The Ellsworth Trail

Another book in the long running trail series from Ralph Compton, although since his death several other authors have been writing them. In this case the author, Jory Sherman, has written a very readable and enjoyable yarn about extended life on the cattle trail. Replete with dust storms, rain and lightning, stampedes, murders, and Indian attacks. This trail drive is like the last chip in a poker game as it will either make or break the fortunes of several people. Whether it is the owner of the herd: Chad Becker, or the foreman of the herd: Jock Kane, or Curt Torgerson, an evil rival trying to take his herd to Ellsworth ahead of Chad Becker. With Torgerson willing to sabotage and murder to reach his intended goal: arrive first, get paid big dollars, leaving Chad holding the empty bag without any money. Another aspect involved concerns the animosity between Jock Kane and his brother Abel, with each brother aiming to kill the other. Many other sub-characters have a role to play in this story including marauding groups of Apache Indians. Jory Sherman has a very fine, flowing style to his writing which makes this a smooth read. I found it enjoyable and give it 4 stars easily, however, the manner in which the two brothers solve their fued, and the seeming ablility of Curt Jorgenson to evade justice at book's ending doesn't quite square with my view of how this should have turned out. Also there was haunting feel that the closer I got to the ending the more quickly events were rushed to an ending. Possibly Jory had used up his allowed number of words and had to somewhat cram in a quick ending. Oh, well, it is still a worthwhile read, and as typical of a Ralph Compton book there is very little swearing or 'adult' material. Getting unique for a 'western' of today. Recommended. Semper Fi.