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The McCabes #1
The Long Trail
First in the best-selling series, THE McCABES. The story of a family building a ranch in the rugged wilderness of post Civil War Montana, and of a young man seeking his family and his destiny. If you liked the movie OPEN RANGE or the TV shows BIG VALLEY and LANCER, or the novels of Louis L'Amour and Ralph Compton, then this might be for you.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2013
711 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Brad Dennison
81 books56 followersBrad was born in rural New England and grew up reading Louis L'Amour, Luke Short, A.B Guthrie, Jr., and even Edgar Rice Burroughs. He knew at 14 he wanted to write for a living, and refused to give up the goal even when the odds seemed overwhelmingly against it. Now, thanks to Amazon, his stories are now available. He is a member of the Western Writers of America
Brad fell in love with the Old West at a very young age. It began with movies and old TV series like GUNSMOKE and BONANZA, and later expanded to western novels. This led to his study of western history. The pioneers, the Indians, the cattlemen, the gunfighters. His interest in history is not so much about wars and great leaders, but the people who lived on the land. And that's what he writes about. The people. He doesn't write about the old west as much as he writes about what it might have felt like to be there.
He loves contact from readers. He can be reached by email at mccabewesterns@gmail.com if you want to discuss his stories, or even just the American West in general.
Brad fell in love with the Old West at a very young age. It began with movies and old TV series like GUNSMOKE and BONANZA, and later expanded to western novels. This led to his study of western history. The pioneers, the Indians, the cattlemen, the gunfighters. His interest in history is not so much about wars and great leaders, but the people who lived on the land. And that's what he writes about. The people. He doesn't write about the old west as much as he writes about what it might have felt like to be there.
He loves contact from readers. He can be reached by email at mccabewesterns@gmail.com if you want to discuss his stories, or even just the American West in general.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 16, 2014
This was a good story although it lagged at times and I found myself skipping through a few places. Additionally, unless you continue with the series, you really don't know much about quite a few characters such as Bree, Aunt Ginny and Jack. (They're explained in detail in book 2, btw). What I found most annoying was the repetition of some things, ie... cinching or loosening the cinch on the horse, how the various guns were worn, and the like.
I found the basic story entertaining despite the issues I've noticed and will read subsequent offerings from this author because I think he has a talent for telling a story, but just needs some fine tuning.
I found the basic story entertaining despite the issues I've noticed and will read subsequent offerings from this author because I think he has a talent for telling a story, but just needs some fine tuning.
October 3, 2014
As good a Western as I have ever read!
I started reading Western books in Vietnam & Brad Dennison is as good as Zane Grey or any other of the great writer's.
I started reading Western books in Vietnam & Brad Dennison is as good as Zane Grey or any other of the great writer's.
December 1, 2022
Lot of repetition
I really enjoy this genre of books. Lane and Petit are two of my favorite authors especially since they don't feel the need to spice up their books with profanity, and there are many others. That's one reason I chose to read this author.....very little profanity.
He writes a really good story.........BUT.....
This book is way too long.....lots of little stories in the book are repeated numerous times, and just a lot of "filler"....this book should be about 20 per cent shorter.
Most of these type books I read in a day or two.....I've been nearly 4 days reading this one.
With all the repetition and unnecessary chit chat it's easy to lose interest in the book.
I did like the story and I see there is a series of 13 books........But I also see that book #2 is even longer than this one...
so I won't be reading any more of this author's books
I really enjoy this genre of books. Lane and Petit are two of my favorite authors especially since they don't feel the need to spice up their books with profanity, and there are many others. That's one reason I chose to read this author.....very little profanity.
He writes a really good story.........BUT.....
This book is way too long.....lots of little stories in the book are repeated numerous times, and just a lot of "filler"....this book should be about 20 per cent shorter.
Most of these type books I read in a day or two.....I've been nearly 4 days reading this one.
With all the repetition and unnecessary chit chat it's easy to lose interest in the book.
I did like the story and I see there is a series of 13 books........But I also see that book #2 is even longer than this one...
so I won't be reading any more of this author's books
December 5, 2016
I can't believe there exists a book of western lore in this world that I actually enjoyed reading, but it's true and I actually finished the book without once wondering if an alien had taken over my mind ( a western loving alien).
I found this book on my Kindle Unlimited as I was looking for something less stressful than my usual dystopian fare, and now I'm looking forward to the second in the series.
The Long Trail isn't perfect, and certain parts run boringly on similar to my Aunt Ilene whose mouth never stops relating mundane, irrelevant information, but overall she starts to grow on you just as this story grew on me.
I found this book on my Kindle Unlimited as I was looking for something less stressful than my usual dystopian fare, and now I'm looking forward to the second in the series.
The Long Trail isn't perfect, and certain parts run boringly on similar to my Aunt Ilene whose mouth never stops relating mundane, irrelevant information, but overall she starts to grow on you just as this story grew on me.
May 6, 2016
A Full Western Novel
A truly great western novel that is hard to put down with it's many twists and turns. A great start to a series.
A truly great western novel that is hard to put down with it's many twists and turns. A great start to a series.
February 14, 2017
Very enjoyable and well done. The ending seemed forced and the pace rushed when compared to the rest of the book. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 1, 2017
SEARCHING FOR MY PAST
So far a good western about the son of Johnny McCabe, Jackson(Jack) McCabe. A strong, health man who isn't afraid to meet whatever fate is tossing his way. He's on his way back home to McCabe Gap, from Harvard University Medical School where he is a medical student with one more year to complete his studies. Jack is having second and third thoughts about returning to medical school.
Dusty(Dustin C. McCabe) has found his mother, but she's dying from alcohol abuse, her liver is shoot and she's in a coma. He finds out who he is from friends of his mother who are taking care of her. Dusty is told by friends of his mother Rose Callahan, who his father is and don't judge a person for what they have to do to survive. So Dusty stays in Bakering Cross helping in the saloon until his mother passes. At least he's there to hold her hand and say "I'm here Ma." She died a week later without regaining consciousness..very sad, but least he found her after almost ten years of wondering who and where she is.
This western adventure Isn't uncommon, the people lives these people lived was harsh and unforgiving, but they dealt the hand that was given and kept moving. LIFE isn't promised, but
you ride the horse...HAS a lot of insight into their
lives of those who settled the west..
,
So far a good western about the son of Johnny McCabe, Jackson(Jack) McCabe. A strong, health man who isn't afraid to meet whatever fate is tossing his way. He's on his way back home to McCabe Gap, from Harvard University Medical School where he is a medical student with one more year to complete his studies. Jack is having second and third thoughts about returning to medical school.
Dusty(Dustin C. McCabe) has found his mother, but she's dying from alcohol abuse, her liver is shoot and she's in a coma. He finds out who he is from friends of his mother who are taking care of her. Dusty is told by friends of his mother Rose Callahan, who his father is and don't judge a person for what they have to do to survive. So Dusty stays in Bakering Cross helping in the saloon until his mother passes. At least he's there to hold her hand and say "I'm here Ma." She died a week later without regaining consciousness..very sad, but least he found her after almost ten years of wondering who and where she is.
This western adventure Isn't uncommon, the people lives these people lived was harsh and unforgiving, but they dealt the hand that was given and kept moving. LIFE isn't promised, but
you ride the horse...HAS a lot of insight into their
lives of those who settled the west..
,
October 11, 2020
This book was just okay, in my opinion. I probably wouldn't have read this, except I picked up the 2nd book in the series, ONE MAN'S SHADOW, and really enjoyed it. I felt the author was worthy of reading the entire series.
This is the introduction to the McCabe family. The story line is good. Be ready for some dangerous scenes that involve good vs evil. There are guns, guts, and glory.
I read a lot of westerns, but most CF and clean authors are women, so I always try to find male authors for their perspective. This book and series are definitely written by a man.
Mr. Dennison stated in one of the books that he had found a better proof-reader. In my opinion, he should have had that person go back and correct the previous books.
If you can look beyond the errors, you might enjoy this book, if you can handle the rough side of a western story with fist fights and gun fights and some romance along the way.
This is the introduction to the McCabe family. The story line is good. Be ready for some dangerous scenes that involve good vs evil. There are guns, guts, and glory.
I read a lot of westerns, but most CF and clean authors are women, so I always try to find male authors for their perspective. This book and series are definitely written by a man.
Mr. Dennison stated in one of the books that he had found a better proof-reader. In my opinion, he should have had that person go back and correct the previous books.
If you can look beyond the errors, you might enjoy this book, if you can handle the rough side of a western story with fist fights and gun fights and some romance along the way.
August 10, 2020
Brad Dennison writes a story about one of the earliest cattle ranching families that settled in the rugged mountains of western Montana. The plot revolves around the emotional reunion between a young 20 year old cowboy named Dusty and his legendary father John McCabe who never knew of his existence. Full of western lore, violent conflict and family drama, “The Long Trail” is pretty good western despite being overly “preachy” in places.
August 19, 2021
Something new
This is my 1st book by Brad Dennison I found it very good And very well written I enjoyed the story it pulled your right in and made you are part of the characters. It is refreshing to find an author That can use the English language And not have to Go to swear words. They add nothing to a book and only detracts from it I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and other books by Brad. I like The long length of the book Looking forward to more
This is my 1st book by Brad Dennison I found it very good And very well written I enjoyed the story it pulled your right in and made you are part of the characters. It is refreshing to find an author That can use the English language And not have to Go to swear words. They add nothing to a book and only detracts from it I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and other books by Brad. I like The long length of the book Looking forward to more
May 31, 2025
I fell in love with Brad Dennison's writing style from the very first chapter. I don’t usually read westerns, but this series felt more like a family saga than a traditional shoot-’em-up—and that turned out to be exactly right.
In the Long Trail, we’re introduced to the McCabe family and follow the sons of Johnny McCabe as they come together to protect their own and stand up for their community.
I just can’t get enough.
In the Long Trail, we’re introduced to the McCabe family and follow the sons of Johnny McCabe as they come together to protect their own and stand up for their community.
I just can’t get enough.
June 6, 2025
Pretty much everything Dusty has learned, he learned from the outlaws who raised him. When it came time To ride with them on a job, he chose to ride away and find his birth parents. When he finds his mother, she is on her death but, but he did find out that his father was Johnny McCabe. McCabe is a gunhawk and former Texas Ranger, who now has a big ranch in Montana. Other gunhawks fight shy of him if they are looking for trouble. Becoming part of the family turns out to be a hard fought thing.
January 24, 2017
A true western novel.
The Long Trail is a a gripping tale of the old west. Not only does it grab onto your sense of adventure but onto you heart as well. you will find yourself drawn in by the characters and their stories. Mr. Dennison writes this western tale of adventure and heart siding up there with the likes of Grey and L'Amour.
The Long Trail is a a gripping tale of the old west. Not only does it grab onto your sense of adventure but onto you heart as well. you will find yourself drawn in by the characters and their stories. Mr. Dennison writes this western tale of adventure and heart siding up there with the likes of Grey and L'Amour.
February 22, 2018
Exciting Book
This is a really good about the rugged west, and shows the morals of men and women during their best to survive in the old western life. The strength of family and friends are always there to help and defend their own family. It’s one of the best western that I have ever read. I could not put it down and am now looking forward to reading One Mans Shadow.
This is a really good about the rugged west, and shows the morals of men and women during their best to survive in the old western life. The strength of family and friends are always there to help and defend their own family. It’s one of the best western that I have ever read. I could not put it down and am now looking forward to reading One Mans Shadow.
March 14, 2019
It’s been a long time since I haven’t been able to put down a book. I picked this book up on a whim because I used to love watching old westerns with my parents growing up and I really wanted to feel that same way with a book. I got into it and the story took me away on a long trail that led me to getting the next book as well. The only reason this didn’t get five stars is the pacing fell off in places and the story became just slightly far fetched for a “historical fiction”
October 22, 2019
A great start
The beginning of a series needs to be well written, this is definitely a great start. It lays the foundation for something I am looking forward to reading in days to come, I just have to make sure I get out more often, because this is not the kind of book that is easy to put down. Looking forward to the next one.
The beginning of a series needs to be well written, this is definitely a great start. It lays the foundation for something I am looking forward to reading in days to come, I just have to make sure I get out more often, because this is not the kind of book that is easy to put down. Looking forward to the next one.
June 17, 2024
4.5 stars. More of a family oriented story verses the shoot-em-up western. I liked this book, but I kept finding myself wanting a bit more action. But it's a worthy read and the road was left wide open for further McCabe novels. It was quite well written compared to several others I have come across, especially in the digital-only-world.
July 27, 2017
Book number one of The McCabes
Very good old fashioned western. The fight scenes reminded me of books by Zane Gray. It was an way read and I loved that there were few inconsistencies in the scenes.
Very good old fashioned western. The fight scenes reminded me of books by Zane Gray. It was an way read and I loved that there were few inconsistencies in the scenes.
May 22, 2018
Great adventure
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. It takes you on an adventure like few others can. I can't wait to start th were next book in the series.
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. It takes you on an adventure like few others can. I can't wait to start th were next book in the series.
August 16, 2020
Left me hanging
I liked the theme of this book. Good guys with honor against bad men with no soul. Strong capable woman the heart of the home. Why did you stop writing. The story wasn't done or even in a good place to pause. A little mean, if you ask me.
I liked the theme of this book. Good guys with honor against bad men with no soul. Strong capable woman the heart of the home. Why did you stop writing. The story wasn't done or even in a good place to pause. A little mean, if you ask me.
March 19, 2024
Dusty's Search For Family
This was an outstanding western. It was full of action and close family interchange. The more you read the more you learned about each family member until you felt that you really knew them.The story line was great and I would highly recommend it!
This was an outstanding western. It was full of action and close family interchange. The more you read the more you learned about each family member until you felt that you really knew them.The story line was great and I would highly recommend it!
April 8, 2025
I really liked this story!
I don't think I had read anything by this author until this book and I found it to be really good! I liked the storyline and hope there's more to follow about this family!
I don't think I had read anything by this author until this book and I found it to be really good! I liked the storyline and hope there's more to follow about this family!
August 25, 2025
Overall good
Did not care for the in-depth review of the 1st book. But it did make it so you could read it without having read the previous book. However it started to vote me with the constant rehash.
Did not care for the in-depth review of the 1st book. But it did make it so you could read it without having read the previous book. However it started to vote me with the constant rehash.
July 31, 2017
Great story
Well constructed story full of excitement and with just enough mystery to keep me guessing. A good story worth reading.
Well constructed story full of excitement and with just enough mystery to keep me guessing. A good story worth reading.
August 15, 2017
Good western family story
Tells a good story of early ranch life and what it takes to hold a family together. Brings out thevalue of good friends and neighbors.
Tells a good story of early ranch life and what it takes to hold a family together. Brings out thevalue of good friends and neighbors.
August 25, 2017
The Long Trail
Very good book. It was hard to put down. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes good westerns.
Very good book. It was hard to put down. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes good westerns.
August 31, 2018
Engrossing.
November 2, 2018
The Long Trail:
This was great read and I laughed and cried through out the book. I was impressed with how much l enjoyed your writing.
This was great read and I laughed and cried through out the book. I was impressed with how much l enjoyed your writing.
February 15, 2019
Excellent
One of the best books I've ever read. I couldn't put this book down until I had read it all. Dusty was a great hero.
One of the best books I've ever read. I couldn't put this book down until I had read it all. Dusty was a great hero.
October 11, 2019
Great book
Anyone would like this book. This Author has a way of getting your mind into the story quickly . Take the leap and enjoy.
Anyone would like this book. This Author has a way of getting your mind into the story quickly . Take the leap and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews