Page Count:  368

Author:  Ralph Compton

Publisher:  St. Martin's

ISBN:  0-312-92901-3

Category:  Fiction

Genre:  Historical Western

Dove's (Personal) Review:  Book Two in a thirteen book series (known as The Trail Drive Series), "The Western Trail," continues Benton McCaleb's cattle driving adventures. The famous Western Trail runs from San Antonio, TX to Fort Buford (deep in the heart of Dakota Territory, which - today - is known as North Dakota).
     As in book one, McCaleb and his outfit deal with stampeding cattle, severe weather conditions, Comanche Indians, sickness, injuries, and railroads. And for added kicks, the story also includes the Civil War, and the early days of what we now call the "Gold Rush."
     In book one, McCaleb joins forces with Charles Goodnight. In this book, McCaleb meets and later befriends William F. Cody, better known as "Buffalo Bill." For those of you that don't know, yes, Buffalo Bill is a real person. In fact, there's even a town named after him... Cody, Wyoming! Although, he's most famous for his play entitled "The Wild West," which went all the way to Broadway (and then to Europe)!
     Ralph Compton, once again, weaves fact and fiction together beautifully, delivering a very "real" story to his fans! He ropes us in, then stampedes us to the last pages, leaving us hungry for more! Thankfully, the saga continues with books three thru thirteen!
     A wonderful story, packed with adventure, humor, passion, drama, mystery, and suspense! An extraordinary read!!!
     GOLD STAR... TWO-THUMBS-UP!!!