My husband has read a couple of Tom Clavin books, so when I saw his next book, BANDIT HEAVEN, I figured it was time for me to give it a go, too.

I was happy to see this audiobook available from @macmillan.audio via @netgalley and with a perfectly gritty narration by Johnny Heller out October 22nd.

This is a historical account of the last of the wild west gangs, with names like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid among others. There were fewer places to hide for these last bandits, and this is a collection of tales weaved together by place, time, and dust.

I think if you are a big history buff who loves true westerns, this will be a great addition. I will admit that I am less of a western history fan than my husband. The audiobook did make these stories engaging, however, and I am glad to have had that format.

I am so glad I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator has a very rustic voice absolutely perfect for this story. I don't think I would've enjoyed the book as much if I didn't listen to it.

I learned a lot about the Wild West and its bandits. Sometimes the narrative went off on tangents which made the story hard to follow. I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!

Clavin is a wonderful historian and my go-to on the Wild West! I always enjoy his books and this was no exception.

If you are new to Clavin’s work, I would suggest starting with a different book of his if you want a more linear story focusing on a couple people. This book is a collection of stories that follow a variety of outlaws - train / bank robbers, cattle thieves, and murderers - as well as the lawmen who pursed them through (mostly) the Wyoming and Utah territories.

When I think of the Wild West, I forget that so much history took place in Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. For some reason I always picture Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, but for someone who lives in Utah, it was fun to hear about the local locations where these famous men and women operated.

Johnny Heller narrated this book and he has the perfectly gruff voice to do so. I always love his narration and this time was no different. 5/5 ⭐️



Thanks to NetGalley m, Macmillan Audio and Tom Clavin for providing me a copy of this book!

This is quite a project. A large collection of tales of a variety of real life people who are all heading to converge, or maybe not make, the gathering place in the late 1800s. Then what happens as each venture out to acquire their ill gotten gains and what happens beyond that.

Clavin tackles all this with a great writing style bringing to life each of the many people involved. He further well documents each effort trough their actions that each should be thought of as 'Bad Guys' to qualify for the cover titles. I found most interesting what happened after and the fate of each.

The only downside I can think of for the reader is if a good deal of those involved is unknown. Then this book would be very cumbersome to get through. i'd suggest exploring a few of the individual bandits to prepare for this whirlwind view. Clavin has books to go to for that help.

I did find interesting after recently reading Bill O'Reilly's 'Confronting the Presidents' that the books have some similarities in approach.

This is one of the few books I listened to via NetGalley to post this review.

Bottom line: i recommend this book. 9 out of ten points.

Whoosh, what a book!! Tom Clavin has become my new favorite author and has created an interest in the "wild, wild, west" that I 1. didn't know I wanted, and 2. never expected to totally love [I am currently adding ALLLLLLL his books to my groaning TBR]. I have never loved "westerns", so I never thought that I would love "western books"... I was oh so wrong.

This book mostly focuses on Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and all that ran with them, the places they hid at, their crimes, misdemeanors, and shenanigans, and how they escaped the law until they didn't.

Expertly researched and brilliantly written [ I was never, ever bored, though I was often shaking my head in disbelief at what was happening on the page], this was a spectacular read that I highly recommend, especially if you have any kind of interest in the wild west and all who ran it.

Ahhh, Johnny Heller. One of my absolute favorite narrators; he once again does a superb job here. He brings the men [and women] to life and tells the story in such a way you just don't want to quit listening. Once again sir, very well done.

I was invited to read/review this by St. Martin's Press and I thank them, Tom Clavin, Johnny Heller - Narrator, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

Ride your way through history in this thrilling bandit adventure!

Bandit Heaven takes you through the hideouts, major players, and the build-up of the west. Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Kid Curry, and Black Jack are just a few that are featured. From religious movements moving west, to the train and bank robberies, the American West holds a romantic view. The reality was anything but. Bloodshed, lawmen, and cowboys roamed the open range, looking for work, getting into altercations, and defining our view of the cowboy and rancher in history. However, we are also going to see the rise of the Pinkertons in the west, and the search for the holdouts who were unwilling to give up their criminal ways. From homesteads to hideouts, join the ride into history.

I could not put this book down! I devoured this book in one during one sitting. Tom Clavin has created a work that not only brings the American West into focus, but humanizes the outlaws and those were involved in their daily lives. The creation of the hideouts, known locations that these men could meld into, and wait out some of the heat, was pretty interesting. I knew about one, but had not heard of some of the other locations.

Getting the background on some movements, such as the Mormons and how they fit into the story, was enlightening. It helps to fit some pieces of the puzzle for those who are not familiar with this history.

While we hold a very romantic view of the west, and the cowboy, the true stories and struggles of those who forged, lived, and died are compelling. Add in our bandits, and the west booms to life, leaving death behind them.

Absolutely a great read, and one that is going to be at the top of my list for this year! I cannot recommend this book enough!