When it comes to Western authors, none are more prolific or popular than Louis L'Amour. Labeled “America’s Storyteller” by many, his tales of the wild frontier were rife with fabulous characters, thrilling plots, and an authentic take on the American West that far surpasses what we see on the page today. L’Amour knew how to tell a good story (even one set in the Middle Ages like The Walking Drum, the Cold War like Last of the Breed, or contemporary America like The Haunted Mesa), and he never let us forget it.

In his vast career, L’Amour penned over 100 novels and more than 250 short stories — an impressive number by any standard. But which of his novels are the best? Well, that will probably look different depending on who you ask — and, between us, it does seem a little impossible to try and rank them (there isn’t really a bad book in his bibliography). That said, we’ve put together a list of some of our L’Amour favorites that will do the job. If you’re looking to give the Western star a go, these are some of the novels you ought to start with.

10

‘Son of a Wanted Man’ (1984)

Perhaps one of L’Amour’s most underrated works, Son of a Wanted Man is loosely connected to the larger Sackett series (and is also a direct sequel in many respects to Borden Chantry), but it can be thoroughly enjoyed on its own. The tale follows the titular hero Mike Bastian, the adoptive son of outlaw Ben Curry, who struggles as the heir-apparent to Curry’s empire, an empire he’s not sure that he wants.

Full of action, suspense, and some truly clever twists, Son of a Wanted Man is a genuine pleasure. It balances Mike’s perspective quite well with Ben’s, as well as other heroic characters like Borden Chantry and Tyrel Sackett, who appear in pivotal roles. Of all the Sackett-related books that could turn easily into a standalone film, this is one that we’d love to see most.

9

‘To the Far Blue Mountains’ (1976)

Speaking of the Sackett series, To the Far Blue Mountains is one of several Sackett-based prequels that detail the famed frontier family’s first adventures in the New World. The tale follows patriarch Barnabas Sackett as he leaves England in the 17th century for the Americas, only to find himself on the run from the Queen of England after being accused as a thief. Things quickly go from bad to worse.

Filled with plenty of action as Barnabas goes on the run, To the Far Blue Mountains is a real page-turner. Fans of historical fiction beyond the traditional Old West setting will enjoy this frontier thriller, which chronicles the early years of the European pioneers who made their way across the pond. Even though it’s not your usual shoot-’em-up horse opera, it contains enough Western flavor that you won’t want to put it down.

8

‘Mustang Man’ (1966)

Another chapter in the Sackett story, Mustang Man follows Nolan Sackett as he searches for lost gold in Sante Fe. While there, he meets the irresistible Penelope Hume, whose grandfather is responsible for the lost treasure. With others seeking to find it first, Nolan and Penelope must fight hard to take hold of the prize — or else lose it like so many others before them.

A sequel of sorts to Mojave Crossing, though only in the sense that Nolan returns for this adventure, Mustang Man is a riveting pulp adventure that keeps the reader on their toes. With some interesting twists thrown into the third act and plenty of action to boot, you’ll understand why many love this L’Amour classic. Again, while it’s part of The Sacketts series, it doesn’t necessarily require additional reading — though you’ll find yourself wanting to grab more.

7

‘Sackett’s Land’ (1974)