The Searchers

By: Alan Le May

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte, Richard Ferrone, James Jenner

Alan Le May’s Western novels are widely considered classics in the genre, and the movie adaptation of The Searchers was named AFI’s Greatest Western Movie of All Time. When Martin Pauley and Amos Edwards return to their Texas homestead to find a burning ruin, they set out to find Amos’ missing daughter - and exact revenge on the Comanche responsible for the attack.

©2009 Andrew J. Fenady (P)2013 Recorded Books

A true western classic

Often gritty, sometimes amusing, frequently thrilling but always gripping and enthralling this is really one of the great western classics. Some changes from the movie but superior in every way.

Outstanding Story

Harsher than the movie but very enjoyable. The performance by Tom Stechschulte is first rate, full of passion and intensity. I read this book 50 years ago but throughly enjoyed revisiting and realized there were parts that I had forgotten . It’s hard to imagine the harsh frontier where this type of occurrence took place. The uniqueness of this story is the relentless pursuit. I believe the reality of most captive children left most families helpless to do anything but grieve as few if any homesteaders would have had the means or abilities to continue a long term search.

Riveting, redemptive.

This story shows what it is to be a man to overcome all hardships including trauma for the ones he loves. Makes me want to long my family and friends more.

My New Favorite Western Author

I first read the Sackett series and became a lover of westerns but had not found another author I loved equally as well until I found Alan Lemay! I am so thrilled with this excellent portrayal of life in the west!

It was gonna get five stars…

… Until the movies ending turned out so much better. No spoilers, but John Wayne was better. Nonetheless, what a tribute to the pioneer families that actually endured the deprivations of the Texas frontier… And what amazing dialect and language from an author, who, according to Wikipedia, had nothing of the upbringing that would've assisted in his very astute observations. Excellent book. Even better if you haven't seen the movie.