Train to Durango

I cannot disagree with much of what the previous 7 readers have said, but I have to admit some initial disappointment when I read the reviews prior to getting the book. I was anxious to see what happened next after the California adventure, and therefore eagerly started reading. I saw fairly quickly the inconsistencies that others had noted, but the story still is a winner, in my book. The problem areas I noted in addition to the prior reviewers' notes: After rescuing Renita and Tamara, Wes, El Lobo and Silver take them on to Santa Fe, just a few miles North of the place the criminals had held them. Here our author seems to have forgotten where the heroes are, as he has Silver preparing to send money to Molly who is still in El Paso, so she can meet them all in Dodge. But, he states that Silver is in El Paso, when we know he and the others are in Santa Fe. When Silver and Molly deliver the bad guy to the Army at Fort Leavenworth, the Commanding Officer, who has previously been a Colonel, is described as being a Captain. As Silver and Molly are waiting for the train to arrive in Kansas City so they can return to Dodge, the author again forgets where they are, and as it slows to arrive in KC, all of a sudden it is slowing to arrive in Dodge. All these are minor slips, though, that do not detract from an exciting story. I was really glad that not only Wes and El Lobo have their loves, and are definitely committed to marriage, but also Silver and Molly, Nathan's love interest prior to his murder, find themselves attracted to each other. Silver wants to retire when the gold counterfeit ring is broken up, and Wes is thinking about applying for his job back in Washington. We are not sure about El Lobo, but one hopes that he and Wes will continue to be partners. This tack is not fully explored, however, and the reader has to just imagine the triple wedding in Dodge, the actual retirement of Silver and his establishing a horse ranch down in Texas, and the future for Wes and El Lobo. One hopes that all will find their desired futures, with wives and children. This series has ended too short for me - I want more, more!

I gave this book a fairly low rating, but you will learn some history as you plod thru the story. there are a few of these small rails still being used today. however, instead of hauling precious metal they carry tourists. the story will be entertaining and misterious.

For those who are die hard westerns fan's this book is sure to keep you turning the page's yet for the newcomer it has all the action you would expect from a Ralph Compton novel, sure to make a western fan for life. The books use of real event's and legend's of the old west is great tool in educating new reader's to " The old west". I am sure that after reading this novel you will add many more of Ralph Compton's masterpieces to your personal library.