By Sophia Ulmer

Set against the backdrop of a harsh yet seductive American West, Louis L’Amour’s collection of addictive, adventure-packed stories provides readers scores of rugged heroes, memorable shoot-outs, and high-stakes show-downs. If you’ve devoured L’Amour’s work and seek books with a similar spirit, here are seven Westerns—some classic, some contemporary—that will keep you turning pages until the campfire goes out.

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“Valdez Is Coming” by Elmore Leonard (1970) is a tense, action-driven tale of honor and revenge, showcasing Elmore Leonard’s trademark sharp dialogue and lean storytelling. Mexican-American lawman Bob Valdez is tricked into killing an innocent man, then humiliated and nearly killed when he seeks compensation for the widow. Left for dead by powerful rancher Frank Tanner, Valdez wages a one-man war against Tanner’s men.

Chock full of wit, unpredictable twists, and nonstop action, the classic novel “Destry Rides Again” by Max Brand (1930) is perfect for fans of justice served at gunpoint. After being wrongfully imprisoned, Harrison Destry walks free with one goal: revenge. Armed with skill and a reputation as a deadly gunfighter, he sets off to track down his enemies who framed him. (Not to be confused with the 1939 film starring James Stewart.)

“Warlock” by Oakley Hall (1958), named for the fictional town in which it’s set, is a work of literary fiction reimagining the Wyatt Earp legend. When the town hires famed gunman Clay Blaisedell as marshal, he and his ally Tom Morgan must face off against outlaw Abe McQuown and his gang. As tensions mount, the town struggles with the fine line between justice and vigilantism, explores the moral ambiguity of gunfighting, and questions whether law can truly bring order—or simply shift power. Author Thomas Pynchon praised it for restoring “to the myth of Tombstone its full, mortal, blooded humanity.”

Though more introspective than action-packed, readers find “The Time It Never Rained” by Elmer Kelton (1973) hard to put down. During a brutal drought, Texas rancher Charlie Flagg refuses government aid, determined to survive on his own terms. As his neighbors give in to financial relief, Flagg’s defiance isolates him, straining his friendships and family ties. A portrait of hardship, perseverance, and a way of life on the brink of collapse, Flagg’s struggle against nature becomes a testament to resilience, independence, and the changing terrain.

This gripping, coming-of-age novel “Whiskey When We’re Dry” by John Larison (2018) follows 17-year-old Jessilyn Harney. After her father’s death, Jess disguises herself as a man to track down her fugitive brother, Noah. A gifted sharpshooter, she joins a governor’s militia—ironically hunting the very outlaws Noah rides with. As she navigates the violent world of bounty hunters and bandits, our heroine wrestles with identity, loyalty, and survival.

The first in the Cole & Hitch series, “Appaloosa” by Robert B. Parker (2005) delivers sharp dialogue, fast-paced action, and a tale of camaraderie. Hired lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch arrive in Appaloosa to impose order on a town ruled by ruthless rancher Randall Bragg. As they lay down strict new rules, they face violent resistance and betrayal, particularly from the unpredictable Allie French, whose involvement with Cole complicates their mission.

Not exactly a page-turning dime novel, “The Log of a Cowboy” by Andy Adams (1903) is essential for anyone craving a realistic glimpse into the 19th-century cattle trade. Based on Adams’ real experiences, this novel follows young Tom as he joins a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, capturing both the grit and monotony of the job and painting an unromanticized portrait of life on the trail—river crossings, stampedes, hard labor, and camaraderie.

Happy reading, folks!

About Sophia Ulmer

Sophia Ulmer, writer of all genres, is most interested in gender, politics, art, and culture. Her work appears in various anthologies and literary journals. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction, and is currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

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