Well, I have a few drafts being prepared for posting on this blog. They have been in the works for a couple of months now. I just have to get around to finishing them. In the meanwhile, I thought I might throw this post in. It didn't require much thought...
If anyone ever took an interest in the literary works of Louis L'Amour, this post could help them get started. Yup, its my top five list of his books.
5.
A greenhorn drama troupe leaves the east to seek better fortunes in the untamed west. Couple of beautiful women in the troupe: Dodie who is a no-nonsense type of female who quickly understands that one cannot depend on the law for protection and the other, Janice, who disagrees with her. The troupe's wagon team handlers ultimately turn out to be criminals. King Mabry comes to the troupe's rescue. Great description of snow-bound travel.
4.
Two kids are attempting to find their Dad in a distant town. The only problem: the wagon company they were in got massacred and they are on their own in wild country with only a single horse. Their worried father hears of the massacre and along with a couple of friends starts in search of his kids. The kids are also being stalked by an "Indian" because he fancies the fine horse they are on. And winter is rapidly approaching. Again, terrific descriptions of the great outdoors.
3.
Not to be confused with the movie starring Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman. An eastern family of three is making its way West. They have no gold but heavy furniture in their wagon and some mules. All they seek is some good land near purple mountains to settle down and live out their lives. But a bunch of killers think they have gold and one of the baddies wants the woman in the family. Con Vallian, born and brought up in the frontier, comes to the family's rescue. Tense descriptions of encounters between Vallian and the Huron. The story wraps up near a settlement called Cherry Creek (now Denver).
2.
Clay Bell gets tired of drifting and starts his own ranch in a rich and beautiful range. But a speculator attempts to take Bell's ranch and land away from him with the help of some tough lumberjacks who are also ruthless characters. The romance here sounds similar to the way it happens in a lot of his other books but it still somehow seems refreshing in this one. L'Amour doesn't ramble. The supporting characters are developed convincingly.
1.
A bunch of people from various backgrounds and with varying levels of savvy gather near a well in the desert. They are trapped there by an Apache War Party. Logan Cates, a tough, laconic hombre -- think Clint Eastwood -- comes to the rescue. Tense situations. The story moves fast. This book might have been made into a movie but I am not sure.
Honorable Mention
1.
Many consider The Walking Drum Louis L'Amour's finest work. But it didn't hold my interest as much.
2.
While I liked it, I didn't think that the leading character, a kid, could possess the maturity of thought that he did. I did like the cover art though. L'Amour's prose conjures up a haunting image of an age long gone by.
3. 
This was made into a movie I believe. Never watched it. It was an engaging enough read. Likely belongs in a different top five category.
4.
About the acquisition of Alaska by the United States. Russian nobility including a beautiful Princess are involved. Surreal description of the grandeur that is Alaska.
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