic, laconic, an excellent marksman, has a mysterious and tragic past, and is desirable by a young, sexy, fast-shooting, hard-riding, free-spirited woman – Walsh is also introspective, a character who changes and develops as he searches for answers to the questions in his life.
In a tight situation, Chica – a wonderfully drawn female gunslinger based on a true figure of the West – does not think twice before pulling the trigger, and you shouldn’t either: click instantly on the link to The Mule Tamer and buy this book."
Arvel Walsh can tame mules, but can he tame the wild Arizona frontier, and the Mexican girl known as Chica, as wild and unpredictable as the land she roams? Arizona in 1892 is the last of the untamed 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, can Arizona do the same? Challenged by savage bandits, psychotic serial killers, and anarchists, Arvel Walsh and Dick Welles will have to summon all their knowledge, and all their guts as veterans of the Civil War to make the fledgling Arizona Rangers a force to be reckoned with. Follow the men as they ride across the deserts and through the arroyos of southern Arizona, encountering dangers, a mystical aborigine, a severed head in a bottle, and side show freaks while discovering that heroes may be found in the most unlikely places, and that a certain beautiful and unpredictable woman may very well be the key to their success and their salvation, in more ways than one.
415 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 17, 2012
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.
April 8, 2012
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.
March 25, 2012
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, nationality, or religious belief.Chica is a wild child who will shoot someone who annoys her.They seem to be total opposites and yet they seem drawn to each other as well.
Arvel and his friend Dick are asked to start a group of Arizona Rangers to help deal with outlaws in the area.While they pick men of widely differing backgrounds,they were all of outstanding character.This did not sit well with everyone though.A group of anarchists set up a plot to stop the newly found Rangers.Arvel and Dick have to ride a thin line to stop the outlaws while protecting their men.
This is a really fun read. Very much in the flavor of those old westerns I used to watch.Language was mild which was another nice change from a lot of the novels I have read lately.The only problem I saw was two cases of using waive in the place of wave.There was also a strange spacing with the type. It seemed like there was double the space from normal between each paragraph.
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, nationality, or religious belief.Chica is a wild child who will shoot someone who annoys her.They seem to be total opposites and yet they seem drawn to each other as well.
Arvel and his friend Dick are asked to start a group of Arizona Rangers to help deal with outlaws in the area.While they pick men of widely differing backgrounds,they were all of outstanding character.This did not sit well with everyone though.A group of anarchists set up a plot to stop the newly found Rangers.Arvel and Dick have to ride a thin line to stop the outlaws while protecting their men.
This is a really fun read. Very much in the flavor of those old westerns I used to watch.Language was mild which was another nice change from a lot of the novels I have read lately.The only problem I saw was two cases of using waive in the place of wave.There was also a strange spacing with the type. It seemed like there was double the space from normal between each paragraph.
March 23, 2012
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!
I liked how the story was very multi-faceted, and you weren't bored with one long story the whole time. Arvel got to have many mini-adventures, some which were very funny to read about. Yet I felt that these meanderings of the plot did not take away from the whole book, and it still felt very cohesive.
Overall, a very entertaining and well written read.
Disclaimer -- I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, but the opinions I expressed in this review are honest and not affected by that.
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!
I liked how the story was very multi-faceted, and you weren't bored with one long story the whole time. Arvel got to have many mini-adventures, some which were very funny to read about. Yet I felt that these meanderings of the plot did not take away from the whole book, and it still felt very cohesive.
Overall, a very entertaining and well written read.
Disclaimer -- I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, but the opinions I expressed in this review are honest and not affected by that.
June 14, 2012
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 fact that this book wasn't about the Arizona Rangers pursuing one group of bad guys the whole book, it was fun to read about the many adventures that the Rangers were able to have. I felt that the descriptions on some scenes were incomplete. I wanted a better explanation of how Arvel and Dick were able to get off the train and save the day but this was in most part skipped over. I felt the book ended quite abruptly. Some loose ends are still hanging around. I would love to read the sequel in order to tie up some of these loose ends. This book was great and a fun quick read. I would definitely recommend it.
March 30, 2012
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 back then. It also made me thankful for all of my modern day treasures!
I'm afraid I can only give it 3 stars though. It just didn't pull me in the way I like a good book to. I found it a little hard to keep on track in the begining but by the end it all pulled together nicely. I'll keep an eye out for more from Horst!
All in all I agree ... a nice 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 back then. It also made me thankful for all of my modern day treasures!
I'm afraid I can only give it 3 stars though. It just didn't pull me in the way I like a good book to. I found it a little hard to keep on track in the begining but by the end it all pulled together nicely. I'll keep an eye out for more from Horst!
All in all I agree ... a nice western!
March 22, 2012
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 asides and stories anchored by a central character, who is both hero and flawed. Think more Unforgiven than anything John Wayne (not knocking the Duke).
I hope to see more from Mr. Horst, and soon.
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 asides and stories anchored by a central character, who is both hero and flawed. Think more Unforgiven than anything John Wayne (not knocking the Duke).
I hope to see more from Mr. Horst, and soon.
March 26, 2012
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 the road. Ravel also became infatuated with a Mexican girl who dressed like a man and shot like a sharpshooter.
This is a book that everyone will enjoy. It has a good storyline and is well written. The comic repartee between Arvel and Dick will keep you laughing.
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 the road. Ravel also became infatuated with a Mexican girl who dressed like a man and shot like a sharpshooter.
This is a book that everyone will enjoy. It has a good storyline and is well written. The comic repartee between Arvel and Dick will keep you laughing.
March 15, 2012
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 you’re looking for. If the first two pages make sense to you (try the ebook free sample first), then sit back and Read it! Review it! Share it!
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 you’re looking for. If the first two pages make sense to you (try the ebook free sample first), then sit back and Read it! Review it! Share it!
April 8, 2012
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 the oportunity to read it!
March 23, 2012
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.
March 23, 2012
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!
March 23, 2012
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.
March 23, 2012
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.
March 27, 2023
This book has some dark aspects that I am not a big fan of. My daughter commented - it's written by a man, what do you expect? A woman goes chasing after her daughter, who's been abducted by some really bad folks. The lead bad guy was compared to the devil - pretty evil if you ask me. She eventually finds & saves her, just in the nick of time. Lead female's a good/bad mix that some may find admirable.
March 31, 2018
A Western Novel That Begins in Violence and remains Violent/
UGH has penned a western novel that begins with a shoot out in the middle of the street. The bad guys far out weighed the good gods. When the marshal arrives he is quick to separate he good guys from the bad. One man becomes many when the Arizona Rangers is formed. This is an excellent read for the genre......ER
UGH has penned a western novel that begins with a shoot out in the middle of the street. The bad guys far out weighed the good gods. When the marshal arrives he is quick to separate he good guys from the bad. One man becomes many when the Arizona Rangers is formed. This is an excellent read for the genre......ER
November 12, 2017
Interesting and engaging
Interesting read. The characters are engaging and the dialog and situations are entertaing. Kind of Lonesome Dove meets Quigley Down Under. Worth your time!
Interesting read. The characters are engaging and the dialog and situations are entertaing. Kind of Lonesome Dove meets Quigley Down Under. Worth your time!
July 22, 2020
Great read. I am not a fan of westerns but the plot of this book is lively and the heroine is such a cool character. I would love to see this book in movie form! Great work by John Horst with the whole Mule Tamer Series!!!
December 21, 2017
The Mule Tamer
I really loved this story. I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of his books. Kattie. 12/20/17.
I really loved this story. I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of his books. Kattie. 12/20/17.
April 6, 2013
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 rollicking tale full of fun, but also packed with the sobering action of bandits and their misdeeds. I look forward to reading further adventures based on these characters as I’m sure they have a lot more stories yet to tell.
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 rollicking tale full of fun, but also packed with the sobering action of bandits and their misdeeds. I look forward to reading further adventures based on these characters as I’m sure they have a lot more stories yet to tell.
August 22, 2012
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 cannot wait to get started with it. After all, a good western is supposed to tell a story of Wild Wild West with all the wildnesses of the time to make it spicy :)
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 cannot wait to get started with it. After all, a good western is supposed to tell a story of Wild Wild West with all the wildnesses of the time to make it spicy :)
May 29, 2013
The Mule Tamer by John Horst is a pretty good book. It starts with a posse chasing after the banditos who butchered a family and kidnapped one of the daughters. From this humble beginning rises the tale of the start up of the Arizona Rangers. Formed by Avrel Walsh and Dick Welles, the cocaptains, they hired the rangers. Avrel meets up with a wild Mexican lass, Chica AKA as Maria, who stirs up feelings in Avrel ; feelings more intense than he experienced with his deceased wife, Rebecca. The story details some of the adventures of the Rangers and a plot to put an end to them. Mr. Horst tells a very absorbing story. His characters are colorful and life like. I can't wait to read the sequel.
March 11, 2012
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
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November 7, 2014It was free
I read this because it was free. If I had to pay for it I most likely would have given it two stars. It seamed to be written in a very disjointed style. To many characters without background info. I will read the next book to see if it gets better. If you have to pay more than a dollar, skip this one.
I read this because it was free. If I had to pay for it I most likely would have given it two stars. It seamed to be written in a very disjointed style. To many characters without background info. I will read the next book to see if it gets better. If you have to pay more than a dollar, skip this one.
August 23, 2014
I liked it. Will get the rest of them in the series
I liked the characters. This author has a different perspective on the normal western. He stopped where now you want to read the rest of the series. Good book.
I liked the characters. This author has a different perspective on the normal western. He stopped where now you want to read the rest of the series. Good book.
August 29, 2012
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!!
December 23, 2012
Not my type of book at all...just needed a change of scenery. This book is well written and probably an excellent book for someone who enjoys westerns.
July 16, 2013
at times trite with dialog and far fetched with characters but I actually got into it and will read book 2 soon
October 6, 2013
Unique well written story that bogged down occasionally with sideline tales. But still a good read with good dialogue between well developed characters.
Want to Read
August 15, 2014Free 08-15-14
Historic Fiction Western
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mule-Tamer-...
Historic Fiction Western
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mule-Tamer-...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews