The Last Orphan Escape

The Last Orphan Books #2

by Jeffrey Lowder

September 7-11, 1861. The Mountain Meadows Massacre.

On the orders of local Mormon church leaders, 120 children, women, and men—nearly all of the Fancher-Baker wagon train—were brutally murdered. Just eighteen souls were spared—children ranging in age from six years to nineteen months. Two years later, Army Major James Carleton was sent to return them to relatives in Arkansas; some historians believe one remained in Utah.

The Last Orphan books tell the fictional story of a little boy whose very existence could mean the end of Brigham Young and the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and of the two women who have sworn on their lives to protect him.

Genres: Amazon, Historical Fiction

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2024

Reviews

[Karla Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the historical details in this series. Lowder has opened up a time capsule that lets the reader experience the hardships and trials of the late 1880's and the inner workings of minds consumed with revenge. But more than that, the suspense and danger in this book never let up. I was turning pages late into the night and found this book even more gripping than the first, and I loved that one.

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel to the Last Orphan (another must read) about the last survivor to bear witness to the Mormon Massacre coverup. Author Lowder imagines a thrilling, yet sad, story to the escape of a young boy and the people who loved and protected him.

[Susan P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in a series.

[Andy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life was mighty challenging for travelers in the mid nineteenth century and Mr. Lowder’s spellbinding story spares us none of its hardships. Add in heartless bounty hunters and scoundrels sent by powerful interests who aim to bury any evidence of an unspeakable mass murder, and you’ve got tension and worry tugging from every page. Two women have sworn on their lives to protect the last orphan, one legged Thomas, and are called to that promise’s terrifying edge repeatedly. They meet good folks and bad along a journey they must take if they’re ever to find sanctuary. Will their provisions, and resources carry them from Parowan, Utah to San Diego, California? On most pages, it doesn’t look likely. Hang on as your teeth get rattled from your gums on paths that barely qualify as roads on a quest that highlights the true meaning of commitment and courage in this epic novel. I tip my hat to Mr. Lowder for the outstanding craft of his writing, and the innumerable hours he toiled to harvest the old west dialog and enthralling details that paint this tale with such delightful authenticity. Bravo!

[Jeanne Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I had never heard of the Mountain Meadow Massacre until reading this book. I didn't realize it was a real historical event until I read about the author in the back of the book. It was his story of what could have taken place. The book is a fiction. The book also demonstrates all the dangers that could take place when travel the trails in the late 1800's. I would recommend reading both books (1&2).

[HAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for a fantastical journey!

Lowder takes the reader on thand off the southern Californian King's Highway. A wagon, a couple of wanted women and lawless environments make this a trip filled with sadness, humor, adventures and adversity. Will there ever be a good ending?
I can recommend this gripping read for older teens and adults. It's clean, A bit gritty and has a satisfying ending.

[Veronica Kristopeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel is difficult when watching behind

When friends separate. but want to be together miles don't matter. This book was heart warming, tense at the same time. It showed straight in everyone who came together for the life of one child. Great fictional story with minor historical events.

[Michelle Schulten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written sequel

While I often find that sequels tend to go off on their own because writers want their books to be able to stand on their own, this is not one of them. Mr. Lowder did a wonderful job of writing a book that could stand alone, he kept the previous story going in a way that helped complete the stories of his interesting characters. I couldn't put it down!

[Lisa N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good sequel. Eva, Thomas and Grandma Ruby are on the run from the Mormons and trying to get to San Diego to start a new life with Millie and Clara. There are 2 stories here as the 2 families both travel to meet in San Bernardino. Both groups come up against many obstacles and also kind souls that help them on their journeys.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again the right amount of suspense

I received the first book in this series as a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed it so much I had to purchase the second to finish the story. Again Lowder provided the right amount of suspense throughout the story. I would recommend to historical fiction fans.

[Janet Abele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read!

I immediately started this book after reading The Last Orphan (Book 1). This, too, was a fast read that I could not put down. I fell in love with the characters, cheering both families on through their journeys.

[Georgia Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely interesting

Very well written; I was truly glad that I was not experiencing it as one of the characters. They were very determined to reach their goal. I was so glad to read the ending. I am looking forward to the sequel. Thank you.

[Nancy Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down!

I read The Last Orphan and HAD to get Escape to see how the story ended! I read them back to back, one right after the other and had to force myself to put the books down to get some sleep! Seriously! Great story telling!

[joyce e colf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoping for one more

Story line was great. Left the story line open enough to get another Book out of it.
Would be interesting to know if the p
Pinkerton Agency hears about what truly happened.
Good read.

[Bobbie Jean Cabello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

I was completely shocked and blown away by this story. I had never heard of this massacre before. I am 1st generation LDS member.

[Patricia Trulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading! Gave some background to the Mormon folks in the earlier years of our county's history. Nice to read a book with very little swearing or outright sex!

[Robert Oburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Easy read and a delightful storyline. The character build was very good. Also, a nice follow up to the previous book

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not crazy about the ending, but great book!!