lindakay99's review against another edition
4.0
I cannot believe I read a western. I also cannot believe I liked it. I especially cannot believe that I am now reading book 2 in the series!!
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Robert S. Parker's Spenser series with the wise-cracking Boston private eye, so I thought I'd try one of his westerns. Appaloosa is the first book in a series (now taken over by writer Robert Knott after Parker's death). If you are a Parker fan, you will enjoy his take on a western.
Recommended by Jo
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sappaloosa%20parker__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Recommended by Jo
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sappaloosa%20parker__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
mark_amann's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
jjohnsen's review against another edition
4.0
Robert Parker is one of my favorite authors, and though he's stumbled a few times, Appaloosa isn't one of those. Most of his fiction are crime stories set in the present, but this one is a western taking place in the past. And it's brilliant.
I'm not sure how I missed it (though after reading it I found out he has two other westerns I've never read), but this one came to my attention when I saw the trailer for the movie staring Viggo Mortenson. It was interesting enough that I wanted to know more, which led me to the book.
Virgil and Everett become the sheriff and deputy in the town of Appoloosa after the former sheriff is killed. Members of the town council want someone to take control, and they're paying enough for the two to keep the peace while trying to arrest the killer. It sounds pretty generic as far as westerns go, but the plot is tight and as usual Parker's dialogue is spot on. He doesn't waste a single word getting his characters to make the point. They talk to each other in snappy sentences, and say exactly what they think. The lead character is so low key, there are chapters he does nothing more than nod, but I was kept interested through his actions and how he treated other people.
There's a chase through Indian territory, a woman who may not be what she seems and a final showdown. Each part filled with interesting characters that I was anxious to read more about. It's a simple but enjoyable novel. I'll be getting his other two Westerns now.
I'm not sure how I missed it (though after reading it I found out he has two other westerns I've never read), but this one came to my attention when I saw the trailer for the movie staring Viggo Mortenson. It was interesting enough that I wanted to know more, which led me to the book.
Virgil and Everett become the sheriff and deputy in the town of Appoloosa after the former sheriff is killed. Members of the town council want someone to take control, and they're paying enough for the two to keep the peace while trying to arrest the killer. It sounds pretty generic as far as westerns go, but the plot is tight and as usual Parker's dialogue is spot on. He doesn't waste a single word getting his characters to make the point. They talk to each other in snappy sentences, and say exactly what they think. The lead character is so low key, there are chapters he does nothing more than nod, but I was kept interested through his actions and how he treated other people.
There's a chase through Indian territory, a woman who may not be what she seems and a final showdown. Each part filled with interesting characters that I was anxious to read more about. It's a simple but enjoyable novel. I'll be getting his other two Westerns now.
laterry75's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to this book on the 5 hour drive to visit my father last weekend. I loved the movie, especially Viggo Mortenson's portrayal of the smart, quiet, Everett Hitch. With this book, I discovered the wonderful verbal economy of Robert B. Parker. Like Elmore Leonard or Gregory MacDonald, the man just has an ear and a hand for realistic dialogue.
The plot isn't terribly complicated. Like most Westerns, it all boils down to a pissing contest between men with guns over women, power, money, or territory. But the way the story is told . . . very enjoyable.
The plot isn't terribly complicated. Like most Westerns, it all boils down to a pissing contest between men with guns over women, power, money, or territory. But the way the story is told . . . very enjoyable.
jonathangemmell's review against another edition
3.0
Parker proves that he has a knack of creating engaging characters. The novel as a whole does not reach the heights of some of his other series, however this could be up for debate if you really like westerns.
auri_underthing's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was pure entertainment. Loved the way Cole and Everett communicated.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
ihsanrie's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the narration of the audio book. It was an OK story, I'll read the others (or listen) eventually but I'm not driven to get the next one,
maryrobinson's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Lonesome Dove so it was natural that I would enjoy this book as the relationship between the two heroes – Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch - is similar to that of Gus and Woodrow.
They are gunfighters, mostly on the right side of goodness and peace, who talk little and are effective in dealing with bad guys. I am clueless about Westerns and the actual history of the West, so I have no knowledge about the accuracy of this book or how Western genre-lovers would rate it. I am in it for the friendship / partnership between Virgil and Everett.
They are gunfighters, mostly on the right side of goodness and peace, who talk little and are effective in dealing with bad guys. I am clueless about Westerns and the actual history of the West, so I have no knowledge about the accuracy of this book or how Western genre-lovers would rate it. I am in it for the friendship / partnership between Virgil and Everett.