Subject
Texas -- Fiction Books
Best books
William MacLeod Raine
Oh, You Tex!
"Oh, You Tex!" by William MacLeod Raine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Jack Roberts, a line-rider in the Texas Panhandle, as he engages in the rugged life of a cowboy filled with adventure, conflicts, and encounters with both rustlers and the local community. The opening of the novel introduces Jack Roberts as a youthful and energetic character who starts his day with breakfast and a cowboy song, reflecting the lively spirit of the West. As he prepares to work the range alone, he encounters Jumbo, another line-rider, with whom he shares light-hearted banter. The narrative immerses readers in the vastness of Texas and the camaraderie of cowboys, setting the stage for inciting incidents involving cattle rustlers and establishing a basis for character relationships, particularly Jack’s reputation and budding connections that will likely be explored throughout the story. The tone suggests a blend of action and emerging drama in a backdrop that is rich with the culture and environment of early 20th-century Texas.
J. Frank (James Francis) Davis
Conversation
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Mayne Reid
The Headless Horseman: A Strange Tale of Texas
"The Headless Horseman: A Strange Tale of Texas" by Mayne Reid is a novel published in 1866, based on the author's American adventures and a South Texas folk tale. Set in Texas after the Mexican-American War, the story follows beautiful Louise Poindexter, courted by two rivals: the vindictive Cassius Calhoun and the dashing mustanger Maurice Gerald. When Louise's brother is murdered, all evidence points to Maurice—while a mysterious headless rider haunts the Poindexter plantation. Reid's thrilling adventure weaves romance, mystery, and frontier legend into an unforgettable tale.
William MacLeod Raine
A Texas Ranger
"A Texas Ranger" by William MacLeod Raine is a novel set in the early 20th century that captures the rugged atmosphere of the American West. The story intricately explores themes of honor, justice, and human connection against the backdrop of a lawless frontier. Central to the narrative is the character of a young ranger, Lieutenant Steve Fraser, who embodies the ideals of bravery and justice as he navigates a world filled with outlaws, frontier folk, and the complexities of personal relationships with women like Margaret Kinney. The opening of the book introduces a tense situation where a young woman, Margaret Kinney, attempts to commandeer a wagon from a stranger in a desperate bid to aid her wounded brother, a fugitive from justice. Their tense interaction quickly escalates into a struggle for power, revealing both characters' fierce determination and vulnerabilities. Just as she finds herself at the mercy of the stranger, a violent encounter unfolds nearby, involving a dangerous convict. Amid this chaos, the story lays the groundwork for themes of sacrifice and resilience as the characters are thrust into a thrilling conflict that ultimately challenges their beliefs about loyalty, identity, and redemption.
Mayne Reid
The Death Shot: A Story Retold
"The Death Shot: A Story Retold" by Captain Mayne Reid is a romantic adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the backdrop of the American South during the slave-owning era, highlighting themes of love, revenge, and moral contrasts between characters in a complex social setup. It features Colonel Archibald Armstrong, a kind slave owner, and his cruel neighbor Ephraim Darke, whose son, Richard Darke, schemes to win the affection of Armstrong's daughter, Helen, while harboring dark intentions. The opening of the novel introduces a tension-filled landscape where the reader is quickly drawn into a world of mystery. The scene shifts to a Texan prairie, revealing a live man's head seemingly severed from his body, indicating a grave danger lurking nearby. As the tale progresses into the first chapters, it delves into the contrasting lives of two slave owners and their interactions, setting the stage for Richard Darke's obsessive pursuit of Helen Armstrong amidst mounting tensions of debt and betrayal. The story promises a mix of action and emotion as it unfolds the complexities of love and vengeance entangled within the societal norms of its time.
Les Savage
Treasure of the Brasada
"Treasure of the Brasada" by Les Savage, Jr. is a novel written in the late 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the wild Texas border country, focusing on the struggles of Glenn Crawford, a bronc-buster grappling with both physical pain from a near-fatal accident and the emotional turmoil surrounding the murder of Otis Rockland, a ranch owner. As Crawford seeks answers and revenge, he finds himself entangled with a mysterious woman, Merida Lopez, and a cast of colorful characters, while confronting his own fears and the dark secrets of the ranch. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Glenn Crawford as he navigates the complicated dynamics between himself, the law, and the criminal underworld following Rockland's murder. Crawford is plagued by debilitating pain whenever he approaches horses, a result of his past injury that he suspects was no accident. Desperate to regain control of his life and confront the murderer, Crawford returns to the ranch, where he is immediately met with hostility and suspicion from the ranch hands. As tensions mount, he becomes embroiled in a treasure hunt linked to historical treasures from General Santa Anna, intertwining themes of danger, intrigue, and the quest for redemption. The gripping opening sets the stage for a journey filled with heart-pounding action, emotional conflict, and a deep exploration of fear and courage.
Emerson Hough
North of 36
"North of 36" by Emerson Hough is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in post-Civil War Texas and centers around Taisie Lockhart, a young heiress struggling to maintain her family’s vast ranch, Laguna del Sol. Faced with financial ruin and the challenges of a lawless land, Taisie navigates her way through personal and professional tumult, garnering the fierce loyalty of her cowhands while contending with the realities of the cattle industry. The opening of the book introduces Taisie as she braces herself to deliver the devastating news to her loyal ranch hands that their services can no longer be afforded. This moment foreshadows the challenges to come, revealing Taisie’s emotional burden as an orphaned heiress amidst a backdrop of poverty and desperation in a transitioning Texas landscape. In her conversation with Jim Nabours, the foreman, their dialogue highlights the complex relationship between them while emphasizing local sentiments concerning the cattle trade and rumors of a market north that could represent both opportunity and danger. This sets the stage for Taisie's determination to take risks to revitalise her ranch and seek justice for her father’s untimely death, promising an engaging narrative filled with adventure and personal growth.
Alice MacGowan
A Girl of the Plains Country
"A Girl of the Plains Country" by Alice MacGowan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The storyline introduces the Van Brunt family, notably little Hilda, as they relocate from New York to the rugged plains of Texas after the death of Hilda's mother. The book explores their initial experiences in a harsh and unfamiliar land, addressing themes of loss, resilience, and the challenges of adapting to a new life. At the start of the novel, we follow young Hilda Van Brunt as she arrives in the plains country with her father, Charles, and aunt, Valeria. They are greeted by Hank Pearsall, the ranch manager of Three Sorrows Ranch, who has come to assist them in their transition. Hilda's excitement and wonder about their new surroundings and the contrasting attitudes of her father and aunt set the stage for their adjustment to ranch life. Amidst this backdrop, Hilda's imaginative spirit shines through as she quickly bonds with Uncle Hank and expresses her fascination with the vast, wild landscape, symbolizing hope and adventure in the wake of their family tragedy.
Andy Adams
A Texas Matchmaker
"A Texas Matchmaker" by Andy Adams is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Texas frontier, the story unfolds in ranching life, highlighting the intricate social dynamics among its colorful characters. The narrative primarily focuses on Lance Lovelace, an aging yet spirited rancher, who navigates the complexities of friendship, loss, and unfulfilled romantic prospects while engaging in matchmaking endeavors for his sister, Jean, and the young men of the ranch. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Lance Lovelace and his new employee, Tom Quirk, who recounts his experiences working at the Lovelace ranch, Las Palomas. As Tom learns about Uncle Lance's pioneering spirit, heartfelt history, and unmatched knowledge of the land, he also observes the old ranchero's penchant for matchmaking, especially for his sister, who is much sought after by eligible bachelors in the area. The opening chapters establish the ranch's unique social environment, tease the potential for romance, and hint at deeper themes of connection and community as the characters prepare for local social events, such as dances, amidst the backdrop of the rugged frontier.
Andy Adams
Reed Anthony, Cowman: An Autobiography
"Reed Anthony, Cowman: An Autobiography" by Andy Adams is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book details the life of Reed Anthony, an experienced cattleman, reflecting on his experiences in the cattle industry, from his childhood in Virginia to his adventures in Texas during a transformative era for the American West. The opening of the book introduces Reed Anthony as a man whose life has been distinctly intertwined with cattle, beginning with his upbringing in the Shenandoah Valley and his service in the Confederate army. As he narrates his boyhood experiences driving cattle to market and his subsequent longing for a life in the West, readers gain insight into the challenges and dreams of a pioneer in the rapidly changing landscape of 19th-century America. Anthony recounts vivid memories of family and farming, mingled with the harsh realities of war, and sets the stage for his journey across the frontier, where he realizes his aspirations amidst the ruggedness of cowboy life.
H. (Henry) Bedford-Jones
The Sheriff of Pecos
"The Sheriff of Pecos" by H. Bedford-Jones is a novel written in the early 20th century. This Western tale is set in the rugged landscape of Pahrump County and revolves around Jack Robinson, a seemingly peaceable stranger who becomes embroiled in local conflicts involving power struggles, ranches, and accusations of murder. The story intertwines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier, particularly highlighting the tension between old bonds and new dangers. The opening of the novel introduces several key characters and sets the stage for a gripping conflict. Jack Robinson enters a saloon in Pahrump, where he quickly gets involved in a dangerous game of recognition, deception, and gunplay. The narrative reveals a rivalry involving individuals like Templeton Buck, who has ulterior motives regarding the Shumway ranch and the fate of its occupants, including Estella Shumway, who is struggling to keep her family’s ranch afloat. As Robinson exposes himself to local threats and violent entanglements, the tension builds around impending confrontations with figures like Buck and Murphy, stirring suspense and intrigue about how these dynamics will unfold in the rugged backdrop of the West.
J. E. (Jesse Edward) Grinstead
The saga of Silver Bend
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