Beyond Squaw Creek

Another exciting episode in this long-running series of Skye Fargo,known far and wide as "The Trailsman".In this yarn ,we find Skye in Dakato Territory in 1860.The white man is only beginning to get established by a few brave settlers and remote army forts.Any form of law and justice is by the strong, and usually at the end of a gun.Indians are striking at will, and unless well protected,travellers are at their peril when found. In this case,Fargo is escorting a stage to an army post ,attempting to reunite the army Major's daughter.An attack by Indians leaves only Fargo and the daughter alive. The story involves lots of action and perilous situations ,involving overwhelming odds against hords of hostile Indians, and even an army Lieutenant who has gone loco.The action and suspense is neverending until Fargo completes his search and manhunt to bring the murderers to justice--his justice.The writer gives us lots of descriptive scenes like this; "The brave shook the hair from his eyes and spat several curses which,in good Indian style,insulted not only the Trailsman's mother and sisters,but his female cousins ,as well. The brave opened his mouth to launch another tirade,when he tensed suddenly . Apparently,one of the broken ribs had pierced his heart. He flung his head back with an audible smack against the ground,gave another couple of kicks,and lay still,eyes glazed with death."

Skye Fargo is escorting a stage to a remote Dakota Territory outpost when Indians strike, wiping out everyone but Fargo and a cavalry major's daughter. It seems a U.S. Army lieutenant has gone insane from frontier life and joined the local Blackfeet on a rampage of slaughter against the whites. Now the Trailsman has to take down a madman before the blood runs hip deep. From the very first words this book seems to move quickly from one violent confrontation with the Indians to another without let up. There are a few quieter passages that allow Fargo, and the reader, chance to catch breath from all the blood-letting. There are some great supporting characters too, such as the major's daughter, Valeria, and Prairie Dog with his Schuetzen. As to be expected from Jon Sharpe this book is a fast and very bloody read, as Fargo takes on almost unbeatable odds that lead to his being captured and having to endure some unspeakable acts. Another terrific entry into the Trailsman series, recommended.