Old west vs New: A riveting collection

Louis L'Amour, a name synonymous with tales of the American frontier and rugged Western landscapes, is celebrated for his iconic cowboy stories that have enthralled readers for generations. However, nestled within his extensive repertoire is a hidden gem, "Too Tough to Kill: Tales of Hard Men in a Hard Land," an audiobook that deviates from his traditional Western genre and plunges us headfirst into the gritty underworld of 1930s-50s Southern California. Narrated by the talented Randal Schaffer, this collection of short novels and stories takes us on a thrilling journey through a time when the Old West met the New, and the result is a riveting audiobook that captivates from start to finish.

In "Too Tough to Kill," L'Amour showcases his remarkable versatility as a storyteller by steering away from his beloved Western terrain. Instead, he transports us to a period rife with gangsters, mob wars, and the lawless chaos of the New West. This departure from his usual genre is a testament to L'Amour's literary prowess, proving that his storytelling prowess extends far beyond cowboys and saloons.

At the heart of this audiobook is a collection of gripping tales that delve into the dark and treacherous world of crime and corruption. L'Amour's firsthand experiences in Southern California before and after World War II infuse these stories with an authentic and gritty atmosphere that immediately immerses the listener. The tales of gunmen, scheming land barons, murderous villains, and the brave souls who dared to stand against them are not only reminiscent of the Old West but are also undeniably true to the spirit of the time.

One of the remarkable aspects of "Too Tough to Kill" is its exploration of the overlap between the Old West and the New. Many people believe that the era of outlaws and showdowns ended with the close of the 19th century, but L'Amour paints a vivid picture of a different reality. In the New West, the stakes were higher, the weapons deadlier, and the challenges more daunting. The Tommy Gun and the .45 automatic had replaced the six-gun and pump-action rifle, requiring an even greater display of courage and determination to confront the relentless tide of crime.

The audiobook takes its title from the infamous "Battle of Sunset Strip," a mob war that rocked the West Los Angeles/Hollywood region in the late 1940s. During this tumultuous period, more than 30 gangland killings occurred in just seven years, with over 100 lives claimed in total. The echoes of the Old West reverberated in the New, and L'Amour was there to witness it all. His experiences during this time prompted him to explore the genre of hardboiled crime fiction, where he masterfully depicted characters who, despite their flaws and frailties, embodied the spirit of resilience and honor that defines his work.

"Too Tough to Kill" is a treasure trove of L'Amour's lesser-known works, featuring short novels and stories that have been seldom reprinted. These tales, such as "Street of Corpses," "Anything For a Pal," and "Collect from a Corpse," are gritty and unapologetic in their portrayal of a world where survival often came at a high price. They are stories of men and women who faced danger head-on, navigating a landscape fraught with danger and deception.

While these stories may not be typical Westerns, they retain L'Amour's signature style, which is characterized by vivid descriptions, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to storytelling that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. However, it's worth noting that in these tales, the characters may lack the depth and moral complexity that L'Amour often imbues in his Western protagonists. Instead, they are products of their harsh environment, individuals shaped by the unforgiving streets and the moral ambiguity of their time.

The narration of "Too Tough to Kill" by Randal Schaffer is a true highlight of the audiobook. Schaffer's voice captures the essence of the era, evoking a sense of time and place that transports listeners back to the turbulent days of the New West. His delivery is both engaging and authentic, perfectly complementing L'Amour's storytelling. Schaffer's ability to bring the characters to life, each with their distinct voices and personalities, adds depth to the narrative and enhances the overall listening experience.

In "Too Tough to Kill," Louis L'Amour demonstrates his mastery of storytelling by successfully venturing into the realm of hardboiled crime fiction. While these stories may lack the typical Western backdrop, they are imbued with the same spirit of resilience, honor, and unwavering determination that defines his best works. The audiobook offers a fresh perspective on L'Amour's talent, showcasing his ability to captivate listeners with tales of a different kind of frontier – one where the challenges are just as daunting, and the heroes just as courageous.

One of the standout features of this audiobook is its ability to transport the listener to a bygone era. L'Amour's vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters' surroundings make it feel as though you are right there in the midst of the action. From the neon-lit streets of Sunset Strip to the desolate landscapes of the New West, the audiobook paints a rich and immersive picture that adds depth to the storytelling.

Moreover, "Too Tough to Kill" is not just a collection of disconnected stories; it is a cohesive exploration of a particular time and place in American history. L'Amour's experiences in Southern California serve as the backdrop for these tales, allowing listeners to gain insight into the social and cultural dynamics of the era. It's a fascinating glimpse into a period marked by lawlessness, ambition, and the clash between old traditions and new opportunities.

While the characters in these stories may not possess the same depth as L'Amour's iconic Western heroes, they are nevertheless compelling and relatable. They are individuals caught in the crossfire of a changing world, forced to confront their own flaws and make difficult choices. In a way, this lack of traditional heroism adds to the authenticity of the narrative, as it reflects the moral ambiguity of the time.

Another noteworthy aspect of "Too Tough to Kill" is its exploration of themes that resonate with readers and listeners across generations. The audiobook delves into timeless themes of honor, loyalty, and the unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. These themes are central to L'Amour's storytelling and are woven seamlessly into the fabric of each tale.

In a world where crime and corruption run rampant, the characters in "Too Tough to Kill" serve as beacons of integrity and resilience. They remind us that, even in the darkest of times, there are individuals who are willing to stand up for justice and defend their values. It's a message that continues to resonate with audiences today, making these stories as relevant as ever.

In conclusion, "Too Tough to Kill: Tales of Hard Men in a Hard Land" by Louis L'Amour, narrated by Randal Schaffer, is a captivating audiobook that offers a fresh perspective on the author's storytelling prowess. It takes us on a thrilling journey through a tumultuous period in American history, where the Old West collided with the New, and crime and corruption reigned supreme

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1 person found this helpful

Louis L'Amour in a little different setting.

This collection of short stories is classic Louis L'Amour but set in the 1920s-1940s rather than the old West. These are pulp type stories, written with Louis' style, great descriptions and fight scenes told the way only he could tell them. Of course you wont get the kind of character development you do with his novels, but still this is a very enjoyable read. The narration is quite good.

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Great stories!

Anyone liking Lois L’Amour westerns, this is a collections of his works that is a little different. They are very exciting. The narrator did a good job.

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entertaining

This was another great addition from L'Amour whom I have recently discovered. Several short stories that got my attention and held my interest start to finish. I enjoyed the detective and his thought process. Very entertaining. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job .

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Louis l'amour

A great chance to experience some of Louis l'amours other works , L'amour proves that he can write more than westerns.

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