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Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail #1
A Grave Every Mile
Embark on a harrowing trek across the rugged American frontier in 1850. Your wagon awaits, and the untamed wilderness calls. This epic western adventure will test the mettle of even the bravest souls.
Dorcas Moon and her family set forth in search of opportunity and a brighter future. Yet, what awaits them is a relentless gauntlet of life-threatening miserable weather, ravenous insects, scorching sunburns, and unforgiving terrain. It's not merely a battle for survival but a test of their unity and sanity.
Amidst the chaos, Dorcas faces ceaseless her husband's unending bickering, her daughter's descent into madness, and the ever-present danger of lethal rattlesnakes, intensifying the peril with each step. The specter of death looms large, with diseases spreading and the eerie howls of rabid wolves piercing the night. Will the haunting image of wolves desecrating a grave push Dorcas over the edge?
With each mile, the migration poses a haunting Who will endure the relentless quest to cross the continent, and who will leave their bones to rest beside the trail? The pathway is bordered by graves, a chilling reminder of the steep cost of dreams.
A Grave Every Mile marks the commencement of an unforgettable saga. Start reading Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail now to immerse yourself in an expedition where every decision carries the weight of life, death, and the pursuit of a brighter future along the Oregon Trail.
Dorcas Moon and her family set forth in search of opportunity and a brighter future. Yet, what awaits them is a relentless gauntlet of life-threatening miserable weather, ravenous insects, scorching sunburns, and unforgiving terrain. It's not merely a battle for survival but a test of their unity and sanity.
Amidst the chaos, Dorcas faces ceaseless her husband's unending bickering, her daughter's descent into madness, and the ever-present danger of lethal rattlesnakes, intensifying the peril with each step. The specter of death looms large, with diseases spreading and the eerie howls of rabid wolves piercing the night. Will the haunting image of wolves desecrating a grave push Dorcas over the edge?
With each mile, the migration poses a haunting Who will endure the relentless quest to cross the continent, and who will leave their bones to rest beside the trail? The pathway is bordered by graves, a chilling reminder of the steep cost of dreams.
A Grave Every Mile marks the commencement of an unforgettable saga. Start reading Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail now to immerse yourself in an expedition where every decision carries the weight of life, death, and the pursuit of a brighter future along the Oregon Trail.
221 pages, Paperback
Published December 24, 2023
2078 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
David Fitz-Gerald
19 books252 followersDavid Fitz-Gerald writes frontier and pioneer western fiction from the wilds of western Vermont—about as far west as you can get without slipping into New York.
Though he’s never wrangled beeves to market, Dave was a top hand on his grandfather’s dude ranch in the Adirondack Mountains… before he turned ten. He’s lived most of his life on dirt roads. Whenever he gets the chance, he travels west to recharge his spirit on the windswept prairies.
He’s an Adirondack 46’er which means that he’s hiked to the top of every mountain in the park. In 2018, Dave completed the 1960s fitness craze by hiking 50 miles in one day. That’s one heck of a long walk, but not nearly as grueling as the iconic trails that he chases in his fiction.
Even after all these years, Dave still has his head in the clouds like Ken from My Friend Flicka, and a quiet, self-reliant spirit like Sam from The Trumpet of the Swan. That blend of wonder, heart, and spirit runs through the characters he portrays. His editor states he is “exceptionally good at creating real moments between characters”—and readers seem to agree.
Dave’s breakthrough series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail won Chanticleer’s Grand Prize for Book Series. He’s now the author of nearly twenty novels and counting, and as long as there’s coffee in the kitchen, Dave will be plotting one adventurous story after another.
Though he’s never wrangled beeves to market, Dave was a top hand on his grandfather’s dude ranch in the Adirondack Mountains… before he turned ten. He’s lived most of his life on dirt roads. Whenever he gets the chance, he travels west to recharge his spirit on the windswept prairies.
He’s an Adirondack 46’er which means that he’s hiked to the top of every mountain in the park. In 2018, Dave completed the 1960s fitness craze by hiking 50 miles in one day. That’s one heck of a long walk, but not nearly as grueling as the iconic trails that he chases in his fiction.
Even after all these years, Dave still has his head in the clouds like Ken from My Friend Flicka, and a quiet, self-reliant spirit like Sam from The Trumpet of the Swan. That blend of wonder, heart, and spirit runs through the characters he portrays. His editor states he is “exceptionally good at creating real moments between characters”—and readers seem to agree.
Dave’s breakthrough series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail won Chanticleer’s Grand Prize for Book Series. He’s now the author of nearly twenty novels and counting, and as long as there’s coffee in the kitchen, Dave will be plotting one adventurous story after another.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 27, 2025
THE JOYS AND HARDSHIPS OF THE OREGON TRAIL
☆☆☆☆☆
Endless days of walking, blowing dust, pounding rain, deadly river crossings, rock slides, a tornado, and fire and the weary travelers are only two weeks into their trek from their idea civilization and their own homes to hardships, loss, and even joy at what their future will bring along the Oregon Trail. Traveling six days a week, a wake-up call at 3:00 a.m. every day of travel that starts at 4:00 a.m. no matter the weather, lack of rest, or the chance to eat a half decent meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are pending the hazards of the trail.
Dorcas Moon, her husband Larkin, and their four young children head out from Independence, Missouri to the Oregon Territory in the early 1800's. This story is told through the first person through Dorcas who is a very strong woman, loving wife and mother, who has compassion not only for her fellow travelers but is determined to help both physically and emotionally were it's needed.
Quotes:
"I think love is everlasting and that there is no obstacle that love cannot overcome. Other times, I am afraid that love evaporates like fog."
"My closest confidant is a mighty good listener, and in all seriousness, sharing troubles with a beloved animal is remarkably therapeutic."
This is a very well written story and you will find yourself glued to the pages and feel as if you were traveling the famous Oregon Trail right along beside the characters within these pages.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the trials in which early Northwest settlers endured on their trip from the east to the west. I have really enjoyed this first book and have already started the next in this series.
☆☆☆☆☆
Endless days of walking, blowing dust, pounding rain, deadly river crossings, rock slides, a tornado, and fire and the weary travelers are only two weeks into their trek from their idea civilization and their own homes to hardships, loss, and even joy at what their future will bring along the Oregon Trail. Traveling six days a week, a wake-up call at 3:00 a.m. every day of travel that starts at 4:00 a.m. no matter the weather, lack of rest, or the chance to eat a half decent meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are pending the hazards of the trail.
Dorcas Moon, her husband Larkin, and their four young children head out from Independence, Missouri to the Oregon Territory in the early 1800's. This story is told through the first person through Dorcas who is a very strong woman, loving wife and mother, who has compassion not only for her fellow travelers but is determined to help both physically and emotionally were it's needed.
Quotes:
"I think love is everlasting and that there is no obstacle that love cannot overcome. Other times, I am afraid that love evaporates like fog."
"My closest confidant is a mighty good listener, and in all seriousness, sharing troubles with a beloved animal is remarkably therapeutic."
This is a very well written story and you will find yourself glued to the pages and feel as if you were traveling the famous Oregon Trail right along beside the characters within these pages.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the trials in which early Northwest settlers endured on their trip from the east to the west. I have really enjoyed this first book and have already started the next in this series.
February 3, 2025
For a very long time I have been trying to find a book that accurately informs the reader of what it was like to cross the American West in a covered wagon. Not just the journey itself but what prompted the desire to walk across at least half of this continent. What were the preparations for this undertaking? What had to be done before even beginning the journey? Of course, then the journey and the countless ordeals that must have been encountered and overcome. I think my curiosity for this particular subject was aroused by reading the journal of the Lewis and Clark expedition. If you ever want to read about endurance, tenacity, and courage that would be a good book to start with. About the closest I’ve come satisfying this curiosity was a book about the Donner Party that I finished a few years ago. That book certainly helped dispel a number of myths about wagon trains but what it really did was to intensify my curiosity. I have found nothing else on this subject until I recently came upon this book. It is the story of a wagon train setting off from Independence, Mo. for Oregon in 1850. I thought maybe I have finally found what I have been looking for all this time. Of course it’s a work of fiction, historical fiction I had imagined but so what. In all likelihood telling a story like this would probably be sourced by a compilation of diaries and journals belonging to people that experienced this exodus and fiction would be needed to make it an entertaining story for the reader. I purchased the book.
Unfortunately, the book was not at all what I hoped for. To start off the book is relatively short, only 184 pages and obviously a quick read. It’s a quick read because it is the first book in a 5 book series about this wagon train’s efforts to get to Oregon. The book’s chapters are dated consecutively starting on April 13, 1850. The last chapter is dated May 4, 1850 so the entire book covers less than 30 days. Collectively I am assuming the 5 parts of this story might have made a respectably sized novel but divided like this I can’t help but assume this was a gimmick to increase revenue for the author. Making a reader feel scammed is not a good way to build a fan base. Then there is the story itself that I had concerns about.
The wagon train is populated by a collection of people that would be totally unique in any wagon train traveling in the American West in 1850 or at any other time in the 19th century. This first entry of the series introduces the reader to a family of free blacks, a family whose male members seem to suffer from some genetic abnormality that gives them very large hairy feet, an adolescent girl who seems to suffer from some emotional or mental issues, and a gay couple masquerading as cousins. My concern was that the author was injecting characters of this nature into the story in order to raise issues later on that would more properly be found in a different story in a different time and place than a westward traveling wagon train. And needless to say there was very little regarding matters I hoped to learn about real wagon train expeditions and their members. While the story may be entertaining for some readers I was simply disappointed and will not be continuing with the series.
Unfortunately, the book was not at all what I hoped for. To start off the book is relatively short, only 184 pages and obviously a quick read. It’s a quick read because it is the first book in a 5 book series about this wagon train’s efforts to get to Oregon. The book’s chapters are dated consecutively starting on April 13, 1850. The last chapter is dated May 4, 1850 so the entire book covers less than 30 days. Collectively I am assuming the 5 parts of this story might have made a respectably sized novel but divided like this I can’t help but assume this was a gimmick to increase revenue for the author. Making a reader feel scammed is not a good way to build a fan base. Then there is the story itself that I had concerns about.
The wagon train is populated by a collection of people that would be totally unique in any wagon train traveling in the American West in 1850 or at any other time in the 19th century. This first entry of the series introduces the reader to a family of free blacks, a family whose male members seem to suffer from some genetic abnormality that gives them very large hairy feet, an adolescent girl who seems to suffer from some emotional or mental issues, and a gay couple masquerading as cousins. My concern was that the author was injecting characters of this nature into the story in order to raise issues later on that would more properly be found in a different story in a different time and place than a westward traveling wagon train. And needless to say there was very little regarding matters I hoped to learn about real wagon train expeditions and their members. While the story may be entertaining for some readers I was simply disappointed and will not be continuing with the series.
Currently reading
March 15, 2024It's 1850. Hop Aboard!
A GRAVE EVERY MILE is Book One in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series.
Dorcas Moon wants to get her family safely to Oregon. Ghosts haunt her daughter. What's worse, a troubled teenager, lurking spirits, or the tortuous trail?
Who will endure the relentless quest to cross the continent, and who will leave their bones to rest beside the trail.
This epic western adventure will test the mettle of even the bravest souls.
Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
A new year. An old trail. A different spin.
Book One - A Grave Every Mile
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
RELEASED DECEMBER 24, 2023
Book Two - Lighten the Load
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
RELEASED JANUARY 31, 2024
Book Three - Stay with the Wagons
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
RELEASED MARCH 15, 2024
Book Four - Snarling Wolf - PRE ORDER for publication April 30, 2024
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
Book Five - Rolling Home - PRE ORDER for publication June 15, 2024
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
A GRAVE EVERY MILE is Book One in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series.
Dorcas Moon wants to get her family safely to Oregon. Ghosts haunt her daughter. What's worse, a troubled teenager, lurking spirits, or the tortuous trail?
Who will endure the relentless quest to cross the continent, and who will leave their bones to rest beside the trail.
This epic western adventure will test the mettle of even the bravest souls.
Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
A new year. An old trail. A different spin.
Book One - A Grave Every Mile
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
RELEASED DECEMBER 24, 2023
Book Two - Lighten the Load
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
RELEASED JANUARY 31, 2024
Book Three - Stay with the Wagons
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
RELEASED MARCH 15, 2024
Book Four - Snarling Wolf - PRE ORDER for publication April 30, 2024
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
Book Five - Rolling Home - PRE ORDER for publication June 15, 2024
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C...
December 24, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Wow! What an insightful book about the trials and tribulations faced by the pioneers who travelled the Oregon trail to settle there.
The story follows Dorcas Moon and her family along with thirty other wagonloads of people. It tells not only of their trials but also their dreams for the future.
This is such a well written story that you feel like you are intruding on someone's private diary.
This is only the first of five books and I am really looking forward to continuing to read the pioneers stories.
Wow! What an insightful book about the trials and tribulations faced by the pioneers who travelled the Oregon trail to settle there.
The story follows Dorcas Moon and her family along with thirty other wagonloads of people. It tells not only of their trials but also their dreams for the future.
This is such a well written story that you feel like you are intruding on someone's private diary.
This is only the first of five books and I am really looking forward to continuing to read the pioneers stories.
March 18, 2024
An adventure every page!
I'm new to David Fitz-Gerald's writing, so I was pleasantly surprised to find, "A Grave Every Mile," so entertaining that I had to hurry and buy "Lighten the Load," book 2 in the "Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail" series and have purchased the newly released, "Stay with the Wagons," book 3!
If you wonder what it would be like to travel the Oregon Trail, then these are the books for you. Just enough historical facts to give you a taste of the hardship they endured, shown through the eyes of the fictional, main character, Dorcas Moon. She is such an unlikely heroine that I can't help but love her. Dorcas is overly assertive, an equestrian, a dead shot with a gun, and a talented baker. She's tall and talkative, excited for adventure, a wife and mother, who secretly finds herself drawn to the handsome men in their train, combine that all, and you get, Dorcas, an interesting and unpredictable character.
This story is told in first person through Dorcas' viewpoint. She gives the reader an inside look into her troubles with her spouse, and children as well as her take on all the other colorful characters on the trek. I loved the variety of people she encounters. There isn't a boring character in this book. With Dorcas, I never knew what would happen next, and had to keep reading to find out what perils she would encounter, as it seemed that in just a few weeks, the wagon train had suffered through rough terrain, injury, sickness, biting insects, along with harsh weather, and the very human elements of living and working closely together. The poor people who made this journey were true pioneers with hopes and dreams of a better life in the west, but first they had to cross the untamed country. I felt their hopes, fears, loss, suffering, and pioneering spirits.
In short, I would recommend this to anyone who loves western historical fiction, specifically pioneering history. There is a bit of everything in this book, adventure, survival, romantic interest, family and friendship struggles, as well as their love and support through the hardships they face together.
Will Dorcas make it to Oregon? I can't wait to find out. This series will take me to the finish line as I join the wagon train West! Join me and others who have read this and other books by, David Fitz-Gerald.
I'm new to David Fitz-Gerald's writing, so I was pleasantly surprised to find, "A Grave Every Mile," so entertaining that I had to hurry and buy "Lighten the Load," book 2 in the "Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail" series and have purchased the newly released, "Stay with the Wagons," book 3!
If you wonder what it would be like to travel the Oregon Trail, then these are the books for you. Just enough historical facts to give you a taste of the hardship they endured, shown through the eyes of the fictional, main character, Dorcas Moon. She is such an unlikely heroine that I can't help but love her. Dorcas is overly assertive, an equestrian, a dead shot with a gun, and a talented baker. She's tall and talkative, excited for adventure, a wife and mother, who secretly finds herself drawn to the handsome men in their train, combine that all, and you get, Dorcas, an interesting and unpredictable character.
This story is told in first person through Dorcas' viewpoint. She gives the reader an inside look into her troubles with her spouse, and children as well as her take on all the other colorful characters on the trek. I loved the variety of people she encounters. There isn't a boring character in this book. With Dorcas, I never knew what would happen next, and had to keep reading to find out what perils she would encounter, as it seemed that in just a few weeks, the wagon train had suffered through rough terrain, injury, sickness, biting insects, along with harsh weather, and the very human elements of living and working closely together. The poor people who made this journey were true pioneers with hopes and dreams of a better life in the west, but first they had to cross the untamed country. I felt their hopes, fears, loss, suffering, and pioneering spirits.
In short, I would recommend this to anyone who loves western historical fiction, specifically pioneering history. There is a bit of everything in this book, adventure, survival, romantic interest, family and friendship struggles, as well as their love and support through the hardships they face together.
Will Dorcas make it to Oregon? I can't wait to find out. This series will take me to the finish line as I join the wagon train West! Join me and others who have read this and other books by, David Fitz-Gerald.
October 5, 2024
Great story for elementary school kids who are studying the Oregon Trail. Nothing offensive; a fun story.
January 22, 2024
Loved Dorcas. She is a real woman. Warts and all. Loved the family. In truth I loved the whole book. Read it cover to cover which meant I didn't get to bed until 3:30 am and had to get up at 6:30 to get my grandkids off to school. I could kick myself when I do that but some books are to good to put down. Note to self start book 2 earlier today. Can't wait.
Bummer. Just found out the 2nd book won't be released until January 31. After that they'll be released once a month.
Bummer. Just found out the 2nd book won't be released until January 31. After that they'll be released once a month.
July 24, 2024
“I see.” His dark brown eyes look intensely at me, and he asks, “What is your dream, Dorcas?” Then he looks back at his work.
I think for a moment and say, “To get my family safely to Oregon.”
“Then what?”
“To help Larkin become a banker.”
“I see. No, what is your dream, Dorcas? Not Larkin’s dream.”
I sputter, not knowing what to say. “Should a woman have a dream?”
A new life. New chances. A better world for her children to grow up in.
The path to Oregon poses new opportunities, and the chance for dreams to come true.
Dorcas Moon wants such dreams to come true for her family.
What is not necessarily as clear until they have begun the journey is just how perilous and draining the path truly can be. They were ready for the challenging weather and difficulties on the path, but the countless graves along the track caught them off guard. The further into the journey they go, the more often they find themselves stopping to rest alongside the final resting places of those who had attempted the journey before them and failed. As they travel mile after mile, the thought slowly arises in everyone’s mind - who will survive the journey to Oregon, and who will be buried in unmarked graves by the roadside?
A chilling expedition in pursuit of a better future, A Grave Every Mile: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 1) by David Fitz-Gerald is an enthralling novel of self-discovery whilst striving towards a new world, and a better life.
Dorcas Moon is a woman unlike any others around her. Her height, which is unusually tall for a woman, is matched by her larger-than-life personality that cannot be contained. She is not afraid to let her voice be heard, nor does she shy away from stepping into situations where she feels she can have a positive impact. On the road to Oregon, she does what she can to keep everyone around her in high spirits and looked after. Dorcas is portrayed with an immense attention to detail.
Within just a few pages, she becomes a character who captures your heart and remains there throughout the entire novel. Dorcas is a protagonist with remarkable emotional strength, prioritising others over herself. She not only cares for her husband and four children but also takes care of the couple in the wagon behind them, as well as forming caring bonds with many others in the convoy. In a world where self-preservation seems paramount, Dorcas emerges as a symbol of generosity and compassion. Dorcas’ character is skilfully crafted, guaranteeing her status as a beloved character among readers.
There are several relationships that are tested in the first stretch of the long journey Dorcas and her family find themselves on. Dorcas is a very kind-hearted person and is deeply affected by the mistreatment of the animals around her. She hates to see the mules pulling their wagon forced into doing so by the loud crack of a whip. Such abject suffering makes her want to pull all her children in close to her and protect them from anything the world might throw at them. She and her husband, Larkin, are often at odds, for while Dorcas is desperate to protect everyone and everything, Larkin tries to be more realistic and straight to the point. He doesn’t ‘coddle’ their children, and he tries to keep everything running smoothly, but the more he tells Dorcas to step back and calm down, the less she can. There is a definite tension between Dorcas and Larkin, which is not at all helped by the presence of the assistant wagon master, Agapito Huerta Delgado, whom Dorcas can’t help but admire for both his tenacity and his good looks. Dorcas may be married, but the relationship she has with her husband is strained — it is a relationship of convenience and routine rather than one of passion. But when Dorcas looks at Agapito, she sees the possibility of something else.
This novel explores the highs and lows of relationships, including friendships that flourish and falter, and the feelings characters have for one another. The sense of imprisonment in this story arises from the characters’ inability to escape any difficult situations with each other while travelling together, is requires them to face every problem head on. Given the fact that they are on the road together for months, it’s crucial for everyone to get along and maintain peace for a smooth journey.
The exhilaration of finally starting the journey turns to concerns fairly quickly after setting out. There are many factors that contribute to Dorcas’ overall concern, and although she tries to look past it, she can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen. As they continue their journey, Dorcas notices a steady decline in her daughter Rose’s mental state. Rose wanders off by herself, out of the safety of the camp, and is frequently found having what looks to be conversations with people who are not there. She develops an obsession with the graves along the road, and Dorcas can’t help but question the soundness of her mind. Is her daughter going mad? What can she do to help, when Rose refuses to talk to her and acts like there is nothing out of the ordinary? The paranormal elements, while not central to the plot, undeniably leave a lasting impression on the reader.
The notion that the convoy may not be the only ones on the trail is unsettling enough when it comes to wolves and snakes – when that idea is extended to an additional plane of existence, with the suggestion of an otherworldly universe where the deceased reside, the path ahead becomes more than just unsettling. Through his masterful storytelling, Mr. Fitz-Gerald manages to educate readers about the challenges of emigrating along the Oregon Trail while simultaneously immersing them in the enchanting world of Dorcas Moon, resulting in a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is impossible to resist.
In A Grave Every Mile: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 1), David Fitz-Gerald crafts a captivating narrative that sweeps you into the story and keeps you hooked. The sound of the wheels turning over the loose stone and the chatter of people accompany you as you join the characters on the road to new futures. Mr Fitz-Gerald has crafted a novel that promises to be the start of an exquisite series, and one that should be shared far and wide, for it is of excellent quality and impeccable penmanship. This is a novel, and a series, that I won’t be forgetting about for a very long time.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
March 22, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
A good tale of the pioneers and their ups and downs as they travel across our wide country to homestead in Oregon and Washington State. The tale was interesting and at times impressive. A big plus for me - it brought back those happy times in the 1980s when my kids were small and we often played Oregon Trail on the Atari. Oh, the cholera! And that dog in Duck Hunt. But even if you don't fondly remember Atari, you will enjoy this journey on the Trail, as well.
REVIEWED on March 21, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available on B&N or Kobo.
A good tale of the pioneers and their ups and downs as they travel across our wide country to homestead in Oregon and Washington State. The tale was interesting and at times impressive. A big plus for me - it brought back those happy times in the 1980s when my kids were small and we often played Oregon Trail on the Atari. Oh, the cholera! And that dog in Duck Hunt. But even if you don't fondly remember Atari, you will enjoy this journey on the Trail, as well.
REVIEWED on March 21, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available on B&N or Kobo.
September 6, 2024
Great read!
I have been at home sick, so I read through this book pretty quickly. When I haven't felt like doing ANYTHING else- It kept my interest & helped me forget how terrible I feel. The characters are very real. Dorcas's eye "wanders" often- can't blame her- Larkin is kind of a wimp & he is not very loving. I hope this doesn't turn into a romance somewhere down the line- Im not into "mushy romance". Dorcas is very educated for a woman for her time- the words she uses & things she knows, wealthy background? Larkin- VERY REAL- from his being a cry baby from the 1st day to his frusterations with Dorcus because she can't stay put. She's a busy body, but that's how the reader gets to know everybody on the train. I feel like this book is pretty accurate to how things were on a wagon train- that is interesting, to me. I definitely need to know they got to Oregon!!
I have been at home sick, so I read through this book pretty quickly. When I haven't felt like doing ANYTHING else- It kept my interest & helped me forget how terrible I feel. The characters are very real. Dorcas's eye "wanders" often- can't blame her- Larkin is kind of a wimp & he is not very loving. I hope this doesn't turn into a romance somewhere down the line- Im not into "mushy romance". Dorcas is very educated for a woman for her time- the words she uses & things she knows, wealthy background? Larkin- VERY REAL- from his being a cry baby from the 1st day to his frusterations with Dorcus because she can't stay put. She's a busy body, but that's how the reader gets to know everybody on the train. I feel like this book is pretty accurate to how things were on a wagon train- that is interesting, to me. I definitely need to know they got to Oregon!!
March 24, 2024
Enjoyable Historical Fiction
I love historical fiction and the Oregon trail, so this was an easy choice for reading. I wasn't let fine either. More so, there are hidden gems that are only hinted at in this book, waiting to be revealed in the continuance of the series.
I love the characters. They bring the story alive in a relatable way that feels modern. Even with old cultural constructs, you see the spirit of today in the drive of the adventurous travelers.
I think the author made great choices to show the reality of life in the tail while being entertaining. There are layers to this story, sometimes subtle, that just gives it unique depth. I can't wait to discover more about these characters and what happens to them.
I love historical fiction and the Oregon trail, so this was an easy choice for reading. I wasn't let fine either. More so, there are hidden gems that are only hinted at in this book, waiting to be revealed in the continuance of the series.
I love the characters. They bring the story alive in a relatable way that feels modern. Even with old cultural constructs, you see the spirit of today in the drive of the adventurous travelers.
I think the author made great choices to show the reality of life in the tail while being entertaining. There are layers to this story, sometimes subtle, that just gives it unique depth. I can't wait to discover more about these characters and what happens to them.
October 27, 2024
Enthusiasm turns to the raw edge of loss.
The high hopes and excitement for the journey ahead sets the tone for the next miles ahead. But as days unfold, the graves along the trail begins to raise questions. Each mile presents a very different lifestyle that people begin to notice too. The weather. The winds. The pace, even the foibles of the earth itself. And finally, the pain of loss. Wonderfully written and beautifully developed characters. Our ride with this wagon train leaves us staggering with the hardships, and questioning of the decision to make this journey.
The high hopes and excitement for the journey ahead sets the tone for the next miles ahead. But as days unfold, the graves along the trail begins to raise questions. Each mile presents a very different lifestyle that people begin to notice too. The weather. The winds. The pace, even the foibles of the earth itself. And finally, the pain of loss. Wonderfully written and beautifully developed characters. Our ride with this wagon train leaves us staggering with the hardships, and questioning of the decision to make this journey.
June 5, 2024
Boring!!
If you can muddle through this rendition of life on the wagon train, good for you!it is bogged down in countless details as our heroine fantasizes about one of the scouts on the wagon train. She also bakes biscuits, many biscuits. I kept reading because I assumed that surely
something would happen. No such luck.
Some folks died after drinking bad water. I imagine the next book will showcase the love affair between Dorcas and the young scout since her husband dies at the end of this book.
I won’t be around to hear about it!
If you can muddle through this rendition of life on the wagon train, good for you!it is bogged down in countless details as our heroine fantasizes about one of the scouts on the wagon train. She also bakes biscuits, many biscuits. I kept reading because I assumed that surely
something would happen. No such luck.
Some folks died after drinking bad water. I imagine the next book will showcase the love affair between Dorcas and the young scout since her husband dies at the end of this book.
I won’t be around to hear about it!
February 9, 2024
This is Book #1 in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series and is a beautifully crafted story of the struggles, danger, heartaches, family problems and quarrels, and trials of Dorcas Moon and her family. This is an ongoing story through the series so you will definitely want to start with this book. You won't want to miss this one as it's a real page turner, I know you will enjoy it as much as I did and look eagerly for the next book to be released.
July 24, 2024
"A Grave Every Mile" by David Fitz-Gerald is the first book in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series. I enjoyed the detail of the day-to-day trials and tribulations of the characters. The two main characters, Larkin and Dorcas Moon were a bit off. Based on the timeframe, Larkin seemed whiney, and his wife Dorcas' character was strong-willed, which was basically unheard of during this time period. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to this series.
September 9, 2024
A family moves,
Larkin and Dorces and their four children join a wagon train headed for the Oregon Trail. There is hardship and trials. River crossings, sandy winds for days and a trio of tornados. Two of their children seem to have special powers. Rose talks to the dead and Andrew has premonitions. Wolfs and Indians and a cantankerous wagon master. All the dangers of the trail. Larkin surcomes to one of the dangers. Dorces moves on with her children.
Larkin and Dorces and their four children join a wagon train headed for the Oregon Trail. There is hardship and trials. River crossings, sandy winds for days and a trio of tornados. Two of their children seem to have special powers. Rose talks to the dead and Andrew has premonitions. Wolfs and Indians and a cantankerous wagon master. All the dangers of the trail. Larkin surcomes to one of the dangers. Dorces moves on with her children.
September 26, 2024
Not as expected
It was a struggle to finish this book so I won't read any more of the series. Its ALL about a woman...Superwoman.....she can do anything and everything. She is also very nosy, a big gossip, a married woman with four kids and she flirts with several men, one of whom she has sexual fantasies with.
The book is ALL about HER. She is a busybody, spying on and getting into everyone's personal business.
It was difficult to continue to the end.
It was a struggle to finish this book so I won't read any more of the series. Its ALL about a woman...Superwoman.....she can do anything and everything. She is also very nosy, a big gossip, a married woman with four kids and she flirts with several men, one of whom she has sexual fantasies with.
The book is ALL about HER. She is a busybody, spying on and getting into everyone's personal business.
It was difficult to continue to the end.
June 4, 2024
first book in series
Two many to mention names. They start on their trip to Oregon on the Oregon Train. Greenhorn, yes, that’s what these folks are. They are determined for all sorts of reasons to make it unsuccessfully. They have already lost several to Cholera. Will they continue or turn back. Yes most all will courageously continue.
Two many to mention names. They start on their trip to Oregon on the Oregon Train. Greenhorn, yes, that’s what these folks are. They are determined for all sorts of reasons to make it unsuccessfully. They have already lost several to Cholera. Will they continue or turn back. Yes most all will courageously continue.
November 7, 2024
Moving West
We find a family about to join a group so they may track together toward Oregon!
Oregon offers more possibilities for these poor people so they will go forth with hope that they will find a land with greater possibilities
Along the train they will find both hope and discouragement!
We find a family about to join a group so they may track together toward Oregon!
Oregon offers more possibilities for these poor people so they will go forth with hope that they will find a land with greater possibilities
Along the train they will find both hope and discouragement!
December 9, 2024
a long track to happiness.
Strong willed and with courage she moves them towards a better but unknown future.
One woman stands out, she is strong and full of altruism, her strength supports the weaker and suffering members of the group.
She has been gifted by our lord to lead the spirit of the group.
Strong willed and with courage she moves them towards a better but unknown future.
One woman stands out, she is strong and full of altruism, her strength supports the weaker and suffering members of the group.
She has been gifted by our lord to lead the spirit of the group.
January 18, 2025
A Grave For Every Mile
Very good series. I've read a lot of books and series based on the Oregon Trail. This was one of the best. I really liked that each book contained the same characters. You will not regret starting this series. Could wait for the next book to start to continue the trail.
Very good series. I've read a lot of books and series based on the Oregon Trail. This was one of the best. I really liked that each book contained the same characters. You will not regret starting this series. Could wait for the next book to start to continue the trail.
May 5, 2024
I liked this book, I loved Dorcas and how real she was, a no-frills woman, great mother, kind friend, and helpful to everyone. It gave the feel of actually being on the Oregon Trail and the conditions the pioneers faced. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and plan to scout out the authors other stories.
June 23, 2024
Historical fiction is my favorite read, Civil War being my favorite time. Followed closely by wagon trains. I really enjoy this book and this series. Dorcas is a great character. I love that there are gay characters and black characters included in this book.
August 11, 2024
This well written book went bye quickly. The chapters were short, and the story, told as a daily chronicle, moved smoothly. There are loveable and hateable characters that are involved with this wagon train. I am curious to find out how it all ends up! I can only imagine the daily suffering and hardships these people had to endure on the trail. This book describes that well!
August 23, 2024
This is a series. The main character is a woman on a wagon train on the Oregon Trail, along with her 4 children and her husband. It's very interesting to me to hear this trip from a woman point of view. I am very much enjoying this series. I am now on book 4.
August 24, 2024
Cheers lady
In an honorable fashion the author approaches the Oregon Trail with a very strong and resolute women as the lead character. Though different, it is striking to see how the character easily carries the lead though out. Wonderful book!
In an honorable fashion the author approaches the Oregon Trail with a very strong and resolute women as the lead character. Though different, it is striking to see how the character easily carries the lead though out. Wonderful book!
September 23, 2024
What a amazing storyline!
A very good story that will break your heart and be thankful for living in our time instead of such hardship! My grandfather told stories told to him by his dad and great aunt of moving by wagon train and this story could their own with different names.
A very good story that will break your heart and be thankful for living in our time instead of such hardship! My grandfather told stories told to him by his dad and great aunt of moving by wagon train and this story could their own with different names.
September 25, 2024
Give yourself time because this series is hard to put down. You will love the characters and hate when each book ends. Eager to begin the next one, and sorry when the last one is finished. There are so many other stories that could bloom from the series. I highly recommend.
December 31, 2024
There's a lot of skimming over facts but the gist of the story is there. I do feel at this point that the main character is a bit annoying and seems to be in everybody's business but we will see how it goes as the books continue!
June 22, 2025
Book 1 of 5 in this series. Book 1 was a sweet, short read as a wagon train sets out west on the Oregon Trail. I can’t seem to get enough reading of books about the hardships of this journey. I am moving on to book 2-Lighten the Load!
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