"Most of all, 'Comanche Moon' may leave readers with the nagging wish that they could start fresh and read the installments of this epic in order of internal chronology, rather than by publication date. McMurtry's saga stands as a considerable achievement of popular storytelling, starting strong, sagging slightly in the middle, but arriving at a resounding climax and denouement. To begin with 'Dead Man's Walk and finish with 'Lonesome Dove' will be a singular treat for new readers." "In 'Comanche Moon,' McMurtry has created a sprawling, picaresque novel that, like the history of the West itself, leaves more than a few loose ends. Some characters' fates we can only surmise. Others await resolution in 'Lonesome Dove.' As usual, though, the characters are the novel's strength. McMurtry's rangers are heroic because of their flaws, not despite them." "While the last third turns workmanlike in its efforts to set up the opening situation of 'Lonesome Dove', McMurtry nevertheless delivers a generally fine tableau of western life, full of imaginative exploits, convincing historical background, and well-rendered people."