The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse

Hank the Cowdog #8

by John R. Erickson, Gerald L. Holmes (Illustrator)

Hank the cowdog goes to the rescue as a wild, one-eyed horse creates havoc on the ranch but some of his outrageous stunts get him into more trouble than he bargained for.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Animals, Adventure, Humor, Dogs, Mystery

136 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1987

About the author

John R. Erickson, a former cowboy and ranch manager, is gifted with a storyteller's knack for spinning a yarn. Through the eyes of Hank the Cowdog, a smelly, smart-aleck Head of Ranch Security, Erickson gives readers a glimpse of daily life on a ranch in the West Texas Panhandle. This series of books and tapes is in school libraries across the country, has sold more than 7.6 million copies, is a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, and is the winner of the 1993 Audie for Outstanding Children's Series from the Audio Publisher's Association. Publishers Weekly calls Hank a "grassroots publishing phenomena," and USA Today says this is "the best family entertainment in years."

Hank the Cowdog made his debut in the pages of The Cattleman, a magazine for adults, and when Erickson started getting "Dear Hank" letters, he knew he was onto something. So in 1983, he self-published 2,000 copies of The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog, and they sold out in 6 weeks.

When teachers began inviting Erickson to their schools, Hank found his most eager fans. Teachers, librarians, and students alike love Hank. According to some Texas Library Association surveys, the Hank the Cowdog books are the most popular selections in many libraries' children's sections. The lively characters make excellent material for reading and writing lessons, and turn even the most reluctant readers into avid Hank-fans.

Erickson was born in Midland, Texas, but by the age of 3, he had moved with his family to Perryton, Texas, where he and his wife live today on their working cattle ranch. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. His advice to young writers is, "Write about something you know. Try to leave your readers better off than they were before."

Reviews

[Rob Lund]

Such a good series. This one was a little darker with some violent content, but still 8 year old approved. ☺️

[Stan]

I used to read Hank the Cowdog books with my son when he was in the early grades of elementary school. We had some real good chuckles over happenings on the ranch, usually at Hank's expense. Alas, now my son spends his time reading text books at college, not so much fun for either of us. So when I saw this book at the library I grabbed it, thinking maybe to relive some of the good ol' days. I wasn't disappointed. I laughed out loud when Hank licked Sally May on the nose. Hank is so serious and yet he is such a, well...a dog! But he has a lot of human traits as well. When he runs in fear from the one-eyed killer stud horse he doesn't want anyone to know about it. We all dream about what we might do in difficult situations, how we would be brave and save the day. But when fear and courage come face to face and it's time to act, our best intentions can dissipate like steam from a pan of boiling water. To make matters worse, not only does Hank run, he's willing to color the truth about it too. We all have a desire to look good to others. Down deep Hank is a good dog so when a real emergency crops up Hank comes into his own. As he says, "There's a time to make stragedy and there's a time to fight for what's right and good in the world, never mind the consequences." Hank knows the difference and rises to the occasion. I hope my son and I learned enough from Hank to do the same.

[Parker]

In 1993/1994 someone donated a "box" set of Hank the Cowdog books to the group home I lived in. I remember well that the set included 22 books and I remember flying through them one by one. I'm not sure I was in the age range of the target audience, but I loved them nonetheless. It is a fond memory in a sea of uncertainty. I can honestly say that these books got me through a rough time.

[Books On the Ponderosa]

My son says this has been his favorite Hank book so far! It's got all the excitement a young cowkid likes! Wild animals, a trusted Cowdog, and good humor!

[DocHolidavid]

Erickson writes Hank the Cowdog with family, humor, and God in mind - at least as I see’em. I read several a year just like I hunt and fish every year: to have fun and clear my head.

In general Ole Hank is the butt of jokes and does nothing right, but in this book it’s different. Oh sure, Hank still ain’t no Rin Tin Tin, but he is more real than Rinty; and in The One-Eye Stud, Hank proves himself a worthy ranch dog. Somehow, it did my heart good. It’s the only Hank the Cowdog I’ve ever finished with tears in my eyes. Thank you John R. Ercikson.

Doc Holidavid

[Mitch]

It was a good book. The author tells a lot about Hank and his adventure. The author uses correct grammar and words in a way you can see it in your head. When he describes about one November morning, I would actually picture it in my head. This book connects to my life because we have farm cats who are always getting into trouble. Also because the horse in the story kind of has an attitude just like one of our horses.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance]

Hank must defend the ranch
against Tuerto, the one-eyed
killer stud horse from the ranch next door.
I love the part where Hank throws up on
Sally Mae's shoe, just as Sally Mae
is preparing for a visit from her
mother-in-law.

[Jay]

My son told me this was one of the best Hank the Cowdog books, so we listened to it together (mostly) in the car. There are a lot of great comic scenes in this book, but it also has a little emotional depth than some of the other Hank the Cowdog books.

I always enjoy the offhand way some of the humor is delivered. And Hanks's conversations with Drover are the best.

[B.R. Martindale]

John. R. Erickson has done it again! He has such a knack for capturing Texas ranch culture. He writes EXCELLENT stories that are “entertaining adventuresome fun for the whole family.” It reminds me of growing up in my own family farm. I read Hank as a child and am now grateful to share them with my children.

[Karen H]

No Apologies---I am 40 something years old and I love Hank. My husband loves Hank and our 12 year old daughter loves Hank. This one had me laughing sooooo hard I couldn't continue reading it aloud for like 10 minutes. And now Hank is being made available for my Nook!!!!

[ems]

i absolutely loved the hank the cowdog series growing up & i'm glad i remembered them

[Shana OkieCozyReader]

Hank was one of my son’s favorite characters. We read them all. I feel like if you’ve read one or two Hank books, they are all pretty much the same. Hank gets into trouble, fights with Pete the cat, talks to the reader, and tries to “help” run the ranch. He does ask the reader to conspire with him to not tell the truth.

[Amanda]

We enjoyed the audiobook of this especially with the 2 songs. The one about little girls was cute, if not very nice about little boys which was awkward since it was my 10 yr old son listening with me. The other one he sang in Sally Mae's voice was nearly impossible to understand.

[Jagger]

I thought the book was good because hank and drover are very active.

[Jake Powell]

Delightful to revisit a childhood favorite after so many years - still has a place in my heart.

[Minnesota Boy]

Great Book. Lot of action

[Daulton Kids]

This I my first hank the cow dog book, and I really liked it! -Hopey

[Noctis]

Dudes are bathing in sewer, and because Sally May spat in front of them, they're disgusted and decide to never lick her face again! lol

[Amy]

I love these stories

[Rebecca]

These books are really cute for kiddos, there is some violence and crude humor so I would recommend they be read by kids 7 & up but if you like ranch stuff definitely recommended!

[Logan]

Oh Hank, you will always be the greatest cowdog in the history of cowdogs.

[mtschettar]

very funny book.

[Krista]

his book was a riot. We are still quoting our favorite part~when Drover is dreaming and saying all of these hilarious things in his sleep. Hank sure does get himself in a mess sometimes. He knew he should not eat the bacon grease but did that stop him? No, and he got really sick and made the rancher's wife Sally mad as well. I had a lot of fun reading the book out loud to my children in various voices. We enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more about Hank and Drover. We can not wait to read more about Hank the Cowdog's adventures.

[Sarah]

The kids and I love Hank the Cow dog. Jason not so much. We listen to the audio books which are read by the author. He does such a good job and they are sooooo funny! I can listen to them several times (as often happens in the car) and I still laugh. The books really are about very little, but I recommend the any Hank the Cow dog audio books if you have school age kids (and even if you don't). I haven't actually read one of the books because I'm not sure I would like it as much. The author reading it is one thing that makes them so fun.

[Darryl Cole]

I read pretty much this entire series years ago after I descovered them in my elementary school libary. The plot, and characters are great. Plus these books are extremly funny. I loved this series then and I still love it.

[Jill]

This was a fun read with children. It is tons better to get the book on CD and listen to the author read it. He does a fabulous job with all the different voices and kept us laughing non-stop.

[Nic]

Awesome.....I love Hank.

[Cws]

JMAR5-Eri

[Silver Faerie]

Drover says a big word like "doggerel."

Hank tries to kill a killer stud horse which has one eye. If anyone knows this, he calls girls, gals.

[Erin]

This Hank adventure was great. He even prooved himself to be a good dog. (for once)