Favorite Novels Set in the OLD WEST

Below is a list of my favorite novels set in the Old West: 


FAVORITE NOVELS SET IN THE OLD WEST



1. "Flashman and the Dragon" (1982) by George MacDonald Fraser - This seventh novel in George MacDonald Fraser'sFlashman Papers details British Army officer Harry Flashman's experiences on the emigrant trail during the California Gold Rush and the Great Sioux War of 1876, some 26-27 years later.





2. "Centennial" (1974) by James A. Michener - This epic novel spans two centuries into the history of the northeastern plains of Colorado, which includes the fictional town of Centennial.





3. "The Furies" (1976) by John Jakes - This fourth novel in John Jakes' Kent Family Chronicles tells the story of Amanda Kent's experiences between 1836 and 1852, during the Battle of the Alamo in Texas, the California Gold Rush and the abolitionist movement in New York City.





4. "Ride the River" (1983) by Louis L'Amour - This addition to Louis L'Amour's Sackett Family series tells the story of 16 year-old Echo Sackett, who leaves her East Tennessee home to claim a family fortune and keep it out of the hands of murderous thieves throughout the Ohio River Valley.





5. "Heaven and Hell" (1987) by John Jakes - This third entry in John Jakes' North and South Trilogy concludes the experiences of the Hazard and Main families, following the end of the Civil War. The novel mainly focuses on Madeline Main's struggles during the early years of Reconstruction and Charles Main's experiences with the U.S. Army in the West.





6. "Lonesome Dove" (1985) by Larry McMurty - This award-winning novel chronicles the adventures of several retired Texas Rangers, while driving a cattle herd from Texas to Montana.





7. "The Warriors" (1977) by John Jakes - This sixth entry in John Jakes' Kent Family Chronicles tells the story of members of the Kent family during the Western Campaign of the Civil War in 1864, the construction of the transcontinental railroad and the Erie War and the rise of unions.





8. "True Grit" (1968) by Charles Portis - This highly acclaimed novel tells the story of 14 year-old Mattie Ross, who recruits U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to help her seek retribution for the murder of her father by a scoundrel named Tom Chaney.





9. "Forgiving" (1991) by LaVyrle Spencer - This romantic tale tells the story of a young St. Louis journalist, who arrives in 1876 Deadwood following the death of her father, to mend family ties with a younger sister who had ran away, five years ago. She ends up falling in love with the local sheriff and discovering a shocking secret about her family.





10. "The Daybreakers" (1960) by Louis L'Amour - This addition to Louis L'Amour's Sackett Family series tells the story of Tyrel and Orrin Sackett, who head west to flee a family feud in Eastern Tennessee.