H. C. Thomas

Sure loved watching Westerns on TV when I was a kid. I had a Dale Evans cowgirl outfit and my first crush was for Rusty on 'Rin Tin Tin'. That was a long time ago, though and at first I couldn't get that interested in Red Ryder and the Adventure at Chimney Rock. I was irritated by sidekick Little Beaver's stereotypical 'Injun talk'. The former medical librarian in me refused to suspend disbelief at Red Ryder's too-speedy recoveries from injuries and exertions. As I read on, though, I got caught up in the action until I wanted to see how Red would escape each new danger.

This book starts out with an attempt to rescue a pretty widow from the evil outlaw who murdered her husband, stole their cattle, and now thinks she'd be fine to shack up with. No, Mrs. Jackson's young son, Buddy, is not included in the plan. Buddy is with Little Beaver, Red, and the Texas Rangers aiming to get his mama back unharmed.

Meanwhile, back at the Painted Valley Ranch, the owner is looking to lose her entire spread. Yes, Red's aunt -- known as 'the Duchess' -- can't even pay the interest on her mortgage. Hoof and mouth disease claimed most of her cattle. Is Banker Tyson gonna be merciful or does he plan to foreclose? Let's just say that over in his bank ol' Tyson is laughing.

The Duchess has herself an admirer in Old Hank, a rancher neighbor. Old Hank is trying to convince her that even if she loses everything she could run in double harness with him when Red shows up. Red gets the bad news and immediately sets about trying to find a way to save the ranch. Better luck next time, Old Hank.

Red tries staying in three rounds with Terrible Tucker, a famous boxer. Then there's Red's box lunch social and fundraiser scheme. Everybody has a grand old time, including a local ne'er-do-well who helps himself to the proceeds. There's a mighty fine nightime horse chase scene with an interesting way to trap a thief.

Is that the end of trouble? Heck no! Soon our Red meets up with a lovely little redheaded New York society gal who has come out West to get material for a book. Well, Doris Darnell's also there because her rich daddy broke up her romance with a fella named Phil Bruce. Mr. Darnell thinks Phil is a scoundrel. He and Mrs. Darnell will be joining their daughter shortly. Hoorah! That's three paying guests for the Duchess -- if Red can talk her into letting the Darnells pay for their stay.

Phil Bruce didn't take the breakup well. He's followed Doris, sure he can get her back. Phil does not like seeing Doris riding with Red. While his mood gets darker he meets up with bad guy Ace Hanlon and his henchman, One-Eye Glaser. Ace talks Phil into a kidnapping scheme once he finds out that Mr. Darnell is very rich.

Doris is taken to the top of Chimney Rock. Red Ryder gets to bring the ransom money. There's plenty of danger and fighting. Doris gets to make things worse when she tries to help, but at least she doesn't just wring her hands. At one point Red has to fend off a large eagle determined to gouge his eyes out while one of the kidnappers is trying to kill him!

I don't know when the Red Ryder strip was supposed to be taking place so I don't know if I should jeer at Doris mentioning airplanes or not. Okay, so some of the things Red survives wouldn't pass muster on Mythbusters. How many action film doings could? There's enough action in this book for a good movie. The illustrations are good, too. No artist is listed for this adventure. The illustrations' copyright was held by the NEA (Newspaper Enterprise Association), and dated five years earlier than the text. Perhaps they were taken from the comic strip?

If you want to know more about Red Ryder: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Ryder

The cover of my copy is brown with red lettering. I don't know if that indicates a later or earlier printing. In any case, if you're a fan of the Old West, and willing to bear with the stereotyping of the period, hunt yourself down a copy of this book and have yourself a good time.… (mehr)