Wanted Men: A Western Duo

by Walt A. Coburn

In "Broken Wings" the setting is northern New Mexico, where a revolution is in progress near the port of San Quentin and beyond. But it is an unusual revolution since it is inspired by an American industrialist who wants to get his hands on a fabulous cache of gold confiscated by the current provincial governor. In "Wanted Men," Bart has been the ward of old man Haddock and has known nothing but cruelty and scorn. When Hank Plunkett is caught and held prisoner at the ranch, Bart arranges for the rustler to escape - but Plunkett must take Bart with him. When old man Haddock offers a reward for Bart's return, Bart sets out on a lengthy journey that eventually brings him to New Mexico Territory. There he learns that old man Haddock isn't so much interested in Bart's return as in his death.Walt Coburn was born in White Sulphur Springs, Montana Territory. Following his enlistment in the U.S. Army during the Great War, Coburn began writing Western short stories. In a little adobe hut behind the main house in Tucson, Arizona, Coburn wrote approximately 600,000 words a year for four decades.

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jean]

Walt Coburn (1889-1971) grew up in Montana on the famous Circle C Ranch owned by his father. Coburn served in World War One and when he came home he worked as a cowboy. In 1923, he started on his writing career full time. He primarily wrote westerns. In the hay days of the pulp magazines, he was one of the most popular authors. Later he went on to write books. He was an extremely prolific writer.

This book contains two novellas. The first one “Broken Wing” has Capt. Stuart MacLane, who was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Army, attempt to steal a million dollars in gold. MacLane’s big problem is will his partner cheat him. The story takes place in Mexico in the early part of the 1900s. MacLane is a pilot and there is a great airplane dog fight scene in the story. The second story, which is called “Wanted Men”, tells of an orphan named Bart who helps a wanted man escape hanging. Now he finds himself into a new life with questions about being able to trust the men who have befriended him and are they outlaws or honest men.

The book is well written and fast paced. The stories are taken from the pulp magazines stories written in the 1920s. They are written in that style. Coburn’s writing is very realistic because of his growing up on a big ranch and working as a cowboy.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five and a half hours long. Robert G. Slade does a good job narrating the book. Slade is an actor and award-winning audiobook narrator.