Stallion Gate

By: Martin Cruz Smith

Narrated by: Frank Muller

From internationally bestselling author Martin Cruz Smith comes an epic story of a physicist, a general, a spy, and a hero who will change history forever.

In a New Mexico blizzard, four men cross a barbed-wire fence at Stallion Gate to select a test site for the first atomic weapon. They are Oppenheimer, the physicist; Groves, the general; Fuchs, the spy. The fourth man is Sergeant Joe Pena, a hero, informer, fighter, musician, Indian. These four men—and a cast of soldiers, roughnecks and scientists—will change history forever.

Masterclass in writing

MCS was at the peak of his powers when wrote this book. Characters are well-drawn. Settings are vivid. It’s a wonderful journey.

Great characters, narrator a little disappointing

I'm a big MCS fan and thought this a great story with great characters, the graphic and descriptive detail always terrific. I thought the narrator overly dramatic throughout the performance, especially in routine scenes where there is no particular drama. Yes, I love a good narrator but his constant urgency and emphasis got a little tiresome.

Solid suspense, masterly read

Truly enjoyed the outstanding performance of this gripping story! The narrative weaves together multiple psychological, cultural, and ethical worlds, always negotiating, challenging or evading as multiple fascinating protagonists entangle in layers of plotting and betrayals within a deeply engaged landscape. All this is enhanced with additional texture and grit by this addictive audio performance!

Martin Cruz Smith and the Bomb

I’m a big fan of Martin Cruz Smith and have read or listened to just about everything he’s written so I was pleased to see this title.

Smith’s characters are nearly always sad people whom life’s slings and arrows have dealt crushing blows. They’re heroic in their determination to keep living if only to spit in the eyes of God.

The hero of this story is no different. Joe is a Native American enlisted man who has the misfortune of being attractive to bored wives of officers. Pulled from the stockade after one such liaison is discovered, he is assigned to watch/guard Robert Oppenheimer as he works on the bomb.

The story has political intrigue, romance and dreams that, even if they come true, will eventually end in heartbreak.

The drama is cinematic. This book deserves to be a movie.

Going to be more careful choosing the next one

I thought that he couldn’t write a mediocre story. I guess anyone can if they try hard enough. Really tough story to stay with. Waiting for an explosive ending, the reader was faced with the butt of a wet, smoked-out cigarette being flipped into the darkness of an exploited desert. Underwhelming.