Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
G.P. Putnam's Sons (2014), Edition: 1st, 352 pages
Description
Fiction. Western. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML:Itinerant lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch are back in the saddle with guns blazing in this gritty, intense addition to the New York Times�??bestselling series. After hunting down murderer and bandito Captain Alejandro Vasquez, Territorial Marshal Virgil Cole and Deputy Everett Hitch return him to Citadel to stand trial. No sooner do they remand Vasquez into custody when a major bank robbery occurs and the lawmen quickly find themselves tasked with a new job: investigate the robbery of Comstock Bank, recover the loot, and bring the criminals to justice. But when their primary suspect is found severely beaten outside a high-class brothel and the suspect turns out to be using a false identity to escape a torrid past, it is Vasquez who becomes the key to their investigation. Cole and Hitch are soon on the trail of the money, two calculating brothers, and the daughter of Saint Louis�??s most prominent millionaire in a Cain-and-Abel story that brings revenge to a whole new… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member laytonwoman3rd
I can't bear to give this one the publisher's full title, which is Robert B. Parker's Bull River. With his second installment in the Virgil Cole/Everett Hitch series, Knott has really blown it. His Cole and Hitch are caricatures, not characters. Although I thought he did a decent job of carrying on
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the Western adventures of Parker's characters in Ironhorse, his tendency to overdo the choppy dialog between Virgil and Everett was annoying at times. In this novel, it's ludicrous. It takes subtlety to do simplicity well; Knott manages somehow to be heavy-handed with it. The intelligent communication and wry humor that Parker managed to convey with few words is totally lost here, as if all Knott got from reading Parker is that Virgil likes one-word responses. As one of the scriptwriters on the movie version of Appaloosa, he should have known better. Furthermore, Knott has created a Mexican character named Alejandro Vasquez who is a total mess, by which I mean his creator had no idea whether this man was fluent in English or barely able to put together a sentence in his native language; whether he was a stone killer or Robin Hood; whether he was dangerous or trustworthy. Maybe he was trying to keep the reader guessing. Sure, that's what he was doing. But I think he lost track himself. And there's more wrong with Bull River than that. It's too long; it takes too long to get to the action; it's full of what feel like linguistic anachronisms; cliches that Parker would have given a nifty twist are just cliches; scenes that ought to advance the action don't. Granted I read this from an ARC, but one assumes it had been subjected to some editing. If it had not been an ER acquisition, I would not have finished it. Show Less
LibraryThing member nbmars
This is a continuation of the western series featuring Marshal Virgil Cole and Deputy Marshal Everett Hitch, characters created by Robert B. Parker. This time the two marshals go to Mexico in search of some bank robbers who have kidnapped the daughter of St. Louis’s most prominent millionaire.
It took me at least half the book to care about the characters, but eventually the wily Alejandro won me over. There isn’t much action though, and the dialogue is quite terse (but amusingly so). I would rate the plot as somewhat inferior to that of Iron Horse, an earlier rendition of Parker’s western characters by Robert Knott.
I listened to the book on CD, and the reader, Rex Linn, does an excellent job of changing voices and mimicking western and Mexican accents.
(JAB)
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They are guided by Captain Alejandro Vasquez, a colorful bandito they had recently captured and were holding in prison for murder. Along the way, they have to outwit six corrupt Mexican federales (policemen) who are more interested in potential ransom money than they are in justice. It took me at least half the book to care about the characters, but eventually the wily Alejandro won me over. There isn’t much action though, and the dialogue is quite terse (but amusingly so). I would rate the plot as somewhat inferior to that of Iron Horse, an earlier rendition of Parker’s western characters by Robert Knott.
I listened to the book on CD, and the reader, Rex Linn, does an excellent job of changing voices and mimicking western and Mexican accents.
(JAB)
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LibraryThing member Gatorhater
Early Friday morning, the President of Comstock Bank, Henry Strode rides into town on his buckboard, stopped at the bank and demanded that the entire safe be cleaned out, all currency and gold was too be transferred into his buckboard. Shortly after Mr. Strode, his wife and everything from the safe
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are missing. Now entering the case are lawmen Marshall Virgil Cole and Deputy Marshall Everett Hitch, they set out to try too solve this robbery, but the facts of this case are not what they appear too be. Show Less
LibraryThing member bjkelley
Just like with Robert Knott's previous entry Ironhorse into the Robert B. Parker series with Virgil Cole and Everette Hitch, Knott uses whole paragraphs for descriptions that Parker could have done in one sentence. Slows the pace of the book down and adds probably 30 or 40 unnecessary pages to the
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story. The book's not bad and if Knott writes another one, I'm sure I will read it, but then again, if he never wrote another in the series, I would be just as happy. Show Less
LibraryThing member bwkramer
Bull River is another step in the Virgil Cole and Everette Hitch saga. I must admit I was a bit concerned with Ironhorse (the previous novel by Robert Knott). I just didn't feel it connected enough with the original characters, but in Bull River I truly believe the author has hit the mark. As with
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the original series, the story moves along at a nice pace and is packed with enough subtle humor to really enjoy the two main characters. If you liked the original series, I believe this is a good solid addition and worth the read. I know I will be picking up the next novel if one should arrive to carry on the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member Geopou
This is my first Cole & Hitch novel, so for now I have no point of comparison between Mr. Parker and Mr Knott's writing. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the story flowed very smoothly.
LibraryThing member mikedraper
Lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hutch bring a prisoner in to a small Texas town to await a trial. They learn that the local bank has been robbed by the bank president and that the bank president's wife has disappeared.
Their prisoner, Capt. Vasquez claims to know where the robbers went and the real
The story appears like an old time western with heroes similar to those in "Lonesome Dove." The men are competent and brave and have little use for extra language often answering a question with a one word answer.
The trail leads to Mexico and we see small Texas and Mexican towns, the new railroad and the hotels and whore houses in the towns. When they arrive in Mexico, authorities think they are looking for a reward and want to share in the reward money. The lawmen realize they have to watch their backs.
The author is Robert Knott and the story and characters are taken from those of Robert B. Parker. The story moves along nicely and the characters are strong and interesting.
Their prisoner, Capt. Vasquez claims to know where the robbers went and the real
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identity of the bank president. He will show the lawmen where the bandits are in return for getting out of jail.The story appears like an old time western with heroes similar to those in "Lonesome Dove." The men are competent and brave and have little use for extra language often answering a question with a one word answer.
The trail leads to Mexico and we see small Texas and Mexican towns, the new railroad and the hotels and whore houses in the towns. When they arrive in Mexico, authorities think they are looking for a reward and want to share in the reward money. The lawmen realize they have to watch their backs.
The author is Robert Knott and the story and characters are taken from those of Robert B. Parker. The story moves along nicely and the characters are strong and interesting.
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LibraryThing member riverlady2
Robert Knott has captured Robert B. Parker's voice in this latest Virgil Cole western novel, 'Bull River'. As a long time fan of Robert B. Parker, it is nice to know there is a writer like Robert Knott to continue the series.
The story moves along with plot twists and humor. The story begins with
The story moves along with plot twists and humor. The story begins with
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Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch delivering a wanted man to jail and planning their return home only to be caught up in another case. Soon Cole and Hitch are busy trying to unravel lies and identities as the trail leads them into Mexico. Show Less
LibraryThing member smcgurr
I've read all of Parker's Spenser and Jesse Stone novels, but never got to his Westerns. Robert Knott has picked up Parker's series focusing on Marshalls Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The story takes them on a number of twists and turns involving a bank robbery, identity theft, kidnapped wife, and
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sibling rivalry. There may be a few too many twists and turns in this book and a couple of strands of story that don't resolve (but that may be part of the series), but overall, this was an entertaining story. Knott seems to have an ear for Parker's clipped dialog and short chapters and a philosophical first-person narrator. I'm not a huge fan of continuing series after the original author's death, but I've read worse. Show Less
LibraryThing member hansue
It is not Robert Parker! Bull River, a Robert Parker book written by Robert Knott is an okay read, but it is not Robert Parker. Knott tries really hard and he gets better towards the end of the book, but he is just a poor imitation of Parker. The dialogue between the deputies is just too sparse.
The story is about Marshall Cole and his Deputy Hitch who deliver a prisoner Captain Alejandro to San Cristobal. At first you think Captain Alejandro is a murderer and a thief, but by the end of the book, he is one of the good guys. The two lawmen get involved in a bank robbery which has numerous turns and strange twists. Some of the characters are interesting. The woman who runs the hotel and pursues Deputy Hitch is a strong female character who has a mind of her own. Soon the two lawmen and Alejandro are off to Mexico to solve the crime and catch the bad guys.
I loved Robert Parker’s books and all of his characters, but he is dead, so they must die too.
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Sometimes you think you are going to fall asleep before they finish a simple conservation. Robert Parker was able to be limited in the dialogue, but with great effect.The story is about Marshall Cole and his Deputy Hitch who deliver a prisoner Captain Alejandro to San Cristobal. At first you think Captain Alejandro is a murderer and a thief, but by the end of the book, he is one of the good guys. The two lawmen get involved in a bank robbery which has numerous turns and strange twists. Some of the characters are interesting. The woman who runs the hotel and pursues Deputy Hitch is a strong female character who has a mind of her own. Soon the two lawmen and Alejandro are off to Mexico to solve the crime and catch the bad guys.
I loved Robert Parker’s books and all of his characters, but he is dead, so they must die too.
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LibraryThing member Mantra
Cole & Hitch have finally captured someone they've been after for a while. But while waiting for the judge to arrive in town they get involved in solving a bank robbery and kidnapping.
They end up needing their prisoner's help. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, it would make a good film. Robert Knott
Cole & Hitch seems very close in personality and dialog to the original Parker stories. I'll definitely keep reading this series.
They end up needing their prisoner's help. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, it would make a good film. Robert Knott
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has done a good job, definitely concocted a good western and Cole & Hitch seems very close in personality and dialog to the original Parker stories. I'll definitely keep reading this series.
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LibraryThing member Leischen
It's hard to take another writer's characters and try to create a story true to the original. (See all the Star Trek & Star Wars novels that don't ring true.) Robert Parker even tried it with Raymond Chandler's Marlowe with varying degrees of success. Robert Knott takes my favorite Parker series
Cole & Hitch are turning in their latest captive, when they are drawn into the investigation of a banker robbing his own bank. The trail leads through various twists and turns until it leads back to their original captive who is necessary to the solution of this case.
Even with thousands of westerns in my collection, Knott manages to keep this series among my favorites.
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(Cole & Hitch) and makes it his own while still retaining the voice and concepts of their creator.Cole & Hitch are turning in their latest captive, when they are drawn into the investigation of a banker robbing his own bank. The trail leads through various twists and turns until it leads back to their original captive who is necessary to the solution of this case.
Even with thousands of westerns in my collection, Knott manages to keep this series among my favorites.
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LibraryThing member command3r
Fans of Robert B Parker's Cole and Hitch series will like the continuation of the series picked up by Knott. Though Knott managed to recapture the feel of Parker's voice and prose, the feel was far less substantive. Cole and Hitch communicate just as quickly, but with far less meaning. The story
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itself moves quickly and entertainingly enough. Show Less
LibraryThing member tomray
I've been a fan of Robert Parkers Spencer series since I read the first one but have never found his Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch to be that great but since his passing I think they have got better with other authors writing them.I did enjoy reading "Bull River"
LibraryThing member Mathenam
I really love Robert Parker's Virgil & Cole western series. The first three were written prior to Parker's death. "Bull River" is the second installment offered by writer Robert Knott. It definitely seems more fluff and unnecessary predicaments for Virgil & Cole to get out of, and for me, Knott
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tends to rush the ending, wrapping everything up neatly in just 10 pages, or so. Having said that, I love these characters so much that I will continue to read this series until they stop writing them. Show Less
LibraryThing member tcards
Knott isn't Parker but he does a decent enough imitation of the master.
I just finished Bull River for the 2nd time since the end of March. I read so many books that it's hard to keep track of who,what and when sometimes. In this case I recognized the scenario around page 18 but I was already hooked
I just finished Bull River for the 2nd time since the end of March. I read so many books that it's hard to keep track of who,what and when sometimes. In this case I recognized the scenario around page 18 but I was already hooked
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once again. Knott has the dynamic duo's dialogue down perfect. It's still not Parker but it's close. Show Less
LibraryThing member repb
Again, the publishers should be sued for Truth in Advertising. They have the nerve to place Parker's name on yet another book. I disliked almost everything about this mess ... the foul language ... the dismal attempt to recreate the over-the-top terse dialogue of the original key characters ... and
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the overly complicated, stupid plot. NeverthelessI still gave them two stars for their nerve. Show Less
LibraryThing member tom471
Robert Knott has written an enjoyable book. He has Parker's style down very well--short chapters and lean dialogue. Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch, deputy US Marshalls solve a bank robbery, kidnapping and some murders along the way. Both Cole and Hitch and their laconic speech style were created by
This was a fast read, 3 days, like all Parker books
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Parker.This was a fast read, 3 days, like all Parker books
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LibraryThing member RCW
I don't think I've ever read a western before, but Robert B. Parker's Bull River by Robert Knott was definitely an eye opener. The book had me so engrossed that after finishing it I was looking for more and I must say that now I have to read the other Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch stories, because
Note: received in Penguin First To Read galley
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I don't think I will be happy unless I do. The story was fun and there wasn't a dull moment. Everything I could ever want out of this book (a good shot and hilarious happenstances) came to fruition. Overall, I was thrilled with the story its progression to the conclusion, as well as the conclusion itself, even if it was a teensy bit expected. Awesome read. Note: received in Penguin First To Read galley
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LibraryThing member rosalita
I thoroughly enjoyed all of Robert B. Parker's entries in this series of Westerns featuring friends Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. I normally have a strict rule about not reading series continuations written by other authors, but I was missing the characters and decided to give Robert Knott's entry
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a try. And I don't regret it, exactly, but it simply isn't Parker and was thus fell short for me. I'd like to read some of Knott's other books, as I think I'd enjoy his writing if I wasn't feeling compelled to compare it to one of my favorite authors. If you love and desperately miss Virgil and Hitch, you could do worse than pick this one up. No, it's not Parker, but it's far from terrible. Show Less
LibraryThing member AnnieMod
Knott decided that he does not need any of the secondary characters and moved the novel outside of Appaloosa and sends Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch to chase a man who had been accused of murder. That should have been the end of the story but the day when that happened, the president of the local
So Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch, together with their prisoner, are off to Mexico chasing the money and the story behind that bizarre robbery. Long train rides, Mexican police which is anything but honest, old secrets and a slow revealing of what really happened fill the rest of the novel.
I did not hate the story. But it felt almost like a pastiche of a Cole and Hitch novel. I don't expect Knott to be the same as Parker and changing the style is almost normal but if he had changed the names of the two main character, it would have been an average western with lawmen who you had never read about. But on top of that there is an attempt to connect them to the known Cole and Hitch - and it really became a pastiche.
I hate dropping series and I may decide to continue with this one - the stories are not that bad since Knott took over but they are drifting more and more from why I liked the initial books in the series.
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bank robbed the bank. And who has information about the whole mess? The same guy they just brought to jail. So Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch, together with their prisoner, are off to Mexico chasing the money and the story behind that bizarre robbery. Long train rides, Mexican police which is anything but honest, old secrets and a slow revealing of what really happened fill the rest of the novel.
I did not hate the story. But it felt almost like a pastiche of a Cole and Hitch novel. I don't expect Knott to be the same as Parker and changing the style is almost normal but if he had changed the names of the two main character, it would have been an average western with lawmen who you had never read about. But on top of that there is an attempt to connect them to the known Cole and Hitch - and it really became a pastiche.
I hate dropping series and I may decide to continue with this one - the stories are not that bad since Knott took over but they are drifting more and more from why I liked the initial books in the series.
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LibraryThing member AMKitty
Parker’s dialogues were spare. That’s what I particularly enjoy about his writing. In Ironhorse, Knott did a fair job continuing the saga of Virgil and Everett. In this novel, I found the dialogue painful, stilted, and unnatural.
The Mexican continually referring to himself in the third person
One point in Knott’s favor: Virgil hasn’t gone running back to Addy or Maddy or whatever her name was. How a guy like Virgil could get tangled up with someone as pathetic, self-centered, and weak as she is simply escapes me.
The Mexican continually referring to himself in the third person
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became increasingly irritating; although, I did like his character. One point in Knott’s favor: Virgil hasn’t gone running back to Addy or Maddy or whatever her name was. How a guy like Virgil could get tangled up with someone as pathetic, self-centered, and weak as she is simply escapes me.
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Original language
English
Physical description
352 p.; 9.3 inches
ISBN
0399165266 / 9780399165269