Rescuing Crockett

by David Z. Pyke

1838. Silas Grant prepares for a future with the girl of his dreams. The resourceful sixteen-year-old is learning the blacksmith trade from his father and frontier skills from Texas Revolution veterans. But when a portrait of David Crockett triggers hope that the folk hero didn’t die two years earlier, Silas joins a quest for the truth.

Exploring a world healing from the war, Silas and his companions investigate the accounts of Alamo survivors and pursue a witness to the battle's final moments. Their odyssey turns lethal as layers of the last stand’s legend peel away to expose a shocking secret.

Will the revelation stun a nation or ignite a fatal showdown?

Rescuing Crockett is the gripping first book in the Silas Grant series of western historical thrillers. If you like rousing adventure, immersive storytelling, and commitment to authenticity, you’ll love David Z. Pyke’s captivating epic that Kirkus Reviews hails as "A thrilling historical drama, as engrossing as it is edifying."

Buy Rescuing Crockett to leave no man behind today!

378 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2023

About the author

David Z. Pyke is a native Texan related to one of the Alamo defenders. His great-great-great-great-great-granduncle, Isaac Millsaps, was one of the Immortal 32, the reinforcements from Gonzales who answered William Barret Travis's call for help, rode to San Antonio, and died in the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Pyke began writing professionally in 1975 and has written for newspapers, magazines, and websites.

In 1991, a mutual friend introduced David to Suzanne, an English literature teacher from Missouri. Their first date was on Friday the 13th. Suzanne later confessed that before that first date, she read some of David’s stories to see if he could write. Apparently, he received a passing grade. They were engaged five months later, married four months after that, and in 2023 celebrated their 31st anniversary.

Reviews

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know a lick about Texas history, other than rudimentary information on the Alamo, but this book drove me to the history books to read more about the Republic of Texas, the men who fought and died at the Alamo, the battles with Santa Ana's troops and aftermath (San Jacinto, the Runaway Scrape) and other fascinating information and I came away incredibly impressed. About 80% of the characters in Rescuing Crockett were real people and the fictional characters are so well-developed that they read like flesh-and-bone real men and women.

The author uses the framing device of David (he hated "Davy") Crockett surviving the carnage of the Alamo and possibly being taken by Santa Ana to Mexico, and pulls together a group of men to speak with survivors (yes, there were survivors - some women and children, Williams Travis' slave, Jim, etc.), retrace the retreat of Santa Ana's army, investigate all avenues, fight like wildcats, and come to a conclusion that seems entirely possible and very gratifying.

The book starts with the POV of the Mexican troops after the Alamo had been breached and somehow this makes it all seem more horrific - this was no glorious victory and so many people probably suffered from life-long PTSD as a result. There's a reason "Remember the Alamo" was a rallying cry for the population of the young Republic of Texas. There's a quiet strength to these characters - historic and fictional - that shows why men lay down their lives for a cause, how boys strive to become men of integrity, how you pick up the pieces of your life and somehow continue when it seems impossible.

The plot held my interest absolutely every step of the way, and the alternate universe of the book felt grounded and real. I can't recommend this book enough. 5 stars

I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Ruthie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If I’m gonna die, I want to die in Texas."

Knowing your Texas history and Remembering the Alamo are not necessary to enjoy this captivating novel based on both fact and some alternative fiction. What if Davy Crockett survived the battle of the Alamo back in 1836? What would be the significance if one of the famous defenders of the Alamo was captured instead of killed?

David Pyke explores this possibility with a fast-paced plot, fantastic prose, and dynamic characterization that will entertain students of history and casual readers alike. You can pick up any history book and learn the details of the battle of the Alamo, so Rescuing Crockett starts off in the final throes of battle, setting the stage for a compelling what-if mystery that could be completely plausible.

A casual sketch of a man sets several key characters (some real and some not) on a quest to confirm the identity of what appears to be David Crockett drawn two years after the Alamo fell. What makes this story so compelling is that finding out the truth of Crockett’s fate must be conducted secretly and quickly, especially if there is any truth to the rumor that Crockett was gravely injured at the Alamo and remains a prisoner of the infamous Santa Anna.

Rescuing Crockett has many well-developed characters, but there is a reason it is called A Silas Grant Novel. Silas is young but ready to help the elite group of men find and rescue Crockett. Silas is also in love with the prettiest girl in Texas, so it is imperative that the men bring him home to Emily alive. While Silas does not dominate the entire story, his characterization gains momentum and prevalence as the story progresses. In the ending chapters, bringing Silas home alive becomes a challenge, riddled with blood, bullets, bayonets, and uncertainty. Never assume a beloved character will make it to the final page or that one of the heroes did not die defending the Alamo, so check out Rescuing Crockett to find out who lives to fight another day.

A true Texan, especially a San Antonian, might be affronted at the very idea of even the smallest alternative to Alamo history (even with a fiction disclaimer), but this reader (a forever resident of the Alamo City) is beyond enthralled with David Pyke’s imagination and skill at melding fact and fiction to craft a story that is meant to be entertaining and quite thought provoking. The author does end the story with a list of what is fact and what is fiction, his inspiration, and a comprehensive bibliography.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Davy Crockett didn't die at the Alamo? Are you hooked yet? Because I was as soon as I read the premise for David Z. Pyke's historical epic mystery.

What I love most about Rescuing Crockett isn't just the insane attention to detail, but the in-depth dive into living Texas heroes, heroes who have lived long enough to become legends. As a Texan with ancestors on both sides who fought in the Texas Revolution, my family imprinted a great respect for our history. So I not only paid extra attention in Texas history classes growing up, but I also loved (and loathed) watching the classic and modern films on the war and of course, the Alamo. How could so many amazing figures die? It's that need for hope and a few tantalizing clues that lead our characters in their own need to answer the unfathomable question.

For some, like American politician, Powhatan Ellis, the possibility would spell political disaster. For others, like the men who survived the Alamo and/or the war, the need for the truth becomes much more personal. While at times I felt like I was reading a history lesson, it was so well-written and executed I was just as engrossed, and sucked even deeper into the story and these larger-than-life characters. Pyke has a gift for making the past feel present, and history relevant in ways I didn't expect. I wasn't expecting forays into historical espionage, but all these surprisingly conceivable details only enrich and enhance the story. And of course, at its heart, we have our band of Texan brothers, Silas, Sam, Henry, and company. For me, these three carried the story, and kept it grounded, as we journey through both Texas and Mexico, as they are beset by rebels and the threat of a disgraced but not forgotten Santa Anna's remaining forces. For the Texans, they only have one goal set in mind: bring Crockett home.

A fantastic yet grounded historical fiction, Rescuing Crockett is perfect for fans of found family, epic journeys, and unsung heroes.

[Clueless Gent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescuing Crockett is a wonderfully entertaining blending of fact and fiction that takes a stab at what could have happened if one little piece of Texas history was different.

All Texans know that David “Davy” Crockett was killed in the fall of the Alamo in 1836. The author confirms this in the very first sentence of the Historical Notes. The whole premise of this fictional story, however, is what could have happened if indeed Crockett survived the Alamo.

I need to bias this interview, in that I happen to love historical fiction that shows what may have resulted if some historical event had a different outcome. The Stephen King novel 11/22/63 is a prime example of what I mean. To my delight, this story fell directly into that small niche.

I don’t really know what I preconceived going into this story—plot-wise—but whatever it was, I was very wrong. The book was nothing like I thought it would be, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I really can’t go further into it because that would be a huge spoiler.

One of the things I really loved about this book was the inclusion of Historical Notes after the end of the story. In these notes, the author went into some detail differentiating between fact and fiction. I was taken aback by the number of characters that actually existed. Thus, the reader does not have to be a Texas history buff to fully enjoy the story, yet understand which parts of it were based on actual history.

The author did a great job of developing the characters, particularly that of Silas Grant, the overarching protagonist. For everything Silas did, I had to keep reminding myself that he was only 16. I understand that people grew up faster back then, but still…. The description of Silas’s thoughts and emotions immediately before, during, and after combat was done exceptionally well.

Speaking of description, this author tended to go overboard a few times. For example, when describing the types of events that a particular couple would attend, the author listed a dozen. When describing the types of places that same couple would visit, the author listed 27. This was too many, in my opinion.

Perhaps the excessive description is part of the reason why the pacing of the story seemed to lag. I would say the first 90 percent of the story was slow. However, the perfectly paced 10 percent at the end made it all worth it!

The Alamo has a special place in the hearts of Texans, and probably the same for many folks that have visited the shrine. This story plucks at those emotions to engage the reader.

I was well engaged in this story, and I take my hat off to the author for his creativity in developing such an interesting story line. Highly recommended!

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly enjoyed this book. It captured my attention from the very beginning and held it throughout.

The writing was a very high caliber, especially the descriptions of the towns, residences, and businesses — they were great.

Characters were easy to follow and were people that you could associate with, and feel honored to be part of their story.

The concept of the story was just simply outstanding in redoing a historical event and make it come alive. I tip my hat to the author for that.

I highly recommend this book and hope it is very successful.

I received an advance review, copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction novel that explores an alternate fate for Alamo legend David "Davy" Crockett.

It takes a bold and confident hand to tackle a historical fiction novel involving the Battle of the Alamo, especially for an author from the Lone Star State, but I believe David Z. Pyke has crafted a winning tale in Rescuing Crockett. When rumors reach important ears in the federal government that former U.S. Representative David "Davy" Crockett is still alive and taken as a prisoner after the Battle of the Alamo, his fellow brothers-in-arms are compelled to investigate and mount a rescue should the rumors prove true. What results is this COMPLETELY FICTIONAL adventure story, stacked with historical figures and steeped in fact.

Told from multiple points of view, the story slowly builds with the main characters seeking eyewitnesses to Crockett's final stand. It was fascinating reading about their questioning of the survivors of the battle who were inside the mission with the Texas defenders and the diversity of their accounts of what they saw.

Included in the band of men searching for evidence of Crockett's fate is young Silas Grant, a sixteen-year-old from the Brazos Valley region near Washington-on-the-Brazos, who knew these war heroes from his participation in the final battles of the Texas Revolution. He's a more than competent companion to the older men in the group, easily carrying his own weight, even devising clever plans to save their bacon along the way. It was hard to remember that Silas was only sixteen as the story begins, someone who, nowadays, would be viewed as still a child, yet at the time of these events, was considered a man-grown. This was especially the case when it came to his sweet but mature romance with Emily Perry.

This author can definitely tell a story! There is plenty of adventure, excitement, danger, mystery, and romance to keep readers of almost any genre turning pages. The place descriptions are vivid and, at times, capture more than just the physical attributes of the setting. There is a scene early in the story where the Texians traveling to San Antonio finally reach the city's outskirts, approaching the ruins of the Alamo from the back. Their arrival is solemn and imbued with emotion for these characters, but I was affected myself just from the reading.

The author mixes fictional characters with many historical figures in a very natural way, and I was impressed by how many actual people were successfully incorporated throughout the story. The author includes additional commentary about some of those mentioned and some eye-opening stories about a couple of events and settings that make the Historical Note chapter a must-read.

With its engaging main and supporting characters – fictional and historical, intriguing premise, and fantastic storytelling deftly mixing fact with imaginative fiction, I recommend RESCUING CROCKETT to readers of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy Texas tales and stories of the Alamo.

[MikeLikesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. I like historical fiction and this centers around David Crockett and what happens after the battle of the Alamo in San Antonio Texas. Maybe he was captured and not executed, being held in a remote hacienda in Mexico. The author really did a lot of research of people and places. It makes me want to delve more into the teal history of some of these people. This looks like the start of a series of a young man named Silas Grant. It will be interesting to see what is his next adventure.

[Elaine LaBonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in David Z. Pyke's new "Silas Grant Series" is "Rescuing Crockett." The story of Davy Crockett's loss at the Alamo is fictionalized here. I could almost smell the blood, sulfer, and burning flesh as I read Pyke's descriptions. After the tragic Battle of the Alamo in 1836 during the Texas Revolution, many wondered, "Did Davey Crockett die on that historic day?" Or was he still alive, despite being identified as a slave in a mine in Guadalajara in 1938.

16-year-old Silas Grant, who served alongside his father in the Mexican War, drives this arduous search. Silas and his friends research the claims of Alamo survivors and try to locate a witness to the final minutes of the conflict. The troops had to ascertain whether or not Crockett was still alive and, if so, save him. This book is a must-read for fans of David Pyke, historical Westerns, American literature, mysteries, and thrillers. My enjoyment of the story was not diminished by the fact that the beginning was a bit slow. Thank you to Leonard Street Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC. My sincere opinions are shared in this volunteer review.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an alternate history book is so well written that you have to keep reminding yourself......this is fiction......you have to give it 5 stars. When evidence convinces several people that Davy Crockett, and others, survived the Alamo, a search and rescue team is joined by young Silas Grant whose POV narrates this story, David Z Pyke has done a heck of a job telling a story that we could all of hoped were true.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alternate histories are usually fun the read as we’ve all wondered “what if?”. In this case, the author skillfully weaves a tale of what changes we’d have seen if Davy Crockett hadn’t perished at the Alamo. Well done and seemingly plausible. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just returned from a trip to Texas, I eagerly began Rescuing Crockett – what a treat! Historical fiction always causes me to think “what if” and this book took me there. I too want to imagine Silas and Emily living long lives while raising a household of a new generation of Texans.

[Melissa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the premise sounded interesting. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. It felt like a spy novel set in the Old West. The characters, action scenes, and settings were extraordinary.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas has a rich historical background surrounding its fight for independence. Texans are also fabulous story weavers, starting from days around the campfire, with each retelling embellished to keep it exciting. No single battle is historically more decisive to Texans than the Battle of the Alamo. Author David Pyke creates a foundation for this compelling historical fiction by claiming that the infamous David Crockett survived the bloody battle.

In the early 1800s, Mexico City was a destination for ambassadors and diplomats worldwide. The story opens with the Spanish Ambassador hosting an elaborate party. During the event, one of the guests shows drawings to a small group created from a diplomat’s recent tour of Mexico. These drawings capture the people and places seen during the months of the journey. U.S. Emissary Ellis is stunned by a drawing resembling his friend Crockett, whom he thought died two years ago at the Alamo. Ellis launches into a full investigation and life-threatening journey to learn the truth.

Mr. Pyke’s detailed descriptions bring to life the heroes of the Texas Revolution upon whom Ellis called to decide if his friend was alive. These men of grit include Juan Seguin, Henry Wax Karnes, Sam McCullock, Jacob Millsaps, J.C. Neill, Sam McCulloch, Horace Alsbury, Jacob Millsaps, and sixteen-year-old Silas Grant. The descriptions of this arduous journey introduce the reader to the dangers of the isolated country, which is filled with rattlesnakes, alligators, and opportunistic, violent men. The vivid hardships evoke all the senses and emotions in this excellent story.

Locating survivors of the battle and gaining their recollections of the tense events during the days of the Alamo battle is critical to Ellis. These survivors' memories flame the fires of hope for Crockett’s existence. Mr. Pyke’s research, woven into the thrilling tale, takes readers on an unbelievable ride through realistic history in a wild, untamed environment from Texas to Mexico, culminating with a brutal encounter with the despised General Santa Anna.

Fans of historical Texas fiction will enjoy the realistic dialogue and witty banter between characters, which makes the reading easy. The realism of the people, places, and events shows sides of life not always shown in history books. Plus, a teenage romance interlude adds an odd but human element. Rescuing Crockett comes together in a rich tale that makes history fun and is recommended for young adults and beyond.

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescuing Crockett is an enjoyable and interesting read. The author does a great job of blending fiction and historical facts. So, if you didn't know what really happened to David Crockett, you might think that he really had been rescued by a group of stalwart friends and soldiers. It all rang so true, I had to keep reminding myself that this is historical fiction.

The characters are a mix of real and fictional, and all were very likeable and engaging. Since this is the first book in a series that features Silas Grant, I’m not surprised that I was drawn to him more than some of the other people in the story. Silas is the youngest member of the group sent on the mission to find David Crockett, or disprove the rumor that he was still alive. Silas is only sixteen-years old, but at that time in history someone that young was considered a man. Plus, he brings a knowledge of guns and hunting to the mission that serves them all well at times when they need a sharpshooter.

The relationship between Silas and Emily is a terrific subplot, and I enjoyed the tender, sweet scenes they have together. The teasing from the older men adds humor at points in the story that need something ease the tension they all feel about the dangers of their mission. And the promise the older men make to Emily that they will bring Silas home alive is a nice plot element. It is something that they all consider as the mission progresses and the challenges mount.

While I was reading, it was disruptive to come to a passage where the men are introduced to someone new in the story and every detail of how they all had served together at the Alamo and San Jacinto was detailed. Full names and ranks were repeated word for word numerous times, and a different way of relaying that information would have worked better for the flow of the story.

There’d also a little too much of the pleasantries that people exchange when they meet, whether for the first time or again. People may do that in real life, but using it can weigh down the dialogue in a novel. The rest of the dialogue in Rescuing Crockett is so well done that this awkwardness is a jarring contrast.

A section at the end of the book has a great explanation of what is historical and what is fiction in the story, and that's very helpful for the reader. Those who have not studied Texas history in school will appreciate that. I sure did.

I highly recommend Rescuing Crockett to folks who like a good historical novel that introduces a wonderful new character to the fictional world.

[Jill Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a cast of well-rendered characters, Rescuing Crockett takes readers on a quest of discovery as a group of men race to learn whether or not David Crockett survived the Battle of the Alamo. To be honest, I was expecting a bit of a dry historical treatise when I picked up Rescuing Crockett, and I have never been happier to be so thoroughly incorrect. Instead of a historical retelling, I found myself pulled into a spy thriller that didn’t stop for a moment.
Bullets fly, intrigue abounds, and love blooms in this tale that defies easy classification. Right out of the gate, Pyke surprises readers with a sympathetic depiction of the deplorable conditions for the Mexican army survivors immediately after the Battle of the Alamo. For a good chunk of the book, I kept wondering in the back of my mind if this was just to add some gruesome details, but I learned that each and every item in this book is indeed thoughtful, vital, and necessary.
Novels with such a vast array of characters can often get bogged down as the reader attempts to keep track of the sheer number of people. Pyke introduces necessary characters with an almost poetic grace, his words drawing a deft picture that quickly establishes the essence of the person and plants them firmly in the reader’s mind. The main character, Silas Grant, practically jumps off the page. From his respect for the elder Texians in the group, to his creative problem-solving, to his relationship with Emily, Silas is a marvelous character, and I’m thrilled to know this won’t be his last adventure through the pen of David Z. Pyke. I also enjoyed the character of Fanny, or Frances Calderón de la Barca. “But Fanny was far more than beautiful, and woe to the man who underestimated her.” She seems a woman ahead of her time. Although a minor character, her portrayal here had me running to research her life to learn more.
From brutally honest depictions of the aftermath of the Battle of the Alamo to intriguing glimpses into the lives of its heroes, David Z. Pyke’s artistry is on full display from the first page to the last. With a magical mixture of fact and fiction, these Texians come to life. I enjoyed each page and look forward to Silas Grant’s future exploits.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

380 pages

5 stars

This is an absolutely wonderful book!

Could David Crockett have survived the siege of the Alamo in 1836?

It is 1838 and sixteen-year old Silas Grant is planning his life with the woman he loves. He is also learning much. From his father, he is learning blacksmithing and from several heroes of the Revolution, he is learning about life and how to be a man of Texas in that era.

When a rumor reaches an American Ambassador in Mexico that Mr. Crockett survived the Alamo and is working in a mine in Mexico, the ambassador sends his trusted friend Mr. Brown to investigate. The rumor turns out to be false, but at a political dinner, the ambassador discovers a charcoal portrait that stuns him. The recent drawing is of David Crockett.

Mr. Brown travels to Texas to investigate among the men who knew him best. Enter the Heroes of the Revolution. They arrive in San Antonio from all over Texas.

Interviewed separately, they, to a man, all agree that the picture is of David Crockett.

The men then set out to locate Mr. Crockett’s whereabouts.

What follows is an exciting investigation and a race to find David. Mr. Pyke’s writing is a joy to read. We learn enough about the various characters to find them likable with kind, but implacable personalities. The book reads quickly, partially because the reader gets so involved in the story that it becomes obsessive. The dialogue among the men is very well done with little spots of humor interspersed.

I have always been fascinated with the story of the Alamo and the brave men who died there. The relationships between Travis, Bowie and Crockett have occupied me for years. (Of course, one can add Sam Houston to the mix.) So this book was a boon for me to find. I snatched it up right away. I will never forget it and will read it gladly again.

I want to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Lynn Poppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

RESCUING CROCKETT by David Z. Pyke is speculative historical fiction, where real heroes of the Texas Revolution discover that David Crockett might still be alive and a prisoner in Mexico. A plan is developed to interview others who were present at the Alamo, and then, if needed, to mount a rescue.

While I’m not originally from Texas, reading this gave me a real sense of the day to day lives of these characters in the ensuing years after the events of the Alamo fell.

Pyke’s writing is conversational and easy to read. The plot was fast paced, alternating between interviewing characters and action. Naval battles - we’ve got them. Full on prisoner rescue - yep, that as well. There’s some spy-craft and scheming from a few characters. And even a little romance is thrown in to round out the story. I was thoroughly engrossed for the entire read.

While RESCUING CROCKETT is a work of fiction, from the Authors Notes, we learn that 80% of the characters are based on real people. The characters are well-defined, empathetic, and engaging. Telling much of the story through the eyes of 16-year-old Silas instead of the historical figures let us hero worship along with Silas. But we also feel his emotions - love, sadness, and anguish at having to take a life.
I was equally impressed with the quantity and quality of the female characters in the novel. So often, women, and their contributions, are omitted from history. From Emily, Silas’s love, to widows eking out a survival with no help from the Texas government, to a feud due a misunderstanding, the women in this novel are as appealing as the male characters. We see the impact the war had on the women and men in Texas.

If history books were written like this, with a plot to move the story forward, I think more people would be interested in reading about it. Or at least I know I would be.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836. The battle of the Alamo is one of the premier moments in Texas history and, according to historical records, there were no survivors.

General Santa Ana was President of Mexico and the head of the army during the attack on the Alamo. Santa Ana considered the Texas fighters traitors to the country. His orders were to leave no person alive.

A rumor that David Crockett may have survived the battle was the premise of this tale. The rumor was fueled by a drawing made by a gifted artist that looked surprisingly like Crockett. Could he still be alive and held captive by Santa Ana?

This book paints a colorful and graphic analysis of life in the 1830s in the Republic of Texas as well as Mexico. Because Crockett had been a U.S. Representative from the state of Tennessee, he was very important to the population at that time. Crockett became disillusioned with his political struggles in Tennessee and moved to Texas to join that new republic. He fought with the Texas dissidents and was either captured or killed outright.

David Pyke paints a very illuminating picture of the battle and the subsequent aftermath in San Antonio. This alternative possible outcome is compelling. Enjoy! 4 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone familiar with Texas history knows David Crockett (he didn't much care for "Davy") died at the Alamo. But what if he didn't? This is the tale David Z. Pyke envisions for us with Rescuing Crockett.

At a party held by the Spanish Ambassador, U.S. government emissary happens upon a sketch that looks an awful lot like David Crockett. There have been rumors that Crockett survived, but they'd all been disproven. This, though? The sketch is recent. And thus begins the an investigation that takes a group of Texian heroes and one young man, Silas Grant, all over Texas and into Mexican territory in an effort to ferret out the truth.

Pyke has done his research, and backs it up with historical notes at the end of the book. Many characters were real people, and even the fictional ones have backstory and depth. I'm not a native Texan, and I enjoyed reading and learning about some of the actual people who fought at the Alamo and San Jacinto.

The main plot, the search for Crockett, is a thrill ride. There are witness statements, but they conflict. Whose account is trustworthy and whose isn't? There are some hair-raising moments and enough action for the most devoted adventure reader. The subplot with Silas and his love, Emily, is a nice touch. I know we'll see more of Silas in future books. I hope Emily is included, too! They're just so darn cute, and I love that the older men joked with Silas about his romantic situation.

Highly recommended if you like historical fiction that lets you play a really entertaining game of "but what if it happened differently"!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescuing Crockett follows a group of Texians who discover that legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett may not have died at the Alamo. It takes historical elements, a few fictional characters, and creates a revisionary work of historical fiction. Love, brotherhood, pride, and bravery are the big themes, with the settings ranging from Texas to Mexico. All in all, this is a really enjoyable read if you're particularly fond of Texas history.

Having been to the Alamo and knowing a fair deal of Texas history, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the travel element as the story follows the band of Texians across several spots in Texas and in Mexico during the 1800s. It was really interesting to hear familiar names being used in a new story. I also really like the way this book plays with Texas legends, taking witness accounts and theories of famous events, and puts new twists on them - particularly regarding Davy Crockett. If you like historical fiction, and particularly Texas history, this is a must-read book. The later half ups the action, but the human drama and mystery in the first half are also highly entertaining. It feels almost like a cozy, reflective drama that turns into a Western adventure. Definitely recommend it.

[Paul Falk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author brought to life a fictional account of legendary frontiersman and congressman, David Crockett. He was most revered for his selfless role at the battle of the Alamo. Critically wounded during the bloody assault on the Mission, he was the only defender taken alive and delivered into Mexico, a prisoner. So the story began.

A couple years later, a rumor began to circulate around the country, Crockett was still alive. But if he was, where was he?

The storyline went on to paint an elaborate tale of how a group of men, Alamo sympathizers, set out to find Crockett, and once and for all, put the unproven rumor to rest - was Crockett dead as most assumed or was there a remote possibility he was still alive? There was only one way for them to find out. And so they did.

The narrative kept me spellbound from beginning to end as the plot grew stronger with each passing chapter. The storyline culminated with a spectacular finish. This well-written book had everything in it to make for a fascinating read.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My maiden name is Crockett, my youngest son is named Crockett and my 'baby' brother was born in 1955 at the height of the 'Davy Crockett' TV faze. Naturally, he was named after our recently deceased grandfather, Henry David Crockett. So of course, I would enjoy a novel based on the proposition that David Crockett survived the Alamo. When the US Ambassador to Mexico happens to glance at a sketch of Crockett in an album at a party in Mexico City, he snatches it under his coat and sends his man to Texas with it, under strict secrecy orders to the US Ambassador to Texas to check with those who last saw Crockett. And these notable Texans plotted to find out what happened and 'Rescue Crockett' from the Mexicans. It was great reading to follow these men around the Republic of Texas 185 years ago and then hold my breath as they sailed to Mexico! I appreciated Pyke's 'Historical notes.' Most of the people and places truly existed. It is surprising how many of the events are historical and woven together masterfully by Pyke.

[Carol Seniw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming up with a scenario where Crockett survives the Alamo was not an easy task. The author comes up with a way even with eyewitnesses who say they saw his body. The investigation was very detailed and meticulous. The author spent a lot of time on detailed descriptions and provided some info that I felt did not enhance or was not necessary to the story and there were some grammatical errors. These are the reasons for my rating. Our small band of investigators went in all directions and experienced some harrowing adventures with triumph and tragedy. I don’t want to give away the story by providing too much detail but the Silas Grant character needs more adventures.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title was quick to get my attention, I like historical type books. Ever since I was a little kid Davy Crockett was one of my heroes. I was always saddened by the story of the Alamo and how he died there. This novel is a fun twist on history. I wish this book was there when I was young! To add to the legend of Davy Crockett is a fantastic idea. To find out if Crockett lived and if they rescue him is for you to read and enjoy. This is a fantastic read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a 7th generation Texan, I LOVED this book. It was well written and I wanted to know more about the characters as I read the story. I was thrilled to read the part of the story about the flour being spilled and kept thinking to myself, this has to be Flour Bluff - where I grew up. Rescuing Crockett is an interesting, alternate story to the death of Davy Crockett at the Alamo. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[VT · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the first few pages, and it is not what I was expecting, as it is clearly well researched but also on the gruesome side and introduces far too many characters all at once - characters, I suspect, who are not even the main characters! So this book might be great for other people, probably people more interested in the Alamo, but it is not for me.

I thank BookSirens for the opportunity to give it a try!

[Carolyn Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved reading this story, it is my favorite one where they blend truth and fiction. It makes you wonder could David Crockett really have lived and been captured as a prisoner. This is a new to me author, but I can’t wait to read more of his stories. If you keep writing them, Mr. Pyke, I will keep reading them.


I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

Every great story of fiction must be based on believable events. It is obvious that David Pyke used true historical events wrap his story around. I look forward to reading more of his stories about Silas Grant in the future!

[Lone Star Literary Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie review for Lone Star Literary Life.

[Clark Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Details.

Interesting in many parts of the story, but far fetched for my taste. The author provided good details and descriptions for a potentially feasible plot.