The Californios

Written by Louis L'Amour

Narrated by Erik Singer

Captain Sean Mulkerin comes home from the sea to find his family home in jeopardy. After the death of his father, Sean’s determined mother, Eileen, took it upon herself to run the sprawling Rancho Malibu—until a fire destroyed her hard-earned profits. Now, on the edge of financial ruin, Eileen hopes Sean can help them find a way out. The rumor is that her late husband found gold in the wild and haunted California hills, but the only clue to its whereabouts lies with an ancient, enigmatic Indian.

When Sean and Eileen set forth to retrace his father’s footsteps, they know they are in search of a questionable treasure—with creditors, greedy neighbors, and ruthless gunmen watching every move they make. Before they reach their destination, mother and son will test both the limits of their faith and the laws of nature as they seek salvation in a landscape where reality can blur like sand and sky in a desert mirage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9780307969453

Reviews for The Californios

[bobyworry-346048 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My Grandfather had L'Amour paperbacks around the house when I was a kid...now I see why...a fun, realistic feeling read...

[jamesjarrett00 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A western fiction set in southern California before it became a part of the United States. The "Good Guys" of the story are the Mulkerin family. The family has come under hard times because of unscrupulous business dealings of the families enemies who want to take over their ranch. As the since deceased father of the family used to go away for a few days with a native and come back with gold, the family decides to try this to resolve their money issues. The mother and eldest son make the trek with two natives to guide them and a pack of outlaws trailing them.

I enjoyed the book. It is an average L'Amour book. I do find the mysticism an interesting angle.

[merrymary_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting western, with a touch of the supernatural.