Page Count:  196

Author:  Louis L'Amour

Publisher:  Bantam Books

ISBN:  0-553-25320-4

Category:  Fiction

Genre:  Western/Mystery/Suspense

Dove's (Personal) Review:  Another great tale given to us by the western-genre Master, Louis L'Amour! Though not one of his longer pieces, this little number delivers a thoroughly enjoyable punch!
     "Passin' Through" is the main character's nickname. He doesn't stay put for long. He's always on the go, passin' through many towns during his travels. One day, he happens upon a ranch run by two women. He trades a few meals and a warm bed for his "fixer-upper" skills. He spends his time mending fences, counting cattle, and patching up the barn. The women tell him they've inherited the ranch, and they're interested in selling it for whatever price is offered. He knows no better, so he goes along with their story.
     Days pass, and he eventually meets another woman named Janet during a trip to town. She recognizes the blue roan he's riding as her own horse. She confronts him, and surprise, surprise... she's the true owner of the ranch. Her and her partner (also her Uncle) co-owned the ranch together, and when he died, she naturally became sole-owner of the entire estate.
     Passin' Through is beside himself. He can't understand why the two women lied to him. The mystery begins! He decides to stick around long enough to solve this puzzle, which becomes the focus/main plot of the story.
     At only 196 pages, it's a quick read, but very satisfying from beginning to end. It's primarily a "Western," but it's got elements of Mystery and Suspense mixed in for kicks! You'll definitely encounter that famous "who-dunnit" feeling while exploring the story.
     No GOLD STAR 'cause it's too dang short! I would've enjoyed this one much more if it was longer, giving me more to sink my teeth into... but it definitely deserves a TWO-THUMBS-UP!!!