Panhandle

Jim Jenner infuses this Western tale with his warm, rich drawl. Nate Reynolds, who's from a well-to-do family, and Billy Champion, a saddle tramp who's a bit stubborn, are enjoying the open range of the Texas Panhandle in the late 1880s. Jenner finds unique voices for the various characters Nate and Billy encounter, including Barbie, who ends up carrying Billy's child but marrying Nate. The struggles of relationships tested by jealousy, financial troubles, and misunderstanding complicate the second half of the story. Overall, Jenner's reading is smooth and straightforward, and he adds tension and drama while making the most of Cogburn's authentic cowboy adventure. S.C.A. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine


Nate Rawlins and Billy Champion set out to conquer the untamed Texas Panhandle of the 1880s the only way they know how: driving cattle, breaking horses, and doing a little drinking and gambling. There's an earthy realism and attention to detail in this first novel that sets it apart. Brett Cogburn, great-grandson of the legendary Rooster Cogburn, has a deft ear for planting emotion and honesty in his rhythmic cowboy dialogue. Narrator Mort Shelby and a cast of voices turn this reading into true theater, and well-placed sounds effects and music give the production a sense of place and depth. Young and foolish, Nate and Billy fall for the same girl, run into some hard winters, make some difficult choices, and have to live with the consequences. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine