UNABRIDGED AUDIOBOOK 7 HOURS ON 6 CDs Buy from Amazon.com

This group of short stories by Louis L'Amour is the fifth volume of the Frontier Stories series, and each story is filled with wild west excitement. The stories are quite different from each other. Each one features a different hero, unlike collections where the stories all revolve around that famous Texas Ranger, Chick Bowdrie. One does not have to be a Louis L'Amour fan to enjoy his tales of the development of the western frontier.

These unabridged tales begin with the exciting story of "The Nester and the Piute" where tracking becomes an art form. When a man is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs over 300 pounds, it's no wonder he is known as "Big Man." His story is one to remember.

If you're looking for surprises, you'll find them in "Barney Takes a Hand," a shoot 'em up that features a prize fighter with skintight gloves. "Waltz him Around Again, Shadow" involves a very interesting rodeo event. "When a Texan Takes Over" and "No Trouble for the Cactus Kid" round out this collection of selections from the print version of the anthology. Each story is different from the others and none are anywhere near boring.

This is a great assortment of short stories. Men and women meet a variety of challenges on the American frontier, but each character rises to the task and demonstrates the sort of courageous spirit that makes heroes of ordinary people. It would be difficult to decide which story has the most excitement and is the most enjoyable.

Jason Culp's narration is an important factor in making this audio book a winner. He's able to create a vast assortment of voices for the various characters, and he suggests tension and fear while keeping the pace lively and upbeat. This audio book is an excellent choice for group listening -- as on a family trip -- or for solitary listening at home or on the road.

John Mormon
3/14/08