The Mad Trapper of Rat River

I first read this book while living in Alaska 20+ years ago and enjoyed it so much I had to get the book again. There are more facts in the current edition about Albert Johnson and the manhunt with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I found the 2nd reading just as enjoyable and have added some of his books to my library. Dick North is an excellent author and I would recommend reading other books by him such as: Arctic Exodus The Last Great Trail Drive and Sailor in Snowshoes Tracking Jack London's Northern Trail.

This is one of the best books Dick North has written. It is a true story of Albert Johnson's survival and the will to live. As well, it turned out to be the biggest man hunt in the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. You are told the history of Albert Johnson (if that was his real name ) where he came from, what he did for work and how good a shot he was. You are also told of the job the Mounties had to do under some very severe conditions. Keeping the peace in the back country was no easy task. Mr. North has done his homework,to get his story and facts correct.He brings in experts on area's of question and disputes some of the rumors that others have said about this case. He writes with a passion. I could tell he enjoyed working on this story.He will keep you on the edge of your seat once the hunt begins. I always looked forward to reading several chapters before I went to bed. What a book. Highly recommended.

Could NOT put the book down. Was on vacation up IN the Yukon riding on the Yukon Queen DOWN the Yukon River. And probably missed lots of great scenery because was reading this book. Read it in less than 24 hours. What a great writing style and format!! One, after reading it, should then see the Charles Bronson/Lee Marvin move about it... The book of course gives alot more details and background but the movie is great too. Reading the book makes you want to go out and buy a bowie knife and build a cabin!

This book has been a big seller for many years... and the inspiration for motion pictures such as CHALLENGE TO BE FREE. No one knew who the "Mad Trapper" was til author Dick North tracked him down -- all spelled out in this and a later book,"Trackdown." You'll thrill to this tale of a powerful but desperate human being who led the Canadian Mounties in an incredible chase through the lofty Richardson Mountains in the dead of winter. The Mad Trapper was the inspiration for still another book about the frozen north -- MARK OF THE WHITE WOLF, an e-book out of Blue Knight Enterprises in Hyde Park, NY.

i have read many versions of this tale since living in canada and each tale has a twist.i am interested in every tale to be printed.