Shepherd's Son

One of the most chronicled phenomenon of the American west is the saga of range wars between cattlemen and sheep herders. I have a suspicion there is some exaggeration on how widespread and serious the problem was, but it certainly is great material for a novel - especially a Christian one. The role of Jesus as the master shepherd (the word pastor means shepherd) allows the parable to be woven seamlessly into the fabric of an American western novel. This story is action packed with events happening at almost dizzying speed sometimes and contains lots of plotting and intrigue among the various bad guys. Terry is a master story teller. This book is another winner, though I enjoyed the first two books in the series a little more.

Jay Mendelson's father died and the only way Jay and his mother can keep their ranch is to switch from raising cattle to herding sheep. Jay isn't happy with the change at first, but to his surprise he finds he doesn't mind the wooly creatures at all. But this is cattle country and the local ranchers don't want sheep for neighbors. Led by Blake Johnson, who practically runs the town and surrounding country, the ranchers are determined to get rid of the hated sheep. They don't have anything against Jay, but if he gets in the way,it's his tough luck. Blake sends Rafe Silbee, a man who served with him in the war, and Rafe's hired guns to attack Jay. They even shoot his dog, which was a mistake. The ranchers, who don't mind if a few sheep get killed but it's going too far to shoot a man's dog. Besides, Jay and his mother are well liked in town. Instead of being frightened by the attack, Jay is even more determined to hang on to what is his. Carrie Sue, Blake's daughter loves Jay Mendelson and she isn't afraid of her father or Rafe Silbee and his hired killers. The war heats up and Jay is outnumbered as Rafe calls in reinforcements, but with God's help and the love of a good woman, he doesn't stand alone. I grew up reading Luke Short, Max Brand, Zane Grey, and B.M. Bower. Terry Burns is right at home with those great western writers. You can't miss with this one.