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For thousands of years, the lonely canyon knew only wind and rain, wild animals, and an occasional native hunter. Then a trapper found a chunk of gold, and everything changed overnight. In six days, a town called Confusion appeared, consumed by the flames of lawlessness and violence. On one side are those who understand only brute force, while on the other are men who want law and order but are ready to use a noose to achieve their ends. Between them stand Matt Coburn and Dick Felton, one a hardened realist, the other an idealist trying to dig a fortune from the muddy hillside. Outnumbered and outgunned, Felton and Coburn can't afford to be outmaneuvered. As the two unlikely allies confront corruption, betrayal, and murder in an attempt to tame a town where the discovery of gold can mean either the fortune of a lifetime or a sentence of death, they realize that any move could be their last.
On the edge of the frontier, boomtowns like Confusion sprang up overnight. Here honest men came to work the mines, while thieves, gamblers, and outlaws worked on them. But in Confusion, the mines themselves were the target of a violent plot. Matt Coburn had cleaned up tough towns before, but he wanted no part of Confusion. Too many enemies knew he was there, too many lies had been told. Now there's only one way out of Confusion for Coburn: a path of honor that could cost him his life.
If you liked The Empty Land, here are the top 5 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures)
- #1
Save:Breakheart Pass by Alistair MacLean is a fast-paced western thriller set in post Civil War American West. The plot revolves around a train journey to Fort Humboldt, filled with relief troops and supplies, as well as a captured Federal prisoner named John Deakin. As the train travels through Paiute Indian territory, it encounters murders, conspiracies, sabotage, ambushes, and Indians seeking revenge. The story is full of action, suspense, and plot twists, keeping the readers hooked from the beginning to the end. Despite the initial introduction of many characters without detailed descriptions, the book focuses on delivering non-stop action and suspense, making it a thrilling and engaging read.
The saloon bar of Reese City's grandiosely named Imperial Hotel had about it an air of defeat, of uncaring dilapidation, of the hauntingly sad nostalgia for the half-forgotten glories of days long gon... - #2
Save:'The Time It Never Rained' by Elmer Kelton is a poignant and authentic portrayal of life as a Texas rancher during a severe drought in the 1950s. The story revolves around the lead character, Charlie Flagg, a stubborn and resilient rancher determined to endure the drought without relying on government assistance. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, Kelton brings to life the challenges faced by ranchers, the theme of self-reliance, and the complex relationships between different ethnic groups in West Texas.
Kelton's writing style is described as masterful, with rich and understated prose that captures the essence of West Texas. The author's careful characterization and slow narrative build-up create a truthful and honest depiction of natural events taking control and the characters' reactions to these situations. is praised for its believable fiction, immersive storytelling, and the depth of its protagonist, Charlie Flagg, who embodies the values of determination, self-reliance, and a strong moral code.
RIO SECO WAS TOO SMALL TO AFFORD A PROFESSIONAL manager for its one-room Chamber of Commerce. The part-time volunteer, elected because no one else wanted the job, made his living selling an independen... - #3
Save:John Williams' 'Butcher's Crossing' is a novel set in the 1870s following Will Andrews on a buffalo slaughter expedition in Colorado. The narrative details the journey from the dreadful slaughter to being snowed in, exploring themes of man's relationship with nature, the impact of the wilderness on individuals, and the consequences of greed. Williams' writing style is described as spare, detailed, and well-researched, providing a cinematic account of the harsh realities faced by the characters in the unforgiving wilderness.
The coach from Ellsworth to Butcher’s Crossing was a dougherty that had been converted to carry passengers and small freight. Four mules pulled the cart over the ridged, uneven road that descended sli... - #4
Save:"The Cold Dish" by Craig Johnson is the first in the Walt Longmire series, set in Absaroka County, Wyoming, featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire who is dealing with personal struggles following his wife's death. The story revolves around a murder investigation triggered by the discovery of a young boy's body, leading to unexpected twists and turns in a rural setting rich with character development and a mix of Native American culture. Johnson's writing style is described as highly visual, simple yet engaging, with a focus on the beautiful yet harsh setting of Wyoming.
She might have knocked, but I didn’t hear it because I was watching the geese. I watch the geese a lot in the fall, when the days get shorter and the ice traces the rocky edges of Clear Creek. The she... - #5
Save:'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry is a sprawling epic Western novel that follows the journey of two aging ex-Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, as they set out on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The narrative is rich in historical detail, exploring themes of friendship, adventure, love, and survival in the rugged landscape of the American West. Through vivid characterizations and intricate plotlines, the author paints a compelling portrait of the challenges and triumphs faced by a diverse cast of characters on their arduous journey.
WHEN AUGUSTUS CAME OUT on the porch the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake—not a very big one. It had probably just been crawling around looking for shade when it ran into the pigs. They were having ...
