The Quick and the Dead

by Louis L’Amour
The Quick and the Dead cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Adventure
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  • ID: 8476
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780553120639
  • Published: 1979-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Con Vallian, a man who prefers to keep to himself, finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he stops for coffee at a stranger's campfire. Before he knows it, he's guiding a family of inexperienced settlers across the treacherous prairie. The journey is fraught with danger, as they must contend with a pack of ruthless rustlers and some highly unpredictable Indians. Vallian's simple life is now filled with action and suspense as he navigates these challenges to ensure the family's safe passage./n/nThe Quick and the Dead is a thrilling tale of adventure and survival set against the backdrop of the untamed prairie. Con Vallian's reluctant heroism and the family's struggle to adapt to the harsh environment create a compelling narrative. The story is rich with vivid descriptions of the prairie landscape and the cultural encounters that shape the characters' journey.

Reviews
Ian Dawson Fiction · Ian Dawson · 2023-11-14
compelling 4.50

The novel is a page-turner and an excellent introduction to L'Amour's works. It captures the essence of the American West and its challenges.

Ian Dawson praises 'The Quick and the Dead' as a compelling and engaging read. They find it to be a great introduction to Louis L'Amour's extensive body of work, highlighting his ability to capture the spirit of the American West. Dawson appreciates the historical context and the way the story brings to life the struggles and adventures of the time. They recommend it to both new and seasoned readers of Western fiction.

Quick quotes

    The Quick and the Dead is a page-turner.

    It is an excellent introduction to the works of one of the most prolific authors of the 20th century.

    It captures the essence of the American West and its challenges.

SK Jam · SK Jam · 2016-01-24
thrilling 4.00

The book is fast-paced with minimal wasted words, focusing on a long chase. The characterization is sparse, but the mystery drives the narrative forward.

SK Jam highlights how 'The Quick and the Dead' is a rapid, engaging read. They appreciate the tight storytelling and the way the mystery propels the plot. However, they note that the characterization is minimal, which might leave some readers wanting more depth in the characters. Overall, it's a thrilling ride that keeps you turning the pages.

Quick quotes

    There's little wasted wordage in this book.

    It gallops right along as the long chase continues.

    The characterization is sparse; the mystery of the story is what drives it.

Buddies in the Saddle · Buddies in the Saddle · 2011-12-12
atmospheric 3.75

The novel reflects the anxiety of its time, with fear evident from the start. It's a retelling of the American story with a sense of foreboding.

Buddies in the Saddle notes that 'The Quick and the Dead' is steeped in the anxiety of its era, creating a tense and atmospheric read. They appreciate how the novel captures the fear and uncertainty of the time, making it a compelling historical narrative. The blogger finds the story to be a poignant retelling of the American experience, filled with a sense of foreboding that keeps readers engaged. They recommend it for those interested in historical fiction with a strong sense of place and time.

Quick quotes

    It was an age of anxiety, and this novel shows it.

    Fear is there to be felt from the opening pages.

    In a retelling of the American story of the time.

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