What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ballad of Black Bart: A Novel
The Ballad of Black Bart: a riveting western novel from Spur Award-Winning Author Loren D. Estleman.
Between July 1875 and November 1883, a single outlaw robbed the stagecoaches of Wells Fargo in California's Mother Lode country a record of twenty-eight times. Armed with an unloaded shotgun, walking to and from the scenes of the robberies, often for hundreds of miles, and leaving poems behind, the infamous Black Bart was fiercely hunted.
Between robberies, Black Bart was known as Charles E. Bolton, a distinguished, middle-aged man who enjoyed San Francisco's entertainments in the company of socialites drawn to his quiet, temperate good nature and upper-class tastes.
Meanwhile, James B. Hume, Wells Fargo's legendary chief of detectives, made Bart's apprehension a matter of personal as well as professional interest.
The Ballad of Black Bart is a duel of wits involving two adversaries of surpassing cleverness, set against the vivid backdrop of the Old West.
Between July 1875 and November 1883, a single outlaw robbed the stagecoaches of Wells Fargo in California's Mother Lode country a record of twenty-eight times. Armed with an unloaded shotgun, walking to and from the scenes of the robberies, often for hundreds of miles, and leaving poems behind, the infamous Black Bart was fiercely hunted.
Between robberies, Black Bart was known as Charles E. Bolton, a distinguished, middle-aged man who enjoyed San Francisco's entertainments in the company of socialites drawn to his quiet, temperate good nature and upper-class tastes.
Meanwhile, James B. Hume, Wells Fargo's legendary chief of detectives, made Bart's apprehension a matter of personal as well as professional interest.
The Ballad of Black Bart is a duel of wits involving two adversaries of surpassing cleverness, set against the vivid backdrop of the Old West.
237 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2017
18 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Loren D. Estleman
314 books279 followersLoren 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 11, 2020
“The Ballad of Black Bart” by Spur Award-Winning Author Loren Estleman,
Bart, taking his name from a dime Western novel, Charles E. Boles, or Charles Bolton, as he was also known robbed 28 Wells Fargo stagecoaches between 1875 and 1883. His modus operandi of walking to and from each robbery armed with an unloaded shotgun and leaving bits of verse behind at some of his hold-ups made for colorful headlines in the day’s tabloids.
Between robberies, Boles was known for his temperance, genteel manners and a taste for the finer things, but as “Black Bart,” his bold crimes confounded James B. Hume, Wells Fargo’s chief of detectives, who made it his personal obsession to put the gentleman thief behind bars.
Bart, taking his name from a dime Western novel, Charles E. Boles, or Charles Bolton, as he was also known robbed 28 Wells Fargo stagecoaches between 1875 and 1883. His modus operandi of walking to and from each robbery armed with an unloaded shotgun and leaving bits of verse behind at some of his hold-ups made for colorful headlines in the day’s tabloids.
Between robberies, Boles was known for his temperance, genteel manners and a taste for the finer things, but as “Black Bart,” his bold crimes confounded James B. Hume, Wells Fargo’s chief of detectives, who made it his personal obsession to put the gentleman thief behind bars.
November 10, 2017
The author brought back to life a criminal of yore from the annals of the cherished, old American West. Lost in time, this desperado shared nowhere near the notoriety of famed legend Jesse James. Back in the day though, to Wells Fargo's chagrin, the Press had given him plenty of ink and made him larger-than-life. Considering that, things haven't changed much since then. He was given the moniker, Black Bart. That's what you get for dressing in black. Not very creative. What've he'd dressed in green?
Charles Boles also known as Charles Bolton originally hailed from England. Born 1829, he was the seventh of nine children. No silver spoon. While still a toddler, his family moved to America. As a young adult, he carved out his path in life with his brother David. Headed west in search of the yellow rocks. Along the way, his brother took sick and died rather suddenly. Now a solo journey, his life spiraled in many directions, for many years. Life has a way of doing that. Don't we know. In this well-written narrative, the author had pieced together his lackluster character as a shiftless, rambler. In the grand scheme of things, he wasn't all that different.
Getting to the nitty-gritty, many years later, he's in San Francisco. It's the summer of 1875. Middle-aged Bart had come to enjoy the finer things in life: horse-racing, fine restaurants, exquisite accommodations, nice clothing - the list goes on. My kind of list. With the exception of horse-racing. Well, let me think about that. Except there was a nagging problem. He had a champagne taste with a beer budget. That never works out well. He was in need of some moolah to support his lavish lifestyle. Up till this time, he had followed a lawful life. At least, that's what the historians have shown. What prompted him in particular to rob stagecoaches? A vendetta. Way back when, he held Wells Fargo partially responsible for his brother's untimely death. Actually, just an excuse to single them out. A scapegoat. Enough said on that.
He's the only bandit of notoriety I've ever come across that walked miles to set up a stakeout. Then rob a stagecoach. And did it in a most peculiar if not foolish way. With an unloaded shotgun. Wouldn't that be like bringing a knife to a gunfight? Go figure. To further define his appearance
as an outlaw, he donned an ordinary flour sack over his head and hat with two holes cut out for his eyes. Stylish. Now to the exciting, planned escape. No horse. No buggy. Fled the scene. Walking. Apparently, he missed the class of Highwayman 101. Wait, there's more. If that's not enough, he would ask of the driver, "Please lower the cash box to the ground." Was that a question? Was there a choice?
What's truly amazing is that he not only got away with it that once but twenty-seven other times to boot! Can you imagine? All in the same manner. This endless string of robberies became a source of humiliation to Wells Fargo's founders, Henry Wells and William Fargo. Some compared him to Robin Hood. Only slight difference being, he stole from the rich and gave to himself. Now worried that Black Bart's celebrity might entice any Tom, Dick or Harry to follow in the robber's footsteps, Wells Fargo hired the services of Detective James Hume. He became an integral part of bringing the criminal to justice. Connecting all the dots, Hume was closing in. Wouldn't be much longer, so he figured, till he was face-to-face with this pariah. Just a matter of time.
This ARC was received from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Gratitude sent to MacMillan-Tor/Forge for allowing this pre-release edition made available.
Charles Boles also known as Charles Bolton originally hailed from England. Born 1829, he was the seventh of nine children. No silver spoon. While still a toddler, his family moved to America. As a young adult, he carved out his path in life with his brother David. Headed west in search of the yellow rocks. Along the way, his brother took sick and died rather suddenly. Now a solo journey, his life spiraled in many directions, for many years. Life has a way of doing that. Don't we know. In this well-written narrative, the author had pieced together his lackluster character as a shiftless, rambler. In the grand scheme of things, he wasn't all that different.
Getting to the nitty-gritty, many years later, he's in San Francisco. It's the summer of 1875. Middle-aged Bart had come to enjoy the finer things in life: horse-racing, fine restaurants, exquisite accommodations, nice clothing - the list goes on. My kind of list. With the exception of horse-racing. Well, let me think about that. Except there was a nagging problem. He had a champagne taste with a beer budget. That never works out well. He was in need of some moolah to support his lavish lifestyle. Up till this time, he had followed a lawful life. At least, that's what the historians have shown. What prompted him in particular to rob stagecoaches? A vendetta. Way back when, he held Wells Fargo partially responsible for his brother's untimely death. Actually, just an excuse to single them out. A scapegoat. Enough said on that.
He's the only bandit of notoriety I've ever come across that walked miles to set up a stakeout. Then rob a stagecoach. And did it in a most peculiar if not foolish way. With an unloaded shotgun. Wouldn't that be like bringing a knife to a gunfight? Go figure. To further define his appearance
as an outlaw, he donned an ordinary flour sack over his head and hat with two holes cut out for his eyes. Stylish. Now to the exciting, planned escape. No horse. No buggy. Fled the scene. Walking. Apparently, he missed the class of Highwayman 101. Wait, there's more. If that's not enough, he would ask of the driver, "Please lower the cash box to the ground." Was that a question? Was there a choice?
What's truly amazing is that he not only got away with it that once but twenty-seven other times to boot! Can you imagine? All in the same manner. This endless string of robberies became a source of humiliation to Wells Fargo's founders, Henry Wells and William Fargo. Some compared him to Robin Hood. Only slight difference being, he stole from the rich and gave to himself. Now worried that Black Bart's celebrity might entice any Tom, Dick or Harry to follow in the robber's footsteps, Wells Fargo hired the services of Detective James Hume. He became an integral part of bringing the criminal to justice. Connecting all the dots, Hume was closing in. Wouldn't be much longer, so he figured, till he was face-to-face with this pariah. Just a matter of time.
This ARC was received from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Gratitude sent to MacMillan-Tor/Forge for allowing this pre-release edition made available.
May 10, 2018
This is a whimsical sort of western ... not much action, because it is about a mild mannered robber who never would kill anyone - he has a bent for poetry and just robs Wells Fargo stage coaches for a living. Very entertaining.
December 28, 2017
First book that I have read from this author. Is a blend of some facts with a lot of fiction about the actions of one Charles Bolton (or is is Boles??) who for a period of years robbed Wells Fargo stages under the name of Black Bart. Short and quick read with some stanza of poetry that open each chapter and which describe what is going to happen in the chapter - some of those few lines of poetry are good and others are just OK. Black Bart was known as a gentleman bandit who robbed with a shotgun that had no bullets, was polite and left some verses of poetry. From what I can tell only 2 short poems of his survive and thus the rest of the poetry was written by the author.
Author is quick to tell us at the end of the book that he is trying to fill in the gaps in Bolton's life. It is was an OK read. And there were enough facts in the book to keep it interesting. I like Western life, Western movies, etc. and so the book appeals to me but not sure how much it would appeal to general readers.
Author is quick to tell us at the end of the book that he is trying to fill in the gaps in Bolton's life. It is was an OK read. And there were enough facts in the book to keep it interesting. I like Western life, Western movies, etc. and so the book appeals to me but not sure how much it would appeal to general readers.
November 25, 2017
From the publisher: Between July 1875 and November 1883, a single outlaw robbed the stagecoaches of Wells Fargo in California’s Mother Lode country a record twenty-eight times. Armed with an unloaded shotgun, walking to and from the scenes of the robberies for hundreds of miles, and leaving poems behind, the infamous Black Bart was fiercely hunted to James B. Hume, Wells Fargo’s legendary chief of detectives. Between robberies, Black Bart was known as Charles E. Bolton, a distinguished, middle-aged man who enjoyed San Francisco’s entertainments in the company of socialites drawn to his quiet, temperate good nature and upper-class tastes.
One of the most entertaining of the many entertaining aspects of this novel is that, true to Black Bart’s talents and propensities [he signs himself “Po8,” after all], the author begins each chapter [26 in all], as well as the Afterword, with a four-line verse, wonderful creations all, as is the book itself.
I will quote only the first and last two of these. Beginning the book, on the first page of Chapter One: “This is the story of bandit Black Bart; who used the gold country to practice his art. His brush was a shotgun, his canvas the road, as he painted his way ‘cross the Old Mother Lode.” And he ends the book with another: “So here I’ve stood while wind and rain have set the trees asobbin’; and risked my life for that damn stage that wasn’t worth the robbin.” And before the Afterword: “My tale it is finished, and my race it is run; but there’s one more confession I owe everyone. I speak not of inventions, though admit to this crime; I own to the evils I’ve committed in rhyme.” Everything in between is equally wonderful.
As the book begins, Charles Bolton is described thusly: “Everything about this man was reserved … A man who drank rarely, smoked not at all, and spent his words as if they assayed out at sixteen dollars to the ounce, was regarded as some kind of sage.” The man loved gambling, on horse races or prizefights. That first chapter ends with a rhyme as well: “Come listen to my story, I’ll not detain you long. A singing and a humming this simple silly song. ‘Tis of the old ex-convicts, the men who served their time for robbing mountain stages of the old Wells, Fargo line.”
Charles E. Bolton was a mining magnate who knew him only in that capacity. But one who clung to a shotgun, “a comforting weight in his hands,” when he sets out to rob the stagecoaches of that firm, referred to as “the Company,” of whom we are told “the frugality of Henry Wells and William Fargo was nearly as infamous as their business practices.” His object was only the ironbound strongbox held at the driver’s feet, never harming any passengers in the process. Sheriff Benjamin Thorn, who’d held that position for 15 years, and Chief of Detectives James Hume are charged with hunting down the robber, and they prove to be worthy opponents of Black Bart.
Another excellent book from this author, and highly recommended.
One of the most entertaining of the many entertaining aspects of this novel is that, true to Black Bart’s talents and propensities [he signs himself “Po8,” after all], the author begins each chapter [26 in all], as well as the Afterword, with a four-line verse, wonderful creations all, as is the book itself.
I will quote only the first and last two of these. Beginning the book, on the first page of Chapter One: “This is the story of bandit Black Bart; who used the gold country to practice his art. His brush was a shotgun, his canvas the road, as he painted his way ‘cross the Old Mother Lode.” And he ends the book with another: “So here I’ve stood while wind and rain have set the trees asobbin’; and risked my life for that damn stage that wasn’t worth the robbin.” And before the Afterword: “My tale it is finished, and my race it is run; but there’s one more confession I owe everyone. I speak not of inventions, though admit to this crime; I own to the evils I’ve committed in rhyme.” Everything in between is equally wonderful.
As the book begins, Charles Bolton is described thusly: “Everything about this man was reserved … A man who drank rarely, smoked not at all, and spent his words as if they assayed out at sixteen dollars to the ounce, was regarded as some kind of sage.” The man loved gambling, on horse races or prizefights. That first chapter ends with a rhyme as well: “Come listen to my story, I’ll not detain you long. A singing and a humming this simple silly song. ‘Tis of the old ex-convicts, the men who served their time for robbing mountain stages of the old Wells, Fargo line.”
Charles E. Bolton was a mining magnate who knew him only in that capacity. But one who clung to a shotgun, “a comforting weight in his hands,” when he sets out to rob the stagecoaches of that firm, referred to as “the Company,” of whom we are told “the frugality of Henry Wells and William Fargo was nearly as infamous as their business practices.” His object was only the ironbound strongbox held at the driver’s feet, never harming any passengers in the process. Sheriff Benjamin Thorn, who’d held that position for 15 years, and Chief of Detectives James Hume are charged with hunting down the robber, and they prove to be worthy opponents of Black Bart.
Another excellent book from this author, and highly recommended.
December 3, 2017
Another Great Estleman Book
I am convinced that years from now critics will look back and say that Estleman was the foremost practitioner of historical fiction Of his time. He has written a slew of books about the old west( not to mention his detective novels)and each, like this one, is a model of storytelling, style and research. Estleman is a gem.
I am convinced that years from now critics will look back and say that Estleman was the foremost practitioner of historical fiction Of his time. He has written a slew of books about the old west( not to mention his detective novels)and each, like this one, is a model of storytelling, style and research. Estleman is a gem.
November 28, 2017
Review by Library Journal Review
Equally the story of Charles Bolton, aka the outlaw Black Bart, and James B. Hume, Wells Fargo's chief of detectives, this well-researched historical novel transports readers to San Francisco in the late 1800s. Both men have reputations to uphold: Black Bart as the mannerly, poem-writing outlaw who robs Well Fargo stagecoaches on foot; Hume as the straight-up sleuth who uses files and investigative methods instead of guns to catch a thief. The Spur- and Shamus Award-winning Estleman ("Valentino" and "Amos Walker" mysteries) infuses plenty of humorous anecdotes as he outlines the eight-year career of the flour-sack-masked bandit who signs his notes "Black Bart, The Po8." The tone shifts to serious as Hume is portrayed as a man sharing similar features and history with his target but who stays squarely on the right side of the law. More character-driven than other Estleman titles, this title is peppered with clever turns of phrase, literary allusions, and plenty of vernacular from the time period. VERDICT This low-key tale of a legendary outlaw and his pursuer will delight the author's fans as well as readers who fancy Westerns about notorious figures of the Old West.-Wendy W. Paige, Shelby Cty. P.L., Morristown, IN © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Equally the story of Charles Bolton, aka the outlaw Black Bart, and James B. Hume, Wells Fargo's chief of detectives, this well-researched historical novel transports readers to San Francisco in the late 1800s. Both men have reputations to uphold: Black Bart as the mannerly, poem-writing outlaw who robs Well Fargo stagecoaches on foot; Hume as the straight-up sleuth who uses files and investigative methods instead of guns to catch a thief. The Spur- and Shamus Award-winning Estleman ("Valentino" and "Amos Walker" mysteries) infuses plenty of humorous anecdotes as he outlines the eight-year career of the flour-sack-masked bandit who signs his notes "Black Bart, The Po8." The tone shifts to serious as Hume is portrayed as a man sharing similar features and history with his target but who stays squarely on the right side of the law. More character-driven than other Estleman titles, this title is peppered with clever turns of phrase, literary allusions, and plenty of vernacular from the time period. VERDICT This low-key tale of a legendary outlaw and his pursuer will delight the author's fans as well as readers who fancy Westerns about notorious figures of the Old West.-Wendy W. Paige, Shelby Cty. P.L., Morristown, IN © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
September 28, 2018
Black Bart is a fascinating story from the late 1800s, a stagecoach robber who took more than 25 stagecoaches, robbing only the Wells Fargo cash box and never passengers. He never shot anyone, in fact his shotgun was apparently never loaded. He walked to all of his robberies (and away) and he was always very polite and mannered. He even left notes in poetic form (referring to himself as Black Bart the Po8 -- poet) mocking Wells-Fargo.
This is the story of how he was tracked down by detectives working for the banking and transportation giant, and why he was so fixed on robbing them. The story is classic Estleman western, with great twists of language and dialog, memorable characters, and twists of typical western themes without being abusive or mocking toward the genre.
This isn't Estleman's finest work, its a bit uneven. The story doesn't flow as well as most of his work, and some of the metaphors and similes are a bit weak, usually a strong point. However, the characters and story are so interesting it holds the reader well and is a rewarding book that moves along quickly. And as the author notes, this is the only novel telling Bart's story in existence.
This is the story of how he was tracked down by detectives working for the banking and transportation giant, and why he was so fixed on robbing them. The story is classic Estleman western, with great twists of language and dialog, memorable characters, and twists of typical western themes without being abusive or mocking toward the genre.
This isn't Estleman's finest work, its a bit uneven. The story doesn't flow as well as most of his work, and some of the metaphors and similes are a bit weak, usually a strong point. However, the characters and story are so interesting it holds the reader well and is a rewarding book that moves along quickly. And as the author notes, this is the only novel telling Bart's story in existence.
June 30, 2023
Loren D. Estleman has made his mark both with mysteries and westerns. Here he combines the two to tell the tale of Charles E. Bolton. A mild-mannered, distinguished gentleman, Bolton lived a comfortable life in 1870s San Francisco. Periodically he would leave town to check on the mines in which he had investments. His trips corresponded with the crimes of Black Bart, the bandit who terrorized Wells Fargo stagecoaches. Over eight years, he stuck up 28 stages near the California mining fields, always on foot, carrying an unloaded shotgun. After each robbery, he left behind an original poem. As his life of crime wins public attention, Bart/Bolton is hunted by Wells Fargo's chief of detectives in a long-running clash of wills.
Estleman's abilities as a historical writer are on display here; he creates characters, not research projects. Bolton's past and the exploits of Black Bart are presented here in a way that maintains the drama. Hume, the detective who hunts for him, is also shown in a way that makes him feel like flesh and blood as well. The clash between these strong characters makes for a satisfying slow burn of a crime novel. An enjoyable addition to its author's writings.
Estleman's abilities as a historical writer are on display here; he creates characters, not research projects. Bolton's past and the exploits of Black Bart are presented here in a way that maintains the drama. Hume, the detective who hunts for him, is also shown in a way that makes him feel like flesh and blood as well. The clash between these strong characters makes for a satisfying slow burn of a crime novel. An enjoyable addition to its author's writings.
February 24, 2019
This historical fiction novel follows the true exploits of Charles Bolton, aka Black Bart, as he robbed stagecoaches 28 times between 1875 and 1883. Bart's target was any strongbox that belonged to Wells, Fargo which infuriated their lead detective, James Hume. As Bolton, Bart was dapper and charming; a fairly nondescript middle-aged man. As Bart he was known as the 'gentleman bandit' due to the fact that during his robberies he was unfailingly polite, never harmed anyone, and took nothing from the drivers or passengers. He became famous for leaving poems at the scenes of the hold-ups which riled Hume even further as he felt Bart was taunting him. The two men became worthy adversaries with an underlying admiration on both sides.
I enjoyed this novel as I don't usually read westerns. Black Bart is quite likable despite being a feared criminal. Hume is as dedicated and heroic as expected. An interesting story.
I enjoyed this novel as I don't usually read westerns. Black Bart is quite likable despite being a feared criminal. Hume is as dedicated and heroic as expected. An interesting story.
December 19, 2017
I don’t care for Westerns, but this tale of the poetry-writing, walking-rather-than-riding “gentleman bandit” with a grudge against Wells Fargo was an entertaining read. It isn’t a typical Western, but more like “novelized history.” In other words, the author has meticulously researched the people and events he is writing about and retells their story while inventing some dialogue and inner thoughts and using his imagination to flesh out the details (think Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels or Ron Hansen’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford).
The style occasionally drifts into sounding more like a history book than a novel and is more about dogged detective work than high action, but it suited my taste. If you like history, especially the history of notorious people, this is worth your time.
The style occasionally drifts into sounding more like a history book than a novel and is more about dogged detective work than high action, but it suited my taste. If you like history, especially the history of notorious people, this is worth your time.
February 26, 2018
An excellent addition to the Estleman Western catalog. The real “Black Bart” was actually Charles Boles, gentlemanly, poetry-writing stagecoach robber who defied California law enforcement and the Wells&Fargo Company from 1875-1883. Boles was definitely not your typical highwayman, and this not a typical “good guys/bad guys” tale. He never rode a horse, but walked everywhere, he used an unloaded shotgun, and stole only from the Wells Fargo strongbox, never from any individual. Oh, and he left a cute little open behind at the site of each crime. James Hume, the Wells Fargo detective who doggedly pursued Boles, relied on facts, files and records rather than horses and guns to track his quarry, an odd method for his time. Other oddity in all this: the two men looked strikingly alike in appearance. I thoroughly enjoyed this page turner.
November 28, 2017
A highly entertaining on the notorious outlaw,Black Bart, who acts is crimes alone, with an unloaded shotgun never riding away but walked away from his deeds without committing one act of violence. Is recorded here by master writer Loren Estleman.
Mostly true centering around the chess game between Bart and the Chief Wells Fargo detective James Hume, who wants Bart in prison. This is not as easy as it seems, for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with the Union Pacific railroad, Bart has it in for Mr. Wells and Mr. Fargo and seems to do a fine job of vexing them at nearly every turn.
Good old detective work against a mind bent on vengeance.
Great story and a lot of interesting fact with a bit of fiction packed into two hundred and thirty-seven pages.
Mostly true centering around the chess game between Bart and the Chief Wells Fargo detective James Hume, who wants Bart in prison. This is not as easy as it seems, for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with the Union Pacific railroad, Bart has it in for Mr. Wells and Mr. Fargo and seems to do a fine job of vexing them at nearly every turn.
Good old detective work against a mind bent on vengeance.
Great story and a lot of interesting fact with a bit of fiction packed into two hundred and thirty-seven pages.
November 19, 2017
Can't beat a good western. Estelman is an exceptional (and prolific) storyteller - both detective novels and westerns. This one is a quasi historical novel about Black Bart, whose quiet sense of grievance against Wells, Fargo led him to a career as a stage coach bandit. Estleman gives Bart's life an understated pathos - a man lost in mid19th century America. The detectives are interesting and are as lost except for their jobs. Estleman's prose can be a bit elaborate and I suspect some of his more ornate sentences don't strictly parse - not that you'll care.
March 2, 2018
A gold rush, armed robbery, a dogged detective, and a poet who named himself "Black Bart, the Po8".
This historical novel recounts the life and times of Charles Bolton and James Hume, the man who was determined to catch the "polite" robber who kept attacking the Wells Fargo stagecoaches. While parts of the book are fictionalized, the story stays true to most of what history knows of the mysterious man and how he spent his life before and during his criminal life on the road. It is an interesting read and never boring. I'm glad I read it.
This historical novel recounts the life and times of Charles Bolton and James Hume, the man who was determined to catch the "polite" robber who kept attacking the Wells Fargo stagecoaches. While parts of the book are fictionalized, the story stays true to most of what history knows of the mysterious man and how he spent his life before and during his criminal life on the road. It is an interesting read and never boring. I'm glad I read it.
August 6, 2018
A most enjoyable story written in the language of the turn of the century (the 19th to 20th, that is). The bodacious old West stage robber transformed himself into the audacious San Francisco gentleman, or was it the other way around? He was the scourge of Wells, Fargo, a one man guerilla army fulfilling a self righteous vendetta, and he was a poet whose rhyme brought him fame. With apologies to Prince Edward and Deep Purple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHlOD...), this book calls for a song about Black Bart……
April 10, 2019
This is the first Estleman I've read, and I really enjoyed it. He makes the point several times that this is fictionalized history since it is based on a real western character. While the character name was familiar; I've been a fan of westerns, both written and filmed, for a long time, having grown up while Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger were on black and white tv; I had presumed it was simply a dime novel name of the old west.
I'm looking forward to more Estleman; I think I have one of the Detroit detective books on my shelf along with dozens of other want to reads.
I'm looking forward to more Estleman; I think I have one of the Detroit detective books on my shelf along with dozens of other want to reads.
February 9, 2022
A good western that grew on me as I read it.
(For some reason, at first I had a problem with Estleman's writing style)
This is a novel based on the true story of Black Bart. A gentleman robber who robbed stagecoaches of Wells, Fargo a record 28 times. He used an empty shotgun, was polite, and in two occasions, left poems in his wake.
James B Hume, Chief Detective of Wells Fargo is determined to track him down.
Just how Hume does this is different than the usual methods of lawmen at the time.
Detective work is used here.
A fascinating look at a real robber and the men who strove to catch him.
(For some reason, at first I had a problem with Estleman's writing style)
This is a novel based on the true story of Black Bart. A gentleman robber who robbed stagecoaches of Wells, Fargo a record 28 times. He used an empty shotgun, was polite, and in two occasions, left poems in his wake.
James B Hume, Chief Detective of Wells Fargo is determined to track him down.
Just how Hume does this is different than the usual methods of lawmen at the time.
Detective work is used here.
A fascinating look at a real robber and the men who strove to catch him.
June 10, 2018
This was outside my normal reading preferences.
It is set in historic San Francisco, so I gave it a try.
It is a fictional account of Black Bart, who was an actual person who robbed Wells & Fargo stage coaches for profit. In a bit of irony, he then deposited his loot in a Wells Fargo bank.
He was pursued by an ex police working for Wells & Fargo.
Loved the poetry and the writing.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
It is set in historic San Francisco, so I gave it a try.
It is a fictional account of Black Bart, who was an actual person who robbed Wells & Fargo stage coaches for profit. In a bit of irony, he then deposited his loot in a Wells Fargo bank.
He was pursued by an ex police working for Wells & Fargo.
Loved the poetry and the writing.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
abandoned
December 30, 2020Could not get into this, and I wanted to finish if I was going to before the New Year, my goal was to read a Western this year since I don't think I had before. There's a lot of rambling in the descriptions and often not clear switches between characters, and overuse of old-timey words that feel like they're just jammed in to be there. Will have to try another Western some other time. This was not the one for me.
December 3, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Robbing the Wells Fargo stagecoaches 28 times (!) made Charles E. Bolton into a notorious, wanted outlaw. He dressed in black, hence the nickname. Chief detective for Wells Fargo, James B. Hume, vows to stop the thefts. Brings a little-known story of the American West to life.
Robbing the Wells Fargo stagecoaches 28 times (!) made Charles E. Bolton into a notorious, wanted outlaw. He dressed in black, hence the nickname. Chief detective for Wells Fargo, James B. Hume, vows to stop the thefts. Brings a little-known story of the American West to life.
February 6, 2018
A novella --- could have been a short story about a small episode in the San Francisco heyday of the gold / silver rushes and a unique robber of Wells Fargo. The hunter and the hunted are described as best as can be detailed from real life with various liberties taken in the chronicle of Black Bart the stage robber who walked to and from his crimes for a decade of mischief.
February 16, 2018
A real story fictionalized about a robber who went only after Wells Fargo wagons. He approached and left on foot, never on a horse and committed, I think, over 80 robberies! The Wells Fargo agent in charge of investigating took each robbery personally and finally tracked down the thief. It was a decent representation of the times and the story.
December 17, 2017
Whoa! So good, great introduction to a new author for me. Excited to check out more.
The descriptive phrasing style took me a few chapters to get used to, but it was worth hanging with it and rereading a few passages. They eventually blended into the story for me and became less of a distraction
The descriptive phrasing style took me a few chapters to get used to, but it was worth hanging with it and rereading a few passages. They eventually blended into the story for me and became less of a distraction
February 19, 2018
I picked it for the "book with alliteration in the title" in the PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge. It a fairly easy read and more or less interesting, but not hugely so. I like historical fiction, but I just really didn't get into this book that much.
March 8, 2018
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I saw such great reviews for the book and author. But it just wasn't my cup of tea. I've read other books in this genre and liked them a lot which is why I chose this one. But it just wasn't for me.
April 19, 2021
A little challenging but I think that is partially what made it so enjoyable. It was more than a typical cookie cutter 'western'. (So, obviously not my most favorite genre). This read more like a detective/descriptive memoir. I actually really enjoyed it. Very different.
November 28, 2018
Written in somewhat a stilted form of language, the book thus thoroughly presented the character and personality of "Black Bart".
April 19, 2018
Interesting and fun read in fine prose, and po8try!
September 24, 2018
Westerns are fun sometimes... enjoyable if slightly trivial...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews