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The shouts of "Head 'em up! Move 'em out!" call to mind Rawhide, a popular TV series that portrayed the challenges of a mid-1800s cattle drive. Here, breaking with tradition, author Andrew Watzek places women at the helm. In the aftermath of avenging their father's death. In the interest of saving the family ranch, the McCullough sisters who can out-shoot, out-track, and out-hunt most men, partner with a neighboring rancher, hire a former buffalo soldier as their ramrod, select a crew of drovers, and then venture to drive a nearly two thousand head herd across the Western territory.
While Watzek takes into account the vastness and beauty of this American landscape, the central focus is clearly on the characters and their interactions. As expected there are various trials and triumphs along this route. The thematic range is widespread, from prejudice to prairie fires, marauding outlaws to brotherly Apache, short-lived romance to unexpected tragedy, and the ultimate earnings of loyalty and respect. The twang of Watzek's choice dialogue and the use of dropped consonants adds an immediate texture to the narrative, which helps immerse readers in the language of the place and time.
As a self-contained work, events clearly come full circle in this tale. Still, in the final chapters, some unforeseen twists may leave readers wondering whether or not Watzek has in mind to continue along this literary trail. As in many a Western saga, lives are often cut short by the unpredictable dangers and variables that invade these territories, whether induced by nature or man-made. The author presents us with female siblings of strong moral fiber and good old-fashioned "gumption," always willing to go the distance. For those drawn to the heart, soul, and drama of the American West, Watzek brings the frontier to life and does not disappoint with his fine rendering of this classic genre.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review