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Cash McLendon #2
Buffalo Trail: A Novel of the American West
Winner of the 2016 TCU Texas Book Award!
New York Times–bestselling author of The Last Gunfight, Jeff Guinn once again brings the Old West to life in the grand follow-up to Glorious.
After barely escaping nemesis Killer Boots in the tiny Arizona Territory town of Glorious, Cash McLendon is in desperate need of a safe haven somewhere—anywhere—on the frontier.
Fleeing to Dodge City, he falls in with an intrepid band of buffalo hunters determined to head south to forbidden Indian Territory in the Texas Panhandle. In the company of such colorful Western legends as Bat Masterson and Billy Dixon, Cash helps establish a hunting camp known as Adobe Walls. When a massive migration of buffalo arrives, Cash, newly hopeful that he may yet patch things up with Gabrielle Tirrito back in Arizona, thinks his luck has finally changed.
But no good can come of entering the prohibited lands they’ve crossed into. Little do Cash and his fellows know that their camp is targeted by a new coalition of the finest warriors among the Comanche, Cheyenne, and Kiowa. Led by fierce Comanche war chief Quanah and eerie tribal mystic Isatai, an enormous force of two thousand is about to descend on the camp and will mark one of the fiercest, bloodiest battles in frontier history.
Cash McLendon is in another fight for his life—and this time running is not an option.
New York Times–bestselling author of The Last Gunfight, Jeff Guinn once again brings the Old West to life in the grand follow-up to Glorious.
After barely escaping nemesis Killer Boots in the tiny Arizona Territory town of Glorious, Cash McLendon is in desperate need of a safe haven somewhere—anywhere—on the frontier.
Fleeing to Dodge City, he falls in with an intrepid band of buffalo hunters determined to head south to forbidden Indian Territory in the Texas Panhandle. In the company of such colorful Western legends as Bat Masterson and Billy Dixon, Cash helps establish a hunting camp known as Adobe Walls. When a massive migration of buffalo arrives, Cash, newly hopeful that he may yet patch things up with Gabrielle Tirrito back in Arizona, thinks his luck has finally changed.
But no good can come of entering the prohibited lands they’ve crossed into. Little do Cash and his fellows know that their camp is targeted by a new coalition of the finest warriors among the Comanche, Cheyenne, and Kiowa. Led by fierce Comanche war chief Quanah and eerie tribal mystic Isatai, an enormous force of two thousand is about to descend on the camp and will mark one of the fiercest, bloodiest battles in frontier history.
Cash McLendon is in another fight for his life—and this time running is not an option.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2015
46 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Guinn
30 books733 followersJeff Guinn is a former journalist who has won national, regional and state awards for investigative reporting, feature writing, and literary criticism.
Guinn is also the bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction including, but not limited to: Go Down Together: The True Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde (which was a finalist for an Edgar Award in 2010); The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral - and How It Changed the West; Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson; and The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple.
Jeff Guinn is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters, and the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. He appears as an expert guest in documentaries and on television programs on a variety of topics.
Guinn lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
Guinn is also the bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction including, but not limited to: Go Down Together: The True Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde (which was a finalist for an Edgar Award in 2010); The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral - and How It Changed the West; Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson; and The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple.
Jeff Guinn is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters, and the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. He appears as an expert guest in documentaries and on television programs on a variety of topics.
Guinn lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 20, 2021
This is apparently a story based on real events, which at first I didn't realize. I had expected another fictional western type story. And with that said, these characters in here were real people. Who had actually lived. And real life isn't as exciting as a fictional story. And it's rather glum too... There are lots of things in here I found rather disturbing and other things that made me ask questions I had never thought of before. Like it made me wonder if a person could survive a scalping and apparently you can (if you don't bleed to death first). So if you want a very accurate idea of what life was like in Kansas around 1874 this is a book you should read. It doesn't sugar coat stuff, so it can be a tad brutal.
With that out of the way, the story alternates between the Native American tribes (mainly the Comanche) and the white settlers who are in the area. They both want buffalo but for different reasons. And of course the two groups end up clashing with each other.
I definitely favored the chapters with the tribe better. I just found those more interesting. Quanah is trying very hard to save his people and their way of life. And he realizes that the normal way that they do things isn't enough: they have to try something new. And so he tries to bring many different groups in the area together to fight a common enemy. The way he arranged this is rather brilliant as it's a unique idea. So I enjoyed these chapters even if they were sometimes bloody and violent.
The other chapters with the white settlers...I found these rather boring. There was just too much talking and planning. Not enough really going on in my opinion. I did learn a few unusual facts, like they collected old buffalo bones for fertilizer and to make china. And they sold hides to make belts for machines. But these odd facts was not enough to hold my interest at all. I would rather read a book entirely about the native tribes than about these wasteful white settlers! What they did to the buffalo while other people were starving is astrosius! Utterly horrid! I was also shocked to learn they only wanted the hides. I really hated that.
Did you know herd animals help fight global warming? Thank you, Billy Dixon, when you were out murdering those bison you were creating global warming too! We need herds. Just a little something I learned from reading that Wholly book...yes, a little rant.
But overall I found this book rather gloomy and slow. The end also leaves questions unanswered. It just was too boring really. But people really do live boring lives. And they are too cruel and since it's real it makes it even more disturbing. So this is not a fictional story but one based off of real events. Still, I think I will skip any other books by this author...
With that out of the way, the story alternates between the Native American tribes (mainly the Comanche) and the white settlers who are in the area. They both want buffalo but for different reasons. And of course the two groups end up clashing with each other.
I definitely favored the chapters with the tribe better. I just found those more interesting. Quanah is trying very hard to save his people and their way of life. And he realizes that the normal way that they do things isn't enough: they have to try something new. And so he tries to bring many different groups in the area together to fight a common enemy. The way he arranged this is rather brilliant as it's a unique idea. So I enjoyed these chapters even if they were sometimes bloody and violent.
The other chapters with the white settlers...I found these rather boring. There was just too much talking and planning. Not enough really going on in my opinion. I did learn a few unusual facts, like they collected old buffalo bones for fertilizer and to make china. And they sold hides to make belts for machines. But these odd facts was not enough to hold my interest at all. I would rather read a book entirely about the native tribes than about these wasteful white settlers! What they did to the buffalo while other people were starving is astrosius! Utterly horrid! I was also shocked to learn they only wanted the hides. I really hated that.
Did you know herd animals help fight global warming? Thank you, Billy Dixon, when you were out murdering those bison you were creating global warming too! We need herds. Just a little something I learned from reading that Wholly book...yes, a little rant.
But overall I found this book rather gloomy and slow. The end also leaves questions unanswered. It just was too boring really. But people really do live boring lives. And they are too cruel and since it's real it makes it even more disturbing. So this is not a fictional story but one based off of real events. Still, I think I will skip any other books by this author...
April 24, 2019
Very good historical novel on the Adobe Walls fight on June 26th 1874, almost two years to the day before the Battle of Greasy Grass. Dodge City, Bat Masterson, Billy Dixon, Quanah Parker are a few of the main stars of the book.
October 20, 2017
5 stars
Nice to see what happened next to Cash McLendon. Can't wait to see his next adventure.
Can't wait to read Silver City!!!!
Nice to see what happened next to Cash McLendon. Can't wait to see his next adventure.
Can't wait to read Silver City!!!!
September 7, 2015
Buffalo Trail is the kind of book that can get anyone excited about history. With the exception of our head character, all the main players are real people. They lived, they breathed, they fought these battles. So when we get a story like this, one that follows two sides of the same story--it adds a whole other level of excitement. It is easy enough to get invested into a story when the action is good and the characterization is worthwhile, even easier when you know that most of what is articulated is stuff for the history books.
In essence, this follows two people: Cash, who is just trying to find his happy place with the woman he loves, and Quanah, an Indian warrior intent on proving he can defeat the white man. We see these two rally up with multiple different groups of people to get their end goals, but it doesn't go according to plan. Cash ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time with a group of some of the west's greatest characters--Billy Dixon and Bat Masterson--and under fire from an elite group of warriors from the Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Comanche all under the belief that they are following the spirits' wishes.
We get a giant awesome shoot-out between the two groups, and we get to see it from both sides of the battle. It is a well written historical fiction that provides all kinds of action and anticipation.
In essence, this follows two people: Cash, who is just trying to find his happy place with the woman he loves, and Quanah, an Indian warrior intent on proving he can defeat the white man. We see these two rally up with multiple different groups of people to get their end goals, but it doesn't go according to plan. Cash ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time with a group of some of the west's greatest characters--Billy Dixon and Bat Masterson--and under fire from an elite group of warriors from the Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Comanche all under the belief that they are following the spirits' wishes.
We get a giant awesome shoot-out between the two groups, and we get to see it from both sides of the battle. It is a well written historical fiction that provides all kinds of action and anticipation.
March 14, 2017
The second Cash McLendon novel is spectacular!
The plot, the pacing, the action and the language capture the essence of the Old West.
The chapters alternate between McLendon, who finds himself in Dodge City teaming up with Bat Masterson and a band of buffalo hunters led by Billy Dixon, and Quanah Parker, the Comanche chief who envisions uniting the Western tribes for one last great attack on the settlers and hunters who have driven the buffalo from their lands.
The buffalo hunters and Parker's Comanche, Cheyenne an d Kiowa war party are on a collision course.
The result is a true gem of Western action.
The plot, the pacing, the action and the language capture the essence of the Old West.
The chapters alternate between McLendon, who finds himself in Dodge City teaming up with Bat Masterson and a band of buffalo hunters led by Billy Dixon, and Quanah Parker, the Comanche chief who envisions uniting the Western tribes for one last great attack on the settlers and hunters who have driven the buffalo from their lands.
The buffalo hunters and Parker's Comanche, Cheyenne an d Kiowa war party are on a collision course.
The result is a true gem of Western action.
September 25, 2022
The second novel in the Cash McLendon series opens several months after the events of the first novel, Glorious: A Novel of the American West, conclude. We find Cash living in the town of Dodge City, barely eking out a living by helping a young Bat Masterson gather and sell old buffalo bones. He wants to earn some money in order to achieve his ultimate goal of making it out to California but a single night of gambling in a card game against Doc Holiday leaves him penniless. When he hears that his old flame back in Arizona seems to be dragging her feet towards marrying his rival, Cash begins to think he might have a chance with her after all. Now he would need to earn some money fast to get there before she changes her mind. Fortunately, a rough group of buffalo hunters led by Billy Dixon is about to embark on an expedition to gather hides from one of the largest herds ever seen. Cash decides to sign up as a skinner and join in the expected windfall.
Meanwhile, Comanche war leader Quanah (whom we know today as Quanah Parker), is intent on finally bringing war to the white man. He works hard to gather the smaller Comanche tribes together in the cause. Then he masterfully tricks a fellow tribe member into believing he is some sort of tribal mystic whom Quanah then uses to convince both the Kiowa and the Cheyenne to join. A force of hundreds of warriors should be enough to wipe out the small number of men who comprise the buffalo hunters.
Author Jeff Guinn is a well-respected writer of nonfiction, incorporating extensive research into his published works. I’ve read several of his non-fiction books and have always come away thoroughly impressed. In this fictional trilogy, he maintains that high level of research, which is clearly evident in the story. In this book, every one of the major characters (other than Cash McLendon) is a historical person. The chapters from Quanah's point of view contain lots of interesting themes regarding his culture and the nuances of the other allied tribes. The climactic battle was absolutely awesome and ranks up there with the best western battles I've ever read. It became known as the Second Battle of Adobe Walls. The chapters alternate between Cash’s point of view and Quanah’s. This allows us to understand the motivations, the characters involved, and even the tactics. This may be classified as fiction but, really, it is history told in fictional form.
I really enjoyed this novel, much as I did the first one, but for different reasons. The first book, Glorious: A Novel of the American West, was a pretty straight-forward western novel, well-told, and a fun read. This second one packs in the history in a fun-to-read way but also continues the hard-luck story of Cash McLendon, a character that makes a great protagonist even though he makes lots of mistakes.
I can’t wait to read the third (and so far final) book in the series, Silver City: A Novel of the American West.
Meanwhile, Comanche war leader Quanah (whom we know today as Quanah Parker), is intent on finally bringing war to the white man. He works hard to gather the smaller Comanche tribes together in the cause. Then he masterfully tricks a fellow tribe member into believing he is some sort of tribal mystic whom Quanah then uses to convince both the Kiowa and the Cheyenne to join. A force of hundreds of warriors should be enough to wipe out the small number of men who comprise the buffalo hunters.
Author Jeff Guinn is a well-respected writer of nonfiction, incorporating extensive research into his published works. I’ve read several of his non-fiction books and have always come away thoroughly impressed. In this fictional trilogy, he maintains that high level of research, which is clearly evident in the story. In this book, every one of the major characters (other than Cash McLendon) is a historical person. The chapters from Quanah's point of view contain lots of interesting themes regarding his culture and the nuances of the other allied tribes. The climactic battle was absolutely awesome and ranks up there with the best western battles I've ever read. It became known as the Second Battle of Adobe Walls. The chapters alternate between Cash’s point of view and Quanah’s. This allows us to understand the motivations, the characters involved, and even the tactics. This may be classified as fiction but, really, it is history told in fictional form.
I really enjoyed this novel, much as I did the first one, but for different reasons. The first book, Glorious: A Novel of the American West, was a pretty straight-forward western novel, well-told, and a fun read. This second one packs in the history in a fun-to-read way but also continues the hard-luck story of Cash McLendon, a character that makes a great protagonist even though he makes lots of mistakes.
I can’t wait to read the third (and so far final) book in the series, Silver City: A Novel of the American West.
September 5, 2019
Jeff Guinn braids the storyline of this historical fictional work masterfully. The setting is the 1874 old west and provides a portal into the life of the Comanche and the white buffalo hunters. His ability to describe settings and feelings is first rate. Actually, it can be so accurate at times as to be horrific in its details of war on the plains.
October 5, 2015
Review of Buffalo Trail by Jeff Guinn
From goodreads.com:
Buffalo Trail: A Novel of the American West
by Jeff Guinn
New York Times–bestselling author of The Last Gunfight Jeff Guinn once again brings the Old West to life in the grand follow-up to Glorious.
After barely escaping nemesis Killer Boots in the tiny Arizona Territory town of Glorious, Cash McLendon is in desperate need of a safe haven somewhere—anywhere—on the frontier.
Fleeing to Dodge City, he falls in with an intrepid band of buffalo hunters determined to head south to forbidden Indian Territory in the Texas Panhandle. In the company of such colorful Western legends as Bat Masterson and Billy Dixon, Cash helps establish a hunting camp known as Adobe Walls. When a massive migration of buffalo arrives, Cash, newly hopeful that he may yet patch things up with Gabrielle Tirrito back in Arizona, thinks his luck has finally changed.
But no good can come of entering the prohibited lands they’ve crossed into. Little do Cash and his fellows know that their camp is targeted by a new coalition of the finest warriors among the Comanche, Cheyenne, and Kiowa. Led by fierce Comanche war chief Quanah and eerie tribal mystic Isatai, an enormous force of two thousand is about to descend on the camp and will mark one of the fiercest, bloodiest battles in frontier history.
Cash McLendon is in another fight for his life—and this time running is not an option.
From amazon.com:
Editorial Reviews
“Guinn makes lively characters of historical buffalo hunters, and his imaginative take booms like a Sharps .50 as cultures collide across the Cimarron River…Guinn's research brings to life the daily lives of the Comanche…Few Westerns reach the level of Lonesome Dove, but Guinn's latest is a better, more rambunctious tale than the trilogy's opener.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Full of historical notable figures from the Old West, this second volume in Guinn’s trilogy not only provides a buoyant narrative but also several lessons in Western history. This title is so well constructed that it could stand alone (for readers new to the trilogy). Guinn skillfully ties his carefully constructed prolog outlining the Massacre at Sand Creek (1864) to a lone female warrior he imagines at the Second Battle at Adobe Walls.”—Library Journal
“A grand effort, and Quanah and his bogus medicine man, Isatai, are an entertaining pair.”—Booklist
About the Author
Jeff Guinn is the bestselling author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Manson, The Last Gunfight, and Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde. A former books editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and an award-winning investigative journalist, Guinn is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters and the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. He lives in Ft. Worth.
Leona's Review:
This is my first read by Jeff Guinn and one I wanted to read because of the Texas Panhandle.
This book is historical and a good read for those who have an interest in the American West. It will encourage the reader to read and find more information on the characters as well as the area.
I will describe the book as a harsh reality of the times. It is about buffalo hunters and also some wars between the White Man and the Indians. The book is very descriptive of the killings and what happened to the people when they were dying and after their death. It is full of history and except for the main character, Cash McLendon, most of the main characters are real people. As I was reading this book Gene Barry, who played Bat Masterson of the TV series, was on Fantasy Island. Adobe Walls has a history that precedes the arrival of the men and one woman who occupied the place. I have listed some links of the history of Adobe Walls.
I was surprised to find that the Tonkawa Indians were cannibals. I lived in the Tonkawa Springs development in Round Rock, Texas. Maybe this is more than one wants to know but as I said, this book is full of harsh reality.
Cash is trying to make money so he can go back to his love, Gabrielle, who is in Arizona. Quanah wants the white man gone.
Every other chapter is about Cash and what is happening with his group and the other is about Quanah, the Comanche war chief and what is happening with his group. The switching back and forth does not confuse the reader and gives an idea of what is in the minds and plans of each group.
I won a complimentary copy of Buffalo Trail from www.goodreads.com. This is an uncorrected proof copy but I did not see and errors. The opinions are my own.
I debated on a 4 or 5 star because of the language and graphic details but this is historical and so I will give it a 5 star rating. I will admit I skipped over some of the more graphic details.
Check the links I have added for some additional information.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-ad...
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-ad...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_W...
Jeff Guinn may be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/jeffguinnauthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com
November 2, 2015
Fiction
Jeff Guinn
Buffalo Trail: A Novel of the American West
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Hardcover, 978-0-399-16542-9 (also available as ebook and audiobook), 432 pgs., $27.00
October 6, 2015
The follow-up to Glorious, a New York Times best-seller, Buffalo Trail is author and investigative journalist Jeff Guinn’s second volume in his American West trilogy.
Cash McClendon has departed Arizona Territory in a hurry and washed up in Dodge City, keeping company with Bat Masterson and Billy Dixon, learning the trade of the “hidemen” who follow the great buffalo herds, trying to earn enough money to get back to Gabrielle, his lady-love, whom we’ve met in Glorious. The buffalo have been hunted out of existence in Kansas, so Dixon is putting together a large hunting party to follow the herds into Indian Territory. Simultaneously, Quanah Parker of the Comanche is attempting to put together a massive war party, including the Cheyenne and Kiowa, to convince the white men to stay on their side of the line. When these two groups collide in the Texas panhandle, it will be known historically as the Second Battle of Adobe Walls.
Guinn surrounds Cash McClendon with historical characters and inserts him into historical events. His characters are complex — no stereotypes, no romanticizing. As the narrative moves between the hidemen and Quanah Parker’s camp, I was struck by their similarities: each wanted respect, to be left alone, and to follow their trades and traditions. Billy Dixon and Quanah Parker are counterparts, both skilled politicians and gifted, persuasive leaders with the same idea: safety and success in numbers. They deal with the same issues: undisciplined members of their respective parties, boredom, and greed. But they failed to see their commonalities and refused to acknowledge each other’s humanity.
In another departure from the genre, Guinn’s West is funny. McClendon and Masterson hunting buffalo:
“Will you shut up and let me shoot?”
“Well, shoot, then,” Masterson urged. “We got to keep moving if we’re going to be in Dodge by dark.”
“I know. I’m just waiting for this cow to turn her side more toward me.”
“Piss on a buffalo that won’t cooperate with its own demise,” Masterson muttered.
His descriptive skill creates powerful images.
There, dark against the gold and green grass, was a vast brown cloud moving slowly but steadily west. It took a moment for McClendon to see that the heaving mass was composed of individual animals, all packed tightly together. The rumbling sound was a cacophony of mingled bleats, grunts, and bellows. There was seemingly no end to it — the great moving wave extended as far back toward the east as McClendon could see, over a dozen hills or more and still pouring over the horizon.
Guinn mercilessly stretches tension like piano wire the day before the battle. Then:
The early moments of dawn provided a pinkish tinge in the sky to the east. It was finally time. Quanah raised his arm and shook his lance above his head. He led the way as they splashed across the creek, and the first exultant war cries echoed across the valley.
And:
McClendon hesitated, mesmerized by what was approaching so fast — what looked like an expanding line separating into tightly packed but individual parts, and, yes, those parts were Indians, many, many Indians, all of them painted and feather-bedecked and screaming and waving weapons, rifles of every variety as well as spears. McClendon would not have imagined that spears could look so menacing. He found himself trying to count the Indians – one, two, three, four – and then came the horrifying sense that he might not know a number high enough.
The battle stretches a full fifty chilling, riveting pages. Western historical fiction has rarely been as entertaining and satisfying, as well as smart and human.
Originally published in Lone Star Literary Life.
Jeff Guinn
Buffalo Trail: A Novel of the American West
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Hardcover, 978-0-399-16542-9 (also available as ebook and audiobook), 432 pgs., $27.00
October 6, 2015
The follow-up to Glorious, a New York Times best-seller, Buffalo Trail is author and investigative journalist Jeff Guinn’s second volume in his American West trilogy.
Cash McClendon has departed Arizona Territory in a hurry and washed up in Dodge City, keeping company with Bat Masterson and Billy Dixon, learning the trade of the “hidemen” who follow the great buffalo herds, trying to earn enough money to get back to Gabrielle, his lady-love, whom we’ve met in Glorious. The buffalo have been hunted out of existence in Kansas, so Dixon is putting together a large hunting party to follow the herds into Indian Territory. Simultaneously, Quanah Parker of the Comanche is attempting to put together a massive war party, including the Cheyenne and Kiowa, to convince the white men to stay on their side of the line. When these two groups collide in the Texas panhandle, it will be known historically as the Second Battle of Adobe Walls.
Guinn surrounds Cash McClendon with historical characters and inserts him into historical events. His characters are complex — no stereotypes, no romanticizing. As the narrative moves between the hidemen and Quanah Parker’s camp, I was struck by their similarities: each wanted respect, to be left alone, and to follow their trades and traditions. Billy Dixon and Quanah Parker are counterparts, both skilled politicians and gifted, persuasive leaders with the same idea: safety and success in numbers. They deal with the same issues: undisciplined members of their respective parties, boredom, and greed. But they failed to see their commonalities and refused to acknowledge each other’s humanity.
In another departure from the genre, Guinn’s West is funny. McClendon and Masterson hunting buffalo:
“Will you shut up and let me shoot?”
“Well, shoot, then,” Masterson urged. “We got to keep moving if we’re going to be in Dodge by dark.”
“I know. I’m just waiting for this cow to turn her side more toward me.”
“Piss on a buffalo that won’t cooperate with its own demise,” Masterson muttered.
His descriptive skill creates powerful images.
There, dark against the gold and green grass, was a vast brown cloud moving slowly but steadily west. It took a moment for McClendon to see that the heaving mass was composed of individual animals, all packed tightly together. The rumbling sound was a cacophony of mingled bleats, grunts, and bellows. There was seemingly no end to it — the great moving wave extended as far back toward the east as McClendon could see, over a dozen hills or more and still pouring over the horizon.
Guinn mercilessly stretches tension like piano wire the day before the battle. Then:
The early moments of dawn provided a pinkish tinge in the sky to the east. It was finally time. Quanah raised his arm and shook his lance above his head. He led the way as they splashed across the creek, and the first exultant war cries echoed across the valley.
And:
McClendon hesitated, mesmerized by what was approaching so fast — what looked like an expanding line separating into tightly packed but individual parts, and, yes, those parts were Indians, many, many Indians, all of them painted and feather-bedecked and screaming and waving weapons, rifles of every variety as well as spears. McClendon would not have imagined that spears could look so menacing. He found himself trying to count the Indians – one, two, three, four – and then came the horrifying sense that he might not know a number high enough.
The battle stretches a full fifty chilling, riveting pages. Western historical fiction has rarely been as entertaining and satisfying, as well as smart and human.
Originally published in Lone Star Literary Life.
February 13, 2020
Buffalo Trail is a fine example of what a historical western novel should be. It takes a real life event (the attack on buffalo hunters at Adobe Walls) and plants a fictional character there to see an experience the action, which is described in powerful and realistic fashion.
The author has made a serious effort to study this event as well as the Native American Tribes involved. Their culture shines through as the actions cuts back and forth between Comanche leader Quanah Parker and the novel's main character, Cash McLendon (now know as C.M. to his friends). The racial tension and attitudes towards each other is well-researched without trying to make one side or the other the "good guys" or the "bad guys!" All of the people in this novel are just people trying to find a way to survive and prosper on the American frontier.
Guinn avoids the temptation to make Cash a heroic figure. With the exception of his response to the rape of a Native American "squaw"-- there is little heroic about him. He is not a gunman or a horseman. He is just a man trying to make his way and hopefully get back to his lost love, Gabriella. He is a man of integrity and commitment, appalled by the behavior of some men, and left in awe by others.
Can't wait to get to "Silver City" and see if Cash manages to get the girl and continue to escape "Killer Boots" (introduced in the first novel of this series "Glorious.") This is an excellent series of historical novels that don't fit the traditional western niche, but manages to scratch that particular itch anyway.
The author has made a serious effort to study this event as well as the Native American Tribes involved. Their culture shines through as the actions cuts back and forth between Comanche leader Quanah Parker and the novel's main character, Cash McLendon (now know as C.M. to his friends). The racial tension and attitudes towards each other is well-researched without trying to make one side or the other the "good guys" or the "bad guys!" All of the people in this novel are just people trying to find a way to survive and prosper on the American frontier.
Guinn avoids the temptation to make Cash a heroic figure. With the exception of his response to the rape of a Native American "squaw"-- there is little heroic about him. He is not a gunman or a horseman. He is just a man trying to make his way and hopefully get back to his lost love, Gabriella. He is a man of integrity and commitment, appalled by the behavior of some men, and left in awe by others.
Can't wait to get to "Silver City" and see if Cash manages to get the girl and continue to escape "Killer Boots" (introduced in the first novel of this series "Glorious.") This is an excellent series of historical novels that don't fit the traditional western niche, but manages to scratch that particular itch anyway.
January 17, 2020
If you’re in the mood for a good, old-fashioned, Western, this is the series for you (I haven’t yet read Glorious, the first book in the series, but I can’t imagine it’s bad). The author takes historical fiction to a new level and makes you feel like you’re a part of it. I know where I’ll be turning whenever I have to quench my desire for a Western.
#dodgecity #silvercitynm #cowboy #mamasdontletyourbabiesgrowuptobecowboys
#dodgecity #silvercitynm #cowboy #mamasdontletyourbabiesgrowuptobecowboys
March 18, 2020
I have read very few Westerns but I like these McLendon novels. I like the every man Cash and his point of view about Frontier life. He's not a buffoon and he's not Clint Eastwood. He has some good traits and some bad traits. Guinn does an incredible job building a world where the characters and locations are almost tangible. I am looking forward to reading the third story and hope there are many more.
January 1, 2025
First read on the Kindle. Loved the ease of reading with this. The book was also great. Even better than the first Cash McClendon book, Glorious. The ending on this one made much more sense and didn’t feel like “Devine intervention”. Some might think it had a slow lead up ro the battle, but you needed that to understand how fragile the allegiance of the natives was. Will be reading the next book Silver City soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2022
Another winner from Guinn. The two points of view, one Indian one White, was nicely done with both protagonists well portrayed. I thought the author did a fine job of humanizing the two - they seemed very real to me.
The climactic battle scene was terrific, with a “you are there” feeling throughout.
And what an interesting time and place. Fascinating.
The climactic battle scene was terrific, with a “you are there” feeling throughout.
And what an interesting time and place. Fascinating.
January 18, 2019
This is a great sub-story of the post war American west. Well written with good character expansion and the story develops on two fronts, culminating in the final confrontation.
December 19, 2021
True history, fictionalized with the injection of Cash Mclendon is awesome. A true western classic if you ask me.
November 12, 2015
This is an enjoyable fictional recreation of the second battle of Adobe Walls, in which a handful of buffalo hunters withstood a massed assault by Comanche, Cheyenne and Kiowa warriors. From what I know, the story sticks closely to the historical events, but since it is after all a novel, some reasonable liberties are taken. The author depicts the humanity and depravities of both sides in a balanced way (except for the killing of a dog – you bastards!*). Yet, despite repulsive scenes of rape and mutilation, the narration seemed almost low key. The climactic battle generated only a muted rumble of excitement, instead of a raging fire. The main character, Cash McClendon, who debuted in Guinn’s prior western novel, Glorious, and is destined to appear again, is particularly bland, and little was done to make colorful Bat Masterson into an intriguing character. A little more artistic license would have been welcome in this regard.
Guinn recommends in his Notes the outstanding S. C. Gwynne book, Empire of the Summer Moon: Quannah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History, and I heartily concur.
*The author apparently recognizes our weird empathy for animals over fellow humans, since the pooch is avenged.
Guinn recommends in his Notes the outstanding S. C. Gwynne book, Empire of the Summer Moon: Quannah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History, and I heartily concur.
*The author apparently recognizes our weird empathy for animals over fellow humans, since the pooch is avenged.
September 24, 2015
I always enjoy a good western tale especially one that is doesn't hold back on the guts, glory and stupidity of winning the West. "Buffalo Trail" begins with our lonely romantic Cash trying to make money to get back to his long lost sweetheart so they can be married. He joins a buffalo hunt thinking it will be a quick way to make a buck only to find out that the hardships on the trail and the unwelcome attention of the Native American population makes his job tough. The secondary story is that of Quanah Parker and the joining of the Indian Nation to go fight and rid their land of the annoying and wasteful White Man. I found Quanah's story much more interesting and was fascinated by the fierceness and determination on their part to band together and not give up without a fight. They seemed out-manned and out-gunned but had more passion than the buffalo hunters, settlers and the Army. Jeff Guinn's quirky characters make for an interesting read and there is just enough realism to make you glad you did not live during those times. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
October 17, 2015
The second in the saga of Cash Mc Lendon ( the first book Glorious was a hum dinger) We find Cash in Dodge City with his partner Bat Masterson skinning buffalo hides. Cash ran out of Glorious, AZ with the dreaded 'Killer Boots' after him abandoning his love Gabrielle. Lost with only and a motley crew of buffalo hunters lead by Billy Dixon, Cash struggles to make enough money to get to Gabrielle who now is in Mountain View, AZ.
There hope that a great buffalo heard is coming to the area. Was luck would have it there is also a huge combination of Indians who are out to kill the white men led by Quanah Parker.
Rousing ending at Adobe Walls and preparation by Parker gathering various indian tribes to fight with him are the highlights of this book. No 'Killer Boots" but I'm sure he'll be around soon.
There hope that a great buffalo heard is coming to the area. Was luck would have it there is also a huge combination of Indians who are out to kill the white men led by Quanah Parker.
Rousing ending at Adobe Walls and preparation by Parker gathering various indian tribes to fight with him are the highlights of this book. No 'Killer Boots" but I'm sure he'll be around soon.
September 10, 2015
This is an epic story about life in the old west. Quanah, is a Commanche War Chief, who is trying to help his tribe survive. Cash McLendon is a heartbroken man trying to find his way in the harsh conditions of the west, and a way to win the woman he loves. Along the way we meet Bat Masterson and Billy Dixon and other historical figures. The story revolves around a buffalo hunting gang and an alliance of Indian warriors that includes Comanche, Cheyenne, and Kiowa, and is led by Quanah. What follows is a bloody tale about survival. Guinn has a way of telling a story in a way that keeps you turning the page to see what will happen next. I was given a free copy of this in return for an honest review. I'm not a fan of history, but I enjoyed reading this book
February 25, 2016
Buffalo Trail is a story of Indians vs. buffalo hunters, taking place in Dodge City and then in the Texas panhandle. Guinn, interestingly writes in the third person with a protagonist in each faction. I was in the mood for something quick and yet historic. This tells the story of the battle of Adobe Walls and claims the first time that three Indian tribes have come together to fight their mutual enemy, the white man; in this case buffalo hunters who take the hides and leave the carcasses for the vultures and hyenas. A word of caution for the squeamish reader. This book is written in the graphic manner of Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove.
December 10, 2015
Awesome !! This is history based fiction of a battle that actually did happen between the indians and the buffalo hide men at a place called Adobe Walls in 1874. The main character, Cash McClendon, is fiction. However, others like Billy Dixon, Quanah Parker, Bat Masterson and Doc Holliday are not. McClendon's journey is the main thread but the author also goes into great detail with Quanah Parker pulling together the Cheyenne, Comanche, and Kiowa tribes for one large attack on the white men. Very enjoyable reading.
October 30, 2015
I'd wager that every Western reader has read some rendition of the Battle of Adobe Walls. I've read several, so I have to admit that I wasn't too thrilled and Guinn took our hero to this battle. I was thinking another "Adobe Walls", please no. Amazingly, it turned out really well!! I didn't enjoy it as much as "Glorious" and I would have preferred more Cash McLendon and less Isitai and Quanah Parker, but it was still a fun read.
December 18, 2015
Very good Old American West Book by Jeff Guinn. This is the 2nd book I have read by Mr Guinn, the first being The Last Gunfight, about the OK Corral.. This book is a historial fiction based upon events that happened at Adobe Walls. Book has mixture of Historial figures like Bat Materson , Hannah and Bill Dixon, along with fictional characters - Cash McLendon. He has the tribes of the Comache, Cheyenne and Kiowa.
January 18, 2016
Buffalo Trail wasn't nearly as good of a read as Glorious, the first book in the series, but it was still a nice continuation of the series. Guinn did a great job of writing this book so that you really don't know who to root for. Obviously, I have to side with Cash McLendon, but Quanah was such a huge part of the story too that I wanted him to succeed. Quanah's story was left incomplete so I hope the next installment includes him, as well as Cash's happy ending.
May 27, 2021
On the run from a truly nasty piece of work, Cash McClendon (in the second of three books) seeks refuge among buffalo hunters in a large expedition into Comanche, Kiowa and Cheyenne country. The expedition is attacked by a combined force presided over by Quannah Parker, and fights for its life at what was the second Adobe Walls encampment. (The first was the site of an extended engagement between federal troops led by Kit Carson and a strong Indian force several years earlier.)
January 17, 2016
oh my gosh what a book just got done reading the book called Buffalo Trail: A Novel of the American West. I won this book from GOODREADS FRIST READ it's by the author Jeff Guinn I would most recommend this book to anyone who likes history I would give this a 5 star rating thank you to GOODREADS FRIST READ and to the author Jeff GUINN for this book.
October 6, 2015
I enjoyed this story very much. It was a very gritty tale in the historic west. The details of the lives of the Comanche and other native People, the white men who hunted the buffalo for their hides all kept my attention. This book showed a darker, less romantic side of the old west. I was given a chance a read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2016
An ok book. It was my once a year western themed book to read. I did not realize that the book retold a true story of the somewhat famous Battle of Adobe Wells. If you are even an mild fan of the genre you will enjoy this author. It is the third in a series, and it looks like at least one more will be coming.
October 20, 2015
Great continuation of Cash's story. A quite different book than Glorious, it was never the less very enjoyable.
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