Texas Books

this is the first book i ever purchased about ghost hunting exclusively in texas. i was impressed with the detail that the author included in her book. every bit of information that you need in order to conduct ghost hunting trips in Texas is included here. i have purchased a couple of books after this one that dealt with texas ghosts but they fall short of Haunted Texas Vacations.

This is a fun-to-read, informative book full of interesting ghost stories. It can be used for informative, historical reading or for pure enjoyment.

After reading "Haunted Texas Vacations," my husband and I set out on our own ghost hunts in San Antonio, Spring and Jefferson and, I'm happy to report, we were privileged to experience first-hand a couple of unexplained phenomena mentioned in Ms. Farwell's writings because we knew exactly where to look.

Please give us more, Ms. Farwell!

This was my first really good book on haunted places. Anyone who is interested in local (Texas) ghost stories just has to read this one. I am planning my vacation around some of these towns and I am very excited.

This book is so well written that it held my interest for hours and gave me quite a chill more than a couple of times. The way the author put Texas in sections made it even easier to find a particular area I was looking for. Although I was looking for San Antonio, I found there are all kinds of interesting places in between and beyond. I intend to eventually visit them all.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in our haunted history or just a great ghost story.

"Remember, ghosts were people too" says Farwell and what a cast: frantically romantic lovers, dashing Edwardian gentlemen, poor pirates, southern belles, war heroes, war victims, and even--well, what other state would his ghost inhabit! --John Wayne...

What great stories!

For example: the story of the 19 year old boy who fell in love with a beautiful girl in the 1860's...she had not only the beauty but also the warmth of a diamond. He proposed, she declined, he shot himself...in a back room of the Texas Governor's Mansion. The boy was the governor's nephew; and shortly thereafter, the family was forced to flee because of the fall of the Confederacy. They simply shut the bedroom door on the blood, guts, fingers and toes. The mess remained until the next governor moved in. Witnesses say the poor spirit remains, still in love, still sobbing late in the night...

Cocktail-party-chatter-sized facts are also included: The average sighting is 15 seconds, ghosts usually have no sense of time, most ghosts are heard, felt, etc. but only rarely seen.

If you like a good story, you'll love Texas Haunted Vacations...Fun! You might not fall asleep so easily tonight, but who wants to sleep when spirits are walking the hallway and shaking the china...

This is a great book to take on a trip to add that extra worldly dimension to your vacation. The book divides Texas into six regions. Then the specific location is discussed there are key symbols to let you know about such things as "Ghostly Missions and Churches" or "Most Haunted Location." It includes such subjects as "What is a Ghost?", " Ghost Hunting", and "A ghost Hunter's Tool Kit."

A place that is eerie enough with out being haunted is the Monahans Sandhills state Park. When you get out the dunes they seem to go on forever. However I sounds like the ghosts are more interested in the "Visitors' center building".

"According to legend the visitors' center a Monahans Sandhills State Park is built on the sight of a nineteenth-center Comanche burial ground. In 1967, two boys digging neat the building unearthed a skeleton, lending credence to the ghost story."

"Historic Texas Courthouses" is a visual treat, even for non-Texans. Very few states have iconic reminders of their heritage as Texas does in its architectural beauties, the Texas courthouses. They stand strong, permanent, and frequently constructed of the materials that tie the buildings and the peoples to the land on which they are built. The histories are interesting and informative. Pleased that this book is now part of our personal library.

I purchased this book for my husband who is an attorney. He proudly displays it in his office. The photography is gorgeous and paper is high quality thick gloss. Price is excellent here- I originally saw this book in another store for $50! Would recommend for anyone who is interested in architecture or historical Texas building.

What a beautiful book to look at and an interesting book to read. It truly covers the courthouse treasures of Texas. I particularly like the way it divides up the buildings by their architectural style, not their geographical locations. Great addition to our library.

Finally, a serious book about courthouses. The photographs are breathtaking, and the author brings a unique perspective on the history of these magnificent buildings. BRAVO!

Simply the defintive book on Texas Courthouses...the images are superb and the text enlightening. I have always loved the majestic courthouse, expecially when they are in the town square. Texas is blessed with many great historic Courthouses and this book displays them in their best light. I expecially appreciate the Tarrant, Bexar, and Jefferson County Courthouse, these are so grand in their own distinct way. If you have any interest in this subject, dont hesitate to order this book. Mr. Andrews should be proud of this work, it's a perfect tribute to these quitenticential Texas courthouse.

I am utterly amazed at what this man went through. I have read alot about the holocaust but every survivor has a different story and there is always something that will shock you with every story. The horrors of what happened will never cease to shock me, never. This man has written a memoire that is packed with people and events than do not allow you to put this book down. It is very interesting to read and through all the horror you are glad to know that he made it through and had done so many wonderfull things with his life. I finished this book very quickly due to the fact it was hard to put down. I would recomend this book highly not only because it is so interesting but because it will allow to to understand how blessed we all are, you might just will change the way you live and think.

I am leading a group of five High School Seniors in an independent study about the Holocaust. This work, Holocaust Survivor, is a great resource. It is a raw, transcribed oral history of one man's journey. My students have found it very moving and informative.

Mike came to our school in October and shared a VERY SAD story with us and shode us some very strange things like the soup made of human Fat and a little bottle of poison.And much more but I cant remember them all well I REALLY want to buy his book to see alot more stuff about it!!

Some people write books for money or recognition - not Mike Jacobs.

His whole message - both in person and in his book - urges each one of us to "always remember, never forget," and to "never become silent or complacent." This message at first seemed somewhat obvious from what one might expect from a survivor.

But Mike has a different spin on his message: He doesn't hate, and he doesn't feel self pity. Rather, he's exhuberant in his mission to live life to its fullest, and along the way, to explain what he lived through so no one human being ever has to face it again.

His book is incredible - not just one to add to any collection; rather, your interest in a survivor's tale and triumph over such horrifying persecution should start right here with Mike. Let him tell you what really happened as he lived it first hand...and walk away with the message he lives every day to pass on to us, our children and their children.

"I was never a teenager...I lived on less than 800 calories a day...I was tortured; I was beaten; I've got scars on my face, but I always stood up. I always bounced back." Holocaust Survivor chronicles the five and a half years Mike Jacobs, founder of The Dallas Memorial Center for Holocaust Studies, spent as a youth in the ghettos and concentration camps of Poland including Auschwitz/Birkenau and Mauthausen/Gusen II. From the age of fifteen to nineteen, Mike witnessed and was subjected to horrors that no one should ever have to endure, including the infamous Death March in the dead of winter out of Auschwitz-Birkenau. He spares no detail in the retelling of the events he lived through, from the "beautiful dolls" and sadistic SS Sergeant of the Ostrowiec Ghetto, to the risky business of sabotaging the Messerschmidts he worked on as part of the camp resistance. Mike credits his survival to three things: his faith, his unfailing belief that he would one day be free, and his ability to dream. It is this underlying note of positive thinking that I think makes Mike's story different and eminently readable for all ages. Mike easily makes us believe that, despite the darkness and despair surrounding him, he did, indeed, rely on his dreams and soaring imagination to keep hope alive. His concentration camp friends thought "Mendel is getting off his rocker," but Mike felt the secret of survival was to close his eyes and soar high above the camp like a bird. "Guys, you wouldn't believe it! It was beautiful--I traveled all over the world, I was free!" This incredible story of spirit, endurance, and triumph over impossible odds is punctuated with Mike's message: "Hate breeds hate. But we cannot be silent or complacent. If we are, this can happen again." Thank you, Mike, for all the times you've spoken to my students, touched their hearts, moved them to tears, and ultimately, made them a formidable force for change.

This was one of my favorite stories fromt he Texas Brand books. It left you with some questions to keep you reading the rest of the series and at the same time provided you with and excellent read!
The entire series is action packed and filled with romance and suspence. Maggie Shayne delivers excitement and is fabulous at building the characters and stories.

Another great story about the Brands. 4th in the series. This one is Ben & Penny's story.

Ben is grieving for his lost wife Penny. Penny has amnesia, but still finds her way back home to Ben.

We find out what happened to Penny 2 years earlier. A very touching story & a welcome addition to the Brand family saga.

Next book, book 5 is about one of the Brand missing cousins, Marcus in "That mysterious man".

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I WONT THE WHOLE FAMILY OF BOOKS THAT ARE IN THE SERIES .I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK VERY HIGHLY.

I'd heard a great deal of praise for this book before I picked it up and I wasn't disappointed. It's a great story. The plot is original and well told. All the characters, even the secondary ones, are well developed. You feel like you're part of the story from chapter 1. But what a touching love story. I loved it, simply loved it and I couldn't put it down. It's a story I'll never forget.

I loved this book! Penny although has amnesia still finds her way home regardless. Ben Brand who for the past two years has been beside himself with grief feels he is losing his mind as well when he sees a life like copy of his wife.. Could it be? What happened that fateful day two years ago? More than anyone every imagined. Rich in feeling and love I couldn't put this book down I loved it and look forward to reading more books by Maggie Shayne.

I don't read much for fun, but this book is totally entertaining. I found it difficult to stop reading and thoroughly enjoyed the final plot twist.

I really enjoyed this book. I am not an avid reader for entertainment, but I couldn't put this book down. As the story progressed, I tried to figure out where it was going, but I would have never guessed the bizarre twist at the end. It was very entertaining, and I will definitely read the other books to come in the series.

A Jealous God is a fast read with a good plot and well-developed characters. The ending has an unexpected twist . . . but in looking back, all the facts were present to figure out the ending. I enjoyed reading this book, but especially participating in its writing.
More importantly this books asks and perhaps answers the question: are we free moral agents or are we somewhat prisoners of our own DNA?

The book was a quick read and I could not put it down. What a great story and mystery. Of course, being a native Houstonian and going to Tulane, I loved all the locations. I can't wait for the next one!

This is a well written novel that has an ingenious twist. The author has a good grasp of medical issues. It's fun reading.

I've been both a fan and a friend to this wonderful lady for about 5 years now and I'd like to urge any young person who is in search of the perfect story to read to read all four books that make up this "Must Read" series. The characters are real and the plot will keep you eagerly turning the pages as fast as you can. I love Jeannie and all of her fun adventures! You will love Jeannie too! Order your set today. You'll be glad you did!

(Highly Recommended!)

ISBN: 1-4137-0403-4
Title: Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl - Book Three
Author: Evelyn Horan
Publisher: AmErica House
Once again gifted writer Evelyn Horan has surpassed expectations with book three of her "Jeannie, Texas Frontier Girl" series. Often times series books lose their momentum as they move toward conclusion, not so with the "Jeannie" series, as book three leaves readers with a near cliffhanger that makes us eager for book four. Horan's knowledge of that period of time (1880) in Texas adds interest to her plot and gives readers an inside peek at the growth of our nation and Texas as a state. Jeannie touches on; the tension between the Native American Indians and the settlers, the speed with which young people had to mature, and the joyous way that neighbor helped neighbor.
Jeannie and Helga spend the summer preparing the Indian children for school and training Diamond's off spring, Morning Star, to accept saddle and rider. It is the last year of school for both girls and though they are best friends their dreams for the future are very different. Pick up a copy of "Jeannie" book three to find out what the future holds for Helga and Billy Joe and for Jeannie and her dream of owning her own Horse Ranch.
"Jeannie, Texas Frontier Girl," masterful series by talented writer Evelyn Horan, is geared for the young reader but I promise it will interest and entertain readers of all ages. Congratulations, Evelyn. I can't wait to read JEANNIE book four.
Beverly J Scott author of "Righteous Revenge" and "Ruth Fever." Reviewer for Intriguing Authors and Their Books at http://www.funeralassociates.com/authors.htm

Book Three in the "Jeannie, a Texas Frontier Girl" series by author Evelyn Horan finds Jeannie and her best friend Helga growing up and facing changes in their lives, which happen almost too quick to breathe. Jeannie's brother, Henry, marries Linda Mae, and before long, Jeannie finds she is to become an aunt. Billy Joe begins to work for the new bank in their small town, and he and Helga agree to become engaged. Jeannie works out an arrangement with Helga's father to buy land from him for the horse ranch she has long dreamed about. She begins to make plans to build her ranch and asks Slim to be her ranch foreman, unaware of the interest Billy Joe's brother, Jack, has begun to show toward her. Along the way, Jeannie learns a poignant lesson when she is forced to deal with prejudice against the Comanche family in their community, from whom she learns how to weave baskets and to utilize plants for medicinal purposes.

America's present-day Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ms. Horan is an author who possesses the unique ability to weave an entertaining, inspirational story with factual history. As with the first two books in the series, the reader is left eagerly anticipating what will happen next to Jeannie, her family, and friends. This is one series I would like to see continue on - reading each book feels like spending time with an old friend - and would love to see in classrooms across America. A delightful read for the child in all of us.

JEANNIE, A TEXAS FRONTIER GIRL (Book 3) is a delightful, must read for young girls. Although, I must admit that even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it too.

This is the third book in a four part series. It follows young Jeannie and her friends and family as they face hardships during the late 1800's in west Texas. Young readers are in for a treat as they experience Jeannie's many adventures. Her courage and strong will help her face the loss of a favorite pet, deal with the prejudice of townspeople toward Indian children in her school, and train her beloved horses. Family ties and values were such an integral part of life on the plains. This story captures the heart and soul of pioneer living, as seen through a young girl's eyes.

I highly recommend this book. More books like this are needed to keep young girls reading. It is exciting, yet educational, for young readers to learn the customs and daily life of a different era. I eagerly anticipate Book 4! Excellent job Ms Horan.
(Reviewed for Denise's Pieces Book Reviews)

Historical facts and exciting adventure make Ms. Horan's "Jeannie:A Texas Frontier Girl (Book Three) "A Must Read KIDZ Series." The characters read true to life, the action is nonstop, and the plot had me eagerly reading along. A very appealing combination!

(...)

Jim Peters must have one of the most pleasant personalities I have ever read about. Many of his "stops" brought laughter from his partners as well as himself. Wish I could have been Casper, the friendly ghost, on some of these capers! I would have laughed out loud too!! This is a great story of a modern day Ranger, maintaining the true tradition of the Texas Rangers. Wish there were more like him and that their stories could be told also. They will always be heroes in my books and I will continue delving into everything I can read about them. Way to to Ranger Jim! You were/are "a hell of a Ranger."

I've known Jim Peters for many years, and have been at his side and witnessed both his investigative talent (who can forget Las Vegas 1995?) and skill at obtaining info from people not always willing to provide it. This is an entertaining story and a too brief glimpse into the life of a true Texas Ranger, before the computers and DNA changed the profession forever. Read it and wish you were there.

As one who is friends with Jim Peters, I can recommend this book to anyone who is a Texas history buff, especially those with an interest in Ranger lore. Jim truly was a Ranger when "Rangers were Rangers".

Jim Peters, Texas Ranger is extremely readable as it consists of great stories of the activities of this reknowned and capable Texas Ranger. The Rangers, of course, are the best of the best, and Jim Peters was highly respected by his fellows. He was involved in the resolution of a lot of high-profile cases and the book is an interesting piece of both true crime and history.

Jim Peters has had a remarkable life, and it's fascinating to read about his adventures as a Texas Ranger. The author makes you feel as though you're right there with Peters and the Rangers as they piece together evidence and track down the bad guys. The fact that these are true crime stories makes them all the more interesting. The ones involving coldblooded killers make you grateful for the courage and dedication of men like Jim Peters. Other stories involving lesser crimes and dumb or unlucky criminals are very funny. A neat book.

This novel should be read as a part of our Texas history classes. It gives a wonderful perspective from the Indian point of view. It is the most moving novel I have read in a long time. Highly recommended!

This was a great book, and I think it is enjoyable to read. I think if you want good books with more of a down-to-earth base, then you should read this.

From LIBRARY JOURNAL, 1 Sep 1999: This novel might more accurately be titled Killing Náudah because when its central character is recaptured by Texas Rangers in 1860, having been abducted by Comanches 24 years earlier, she has long since ceased thinking of herself as Cynthia Ann Parker. Basing his fictional speculation on a careful reading of the historical record, Brashear chronicles the heartbreaking descent into despair of a proud woman who could not forget her warrior husband and two sons. With no one heeding her requests to be returned to her husband and sons or even to receive news of them, Parker finds images of their torture and death blending with her recollections of Comanche life. Uncomfortable with the tight clothing, unfamiliar language, and restrictive social customs of white society and rejected by much of her family, she finally begins a scheme to go back to the Plains. Public library patrons will appreciate this engrossing novel, which can also supply a personal perspective to supplement history texts.

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, 30 Aug 1999: Previous novels based on the sketchy history of Cynthia Ann Parker, the white mother of Quanah Parker, the legendary Comanche leader, have focused mainly upon her life among the Comanches, which began in May 1836, when the nine-year-old daughter of a Texas Ranger was taken captive by a Comanche raiding party. Brashear adheres to the facts, but goes further in imagining her inner life after she becomes a Comanche in spirit. Unlike other captives, who over the next five years are returned to their families, Cynthia Ann steadfastly refuses to be bartered back to white civilization. She marries Comanche Chief Peta Nocona and bears two sons and a daughter. In 1860, Cynthia Ann is seized-with her baby daughter, Toh-Tsee-Ah (anglicized: Topsannah)-by a band of Texas Rangers who massacre and mutilate a camp of Comanche women and children. Taken against her will to an elderly uncle near Fort Worth, she protests bitterly and begs to be returned to her Comanche family. Thwarted and grieving, she gradually withdraws deeply into herself, changing her name to She-Mourns, and making several unsuccessful attempts to escape from the mostly well-meaning but inadvetently cruel relatives where she is sent in succession. After Topsannah dies three years from her mother's recapture, Brashear depicts Cynthia Ann as becoming virtually catatonic; she dies in 1870. Brashear's research is impressive, and the members of the extended Parker family are fairly and carefully drawn. If his habit of rendering his heroine's speech in Comanche is distracting, he succeeds in conveying her anguish as an eternal exile. But the narrative drags on with needless detail, and Brashear's elaborate recreation of She-Mourns's inner life eventually leaves the reader numb.

[Note: this reviewer apparently couldn't tell Comanche from Spanish, in which some of Cynthia Ann's dialog is rendered-with translations.]

Cynthia Ann's story and that of her famous son Quanah are well known, but her tragic end is not. A wrenching testimony to what ignorance, prejudice, and well-meaning but thoughtlessly cruel intentions can do, Brashear's novel is highly recommended for history readers and serious students of Native American culture.

Excerpts from some reviews:

from Midland (TX) newspaper, Nov 7, 1999: The story of Cynthia Ann Parker has become legend. Kidnapped from Parker's Fort near Mexia by raiding Comanches in 1836, she was completely assimilated into the Noconi band. She married tribal leader, Peta Nocona, and bore him two sons, Quanah and Pecos, and a daughter, Toh-Tsee-Ah. Late in 1860, she and toddler Topsannah, as the whites called her, were recaptured by Texas Rangers and returned to "civilization" and the extended Parker clan. Cynthia Ann never adapted to white culture. She was shunted from one Parker family member to another. Convinced she was a captive of the Texans, Cynthia Ann was determined to escape to the high plains and the Comanche way. The Parkers neither cared for nor understood Cynthia Ann's obsession with returning to her homeland and her people.

from Judy Alter, The Bookish Frog, Fall 1999: ... an innovative novel about Cynthia Ann Parker. Just when we thought there are no new twists to that old story, Charles Brashear proved us wrong-in a novel with footnotes. (Don't ever say were are afraid to try something new!)

from Amarillo News-Globe, Sunday, Dec 12, 1999, p. 19D: Two novels particularly suited for fireside reading are _____ and "Killing Cynthia Ann" by Charles Brashear.... this new book focuses on her life after her return to Anglo culture. Though presented as a novel, the story is well-researched. The book is even annotated, unusual for fiction.

from Fort Worth Star Telegram, Sunday, Dec 5, 1999: Charles Brashear is a conscientious author who is careful of his sources. What he's done is search out the most authentic records available, then build a novel by filling in imaginary details of emotions, relationships, conversation and background. The fiction device gives the reader a historical overview of the period, plus a vivid picture of a woman who lived with constant, unhealable heartache.... I like the placement of historical notation along the side margins very much. They are less disruptive, easier to go to and return from, than footnotes at the bottom of the page.

from Waco Tribune-Herald, Saturday, Nov 6, 1999 (Brazos Living, p. 8B) Brashear believes our interest in Cynthia Ann Parker more than a century after her death stems from a variety of reasons: our disbelief that someone could prefer another way of life to the American way; our collective guilt in the ultimate fate of American Indian cultures; and an unconscious desire for a simpler life, such as American Indians practiced. "Cynthia Ann's story of wildness keeps haunting us because we see in it a gross injustice that has never been righted. They killed the wildness in her, which we half suspect may have been the better part. And, while we may not be personally responsible, we feel a sort of communal guilt for the wrong done her," he explained.

This is one of Cotton's more entertaining novels. It keeps your attention from beginning to end, and you hate for it to end, as you really like the supporting characters, and don't want anything happening to them. Sam Burrack is one of my favorite fictional characters, and I often wonder what would have happened had Sam Peckinpah brought him to the screen. I can only dream . . . .

This is the forth western I've read by this author. My favorite so far has been Bloods Land because I really enjoyed the way the female gunfighter handled herself. After reading about Texas Bob, Mary Alice and the ranger, I think I might have a tie on my hands. ( Could it be I'll find all of his books are this good??? ) So far so good. This one was given to me for Chiristmas by my (X) fiance. I started reading it the other night in front of the fire and only stopped for an hour or so before finsihing it from front to back. Now that I am a full fledged Western-Fan, I love curling up near a warm fire and reading a Ralph Cotton book. I recommend this book to anybody who likes action adventure and good thoughtful storytelling. I want more, Please!!!

A. Rainey (ARainey47@yahoo.com) , A retired trucker and rancher in MT, 12/23/2007

Cotton's stories all always Top Notch, and Killing Texas Bob is one of his best. I won't reveal the story and spoil it for other readers, and I don't whine about minor slips and type-os I find in most books today. But as one of the millions of readers who CAN and DO appreciate westerns that are more than one dimentional, to Mr. Cotton I say the two words Texas Bob uses to thank the ranger,'Much Obliged.' Not many writers create characters like Ranger Sam Burrack and Texas Bob. The ranger is as mild-mannered and tough as always, but the new character,Texas Bob, is the kind of man I remember hearing about growing up in West Texas in the old days when a man lived and died by his word. Like the ranger, Texas Bob never wavers from what's right even when it's about to cost him his life. He stands his ground on a reputation that is so trusted his enemies and their lies could not tarnish his name. He is known for his sense of fairness and his rock solid values as a man you can trust, but a man you don't want to push too far. Texas Bob is a fair tribute to all the old Texans whose words I hear coming from his mouth. These are the kind of strong characters the western genre was built on. Thanks to Cotton we still get to hear, see and understand them. Keep them coming, Mr. Cotton. 'Much Obliged.'

Killing Texas Bob is one more in an ever growing list of the classic American West stories we have come to expect from this gifted and original author. Cotton's work never dissapoints. We all have our favorite authors, and when it comes to accurate action and adventure westerns, for my money Mr. Cotton sets the standard. His stories are limited only by the reader's ability to identify and understand the various levels of human interactions and complexities. Comparing one writer's work to another is too rude and condesending for my taste, so I will leave that particular task to those who consider themselves better qualified to do so. I have enjoyed all of Ralph Cotton's books, as well as the books he wrote for Ralph Compton's estate after Compton's death. As a carreer teacher of English and History, and as a lifelong western fan, I highly recommend Cotton's work to anyone searching for beautifully written, solidly crafted Historical Westerns with depth and meaning far above the typical genre fare. Thank you, Mr. Cotton. American literature needs more characters like Texas Bob Krey. I hope we haven't heard the last of him.

I've complained in the past about Ralph Cotton's historial slips in his books sold as "historical novels." He has done pretty good in this one, and I can overlooked the trivial things that detract from the "historical" nature of book.
This story has a very good plot and lots of action; and of course the good guys win.
But I could not help finding the watch-evidence error. The killer removed the watch from the stagecoach guard's body (Teddy Wade) on Page 98. On Page 271 it suddenly was the Sheriff's watch; but he was killed after the stage holdup and the killer was never near his body.
Sloppy plotting, but I consider this one of Ralph Cotton's better stories... perhaps my comment will get the author's attention.
Although the author ain't a Louis L'Amour, Max Brand, or even a Ralph Compton, I do enjoy his books and I think he's getting better with practice!

This book is the winner of the 1998 Spur Award for Best Western Novel (selected by the Western Writers of America).

Cynthia, has captured the events of a very special time in our history and built beautiful characters around the very people who played such an important role in that point in time of the american west.

Cynthia Haseloff has written a great western that very much deserves the 1998 Spur award recieved from the Western Writers of America.
The Kiowa Verdict is based on the trial of two Kiowa Indians, Satanta and Adoltay also called Big Tree, for taking part in the "The Warren Wagon Train Massacre." Satanta led about 100 Kiowas and Comanches and attacked a wagon train with only a dozen white men. This took place west of Fort Richardson, Texas, in the spring of 1871. There was little doubt who was responsible, for Satanta himself bragged to Quaker Indian agent Lawrie Tatum at Fort Sill:

"Remember this. If any other Indian comes in here saying he led the raid he will be lying, because I, Satanta, led it."

Satanta and Big Tree were the first Indians to be tried in a white man's court in Texas for crimes committed against Texans.
Historically both Satanta and Big Tree were convicted of murder and sentenced to hang. Governor Edmund J. Davis commuted their sentences to life imprisonment. Later Satanta committed suicide by leaping headfirst from a second story window at the Texas State Prison in Huntsville and smashing his head on stone paving.

Adoltay, or Big Tree, a young warrior, converted to Methodism while in prison, was eventually released, was ordained as a Methodist minister, returned to the Kiowa-Comanche lands around Fort Sill and was instrumental in converting many Kiowas and Comanches to Methodism.

One of the characters in this novel, Joseph A. Woolfolk, a Confederate and Frontier Regiment veteran, was appointed by the Thirteenth District Court of the State of Texas to defend the Kiowas. The prosecutor was S. W. T. Lanham, who later became governor of Texas.

Transcripts of the trial don't exist, so what courtroom action there is - and of course the thoughts and fears of Joe Woolfolk - are entirely fictional. What is real is the fact that poor Joe Woolfolk instead of putting up a token defense, actually defended his clients in court.

To paraphrase the sometimes Western writer Mark Twain, "the reports of the death of the Western have been greatly exaggerated." The modern Western has been part of the American literary scene ever since - and arguably long before - Owen Wister introduced readers to "The Virginian" in 1902, and it shows no signs of riding into the sunset.

Cynthia Haseloff has captured the spirit of the American frontier in a way that kept me spellbound from beginning to end. Not only did I come away with a true sense of the era, but I also became a new fan of the Western genre, as well (at least the Haseloff Western genre). I can't wait to read her prequel to this book, "Satanta's Woman." I would highly recommend "The Kiowa Verdict" to anyone looking for a great beside-your-bed read.

Cynthia Haseloff has made a grand effort in this fictionalized history account of a raid by Kiowans on a freighter train, a trial and a verdict. Because records of the events have mostly been destroyed, or were deliberately never made, Haseloff has been forced to assume a lot about what happened and why it happened. It's generally a good job.

The legalities of trying Comanches and Kiowans raiding into North Texas while residing 'out of reach' in Oklahoma weren't vague at the time. The raiders understood enough of the law to know they were immune from prosecution by Texans for depredations in Texas if they escaped to Oklahoma. In this instance, the laws were ignored. Two men responsible for a raid that resulted in the deaths of several freighters and torture of one were arrested, taken back to Texas, tried and hanged.

From a strictly practical perspective, it was probably the right method of dealing with the event, though illegal. Even though Comanche raids continued for several years after this trial, the security of refuge provided by the Oklahoma Territory was never again to be trusted. Comanches who remained at war with whites in Texas were forced to remain on the high plains and face white retribution for their acts. This eventually allowed Colonel Ranald McKenzie to destroy the entire horse-herd of the raiding bands, putting them afoot and ending their ability to conduct raids without exterminating the entire tribe.

The fate of Penateka Comanche, the Karankawa, the Lipan Apache, the Fara'on Apache, and many other tribes caught in the vicegrip of Spanish and Anglo migration into the American West and Southwest is a bloody illustration of the other alternative.

The author has done a good job of reconstructing the events, the setting, the characters and the context. I recommend it for anyone interested in that phase of Texas history.