Book Review: Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker

Calm collected Virgil Cole is summoned to become the new Marshal in the 1800s in Appaloosa Colorado, along with his Deputy Everett Hitch, to try and restore peace in a town taken over by a corrupt rancher Randall Bragg, and his thieving low life ranch hands. Bragg and his men killed the previous Marshal and one of his deputies, and Cole and Hitch see that Bragg is arrested and tried, but on his way to be executed, hired gunmen rescue Bragg, and the familiar Western chase is on. Add into the picture newcomer in town, pretty Allison French, who is more trouble than she is worth. Allie has her eye on the head honcho, Cole, and digs her spurs in pretty tight. Cole’s inexperience with women leaves him wide open for Allie’s wiles, and he is unwilling to see beyond her malevolent heart. Later in the book, Bragg returns to Appaloosa, a pardoned man from the President, and lots of money burning a hole in his pocket. He quickly buys out businesses in town, and who do you think is the head honcho now?
Parker develops a strong bond between Cole and Hitch, an intuitive relationship revealed by a glance, gesture or even silence. A surprise ending shows just how important this relationship is.
Appaloosa is one of the few westerns that Robert Parker has written, who is known for his Spenser character in his mystery books. Parker develops a strong relationship between the two main characters Cole and Hitch in a nonverbal kind of way. The storyline is a typical western with gunfights, Indians, a chase through the mountains, a train ride, and of course a romance. The book centers more on the relationship, and the story line, and not a lot of character development. Parker also shows a connection between the main characters and the Appaloosa horse, where they each will take care of their family and women no matter what, but try to abide by the established rules within their environment. Appaloosa will appeal to Western fans, and is now a major motion picture. - Saren (Downtown)