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Trail #1
Deer Run Trail
The year was 1881, an’ young Ruben Beeler was makin’ his way along near the Missouri River, findin’ work when he could an’ livin’ the only life he knew. When he come on ol’ Arliss Hyatt, beat to hell an’ near shot to death, Rube done what he could for him. He didn’t know that act of kindness was gonna wind up changin’ his whole life, but it did. Green as grass, Rube was a long way from bein’ any kind of pistoleer or shootist, but when Marshal Marion Daniels come on him an’ Arliss, an’needed help with the Duncan bunch, that tussle growed Rube up right quick. Then a town in trouble put him behind a badge of his own, an’ Rube done things he never thought he’d have to do. Life got tough, an’ it come time to root hog or die, on the Deer Run Trail.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2012
465 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
David R. Lewis
30 books27 followersI am yet another embattled crusader in the writing wars. I live in the wilds of the Missouri outback with two cattledogs, a belligerent cat named Grizz, and my bride of 42 years, the coveted Laura. In my rather extended life I have been a musician, a metropolitan cop, a ranch hand and cowboy, and (shudder) a writer of radio and television commercial copy. Now before you run for the Pepto, let me say that there are some benefits to be had from such mundane labor. After a writer has ground through twenty to thirty thousand pieces of commercial copy, one of two things will happen. He will spend the last years of his life in Sunnydale Acres grinding his teeth and staring blankly at the sun, or he will have learned to write for Theatre of the Mind. In my case, some would claim the jury is still out but, since no nice young men in white coats have arrived at my dusty door sporting smiles and a jacket with extraordinarily long arms, I am free to keep the Theatre open . . . this time on my terms.
Even though I don’t care for bandwagons, I was browbeaten into writing two of my novels because I disliked the genres and trendiness from which they sprang. Oddly enough, they are two of my favorites. They are significantly different than others of their breed because I am a grown-up, and I write for grown-ups.
My novels are character-driven because life is character driven. As we move through the years, snippets of plots rocket by, but very few ever pan out. Characters, however, stay with us through thick and thin, rich with remembered dialogue and situation, four dimensional on the big screen in our Theatre of the Mind.
As a writer for grown-ups, my function is entertainment. Because I am a grown-up I indulge myself and write what entertains me: rich characters, tight dialogue, and uncomplicated storylines. Check out my website at www.ironbear-ebooks.com. Or, if you’d just want to jaw here for a while, great! Grizz won’t like it, but he’s just a cat.
Even though I don’t care for bandwagons, I was browbeaten into writing two of my novels because I disliked the genres and trendiness from which they sprang. Oddly enough, they are two of my favorites. They are significantly different than others of their breed because I am a grown-up, and I write for grown-ups.
My novels are character-driven because life is character driven. As we move through the years, snippets of plots rocket by, but very few ever pan out. Characters, however, stay with us through thick and thin, rich with remembered dialogue and situation, four dimensional on the big screen in our Theatre of the Mind.
As a writer for grown-ups, my function is entertainment. Because I am a grown-up I indulge myself and write what entertains me: rich characters, tight dialogue, and uncomplicated storylines. Check out my website at www.ironbear-ebooks.com. Or, if you’d just want to jaw here for a while, great! Grizz won’t like it, but he’s just a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 10, 2017
I loved this book and will definitely be continuing the series. It is a clean, wonderful western that brings the nuances, food, clothing and livestock of the early 1900's to life. This is certainly not anywhere close to my usual genres, but the characters and the story sucked me in and I stayed up late into the morning to finish it in one sitting. The story is based around law men of this era, which could absolutely go toward the macabre, but the timely humor and no nonsense personalities of the characters kept it light. I usually don't think it is a good idea for authors to narrate their own work, however, in this case it would not be the same without David R. Lewis's delivery and finesse of the different characters voices. I highly recommend this book to readers of all genres.
May 12, 2018
After reading (listening to) this for the 2nd time, I'm upgrading my review to 5 stars. Sure, the book lacks symbolism and all that highbrow stuff, but dang it, it's just such a fun story. Slipping back into the world of Rube, Marion, Homer and the rest was like visiting old friends again.
Deer Run Trail is a fine little Western story with an excellent mix of action, romance, humor, and historical detail. It doesn't have the epic scope of something like Lonesome Dove, and doesn't really qualify as a book of high literary merit, but I doubt David R. Lewis was aiming for that. It's very much a genre book, a plot-driven story, though we get enough character development to make us care about Reuben and his new friends.
Reuben stops to help an older gent who's been shot, beaten, and robbed. That act of kindness changes his life, as he falls in with a U.S. marshal, takes part in a gun battle, and then agrees to help bring down a corrupt sheriff extorting the residents of Deer Run, Missouri. Along the way he makes more friends, courts a couple of pretty girls, does a lot of carpentry, and runs for sheriff. It's a damn fine story.
I switched back and forth between the e-book and audio version of this story, but found myself much preferring the audio. Lewis reads his own stories and is one of the best performers I've come across in audio books. His range of voices is stunning, his vocalization very clear, and he really just perfectly captures the nuances of his characters.
If you like John Wayne Westerns, you're going to like Deer Run Trail. I'll be starting the next book in Lewis's Trail series tomorrow. (I'm also reading his Journey to an Unknown Destination, which is about his spiritual quest. Good stuff!)
Deer Run Trail is a fine little Western story with an excellent mix of action, romance, humor, and historical detail. It doesn't have the epic scope of something like Lonesome Dove, and doesn't really qualify as a book of high literary merit, but I doubt David R. Lewis was aiming for that. It's very much a genre book, a plot-driven story, though we get enough character development to make us care about Reuben and his new friends.
Reuben stops to help an older gent who's been shot, beaten, and robbed. That act of kindness changes his life, as he falls in with a U.S. marshal, takes part in a gun battle, and then agrees to help bring down a corrupt sheriff extorting the residents of Deer Run, Missouri. Along the way he makes more friends, courts a couple of pretty girls, does a lot of carpentry, and runs for sheriff. It's a damn fine story.
I switched back and forth between the e-book and audio version of this story, but found myself much preferring the audio. Lewis reads his own stories and is one of the best performers I've come across in audio books. His range of voices is stunning, his vocalization very clear, and he really just perfectly captures the nuances of his characters.
If you like John Wayne Westerns, you're going to like Deer Run Trail. I'll be starting the next book in Lewis's Trail series tomorrow. (I'm also reading his Journey to an Unknown Destination, which is about his spiritual quest. Good stuff!)
August 28, 2016
A new-to-me western author, this is one of the best stories I've read in a long, long time. Readers should be aware this isn't written with regular dialect. When I first started reading, I groaned, thinking it was going to be one of those where the characters all sounded stupid and/or didn't know how to talk. Not so. They talk like you would expect them to during this time period and where they came from. A bit of a challenge at first, once you get the hang of it, it all comes together to make the story more realistic.
The characters are so real and the descriptions are terrific. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ruben who was a good kid, quickly becoming a man. The secondary characters were colorful, funny, annoying, overall outstanding. The book was full of surprises, lots of good guys, bad guys, a dash of romance and real life type events. The humor between the characters seemed so natural, it made me laugh out loud numerous times.
You were with Ruben when he discovered the wonders of ready made clothes or how the cute gal in the town restaurant wasn't what she appeared to be. Or when Marion and Ruben were talking and Marion told him what a damn shame it was what they did to the Indians and buffalo. Things like that made it very down to earth and realistic.
My only complaint. I didn't see the need for the f word. The other cursing didn't bother me and there aren't that many times it was used, but I felt it was unnecessary. Already started on the Nodaway Trail and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
The characters are so real and the descriptions are terrific. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ruben who was a good kid, quickly becoming a man. The secondary characters were colorful, funny, annoying, overall outstanding. The book was full of surprises, lots of good guys, bad guys, a dash of romance and real life type events. The humor between the characters seemed so natural, it made me laugh out loud numerous times.
You were with Ruben when he discovered the wonders of ready made clothes or how the cute gal in the town restaurant wasn't what she appeared to be. Or when Marion and Ruben were talking and Marion told him what a damn shame it was what they did to the Indians and buffalo. Things like that made it very down to earth and realistic.
My only complaint. I didn't see the need for the f word. The other cursing didn't bother me and there aren't that many times it was used, but I felt it was unnecessary. Already started on the Nodaway Trail and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
July 16, 2015
David R. Lewis has a large range of books on the market, not all readily discoverable as not all are on Amazon. He is another highly talented writer who has been unable to find a publisher, so he self-publishes. His entire "Trail" series of Westerns is just pure enjoyment: he has the vernacular, the locales, the rhythms of the era. Anyone who enjoys Westerns will appreciate these.
October 11, 2016
Great book!!
This was a wonderfully refreshing book. The best western I have read im some time. The characters are all great and mostly believable for the time period. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes westerners. Can't wait to get into book 2. Thanks David.
This was a wonderfully refreshing book. The best western I have read im some time. The characters are all great and mostly believable for the time period. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes westerners. Can't wait to get into book 2. Thanks David.
July 23, 2020
Good western with great believable characters
April 5, 2018
I hadn't read a western book for quite awhile. I needed a change, so I downloaded a copy and began to read. This was enjoyable, with good values defended in the 'wild' west. There is some language that may be offensive. As well there is western dialect in the printed words, and western frontier habits. Still, I found it a refreshing easy read. Just what I needed at the moment.
August 28, 2016
A delightful book told entirely in cowboy-speak, which is always amusing and sometimes hilarious. This fast paced novel is a terrific mix of action, humor, and romance with likable characters and an easy to follow plot. Great summer reading material.
April 19, 2019
Great read
This is one of the best western I have read in a long time. You can picture in your mind what each character looks like and you soon find yourself riding with them or setting around the camp fire.The author has already become one of my favorites, this is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good western
This is one of the best western I have read in a long time. You can picture in your mind what each character looks like and you soon find yourself riding with them or setting around the camp fire.The author has already become one of my favorites, this is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good western
September 20, 2020
Great characters!
This is a western above most other westerns. Most westerns are full of action, and that's about it. This book has a main character that is so well-developed that I can picture him sitting next to me while I write this review. I can hear him too, because the dialogue is fantastic. It'll be a spell afore I git that voice outta my noggin'."
This is a western above most other westerns. Most westerns are full of action, and that's about it. This book has a main character that is so well-developed that I can picture him sitting next to me while I write this review. I can hear him too, because the dialogue is fantastic. It'll be a spell afore I git that voice outta my noggin'."
January 24, 2021
Not a Quick read
It took me many days of reading a page at a time to get the gist of this book. Though it’s well written in country, slang it’s hard for me as a speed reader to digest it unless I’m truly reading them. So the language slowed me down. However, when I got into him building a personal life of his own I slowed down and enjoyed this Story
It took me many days of reading a page at a time to get the gist of this book. Though it’s well written in country, slang it’s hard for me as a speed reader to digest it unless I’m truly reading them. So the language slowed me down. However, when I got into him building a personal life of his own I slowed down and enjoyed this Story
July 3, 2021
Very comfortable reading.
This book was like getting into your favorite chair. Everything came together in a nice flow. The characters and the story fit together so well, at the end you wanted more. There was a blend of old and young characters that made the story very good. Enjoy.
This book was like getting into your favorite chair. Everything came together in a nice flow. The characters and the story fit together so well, at the end you wanted more. There was a blend of old and young characters that made the story very good. Enjoy.
January 20, 2018
Good read
Well this was a fine read, I the ending was a little rushed. I don't know of this was because the author was shooting blanks after writing the previous chapters or if it's marketing psychology thing.
Well this was a fine read, I the ending was a little rushed. I don't know of this was because the author was shooting blanks after writing the previous chapters or if it's marketing psychology thing.
May 20, 2019
Feel good western
Strong characters take the reader on a satisfying ride down the Deer Run Trail. A good natured humor suffused the story, which complemented the taunt tension held through out.
Strong characters take the reader on a satisfying ride down the Deer Run Trail. A good natured humor suffused the story, which complemented the taunt tension held through out.
November 13, 2019
Great western novel
I have been reading western stories for over 40 yrs this author writes with the best.this novel has it all ,great characters,great story line and plenty of action.read this one you won't be disappointed.
I have been reading western stories for over 40 yrs this author writes with the best.this novel has it all ,great characters,great story line and plenty of action.read this one you won't be disappointed.
December 22, 2020
Great western
Style of writing took a bit of getting used to but the story was great. Everything you would expect from a western. Great cast of characters and a joy to read. Will be reading more in the series.
Style of writing took a bit of getting used to but the story was great. Everything you would expect from a western. Great cast of characters and a joy to read. Will be reading more in the series.
January 8, 2021
One of the best, exciting reads that I have had the pleasure of reading. Well written. The narritave kept you in the moment. Great characters. People that had to be tough and ready to handle the bad guys in the only manner they would understand. Cannot wait to get the orher books in the series!!
September 12, 2022
Great set of stories to listen to. The author, David R. Lewis, does an awesome job reading the books. What a treat! He really knows his characters and is very creative with the voices of the characters. Listened to them all.
March 12, 2017
Loved it
I ve read westerns by the greats, but this one's my favorite so far. A good style of writing, a great story.
I ve read westerns by the greats, but this one's my favorite so far. A good style of writing, a great story.
August 29, 2017
Enjoyed
Entertained throughout. Funny. Great book! Anxious to read next book. Lewis is exceptional writer. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
Entertained throughout. Funny. Great book! Anxious to read next book. Lewis is exceptional writer. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
April 17, 2018
Very good read!
A very unique way to tell a story but, told very well. Very interesting characters and a good story-line. I look forward to reading more from this author.
A very unique way to tell a story but, told very well. Very interesting characters and a good story-line. I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 12, 2018
Deer Run
I enjoyed every page of this book. It is written in an unusual way and the characters are great! I'm looking forward to the next book.
I enjoyed every page of this book. It is written in an unusual way and the characters are great! I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 9, 2018
A hero you could have over for dinner
Actually there is a main protagonist from whose point of view you see everything. There are several heroes.
This is a very good read!
Actually there is a main protagonist from whose point of view you see everything. There are several heroes.
This is a very good read!
March 13, 2019
Enjoyed the book and I would think it a good book for a young adult except for the use of the F word. I didn’t think it went with the story
November 10, 2019
Loved the writing style here. This is the writing style I would like to write in if I ever take the time to begin writing
January 19, 2020
Johnboy
Very good reading. I liked the characters, and they were all very personalized. The authors writing style easy reading. I was kept intrigued from page to page.
Very good reading. I liked the characters, and they were all very personalized. The authors writing style easy reading. I was kept intrigued from page to page.
May 15, 2020
Absolutely the best Western tale. I listened to the audio book and Mr. Lewis is a fabulous narrator!
July 12, 2020
Audiobook Accomplice’s FIRST Western, and it’s a Yesssssss!!!
My Full Review
My Full Review
September 29, 2020
Great reading, I love Old West stories and this author takes you back in time using the old west vocabulary, looking forward to reading more of his books.
November 13, 2020
Great book
Very enjoyable reading and it holds the reader’s interest throughout. I strongly recommend this book and feel sure you will also.
Very enjoyable reading and it holds the reader’s interest throughout. I strongly recommend this book and feel sure you will also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews