Books Like...
'Warlock' by Oakley Hall is an epic Western novel that delves into the complexities of law and order in the fictional town of Warlock. The story follows the hired sheriff, Clay Blaisedell, as he navigates through conflicts between the citizens' committee, townspeople, and outlaws. The narrative weaves together multiple Western themes intricately, with a focus on character development and moral ambiguity. The writing style is dense, with every sentence carrying significant meaning, similar to the works of Frank Norris and Thomas Pynchon.
If you liked Warlock, here are the top 100 books to read next:
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John Williams' 'Butcher's Crossing' is a novel set in the 1870s following Will Andrews on a buffalo slaughter expedition in Colorado. The narrative details the journey from the dreadful slaughter to being snowed in, exploring themes of man's relationship with nature, the impact of the wilderness on individuals, and the consequences of greed. Williams' writing style is described as spare, detailed, and well-researched, providing a cinematic account of the harsh realities faced by the characters in the unforgiving wilderness.
The coach from Ellsworth to Butcher’s Crossing was a dougherty that had been converted to carry passengers and small freight. Four mules pulled the cart over the ridged, uneven road that descended sli... - #2
The Sisters Brothers follows the journey of two hired killers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, in the Wild West during the California Gold Rush era. The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective by Eli, who reflects on their violent lifestyle as they travel from Oregon City to California on a mission to assassinate a prospector named Hermann Kermit Warm. The book combines elements of dark comedy, gritty Western settings, and unexpected plot twists, all wrapped in a narrative style that is both charming and authentic.
The story delves into themes of brotherhood, redemption, and self-discovery as Eli grapples with his desire for a different life while remaining loyal to his bloodthirsty brother, Charlie. The novel captures the essence of the Old West with vivid characterizations, engaging dialogues, and a blend of humor and melancholy that keeps the reader entertained and emotionally invested in the characters' journey.
I was sitting outside the Commodore's mansion, waiting for my brother Charlie to come out with news of the job. It was threatening to snow and I was cold and for want of something to do I studied Char... - #3
'True Grit' by Charles Portis is a Western novel that follows the story of fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross seeking revenge for her father's murder. The book is narrated in the first person by Mattie, who enlists the help of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down the killer, Tom Chaney. The plot is action-packed, with elements of gun battles, bravery, and a strong sense of justice prevailing throughout the story. The writing style is described as spare, clean, and filled with terse Western dialogue, making the narrative quick, to the point, and engaging.
The novel is praised for its strong and memorable protagonist, Mattie Ross, who is depicted as brave, stubborn, independent, and smart. The character of Mattie is highlighted as the heart of the story, with her unsentimental and matter-of-fact narration adding depth and humor to the events unfolding in the book. Readers appreciate the humor, character development, and the unique voice of Mattie as a narrator, making 'True Grit' a compelling and enjoyable read that delves into themes of revenge, courage, and perseverance in the Wild West.
People do not give it credence that a fourteen-year-old girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood but it did not seem so strange then, although I will say it did ... - #4
'Sackett' by Louis L'Amour follows the story of William Tell Sackett, an older brother to Tyrel and Orrin Sackett. Tell stumbles upon a valley rich in gold and a young woman in need of rescue. As he navigates through challenges including bad guys seeking revenge, gold diggers, and a banker, Tell showcases his quiet heroism, strict code of honor, and determination to make a better life for himself. The plot unfolds with action-packed scenes of mining for gold, gun duels, and Tell's efforts to protect the newfound riches while facing various threats. The writing style of the book is described as straightforward, engaging, and typical of L'Amour's Western novels, focusing on themes of honor, literacy, love, and the challenges of the American West.
We Sacketts had begun carrying rifles as soon as we stood tall enough to keep both ends off the ground. When I was shy of nine I fetched my first cougar … caught him getting at our pigs. At thirteen I... - #5
In the book 'In the Distance' by Hernan Diaz, the reader follows the journey of Håkan, a young Swedish immigrant who embarks on a quest to find his brother in New York but ends up in California during the Gold Rush era. As Håkan traverses the American West, encountering a wide array of characters and facing numerous challenges, he becomes a legendary figure known as The Hawk. The novel is a genre-breaking historical fiction piece that offers a unique perspective on courage, survival, and the human experience during a tumultuous period in American history. Diaz's writing style is praised for its masterful prose, vivid descriptions of the landscape, and the creation of a surreal yet plausible narrative that captivates readers.
Håkan Söderström was born on a farm north of Lake Tystnaden, in Sweden. The exhausted land his family worked belonged to a wealthy man they had never met, although he regularly collected his harvest t... - #6
"News of the World" by Paulette Jiles follows the journey of Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an aging war veteran who travels through post-Civil War Texas reading newspapers to small town residents. When he is entrusted with returning a 10-year-old girl, Johanna, who was captured by the Kiowa tribe, to her living relatives, their 400-mile trek becomes a tale of survival, friendship, and cultural clash. The book explores the bond that forms between the Captain and Johanna as they face various perils, showcasing the vivid descriptions of the Texas landscape and the challenges of a changing society.
CAPTAIN KIDD LAID out the Boston Morning Journal on the lectern and began to read from the article on the Fifteenth Amendment. He had been born in 1798 and the third war of his lifetime had ended five... - #7
In "Whiskey When We're Dry" by John Larison, the story follows Jessilyn Harney, a young girl who embarks on a dangerous journey to find her outlaw brother, Noah, in the harsh setting of the untamed West. The plot is filled with gunfights, whiskey, and a strong sense of family ties as Jess navigates through a world of corrupt men, violence, and self-discovery. Larison's writing style captures the essence of the Western genre while offering a fresh perspective through the character of Jess, a sharpshooter who challenges societal norms and embarks on a coming-of-age journey filled with courage and resilience.
Our kin homesteaded where desert met lake. The hills in the near distance wore blankets of pine. Patterns of aspen marked the water. Beyond them the mountains stood blue on clear days and devoured the... 'The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains' by Owen Wister is a classic Western novel set in Wyoming during the 1870s. The story follows the unnamed hero, a cowboy known as the Virginian, as he navigates life in the Wild West and falls in love with a schoolteacher from the East. The novel explores themes of love, honor, morality, and the clash between the rugged frontier and the settled East. Written in a mix of first and third-person narration, the book weaves together romance, adventure, violence, and frontier justice, creating a rich tapestry of life in the early days of American expansion.
1860 Owen Wister is born on July 14 in Germantown, Pennsylvania , a suburb of Philadelphia. His father belongs to a prominent, wealthy family with roots in Philadelphia stretching back to the 1700s; h...- #9
"Littel Big Man" by Thomas Berger is a historical fiction novel set in the Wild West, following the life of Jack Crabb, a man who was raised by Cheyenne Indians and later becomes a part of major historical events and encounters famous figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Gen. George Armstrong Custer. The book is described as a humorous and engaging tale that explores themes of identity, cultural clash, and survival in a witty and insightful manner, with a focus on the protagonist's journey between two different worlds.
My Pa had been a minister of the gospel in Evansville, Indiana. He didn’t have a regular church, but managed to talk some saloonkeeper into letting him use his place of a Sunday morning for services. ... - #10
'Shane' by Jack Schaefer is a classic Western tale that follows the story of a mysterious stranger named Shane who arrives in a small Wyoming valley in the summer of 1889. The book is narrated through the eyes of a young boy, Bob Starrett, who idolizes Shane as he becomes involved in a conflict between homesteaders and a ruthless cattle baron. The plot revolves around Shane's efforts to help the farmers resist the land baron's bullying tactics and protect their livelihoods, ultimately leading to a tense and inevitable showdown.
He drew rein not twenty feet from me. His glance hit me, dismissed me, flicked over our place. This was not much, if you were thinking in terms of size and scope. But what there was was good. You coul...