The Diablo Grant

By James Reasoner and Ivy Pochoda

Book Overview

Judge Earl Stark is taken to the roots of lawlessness when the discovery of a centuries-old land grant belonging to the local town drunk threatens the livelihood of two wealthy and powerful ranchers... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671871420
• ISBN13: 9780671871420
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.2" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Original western with intriguing twists and robust characters

I've been wanting to start reading Westerns again. This short one (200+ pages) is a good place to edge back in. Earl Stark is a roving federal circuit court judge (a fresh protagonist) who comes to the frontier town of Garrison in the New Mexico Territory. The town drunk, a decrepit Mexican, has an old Spanish land grant deeding the entire valley to his family of which he's the sole surviving heir. This doesn't set well with two large ranch owners or the townspeople. The tough but fair Judge Stark adjudicates the dilemma. Murder and greed come into play while the plot builds to a satisfying climax with a couple of deft twists. This is a swift, intelligent read not bogged down in sunset and tumbleweed descriptions. Third title in the series. Enjoyable and recommended.

The Diablo Grant

Not one of Reasoner's best books; however not a bad story. It lacks some of the historical detail found in many of Reasoner's other books. If you want a quick read (only 200 pages) you will find it an entertaining western tale. I recommend The Healer's Road and Healer's Calling. The Wilderness Road is also very good.

A VERY GOOD BOOK!

Juan Espina has a paper that says he owns the entire Diablo Valley. The problem is Espina is the town drunk and the Valley is thought to be owned by ranchers. The two biggest are Travis Richmond and Ben Thompkins. They are not about to allow Espina to claim their land. In steps Judge Earl Stark, who rules the grant is legal and the property is owned by Espina. There are attempts to get the grant and destroy it. There is also murder involved. The ending has a nice twist to it. The book is a fast read with plenty of action and will hold your attention. I really liked the character of Judge Stark, he was smart and tough. He is not afraid to use fist and guns if necessary. He is asked, "You going to untangle it with brains or bullets, Your Hornor? His reply, " Whatever it takes." A very good western read.