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Smoke Tree Mystery #2
Horse Hunts
In the middle of an important investigation,Smoke Tree Substation Commander Carlos Caballo, known up and down the Colorado River Valley as "Horse," is suddenly called away to find a man who has shot an inspector at the California Agricultural Inspection station in the tiny desert community of Vidal, California. A California Highway patrolman has found the car abandoned alongside Highway95. When Horse and and the patrolman force open the trunk, they discover a body: the man's wife. Horse realizes he and his deputies must find a killer who is on foot in the vast, unpopulated area where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. During the hunt, they encounter a mysterious and self-sufficient Native American who becomes an important part of the pursuit.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2014
About the author
Gary J. George
28 books99 followersGary George spent his teenage years in Needles, California, and his Smoke Tree novels are set in the Mojave Desert of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Gary was blessed with a long and happy marriage to his beloved, Ginny Boyd, author of the book "Birdy Bird." When Ginny died in January 2018, Gary could not write for a while. However, during a seventy-mile backpacking trip across the desert from the Colorado River to the middle of the Mojave National Preserve in May of that year, he began to come to terms with her death. When he returned home, he discovered that immersing himself in his writing allowed him a few hours of relief from sadness, and he began work on "The Carnival, The Cross, and the Burning Desert."
In 2024, Gary was diagnosed with four severely blocked arteries in his heart and underwent open-heart surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He wrote a book about his experience and recovery, "Out of the Cabbage (CABG) Patch," while concurrently working on the twelfth novel in the Smoke Tree series, "Mojave Desert Jezebeth," which was published in July of 2025. The thirteenth book in the Smoke Tree Series, "Desert Resurrection," was published on April 2, 2026.
In 2024, Gary was diagnosed with four severely blocked arteries in his heart and underwent open-heart surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He wrote a book about his experience and recovery, "Out of the Cabbage (CABG) Patch," while concurrently working on the twelfth novel in the Smoke Tree series, "Mojave Desert Jezebeth," which was published in July of 2025. The thirteenth book in the Smoke Tree Series, "Desert Resurrection," was published on April 2, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 3, 2020
This was a short book in the Horse Caballo series, but just as good as the others I've read. Any writer that can make you homesick for a part of the country you really don't like is a good writer, and Gary J. George has me missing the desert country of California and Arizona, a place I would ordinarily choose outer space over. His love for that ecosystem and the people there really comes through. His understanding of the humanity of law enforcement personnel is foremost in his characterizations.
Incidentally, he describes an experience one of his characters had that I happened to "enjoy" myself during one of my desert camp outs. If you have ever had the fun of falling into a patch of teddy bear cholla, it's one you won't soon forget, especially since you will still have those stinkin' spines in you months later!
Incidentally, he describes an experience one of his characters had that I happened to "enjoy" myself during one of my desert camp outs. If you have ever had the fun of falling into a patch of teddy bear cholla, it's one you won't soon forget, especially since you will still have those stinkin' spines in you months later!
April 9, 2014
To most, the Mojave and Colorado deserts of the southwest are vast stretches of desolation; sand and stone, shear cliffs and random washes spreading out from the Colorado River through California, Arizona and Nevada offering nothing more than endless space and sky. And it is in this seemingly hopeless landscape that Harvey Vickers chooses to make his ill-conceived escape from murder.
In this concise follow-up to The House of Three Murders, George employs the wits and experience of Lieutenant Carlos Caballo to bear in search of a desperate suspect. But in Caballo, known as Horse to friends and colleagues, George reveals the beauty of a landscape and details of a history of the region we would otherwise dismiss, because in this desolate beauty there is more than late-season cold and grit swirling on the northern wind. There is memory— the fate of the Chemihuevi tribe and government folly, the hard memory of a not-to-distant war, the life or death value of hard-earned experience.
This is a vision of a region the author clearly has respect for. George captures the desperation of the hunted in Vickers, an admiration for the land through the eyes of Horse, and cultural details in the almost ghostly Chemehuevi Joe. Horse Hunt is a quick read. It is a fast-paced story of pursuit and, perhaps, if not escape from, at least a keen sense of a lingering past.
In this concise follow-up to The House of Three Murders, George employs the wits and experience of Lieutenant Carlos Caballo to bear in search of a desperate suspect. But in Caballo, known as Horse to friends and colleagues, George reveals the beauty of a landscape and details of a history of the region we would otherwise dismiss, because in this desolate beauty there is more than late-season cold and grit swirling on the northern wind. There is memory— the fate of the Chemihuevi tribe and government folly, the hard memory of a not-to-distant war, the life or death value of hard-earned experience.
This is a vision of a region the author clearly has respect for. George captures the desperation of the hunted in Vickers, an admiration for the land through the eyes of Horse, and cultural details in the almost ghostly Chemehuevi Joe. Horse Hunt is a quick read. It is a fast-paced story of pursuit and, perhaps, if not escape from, at least a keen sense of a lingering past.
August 12, 2024
This is my first "Horse" book to read and I had no trouble picking up the characters. This is actually a novella and was a pretty quick read. It moves well and has a solid story to it. I'm not crazy about the name "Horse" that the main character is called (his name is Carlos), but that's what the writer chose. I like the guy - he's a really good guy and Commander of the Smoke Tree substation of the San Bernadino County Sheriff's dept. He's also a good cop and a good husband. The book takes place in 1960, so it's definitely a different time than today - no cell phones or computers might surprise the younger generation. They have to chase a bad guy in the desert and I don't want to say more and give anything away. The desert is also very different than what most of us are use to. We meet not only Carlos/Horse, but his wife Esperanza, and two interesting characters - a cool Indian named Joe and a badly scarred veteran named Willy. If you want to read anymore of the Smoke Tree Mysteries, this one will hope you get good background. I went on to read the second one after this and was glad I'd read this one first. Good book - and clean.
November 23, 2024
Live a Western Crime Story
The author, Gary J. George, beautifully describes the desert setting, the sun's angles during the day, and the vastness of the night sky as Sheriff Hunt, known as Horse, sits by his fire. The plants and rare animals that thrive there also play a role in tracking, as do the killer's choices to evade capture. Each description figures into the plot, from how Sheriff Hunt measures the distance to the violent criminal he stalks.
The fugitive killed his wife and shot an unarmed border inspector. The desert area where the killer's car breaks down happens to be an area he knows from hunting. So, his flight becomes a test of his memory and ability to survive the freezing nights and the burning-hot day treks. No water, no jacket, no food.
Sheriff Hunt knows the entire desert well. His deputies trailer the horses out. They find him already on the trail. The climax is thrilling. I will not spoil it for you.
Horse Hunts Gary J. George
The author, Gary J. George, beautifully describes the desert setting, the sun's angles during the day, and the vastness of the night sky as Sheriff Hunt, known as Horse, sits by his fire. The plants and rare animals that thrive there also play a role in tracking, as do the killer's choices to evade capture. Each description figures into the plot, from how Sheriff Hunt measures the distance to the violent criminal he stalks.
The fugitive killed his wife and shot an unarmed border inspector. The desert area where the killer's car breaks down happens to be an area he knows from hunting. So, his flight becomes a test of his memory and ability to survive the freezing nights and the burning-hot day treks. No water, no jacket, no food.
Sheriff Hunt knows the entire desert well. His deputies trailer the horses out. They find him already on the trail. The climax is thrilling. I will not spoil it for you.
Horse Hunts Gary J. George
July 17, 2018
Horse Hunts: A Desert Manhunt (Smoke Tree Mystery Series Book 2) by Gary J. George
Free from Kindle and I thought I'd enjoy this read but I loved it.
Am not familiar with the area but my husband spent time there so I'd question him about some things, brings us closer as we age.
Starts out with Horse-the sheriff and he's learned of one of his men being shot while one was drving through the center. He and his deputy Andy head out to the area and he finds out all kinds of clues from things he sees and he knows what direction he walked off in.
They also learn Harvey had killed his wife and put her in the back of the trunk. As the book goes on we hear from Harvey's side and why he did things and where he's heading and why.
We also learn of not only the terrain-very good descriptions, detailed and you can picture them in your mind, but we learn of Horse and how he got that name and his life after retuning from the war and before then when he had met his wife while they attended high school.
Love how the local Indian plays a big part in all this and he knows the court system will never be able to dole out the punishment the man deserves so he takes matters into his own hands.
Love that Horse has a wife waiting for him at home and how she takes care of him. Would love to read more from this series and am noting this is one of my favorite for this month. Would love to read more from this series.
Free from Kindle and I thought I'd enjoy this read but I loved it.
Am not familiar with the area but my husband spent time there so I'd question him about some things, brings us closer as we age.
Starts out with Horse-the sheriff and he's learned of one of his men being shot while one was drving through the center. He and his deputy Andy head out to the area and he finds out all kinds of clues from things he sees and he knows what direction he walked off in.
They also learn Harvey had killed his wife and put her in the back of the trunk. As the book goes on we hear from Harvey's side and why he did things and where he's heading and why.
We also learn of not only the terrain-very good descriptions, detailed and you can picture them in your mind, but we learn of Horse and how he got that name and his life after retuning from the war and before then when he had met his wife while they attended high school.
Love how the local Indian plays a big part in all this and he knows the court system will never be able to dole out the punishment the man deserves so he takes matters into his own hands.
Love that Horse has a wife waiting for him at home and how she takes care of him. Would love to read more from this series and am noting this is one of my favorite for this month. Would love to read more from this series.
December 31, 2018
11/1960, Highway Patrolman Brandon Hicks, & Lieutenant Carlos “Horse” Caballo (San Bernardino County Sheriff, Korean War vet) found a female body (25+, Caucasian) in the trunk of a car.
The victim was found out to be Rose Lynne Vickers (wife, nee Spartan).
Lieutenant Caballo, Deputy Sheriff Jim Harkness (San Bernardino County), Deputy Sheriff Andy Chesney (San Bernardino County), & Joe Medrano (Chemehuevi Indian) had been combing the area on horseback.
Harvey Vickers (28, husband, Bondurant’s Market, Parker, AZ) had no intention of surrendering.
Is he the real killer?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author GingerPiperPress; BookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The victim was found out to be Rose Lynne Vickers (wife, nee Spartan).
Lieutenant Caballo, Deputy Sheriff Jim Harkness (San Bernardino County), Deputy Sheriff Andy Chesney (San Bernardino County), & Joe Medrano (Chemehuevi Indian) had been combing the area on horseback.
Harvey Vickers (28, husband, Bondurant’s Market, Parker, AZ) had no intention of surrendering.
Is he the real killer?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author GingerPiperPress; BookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 21, 2021
This is the first time I have reviewed a book. I must say that I have loved everything that Mr. George has written. I loved Louis L'Amour and John S. McCord and thought I would never find that type of author that I enjoyed as much. I have found him. His books combine Native lore, humor and human failings in a spellbinding manner. Horse is a person you would love to meet and have as a friend. In fact, I love all his characters (the good ones, anyway). I was sad when I read about Mr. George's wife passing and understand his time of grieving. I am glad that he is back writing and anxiously await future stories.
If you have never read one of his books before, quit wasting time! You will not be sorry.
If you have never read one of his books before, quit wasting time! You will not be sorry.
May 28, 2020
Great western novella!
My sister recommended Gary J. George to me. She likes his description of the land and his ability to bring it to you. In addition to that, “Horse,” the Sheriff, blends into the landscape, it’s in his soul and he thrives in its beauty and hostility. We get a closer glimpse of Horse in this novella. As he hunts for a criminal in this desert, you experience his ease in the landscape while the criminal struggles to survive. The landscape rejects the criminal. We meet another man who is even more “in one” with the landscape....they don’t struggle at all. A cool concept, a glimpse into ordinary people and how they fit in where they are. Great stuff!
My sister recommended Gary J. George to me. She likes his description of the land and his ability to bring it to you. In addition to that, “Horse,” the Sheriff, blends into the landscape, it’s in his soul and he thrives in its beauty and hostility. We get a closer glimpse of Horse in this novella. As he hunts for a criminal in this desert, you experience his ease in the landscape while the criminal struggles to survive. The landscape rejects the criminal. We meet another man who is even more “in one” with the landscape....they don’t struggle at all. A cool concept, a glimpse into ordinary people and how they fit in where they are. Great stuff!
March 24, 2022
A really awesome storyline!
This book took me back pre-late 1970's and farther! My grandfather, my dad and his brother were part of the San Bernardino Search and Rescue. There was nothing better than sitting around the fireplace as they told of the number of lost or bad guy searches of which most were found. I love the writing in this book as with the other two I have read so far!
This book took me back pre-late 1970's and farther! My grandfather, my dad and his brother were part of the San Bernardino Search and Rescue. There was nothing better than sitting around the fireplace as they told of the number of lost or bad guy searches of which most were found. I love the writing in this book as with the other two I have read so far!
April 28, 2022
Horse Hunts
I am never disappointed with this series.I have not necessarily read it in exact order but the ideas and characters remind me of what I have read. I have fallen in love and great respect for the desert and really enjoy the insights and descriptions of the life and beauty that are available if you of enjoyed your eyes and breathe the air and hear the birds. Thanks to this author for his work.
I am never disappointed with this series.I have not necessarily read it in exact order but the ideas and characters remind me of what I have read. I have fallen in love and great respect for the desert and really enjoy the insights and descriptions of the life and beauty that are available if you of enjoyed your eyes and breathe the air and hear the birds. Thanks to this author for his work.
May 6, 2020
Another great book for me!
I loved this book. Gary J. George is one of my new favorite authors! Again, he finds the greatest characters to journey with, and the story is dramatic enough that you can't put it down. I was sad it was over at the end, and look forward to reading more of his works.
I loved this book. Gary J. George is one of my new favorite authors! Again, he finds the greatest characters to journey with, and the story is dramatic enough that you can't put it down. I was sad it was over at the end, and look forward to reading more of his works.
February 14, 2021
I really liked this novella and am now reading the third in the House of Three Murders series. This story flowed so smoothly for me and I love the thoughts of Horse and how he sees, feels and describes the land. I won’t want to finish the series because the characters have become like family to me. Also makes me want to travel to the Mojave Desert.
August 9, 2021
"What's enfilade?"
Enfilade means Andy doesn't get shot.
I found this line very amusing. This is were Joe Medaros is introduced. Can't help but enjoy every character in these books. You want to know more, like before just read the book, and you do not have to read the series in order.
Enfilade means Andy doesn't get shot.
I found this line very amusing. This is were Joe Medaros is introduced. Can't help but enjoy every character in these books. You want to know more, like before just read the book, and you do not have to read the series in order.
May 1, 2026
Exciting!
Moved back to city from desert but this story gave me back my heart. I could appreciate every aspect of their movements and desert environment. I knew men like these (not the culprit, thankfully) and miss them. Will recommend the Smoke Tree series to them. Desert always lends itself to a good book.
Moved back to city from desert but this story gave me back my heart. I could appreciate every aspect of their movements and desert environment. I knew men like these (not the culprit, thankfully) and miss them. Will recommend the Smoke Tree series to them. Desert always lends itself to a good book.
March 4, 2020
A little too much tmi.
I read Desert Sanctuary first and it's a lot better. This one is ok but he rambles a bit too much with background stuff...just my opinion. Still good desert adventure with a lot of great description of the desert.
I read Desert Sanctuary first and it's a lot better. This one is ok but he rambles a bit too much with background stuff...just my opinion. Still good desert adventure with a lot of great description of the desert.
September 1, 2020
Awesome
Mr. George has an fantastic style of writing that holds my interest through out the entire book.
This story contains interesting characters that have an exciting tale to tell .
Mr. George has an fantastic style of writing that holds my interest through out the entire book.
This story contains interesting characters that have an exciting tale to tell .
August 29, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. The characters are well developed, the plots believable and the details about the terrain and wildlife spot on! Having lived in 29 Palms, I understand the desert life, hazards, and critters, which makes this series all the more interesting.
December 22, 2021
Gary J George
I’ve found another author who tells a great story. I’ll be reading everything he writes. I truly enjoy his Smoke Tree Mystery series. His characters are compelling and real.
I’ve found another author who tells a great story. I’ll be reading everything he writes. I truly enjoy his Smoke Tree Mystery series. His characters are compelling and real.
October 24, 2022
horse hunts
An agricultural worker shot. A stalled car. An unexpected find puts Horse on the track of a suspect. The trip through the desert flora is well defined - just as if you were with the deputies involved. Stay with Horse till the end. Very good read!
An agricultural worker shot. A stalled car. An unexpected find puts Horse on the track of a suspect. The trip through the desert flora is well defined - just as if you were with the deputies involved. Stay with Horse till the end. Very good read!
May 14, 2024
A great savory novella
An excellent little adventure tale in the American desert. I greatly admire authors who can tell a good story in a short book. Recommended with four stars 🌟.
An excellent little adventure tale in the American desert. I greatly admire authors who can tell a good story in a short book. Recommended with four stars 🌟.
August 15, 2024
Need more!
Wonderful story. Need a full novel from this talented writer. This story is set in the 1960s in the California dessert. You feel you are on the horse with the deputy tracking this man the entire way. Wonderful!
Wonderful story. Need a full novel from this talented writer. This story is set in the 1960s in the California dessert. You feel you are on the horse with the deputy tracking this man the entire way. Wonderful!
May 21, 2025
Horse Hunter
Very suspenseful! Loved every page. Beautiful description of the desert and plants. Painted a mental picture of a rugged land full of incredible people. Can't wait to start the next book.
Very suspenseful! Loved every page. Beautiful description of the desert and plants. Painted a mental picture of a rugged land full of incredible people. Can't wait to start the next book.
November 7, 2025
Good Short Story
There is a difference between justice and the law. The way the law is applied is not always fair or just. I still believe that good overcomes evil every time and those who are evil will be punished. Maybe it in this life but certainly in the next.
There is a difference between justice and the law. The way the law is applied is not always fair or just. I still believe that good overcomes evil every time and those who are evil will be punished. Maybe it in this life but certainly in the next.
April 19, 2018
Good read,
Though I don’t normally read this genre. It was enjoyable and visually enticing.
I would recommend to others. Well, written. And will be looking for more.
Though I don’t normally read this genre. It was enjoyable and visually enticing.
I would recommend to others. Well, written. And will be looking for more.
April 20, 2018
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read as easily as any of Zane Gray or Louis Lamore. Read in one sitting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read as easily as any of Zane Gray or Louis Lamore. Read in one sitting.
June 5, 2018
Fascinating read - great descriptions of the area
June 28, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed this story and the people described in it. The history of the land and it's people as interesting and the story move along nicely.
I enjoyed this story and the people described in it. The history of the land and it's people as interesting and the story move along nicely.
August 4, 2018
Description of the desert very, very good.
Read
June 7, 2020Great short, couldn’t put it down
June 11, 2020
The author knows the flora and fauna of the desert well. Hunting the fugitive, the words allow you to envision and enjoy the beauty of the desert, and the construction of the characters is superb.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews