Ghost Moon

Desert Legends #2

by John Wilson

In the second installment of the Desert Legends Trilogy, Ghost Moon follows young James Doolen's story after he discovers the terrible truth about his father in Written in Blood. The year is 1878, and young Jim is not yet ready to return to Canada. Instead he heads up to New Mexico in hopes of finding work and building a life. On the way he meets Bill Bonney (later to be known as Billy the Kid), who takes him to a ranch south of the town of Lincoln, where they both find work as cowboys. Little does Jim know that he is about to get caught up in a vicious battle for the lucrative army contracts with nearby Fort Stanton. As the violence explodes around him, Jim becomes a helpless witness to cold-blooded murder and watches as Bill swears revenge and leads a gang of killers into the hills. However hard he tries, Jim can't escape the violence and is finally drawn into its bloody conclusion on the streets of Lincoln.

Genres: Westerns

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

John Wilson, an ex-geologist and frustrated historian, is the award-winning author of fifty novels and non-fiction books for adults and teens. His passion for history informs everything he writes, from the recreated journal of an officer on Sir John Franklin’s doomed Arctic expedition to young soldiers experiencing the horrors of the First and Second World Wars and a memoir of his own history. John researches and writes in Lantzville on Vancouver Island. There are many more details in his memoir, Lands of Lost Content, https://www.amazon.com/Lands-Lost-Con...

Reviews

[Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second installment of the Desert Legends Trilogy, Ghost Moon follows young James Doolen's story after he discovers the terrible truth about his father in Written in Blood. The year is 1878, and young Jim is not yet ready to return to Canada. Instead he heads up to New Mexico in hopes of finding work and building a life. On the way he meets Bill Bonney (later to be known as Billy the Kid), who takes him to a ranch south of the town of Lincoln, where they both find work as cowboys. Little does Jim know that he is about to get caught up in a vicious battle for the lucrative army contracts with nearby Fort Stanton. As the violence explodes around him, Jim becomes a helpless witness to cold-blooded murder and watches as Bill swears revenge and leads a gang of killers into the hills. However hard he tries, Jim can't escape the violence and is finally drawn into its bloody conclusion on the streets of Lincoln.

[Kim Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read I really wanted to read more about James Doolens story.

[Quasar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not read the first book in this trilogy, but I was very disappointed in this one. If you are looking for shock value or a quick tour of some cowboy legends from the 1800s, you might get something out of it, but I could tell it's written by someone who is more into the history than the storytelling. The historical parts were very interesting, but nothing tied together and the plot was almost nonexistent. I also believe very firmly that (especially for kids) sensationalizing shootouts and gore is not a good idea. Guns are tools and weapons used in serious situations, and using them has real physical, emotional, and psychological repercussions. Guns are not cool, nor are they supposed to be used as a space filler. I have met many people who love their guns, but speak about and handle them with more depth than I found in this entire book. I should read more by him, as his bio says he's written award-winners, but I am unenthusiastic based on my introduction.

[Rachel Seigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this Western trilogy does not disappoint. It's fast-paced and exciting, and John Wilson brings the wild west to life. Look for familiar legendary characters to be referenced and to be part of this novel. Highly recommended for boy readers in grade 7 and above.