Review - The Baron of Coyote River

The Baron of Coyote River
by L. Ron Hubbard
Publisher: Galaxy Press
Pub. Date: February 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1592123773
Running Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

A new western novel is hard to come by these days, but there are many classic western adventures being re-released for a next generation of readers. Galaxy Press has been releasing paperback and audiobooks based on the western novellas and short stories from on the late author L. Ron Hubbard. These stories were published during the 30s' and 40s' or otherwise known as the Golden Age, a time when countless adventure stories appeared in Pulp Magazines.

The Baron of Coyote River was first published in the September 1936 issue of All Western Magazine and was released as an audiobook on February 1, 2010 along with the short story Reign Of The Gila Monster. The voice cast includes Martin Kove, Bruce Boxleitner, Bob Caso, R.F. Daley, Jim Meskimen (whom also directs), Fred Tatasciore, Josh R Thompson and Michael Yurchalk.

The first tale is centered on a wanted man, Lance Gordon, who has been dodging the the law ever since he killed his father's murderer, a Deputy Marshal, in a fair fight. There is a price on his head and everyone is out to get him, including the US Cavalry. He almost runs out of luck in Santos, when he is surrounded by the cavalry, but out of nowhere, a stranger, Tyler, rescues him. To return the favor, Lance agrees to ride to Coyote River to stop a cattle-stealing Baron.

Reign Of The Gila Monster first appeared in the September 1937 issue of Western Aces and centers on Gilman (known as the Gila Monster) arriving in Powderville, one of the toughest towns in the west, and he automatically makes himself the town's Marshall. The town's founder,  Howdy Johnson, returns to town in the intent to take down Gilman and reclaim the town for himself.

All of the "Stories from the Golden Age" have a high-quality production and the two stories featured on this two-disc set continues that legacy with an outstanding sound effects and a great voice-cast. The Baron of Coyote River is an intense adventure and the Reign Of The Gila Monster is more of a comedy. Both stories are well-written and entertaining.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.