The Trailsman #278: Mountain Manhunt

"A newspaper editor once claimed that one-fourth of all pilgrims who crossed the Mississippi River were wanted for something or other." Well,here's a chance to meet up with a few of them. This is the 278th. episode in "The Trailsman" series,published in December,2004. This tale takes place in 1861 in the Gros Ventre Range of the Rocky Mountains. Here we see a party of wealthy New Yorkers on a hunting expedition in a very dangerous part of the country. They are like babes in the woods and without fear of outlaws,dangerous animals,Indians and naively unaware of people in their own group that are intent on doing them in. They at least have hired a guide .When Skye Fargo comes upon them he is surprised to find his old mentor,Sam Beckman,is the guide,but had broken his leg and was in no condition to lead and protect the party.The party finally gets Skye to take over the guiding of the expedition. The party consists of wealthy hunters who have done big game hunting around the world.They are traveling in style and even have four of their beautiful women with them. The leader of the party,Teague Synnet is a formidable,overbearing,highly talented and without fear character,who is even able to amaze Skye Fargo. This is the perfect setup for a great Old West Saga .The story is full of action,surprise around every bend,hand to hand fighting that is as tough and surprising as you will ever find i a good western. As I read this story,I kept thinking about the "Berrybender Narratives";a 4-book series by Larry McMurtry. I have written reviews on all 4 books;if you're interested. Like this book they are about an Expedition of a party of wealthy British on a hunting trip to the Old West. This Trailsman episode manages to tell just as exciting a saga in a small book instead of 4 books. When I picked this book up ,I was impressed by the great artwork on the cover; especially wondering how Skye was going to overcome the mountain lion crossing a fallen tree above him as he is passing beneath on his horse traveling along a confined mountain trail.Gotta admit;I still wondering!So be it;it's a great scene. If you are a reader of this series;don't miss it;it's a real humdinger!! If you're new to this series;give it a try;it might just get you hooked