Ghost Town by René Goscinny

Why read the book?

An abandoned town sits empty on the plain, its glory days as a gold camp long gone. When word spreads that gold may still lie hidden there, greedy gunmen ride in to claim it. Lucky Luke and an obstinate old prospector stand against them, with Jolly Jumper close by.

Goscinny builds the story around the ghost town itself, all creaking doors and empty saloons. The humour comes from the contrast between the dead, dusty streets and the violent rush of newcomers. It is a tidy, atmospheric tale of greed undone.

Favourite quote

What I Loved

The setting does a lot of the work, and it is wonderfully drawn, all faded signs and tumbleweed. Morris makes the emptiness feel alive.

The parody of gold fever, with men ready to fight over a rumour, is sharp and funny. The cranky old prospector makes a fine partner for Luke.

Key Takeaway

A moody, witty look at gold fever played out in a dead frontier town.

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