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The Sacketts series starts off in England then to America amd as the series goes on moving into the 1800's it turns more western. The first book is Sackett's Land
If you also like fantasy, a series I liked a suprising amount is the Frontier Magic series by Patricia C. Wrede read by Amanda Roncone. This one is definitely best in audio because Roncone really makes it work.
The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard was excellent. He's the guy that came up with "Justified", wrote "Hombre" (starring Paul Newman), & many others. One of the stories in the collection is "3:10 to Yuma", the short story they've made a couple of movies out of, the most recent starring Russell Crowe.
My wife and I recently finished DocDoc by Mary Doria Russell and loved it. The narration is spot on. It's the story of Doc Holiday up to the time he leaves Dodge City. I purchased the sequel EpitaphEpitaph by Mary Doria Russell last week. It'll work its way to the top of the TBL stack soon.
I didn't listen to The Sisters Brothers so I can't vouch for the audiobook edition, but I really enjoyed this western.
Check out the whispersync deal for Doc, Julie. You might be able to pick the audiobook up for a good price.
Doc is on my wish list. Maybe I'll buy it next. I'm on Aud. Lite and have only 2 credits so I have to choose carefully. I found Russel's Sparrow and Children of God magnificent, two of the best I've ever read, but harrowing. I'm a rereader but don't think I could ever listen to those again.
I read the Two Medicine trilogy in the order written (which is not chronological): English Creek (1920s-1930s), Dancing at the Rascal Fair (1800s, focusing on the McCaskills' early ancestors who came to MT from Scotland), then Ride with me Mariah Montana ("modern day," probably late 1900s...focused on later generations of the McCaskill family). I was fine with that order; it worked just fine for me. If you feel like you want the story chronologically you could read Dancing first, but I would definitely read Ride With Me last. I loved them all (especially English Creek). I will say that I didn't love Dancing's narrator on audio. He was Scottish, which is appropriate, but very stiff and formal, which seemed a mismatch to the characters...but Doig's writing still shines through. Ride With Me's reviews are not as strong, but I still really liked it.
Thank you, Kristie and Julie. I greatly enjoyed "Whistling Season" but was puzzled by the very mixed reviews of the other Ivan Doig novels. Also was a little put off by one of the narrators I had sampled.
I'm a little late to the thread and Kristie already mentioned Angle of Repose which is also one of my favorites. Ever. Anything by Stegner is fabulous. I didn't see East of Eden by Steinbeck -also a top favorite. Then there is The Shootist which I read many years ago and it was probably my favorite John Wayne movie. And lastly, what about Riders of the Purple Sage? ;-) I haven't listened to it, but I just might after reading the reviews.
No Country For Old Men is an absolutely incredible western. Basically anything by Cormac McCarthy but specifically his Border Trilogy: All the Pretty Horses, The Crossing, and Cities of the Plain.I've heard particularly good things about the audiobook version of No Country for Old Men.
Ps Steinbeck and McCarthy are my two all-time favorite authors. East of Eden is my #1 book. HIGHLY recommend.
I do like Burke. Have not read this book. I have only read Dave Robicheax series books I think ao I don't know who to compare him with either.
Audible has a 4.28 rating and Will Patton narrates. To me Patton is perfect for Burkes books at keast with the others he has done. I wouldn't hesitate to try it. In facr I think it may be in my wish list actually
I'm listening to
which is a series of modern western stories featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire, from the always excellent Craig Johnson. Each of these stand alone stories has a Christmas related aspect it them, making this a perfect listen the season.
Travis of NNY wrote: "The Sacketts series starts off in England then to America amd as the series goes on moving into the 1800's it turns more western. The first book is Sackett's Land"My husband and I own and have enjoyed all of L'Amour's novels, not so much the volumes of short stories. We've often lost an evening over following a story on the big atlas.
How are the audio versions? Are they transfers from cassette? I think at least some of them are available via OverDrive.
Jeanie wrote: "If you also like fantasy, a series I liked a suprising amount is the Frontier Magic series by Patricia C. Wrede read by Amanda Roncone. This one is definitely best in audio because Roncone really m..."So much yes! I read these, and now will have the fun of listening.
Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
Sackett's Land (other topics)Wait for Signs: Twelve Longmire Stories (other topics)
No Country for Old Men (other topics)
Cities of the Plain (other topics)
The Crossing (other topics)
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I have a few "western-esque" recommendations that I wouldn't say are full-blown westerns but are still really good:
More about pioneering (interspersed with "present day" 1970's) is Angle of Repose. This is one of my favorite books ever.
Another one that is really good is The Son.
Also, Ivan Doig's books take place in Montana and are great glimpses into western life. I loved his English Creek trilogy: English Creek, Dancing at the Rascal Fair and Ride With Me, Mariah Montana.