The Kaintucks

This book was a blast. A simple pulp western that entertained me to a high degree. I bought "Dan'L" thinking it would be little more than a filler book between more substantial reads. It surprised me.Dan'l and his pals, Nolichucky Jack and Choctaw Indian Zeke Morningstar in particular, are in constant danger as they head north along the Natchez Trace trail from New Orleans to Boonesborough, Daniel Boone's self made hometown. Loaded with silver as payment for delivering large ice blocks to that southern port city, Dan'L and his crew are forced to battle through numerous traps and sneak attacks as they traverse northward.The story is engaging, the characters well drawn and interesting. Dodge Tyler has an infective style. At times, the the rural, late eighteenth century period slang spewed by the characters is hard to follow, but man, is it fun! Tyler marinates every scene with local flavor and period history without slowing the story down. What I loved most is the humor Tyler laces throughout the book. I belly-laughed many times. Tyler is at his best when he creates a scene involving dialogue banter. Characters continually sling poison-tipped barbs at friends and foes, which broke me up and had me wondering why Tyler isn't more well known.It's a fun book, Dan'L is a worthy, engaging, hero/protagonist, and I will definitely read more of Dodge Tyler. A three star book bumped up to four stars because Tyler remembered that adventure westerns are about escape and enjoyment. I had a blast reading this tale.