Dark Trail to Dodge

by Cotton Smith

Published for the first time in paperback, a classic western follows Tyrel Bannon, a naive farm boy, who becomes a Triple C Rider on the perilous cattle drive from Texas to Dodge and encounters savage Kiowa warriors, raging rivers, storms, and dangerous rustlers. Reprint.

Genres: Westerns

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Cotton Smith was born in Kansas City, Missouri; some would say a century later than he should have. He grew up enjoying both adjoining states, Kansas and Missouri, living mostly in Kansas. His ancestors fought in the Civil War, mostly for the South, as regulars and guerillas. As a young man, he learned to ride horses from a grizzled wrangler he remembers fondly. He also learned how to roll a cigarette then, too! "Looking back on it, he taught me the right ways around a horse -- and he taught me some other things too. Like swinging into the saddle with the horse loping. And springing up from the rear, like the movie stars did. Never occurred to me then that I could get hurt. Guess no young person ever does."

Early in life, he was also exposed to the ways of the Plains Indian, to their sacred ceremonies, customs and traditions. His appreciation for their spiritual connection to the land and all that occupied it was heightened by involvement with Indian friends and backed by extensive research. Both touched him deeply and can be readily seen in his caring -- and accurate--portrayal of Indians in his novels. Throughout his stories, one finds intriguing glimpses of this insight, giving readers a sense of what really was and why.

Reviews

[Steve Lacey]

Dark Trail to Dodge

This is the first western I have read in many years and what a delight it was! I love how compelling the characters were and the relentless pace of the story while not hiding the drudgery of the trail. I was a fan of Cotton Smith the man long before I read the book so this was a real treat.

[D. E.]

A Texas to Kansas Cattle Drive/Cowboys/Outlaws/Indians/Topped with Rustling and Murder

CS has penned a western novel about a trail drive from Texas to Kansas. One of the trail hands is a young man just off the farm who happens to be a hidden gunman. Along on the drive is an ex Texas Ranger. Together, the men face insurmountable odds, but manage to come out on top. The cattle are stolen and most of the trail herd crew killed. The kid and the Ranger come out on top.....This is an excellent read for the men who are attempting to seek justice.....ER

[Charles W Black]

Rip Roaring western!

One of the best of the excellent collection of books this author has written. Exciting fast read I highly recommend!

[Curtis E King]

Happy Kindle Reader!

It's so great to find a new author that writes so well, you are up at the top with my favorite writers now, thanks. Curtis King.

[Jeff Tankersley]

Jeff Book Review #89
Dark Trail to Dodge, Cotton Smith (western)

A Saturday read with a little more action to it than the standard modern western, Dark Trail To Dodge centers on an 18-year old greenhorn going on his first cattle drive, with a number of colorful cowboys showing him the ropes.

Verdict: As cheesy as westerns get, but with some fun characters.

Jeff's Rating: 2 / 5 (Okay)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13