Dead Man's Walk : A Novel

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In this prequel to McMurtry's 1986 Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove, Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call are invincible young bucks, Texas Rangers, full of youthful energy and, quite frankly, full of themselves. That is until they're utterly consumed by the vicious battlefield of the early-19th-century Wild West. Their journey takes them across barren deserts and raging rivers and through steep and snowy mountains, often on foot and with barely enough provisions and clothing to keep them from certain death. The constant threat of attack by Comanches keeps them awake nights, fearing for their lives--and for good reason. "Buffalo Hump reached down and grabbed the terrified boy by his long black hair. He yanked his horse to a stop, lifted Zeke Moody off his feet, and slashed at his head with a knife, just above the boy's ears. Then he whirled and raced across the front of the huddled Rangers, dragging Zeke by the hair. As the horse increased its speed, the scalp tore loose and Zeke fell free. Buffalo Hump had whirled again, and held aloft the bloody scalp."

This bedraggled group of adventurers--on their foolhardy expedition to seize Santa Fe from the Mexicans (who also prove to be formidable enemies)--includes a salty assortment of cowboys, scouts, fortune seekers, and a fat and sassy whore nicknamed "The Great Western." McMurtry's adept storytelling paints a portrait of the Wild West that at times is palpable. One can almost smell the campfires, the body odors, and the long-awaited piece of meat after weeks without a proper meal. Dead Man's Walk will satisfy your craving for adventure, without having to put your life on the line.

Book Description

Dead Man's Walk is the first, extraordinary book in the epic Lonesome Dove tetralogy, in which Larry McMurtry breathed new life into the vanished American West and created two of the most memorable heroes in contemporary fiction: Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call.

As young Texas Rangers, Gus and Call have much to learn about survival in a land fraught with perils: not only the blazing heat and raging tornadoes, roiling rivers and merciless Indians but also the deadly whims of soldiers. On their first expeditions--led by incompetent officers and accompanied by the robust, dauntless whore known as the Great Western--they will face death at the hands of the cunning Comanche war chief Buffalo Hump and the silent Apache Gomez. They will be astonished by the Mexican army. And Gus will meet the love of his life.

Customer Reviews:

Boring, depressing, and disappointing.......2007-08-01

Lonesome Dove was a fantastic novel, but this prequel is not even close to the same league. McMurtry must have been depressed when he wrote it, because the entire book is very gloomy, and nothing good ever seems to happen to the main characters. This book and Comanche Moon should really be one book, since there is really no conclusion to this book. Neither one of them is a worthy prequel to Lonesome Dove.

Not a Lonesome Dove.......2007-07-06

I had great exspectations for this book but ended up skipping pages to try and find Some real action. It was a great disappointment. Too much time spent on the whores and long periods of inaction and stupidity of most of the main players left me in limbo. I thought it would be about the adventures of Gus and Call in the ranger days before Lonesome Dove, but was only one long drawn out event. Don't exspect a lot and you will not be disappointed as I was. Long walks across the desert with people dying all the time is not my idea of a action book.

Worthy Prequel to Lonesome Dove .......2007-06-08

Larry McMurtry's DEAD MAN'S WALK is a worthy prequel to 1. Lonesome Dove (the Pulitizer Prize winning masterpiece). However, it lacks the originality of Lonesome Dove. The characters are very real and McMurtry writes in a convincing and readable manner.

The book is excellent until page 459 which is the introduction of Lady Carey and her entourage. The next twenty nine pages are worthless. They add little to the story and worst of all they made the novel unconvincing. The troop saunters through the llano like a circus: there is a black lady with warrior nature, a leper woman who is a contrived Godiva, and a young boy who is one-dimensional.

The beginning story was a tale of grueling hardship to survive. It is high quality writing combined with a page turning story. But McMurtry fails the reader with his hideous conclusion. The ending seemed more circus fantasy than gritty western.

Despite the poor conclusion Dead Man's Walk is worth the read. The tale of Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call is as good as Lonesome Dove. It is delightful to read of their trials and coming into manhood. The descriptions of the landscapes are stunning. Also, the villain, Buffalo Hump, is a force throughout the novel and a hallmark of this book.

Overall ****/***** for a good tale but poor ending; and well conceived characters. Make sure to watch the DVD version of this book. David Arquette and Jennifer Garner are a perfect Gus and Clara.

Recommendations:
Dead Man's Walk
Deadwood - The Complete First Season
Deadwood - The Complete Second Season
Deadwood - The Complete Third Season
The Searchers (Two-Disc Anniversary Edition)
Seraphim Falls

The weakest book in the series........2007-04-27

I found much of this book to be contrived and forced. Its more of a formula book than the others. The characters didn't ring true with what they became.

Dead Man's Walk - a review.......2007-02-08

Woodrow Call and Agustus McCrae are very young men, just embarking on their adventures as Texas Rangers when this book takes place. I have to admit it was rather a disappointment. "Lonesome Dove" is a masterpiece and, in a way, I think McMurty should have left it at that. He uses the central characters from "Lonesome Dove" in "Dead Man's Walk", and, especially in regard to Woodrow Call, it just doen't ring true. I just can't see Captain Call of LD as the same Woodrow Call in DMW, particularly when it comes to his relationship with Maggie. Captain Call was a solitary individual,emotionally remote. I don't see this struggle in DMW, or any reason for him to turn inward later in life and to deny his son. The ending of the book seems rather abrubt and far-fetched. If you can separate the idea that these are the same characters from LD, you may enjoy the book on that level. As westerns go, it is an okay read.

Average customer rating:

Dead man's walk
Richard S Prather
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

The island couldn't be more charming with its stretches of white beaches, crystalline lagoons, and exotic bikini-clad beauties. But with three dead bodies and a voodoo priest, I had a hard time concentrating on sightseeing. It seemed superstitious to me, since nobody could solve the puzzling cause of their deaths. So with the assistance of my own lovely native doll, I had my work cut out for me-and that was simply managing to evade the long voodoo needle that was destined for my heart!

3 Titles in the Henrie O Series: (1) Dead Man's Island; (2) Scandal in Fair Haven; (3) Death on the River Walk (Set of 3)

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3 Titles in the Henrie O Series: (1) Dead Man's Island; (2) Scandal in Fair Haven; (3) Death on the River Walk (Set of 3)
Carolyn G. Hart
Manufacturer: Various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WYF05Y

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Dead Man's Walk
Larry McMurtry
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OKS4EA

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Dead Man's Walk
Richard S. Prather
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 0450000427

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DEAD MAN'S WALK Paperback)
RS Prather
Manufacturer: EDGEWEAR/ SHELL SCOTT NOVEL
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000V1Z2RE

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Dead Man's Walk (A Shell Scott Mystery)
Prather. Richard S.
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TZC5R2

Dead Man's Walk (A Shell Scott Novel, 55027)

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Dead Man's Walk (A Shell Scott Novel, 55027)
Richard S. Prather
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MHM48M

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Dead Man's Walk (Avalon Westerns)
Lee Martin
Manufacturer: Thomas Bouregy & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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DEAD MAN'S WALK (FBP)

Manufacturer: POCKET
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HF6SRM

False Scent (A Roderick Alleyn Mystery)
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Flowers, perfume, and insecticide as birthday tributes

Wickedly Witty

Marsh sets center stage thriller

great audio experience!

Yep, another good yarn from Ngaio Marsh
False Scent (A Roderick Alleyn Mystery)
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Dead Letter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Police Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Marsh, Ngaio | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312968981

Book Description

In a poisonous cloud of spray, the curtain falls on a drama queen.

Little did beloved British actress Mary Bellamy know that she would be done in at her own birthday party-choked by toxic mist from the bottle of "Slaypest," a deadly insecticide. Basking in the glow of her most adoring fans-who all happened to be her most duplicitous enemies-Mary would make her final performance. When Superintendent Roderick Alleyn arrives, he smells a rat amongst the contemptuous collection of theatre types detained at the party, for this case has the unmistakable scent of murder...

Customer Reviews:

Flowers, perfume, and insecticide as birthday tributes.......2005-12-21

false scent -
1. (as a phrase) a trail mistakenly believed to lead to the quarry, especially such a trail laid with the intention of deflecting pursuit or misleading an investigation
2. (from the individual words) a perfume that is either not genuine or that is treacherous
- from the SHORTER OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY

I recommend the unabridged recording narrated by James Saxon. Ngaio Marsh's books appear to best advantage when performed rather than simply read (possibly her work as a playwright makes the dialogue specially effective that way).

FALSE SCENT is one of Marsh's mysteries set in the world of the theatre (like most of them, specifically the London stage). The entire action of the book takes place in a single day and night, the fiftieth birthday of the famous comedic actress Mary Bellamy (not that many people officially know her age, apart from her devoted dresser/personal maid Florence, her often-forgotten doting husband Charles Templeton, and her elderly ex-nurse, Ninn - who enjoys drinking port and being outrageous). The point of view in the first portion of the book rotates through various members of the cast, beginning with the intended victim's dream of her own funeral tributes, fading into the actual tributes offered to her on her birthday.

Although she's a comedic actress who fancies herself charming and generous, dealing with Mary Bellamy has been anything but a laugh of late for those close to her. In reality, she demands absolute devotion from everyone, reducing them to satellites in her orbit, seeking her permission before forming professional relationships with anyone else. This ranges from her old cronies dress designer Bertie Saracen (whose fame grew by association with her) and supporting actress Pinky Cavendish (who is finally being offered leading roles, not just opportunities to be upstaged by Mary), and not least her quasi-adopted son Richard Dakers (whose first few plays were written for Mary, but who wants to write serious work for which she isn't suited). Richard in particular is headed for a disastrous quarrel with his guardian, having not only written a leading role for which Mary would never even be considered, but for embarking without his guardian's knowledge on a serious relationship with Anelida Lee, a young actress who can perform in more than a single restricted genre. Anelida, as both the female romantic lead and someone outside Mary Bellamy's own circle, is used more frequently than most as the viewpoint character, as she is involved in events without being on intimate terms with most of the other players in the story.

(One mystery *not* overlooked in the book is why Mary's constant threats to go to "the Management" whenever she's angry with another person of the theatre world are taken so very seriously by everyone around her.)

In fact, Mary Bellamy's increasingly frequent fits of jealous rage bring her into conflict with everyone close to her on the last day of her life, her quarrels ranging from her choice of perfume for her grand birthday party to her insistence on exclusive commitments from professional contacts. When Mary is found dead after a particularly violent quarrel during her party, the only detail surprising to a detached observer is that she didn't die of a stroke, but of poison.

Once Alleyn arrives on the scene, the pace of the story slows down a good bit as he pries the facts of Mary's final quarrels out of her intimates - matters to which the reader is already privy, which may tempt the unwary into ignoring signs of more interesting avenues of investigation as they are slipped into the interviews. To paraphrase Agatha Christie, in fact, it becomes apparent that this murder is the *end* of a story - the climax of an escalating series of events that Alleyn only gradually uncovers.

Drive-in totals/summary:
- Two deaths.
- Macbeth reference (the title of Richard's new play is taken from one of Marsh's favourite scenes)
- Multiple jealous rages (at least three in the course of the story, but only one "on camera", so they don't become repetitive)
- A profusion of flowers in various contexts: bought by Richard for his girl rather than his guardian, the decorations created by Saracen, a window box with a deadly sprayer of insecticide, and one unaccounted-for bouquet in the victim's bedroom.

Wickedly Witty.......2005-06-04

Published in 1959, FALSE SCENT finds Ngaio Marsh setting her scene among London's theatre folk--and to wickedly witty effect. Mary Bellamy, famous for her "v" shaped smile and her way with light comedy, has long been known as one of the leading lights of the stage. Indeed, it may have been a bit too long: her temper tantrums have become as legendary as her career, and her 50th birthday provides ample showcase for them. Before the day is out she will snap, snarl, create two extremely nasty scenes--and end up dead, literally a victim of her own vanity.

Marsh is renowned for her skill at creating both memorable characters and settings, and she often gives her novels a theatrical background; it was world she knew well, and she digs her nails into every scrap of it. But Marsh's plots are not always the equal of her literary skill, and this is somewhat true of FALSE SCENT; although the novel is tremendous fun, a good many readers will spot the killer midway through the book. Still, with Marsh getting there is often the fun, and while FALSE SCENT doesn't really stand among the best of her best, it is a vastly entertaining reading. Recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Marsh sets center stage thriller.......2003-11-09

To be "done in" at one's own birthday party is not exactly what one would wish for! But in
Ngaio Marsh's "False Scent," this is what happens. Kind of. Famed--and much revered--Mary
Bellamy of the London stage takes a whiff of her favorite perfume, and, poof, she's dead!

In typical Marsh fashion, of course, "False Scent" is off to the races, once again with
Superintendent Roderick Alleyn on the "scent," as it were. No odor is too powerful for him! The
allure of such crimes keeps him (and Marsh) going. The taciturn Alleyn moves in and out of the
local theatre circuit (or perhaps "circus") and methodically, systematically, and accurately
categorizing all clues, false and otherwise (and Marsh is good at this, too, as she's proved in over 30
such novels!).

What a web Dame Marsh weaves and what a journey it is for her readers. Hold on to your seats,
this a blockbuster! (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

great audio experience!.......2002-02-28

I'm a mystery lover, and a book reader in general, but had never tried audiobooks until a couple of weeks ago, when I bought this one for a road trip. What a thrill! This reader is a BRILLIANT actor... in terms of characterizations of the typically wide range of class accents in this sort of British murder mystery, as well as inflection in long spells of narrative, he is superb. I almost regret having heard his performance, as I've since been listening to a "Miss Silver" mystery from another company (and reader), and have been disappointed by a bland delivery and some distracting problems with audio levels. I'm going to check out EVERY audio book read by JAmes Saxon, though-- "False Scent" was spellbinding. I'm a convert to the format, and looking forward to my commutes with future Marsh/Saxon volumes.

Oh yes-- the book itself is wonderful, as are all Ngaio Marsh novels.

Yep, another good yarn from Ngaio Marsh.......2000-07-07

Mary Bellamy is an aging actress, given to fits of jealousy and paranoia, who can go from charming to vindictive in less than ten seconds. So really, no one should have been too surprised when someone takes the aptly named "Slaypest" insecticide that Mary uses on her flowers, and kills her with it. Suddenly, those closest to Mary - her adopted son, devoted husband, faithful maid, old nanny, personal stylist/designer, old admirer and theatre colleagues are suspected of murder. A particularly good read if you are at all familiar with the inner-workings of the theatre and the mentality of theatre folk.

Another three-act special;: 3 complete mystery novels: False scent. Scales of justice. Singing in the shrouds

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Another three-act special;: 3 complete mystery novels: False scent. Scales of justice. Singing in the shrouds
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: Little, Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007DWY72

ASIMOV'S SCIENCE FICTION - Volume 5, number 4 - April Apr 1981: Unicorn Variation; The Polybugs of Titan; The Stuff Itself; False Scent; The Hotter Flash; Improbable Bestiary: The Unicorn; Graffiti; Instead of a Story; Twitch on the Bull Run

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ASIMOV'S SCIENCE FICTION - Volume 5, number 4 - April Apr 1981: Unicorn Variation; The Polybugs of Titan; The Stuff Itself; False Scent; The Hotter Flash; Improbable Bestiary: The Unicorn; Graffiti; Instead of a Story; Twitch on the Bull Run
George (editor) (Roger Zelazny; Martin Gardner; James Gunn; Rick Raphael; J.O. Jeppson; F. Gwynplaine; MacIntyre; Gary Alexander; Ted Reynolds; Sharon Webb; Stefan T. Possony; Jerry Pournelle; Barry B. Longyear) Scithers
Manufacturer: Davis Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LQ4CYS

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False Scent

Manufacturer: Jove Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GGY5D6

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False Scent
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IH95X8

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False Scent
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B0000CKMFT

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False Scent
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: Berkley Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HFIWBW

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False Scent
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: Fontana
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KK730K

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False Scent
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: Fontana
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000RT45RS

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False Scent
Ngaio Marsh
Manufacturer: Crest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TZ1TGK

Book Description

The classic series now in one volume for the first time!He appeared out of the northern mountain fastness, wielding powerful magics and claiming to be the Sun God's own child. His burning desire was to rule the entire world, and he inspired the loyalty of men who would fight for it with him. But conquering an empire, and ruling it, are two very different things. Even for the children of a demi-God.

The Lady of Han-Gilen (Volume Two of Avaryan Rising)

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The Lady of Han-Gilen (Volume Two of Avaryan Rising)
Judith Tarr
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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AVARYAN RISING THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING THE LADY OF HAN-GILEN A FALL OF PRINCES
Judith Tarr
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The Lady of Han-Gilen & The Hall Of The Mountain King - 2 Volume Set

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The Lady of Han-Gilen & The Hall Of The Mountain King - 2 Volume Set
Judith Tarr
Manufacturer: TDR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RGPMIW

Product Description

Volume I & II "Of Avaryan Rising". Two novels of high fantasy.

The Lady of Han-Gilen (Avaryan Rising, Volume Two)

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The Lady of Han-Gilen (Avaryan Rising, Volume Two)

Manufacturer: Tor Books
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Binding: Paperback
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The Lady of Han-Gilen - In Russian
Judith Tarr
Manufacturer: Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 523700024X

AVARYAN RISING - Book (1) One: The Hall of the Mountain King; Book (2) Two: The Lady of Han Gilen; Book (3) Three: A Fall of Princes

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AVARYAN RISING - Book (1) One: The Hall of the Mountain King; Book (2) Two: The Lady of Han Gilen; Book (3) Three: A Fall of Princes
Judith Tarr
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NRXIZO

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THE LADY OF HAN-GILEN.
Judith. Tarr
Manufacturer: Bluejay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OU168Q

Book Description

Bacteria and mold may lurk undetected in carpets or in the heating or cooling system of your office or school. When inhaled, the by-products of these organisms can cause allergy and asthma symptoms. Chemical vapors emitted by office furniture and equipment may also foul the air we breathe indoors, causing headaches, eye irritation, or other symptoms. Here the author of the best-selling My House Is Killing Me! and co-author of The Mold Survival Guide turns his attention to indoor air quality in public buildings. Blending his extensive professional experience with scientific explanations, May helps us see these buildings through the eyes of a building scientist, microscopist, and organic chemist. He offers a step-by-step approach to identifying, controlling, and often eliminating the sources of indoor air pollutants and allergens. Whether it's a case of mold in an elementary school or inadequate ventilation in a high-rise office building, this valuable guide can help people cope when the air they breathe indoors is making them sick.

Customer Reviews:

From ventilation systems or the lack thereof to breeding grounds for germs.......2006-06-20

Bacteria and mold may lurk in office carpets, the heating system, and other places causing allergy and asthma symptoms, while vapors emitted by furniture and equipment add other symptoms. Other books focus on the home; finally here's a book to focus on the place adults spend most of their daily lives, the office. From ventilation systems or the lack thereof to breeding grounds for germs, MY OFFICE IS KILLING ME! THE SICK BUILDING SURVIVAL GUIDE doesn't just help identify problems; it tells what to do about them.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

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