Robert B. Parker's Ironhorse

A Robert B. Parker Western

By: Robert Knott

Narrated by: Titus Welliver

For years, Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch have ridden roughshod over rabble-rousers and gun hands in troubled towns like Appaloosa, Resolution, and Brimstone. Now, newly appointed as Territorial Marshalls, they find themselves traveling by train through the Indian Territories.

Their first marshaling duty starts out as a simple mission to escort Mexican prisoners to the border, but when the Governor of Texas, his wife and daughters climb aboard with their bodyguards and $500,000 in tow, their journey suddenly becomes a lot more complicated.

The problem is Bloody Bob Brandice. He and Virgil have had it out before, an encounter that left Brandice face-down in the street with two .44 slugs lodged in him.

Now, twelve years later on a night train struggling uphill in a thunderstorm, Brandice is back – and he’s not alone. Cole and Hitch find themselves in the midst of a heist with a horde of very bad men, two beautiful young hostages, and a man with a vendetta he’s determined to carry out.

©2013 Robert Knott (P)2013 Random House

Critic reviews

“Hits with the intensity of an eight-gauge shotgun blast. Ironhorse is written by first-time novelist Robert Knott, taking over this series by the prolific Robert B. Parker. Knott was co-writer of the screenplay for the film version of Appaloosa, and it's obvious from Ironhorse that Virgil and Everett's fates are in excellent hands. Local readers will also enjoy the descriptions of 19th-century Oklahoma, as well as the joys and troubles of rail travel during that time, in addition to a rip-snorting tale full of sparse dialogue seasoned with wit as dry as an Oklahoma prairie wind and enough flying bullets and buckshot to fill a caboose.” (Tulsa World)

“Robert B. Parker's legion of fans will be thrilled with Ironhorse. Robert Knott, co-writer of the screenplay for Appaloosa—Bob's remarkable western—has penned the next great saga featuring itinerant lawmen Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole. Knott's new novel reads just like vintage Parker and the storyline crackles with all the excitement and humor of what is a perfect continuation of the Hitch/Cole series. Parker fans are going to love it!” (Ed Harris, Academy Award-nominated actor)

Virgil and Hitch keep up their adventures

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it is a great story with a few twist and these two have a knack for trouble finding them no matter where they go

What did you like best about this story?

The runaway train was prettey interesting

What about Titus Welliver’s performance did you like?

Mr Welliver is a true pro who brings all his characters to life.A very fine job

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The rescue was moving and other parts where stirring also

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one like the series

Not...quite...right

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It was good seeing the old friends, but it seemed a bit too formulaic. What snatteg my senses as there seemd to be too much of this dialogue.."I think cows have horns" "Yep, they surely do have horms." "I agree. Horns" I think the messages was they think alike, but its done so many times my head said. "We'd lose a third of the book, if you cut all of the times they repeat each other. Gave it a "paid by the word" feel. I love these stories and I know the author changed, so maybe with a little criticism they can improve...I'd like to keep them alive.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I'd give this one more shot to see if it improves. After that, I'll re-read the earlier books and just be happy with that.

What about Titus Welliver’s performance did you like?

I think he did a great job.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would the earlier books but probably not this one.

nicely done

Not sure it was a Cole and Hitch western but I enjoyed it
I applaud Welliver's reading and voice . I will buy the next in the series.

What the hell??

Next to appaloosa this is probably the best book in the series. Its a shame though that the continuity is lost. Why is "laurel" who is incredibly significant in the previous 2 books suddenly referred to simply as "Ponys' wife"? It is very out of character for Virgil who is like a father to her.

Not Robert B Parker Quality.

It was just OK for me. When I purchase the Iron Horse I knew it wasn’t Robert B Parker writing it but Titus Welleby was narrating and that made it worthwhile. A little long on the dialogue in places and way too many chapters around 112 I think!

great book.

i hope books can keep comeing out love to listen to more if thay come out .

Sounded just like RBP

Any additional comments?

The pacing, the dialog, and the story were just as Mr. Parker would have written it. Much enjoyed.

Narrator sounded bored!

The narrator sounded bored reading the book so I was bored listening to him. This book reads like a cheap Made For TV western action movie. I loved Appaloosa but I was disappointed in this book.

If you like Westerns this is for you

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this to anyone who likes westerns.

What did you like best about this story?

very engaging story, interesting characters, fascinating detail

What does Titus Welliver bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good voice

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no, I just liked it.

Any additional comments?

no

Titus Welliver is great

The story is ok, the performance makes up for a predictable story. I enjoy the books because I enjoy listening to Titus. Unfortunately the next 4 or 5 books in the series do not have Titus. I tried giving the next book a listen, but it is just not the same. Titus needs to redo the rest of the book!! And no… this is not Titus lol. Just a fan.