Western novels: Classic reads during rodeo season

Since rodeo season is upon us, here are some excellent western novels by area authors I recommend reading.

First up is the recently published “The Madstone,” by Austin author Elizabeth Crook. “The Madstone” begins in Comfort in 1868, and the action quickly moves on to Boerne, The Reed House (now The Kendall), and beyond.

The novel is told in epistolary style, from the point of view of young hero Benjamin Shreve. Benjamin is a woodworker in Comfort when circumstances propel him into an adventure he could have never imagined.

“The Madstone” is available in print at the library. Crook’s previous western novel “The Which Way Tree” won the Willa Award from Women Writing the West. This book is in print in the library, and e-book format through the Libby app.

James Wade is a young novelist who lives at Canyon Lake and has already won two Spur Awards from Western Writers of America.

His first novel “All Things Left Wild,” takes place at the turn of the 20th century and is set against the backdrop of the American Southwest. In this adventure, the wealthy and bookish Randall Dawson is in search of two young brothers after a botched robbery.

“All Things Left Wild,” and Wade’s other two novels are available to read in e-book format through the Cloud Library app. The author’s novels can also be found in print in the library’s fiction section.

Cindy Bonner resides in Kerrville and was featured at our 2023 Boerne Book Festival. Her first novel “Lily,” and sequel “Looking After Lily,” are set in the small town of McDade, Texas.

Bonner describes these novels as western romances, and “Lily” is based on real events that took place in McDade in the 1800s.

March 8 marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of “Looking After Lily” and is being re-released with a fabulous new cover. Both novels are in print and on the library shelves.

Happy reading!