Today’s friend is the Sophia Rose from Delighted Reader. I’ve loved getting to know her through books and this wonderful community. She even wrote her own into also:
Howdy, all!
I’m tickled to death to be invited by Anne to participate in her Friends on Friday event. Anne’s been a book pal for a few years now and I’ve enjoyed getting to know her a little through her blog, her warm presence in the book community, and her on-line/social media time.
Thanks for having me, Anne!
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Taggart by Louis L'Amour Narrator: Jason Culp
Published by Penguin Audio on August 14, 2018
Genres: Historical Fiction
Length: 4 hours, 58 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
Adam Stark had found gold. In the confusion of the mesas and canyons near Rockinstraw Mountain, Stark, his wife, Consuelo, and his sister, Miriam, were quietly working a rich vein while keeping their presence a secret from raiding Apaches. Worried that his wife might leave him, Stark wanted to make enough money to take her to San Francisco, where she could enjoy the style of life she craved.
But when Taggart, a stranger on the run from a vicious bounty hunter, enters their camp, tensions soon mount. Consuelo, against all good judgment, cannot resist testing Taggart. Is he the man who can make her happy? Will he give her the life her husband cannot? With thousands of dollars of gold in his packsadles, the Apaches are now no longer Adam Stark's only threat.
Western fiction does follow formulas as much as the next genre, but within the typical, there is always the exception to watch out for and enjoy. Rather than the silent, strong, tall stranger coming into town, this one starts with the unlikely hero and his family and brings in the strong and silent type later so the reader got two for the price of one.
Taggart brings together two stories- two different men and two VERY different women, a gold mine, Apaches, and an ambivalent bounty hunter. The author tells this story with his usual colorful artistry describing the times, the land, and the people, yet also concisely making this a quick read. Taggart begins with action and never stops moving.
It’s all about the characters in this shorter piece, so introductions…
Adam Stark, his fiery Mexican wife Consuelo, and his steadfast sister Miriam head out into the middle of Arizona Apache country to find their fortunes. Adam and Miriam would be content to get a small ranch and live simply, but Consuelo is young and has lived poor now she wants to live a little. So, he goes into the most hair-raising mining situation there is to get enough gold to satisfy his wife and works quietly to keep her safe and keep her love.
Consuelo does not believe in the quiet strength of her own husband which causes her to look afield for another man to save her. With fear driving her, she can’t see worth in who she already has, but she is vivacious and can get around men so she will use this.
On the other hand, Miriam does recognize strength and staying power when she sees it and despises- and pities- her sister in law while waiting for just the right man for herself. She doesn’t need saving and wants a man she can walk beside not behind.
Into this troubled household comes Taggart, the stranger, with a posse on his tail and the Apaches stirred up by his entry into the local country. He sees two women and knows they are both dangerous to him in very different ways, but only one earns his respect and admiration.
And, finally, there is the bounty hunter who coldly does his work for the hard cash he can earn and Taggart is worth a lot. But, to get it, he has to bring in a man who is like none other he has ever tracked.
It was a great mixture of gritty survival, action, and a fair dose of romance. For those who enjoy the western genre, I can recommend this one for a fast listen.
Narration:
Jason Culp is, once again, the narrator for this latest audio release of the author’s books. He does such a great job hitting the right notes with the western historical in tone and setting, pacing and emotion. He does both genders and the accents well. He’s a superb match for this story/genre.
Listen to a clip:
About Jason Culp
Jason Culp was born in Los Angeles, second son of actor/writer Robert Culp and his wife Nancy. Raised variously in the San Fernando Valley, Ojai, Malibu and Beverly Hills, he began acting at the age of 10 in a small role in the film “Hickey & Boggs”, directed by his father. After a great deal of theater through his teen years, he trained at the American Conservatory Theater, in New York with Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen at the esteemed HB Studio, and back in Los Angeles in the 80s with John Lehne. He appeared in the soaps “General Hospital”, “Days of our Lives”, and appeared in the film “Skinheads”. He moved to New York in the early 90s and resided there for 25 years, doing regional theater and focusing on voice over work, audiobooks and writing. He has now returned to Los Angeles to resume his acting career.
About Louis L’Amour
Louis L’Amour was an American author. L’Amour’s books, primarily Western fiction, remain enormously popular, and most have gone through multiple printings. At the time of his death all 101 of his works were in print (86 novels, 14 short-story collections and one full-length work of nonfiction) and he was considered “one of the world’s most popular writers”.
About Sophia Rose at Delighted Reader
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I’ve always meant to read L’Amour and Taggart seems like a great way to be introduced. I like the sound of the premise although I’m not certain I’m going to like Consuelo. :/ I’m curious to see how Taggart gets himself out of trouble with these two women as well as with the bounty hunter though. Nice review, Sophia!
Yes, good pick! Taggart is novella-length and has some action and romance in the Western setting so makes a good starter.
Yeah, Consuelo wasn’t my favorite person, for sure.
Thanks, Brandee!
Sophia – Thanks again so much for joining us. I like westerns but have not read this author yet. I have read others like Zane Grey. I have definitely enjoyed some Western movies and tv series. I’ll have to take a look at this one.
OK wow they have 307 offerings at my library and 88 on audio. Not this one however.
LOL! He was a really prolific writer. Do they have Fallon? That was the one I listened to before this one and really enjoyed.
It was a pleasure to be invited, Anne!
They have it but not on audio. Are these all standalone or is there a series?
Many are standalone. There are a few series (Talons, Chantrys, or Sackets), but most are standalone.
Bummer that its not on audio. What about Borden Chantry? Do they have that one on audio? That was another one I liked just last year.
They do! on both audio and ebook. I notice they have several of the Sackets also.
Oh cool! Glad we have a match. LOL
Truthfully, I don’t think I read any of his series in order years ago and did just fine with the occasional mention of other Sackett characters and stories. He writes them so they can be enjoyed standalone. It’s been fun catching each new audio release and getting a re-read of his books.
Always pleasure to see Sophia Rose appear. Great review 🙂 I know you enjoy this author.
Hiya, Kimberly! Had to drop by Anne’s place. It’s fun visiting.
I am a big fan. 🙂
I feel like this is an author that I should read at some point. I think that I spent my entire youth watching westerns on TV with my dad so the genre does have a lot of appeal for me. Hi, Sophia Rose 🙂
You and me both- my dad and his westerns shaped my enjoyment of them. He never could get me into the kung fu shows though… lol