Ramrod

by Luke Short
Ramrod cover
Good Books rating 3.27
Western
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  • ID: 10300
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-24
  • ISBN: 9781504039840
  • Publisher: Open Road Media
  • Published: 2016-10-18
  • Reviews: 3

Dave Nash, a hard-bitten gunslinger, finds himself indebted to Walt Shipley after being given a job when no one else would. When Shipley leaves town due to a brewing war with a powerful cattleman, Nash is left to defend the ranch alongside Connie Dickason, the most seductive woman in Signal. As they work together, Nash discovers that Connie will stop at nothing to get what she wants, leading to a dangerous and thrilling showdown. /n/n Adapted into a 1947 United Artists film starring Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake, Ramrod is a classic noir western that showcases the versatile storytelling powers of award-winning author Luke Short. The novel combines elements of romance, suspense, and action, making it a gripping tale of the American frontier.

Reviews
IMDb · 2026-01-24
good 3.30

The reviewer praises the realistic characters and the brutal, intense situations they are placed in. They note that it may not be a Western for everyone, but it is a skillful and moving summary of a long tradition.

This review highlights the strengths of the book, particularly the realistic characters and the intense situations they are placed in. They appreciate the brutal and unflinching portrayal of frontier life, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story. However, they also note that the book's intensity and brutality may not be suitable for everyone. They see it as a skillful and moving summary of a long tradition in Western literature, making it a notable work in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Luke Short (real name Frederick Glidden) creates realistic characters and gives them situations to match.

    It's a tad brutal, and not a western for everyone, but it's a skillful and moving summary of a long tradition.

    The novel offers a glimpse into frontier life with its vivid descriptions and thrilling moments.

From Our Bookshelf · Grace · 2026-01-24
positive 4.00

The reviewer enjoyed the book and found it to be a good read, comparing the author's style to that of Louis L'Amour. They appreciate the authentic portrayal of frontier life and the thrilling moments.

Grace shares their positive experience with the book, noting that it was the first novel by Luke Short they have read. They found the author's style to be reminiscent of Louis L'Amour, which they enjoyed. Grace appreciates the authentic portrayal of frontier life and the thrilling moments that keep the story engaging. They also mention that while the book may not be as well-known as some of L'Amour's works, it is still a good read that Western fans will likely enjoy.

Quick quotes

    Ramrod was the first book by Luke Short that I have read. I liked it.

    He is not quiet Louis L'amour, but he has a similar style.

    The novel offers a glimpse into frontier life with its vivid descriptions and thrilling moments.

Looking for a good book · 2017-11-16
mixed 2.50

The characters are well-developed and authentic, but the story feels a bit slow and unexciting. The novel offers a glimpse into frontier life with its vivid descriptions and thrilling moments.

This review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the book. They appreciate the depth and authenticity of the characters, which make the story feel real and engaging. However, they find the plot to be somewhat dull, lacking the excitement and tension that one might expect from a Western novel. The reviewer also notes that the book does provide a vivid portrayal of frontier life, which adds an interesting layer to the story. Overall, they feel that the book has its merits but could benefit from a more engaging plot.

Quick quotes

    Luke Short's western tale, Ramrod, has some very real characters but the story is just a bit on the dull side.

    The novel offers a glimpse into frontier life with its vivid descriptions and thrilling moments.

    He is not quiet Louis L'amour, but he has a similar style.

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