Shad Cain learns that old Bunny was still alive. But it was anyone’ guess, whether or not he would stay that way for long. Bunny, like the wild and crazy Coonskin Kelly and the level headed and even the even-tempered Wellington, were the men who turned Cain from boy to man. Without their help, he may not have survived his first fall and winter in the Rocky Mountains. Cain makes it a habit to do what he can for the all the old trappers he comes across. Slipping a few dollars in one of their pouches, was pretty common with Shadrac Cain. He had been told by an unreliable source that the elder of the group had passed away. But a much more reliable source knew for certain that the old trapper was still above ground and needing help. There seems to be an organized force working to get Bunny out of his home and off his wild and nearly worthless land. Ride along with Cain and Dog as they do all they can to keep the old man’s final years’ worth living. Somewhere along the way another soul came into Cain’s life and takes a big chunk of his heart.
Lou Bradshaw is a lifelong story teller, who spent most of his life as a commercial illustrator and graphic artist. Deadlines, clients, and vendors were all sources of sleep depriving stress. To combat insomnia, he would often create stories in his mind to take the place of what was bothering him. Soon, some of those stories had grown to the point that they needed to be put on paper. Taking up a felt tip pen and a loose leaf binder, he found something new, challenging, and exciting. He soon filled multiple binders and his distraction had become a passion. Upon retirement, he began assembling notes and scribbles into novels… the rest is history. One of the unique features of his work is that as a dyslexic child, he was considered either slow or lazy by most of his teachers. To date he has written 7 books, which is 6 more than he was able to read while in school. His only legitimate book report, although 3 months late, was Huckleberry Finn. Lou and his wife Avon live in the Missouri Ozarks, where they enjoy their family, golf, and the great outdoors.
I truly enjoy reading 📚📚the adventures of Cain, Dog and Buck his high stepping friend. Oh I might add Cain doesn't treat his pets as such, they are his partners and friends..nothing wrong with that. Cain has friends all over, some are in their seventies and early eighties, all "Mountain Men" such as Bunny, whose probably close to eighty-five years of age , you know give or take a few years, and I think he may early dementia from what Cain said about him, a little forgetful, but who isnt, living by yourself in the middle of nowhere. Maybe the only time you see another human being is when you go to the nearest town, which could twenty or hundred miles from your cabin. Cain goes to visit some of his old friends, such as "Coonskin Kelly" who visits Shad for at least two months out of the year and it does both men 👍 good. So U.S.Marshal Tate sends a wire to Shad about Bunny having trouble with someone trying to take his land. Not good, Shad takes off to visit the old guy, and once he arrived he's a little concerned how the place looks, but then again Bunny isn't able to really do the heavy up keep of the place so Shad took care of repairs. The poor guy didn't have any food, so Shad went into the woods to hunt for meat, Bunny had a Smoke house so that helped with preserving the rest of the venison. I love this author's descriptions and profiles of the characters in his western adventures. Shad who can barely read or write had been able to get through life. There wasn't a lot of emphasis on Shad's education, but Shad's father could read and cipher but didn't seem to have patience to teach Shad. That also went for his mother, his father didn't want to teach them, I get the impression he'd wanted to keep both wife and son illiterate..that old saying keep them down on the farm, it seems to fit Shad's life.. No wonder he left home at twelve years old. Shad has loads of "Mother Wit"and thats how he lives his life, SIMPLE. He's blunt and to the point, he looks at situations as either back or white..He treats people with respect and he expects the same from those who happen to be in his presence. I hope the author will extend his book writing, because I truly enjoy reading Shadrack Cain's adventures with his trusty friends, Dog and Buck at his side..nothing better. Hope to read about Zander and Cain again..
Cain is always a winner, but this one goes above and beyond being great, especially when he inherits Zander for the summer. Throw in Bunny, and J. L. Tate and, and the fun definitely increases dramatically!
I have been fortunate enough to having had the opportunity to read all of the Shad Cain series, and as all of the rest, this one is definitely five stars worthy. Cain, and Bunny, certainly knows how to issue anyone's expectations especially when Cain brings Zander in for kickers. Outstanding storylines from beginning to end, and the Author's outstanding character selections continues to amaze me, as they were perfectly selected for their commanding assignments throughout the entire book! Outstanding heartwarming entertainment from beginning to end, and enough action packed episodes to appease the most demanding reader's expectations. This story is definitely an extraordinarily heartwarming series of unending adventures, with Cain becoming an unsuspecting Father figure for a youngster, who adapts well to Cain's life style. Most definitely recommend this outstanding western masterpiece to all readers, as Cain steps up to the plate and carries on his normal activities, while teaching Zander the difficulties facing young people in the old American West surroundings! You non-western readers will certainly be appeased with the compassionate camaraderie of Cain Bunny, and Zander, as they go about their normal routine each and every day. Also, you young readers will find yourselves completely mesmerized by these two old back woodsmen and their devotion to teaching Zander how to be woodsmen tough.😃
I disagree with what someone said about this story NOT being a standalone. It certainly could be. Why not? I don't intend to read anymore stories by Lou, (who knows I may already be hooked. ) Not because I wouldn't like to, but because I am a writer and looking to improve genre and craft as well as cover a large selection of diverse stories. Shad is a great character and Lou's a great storyteller and I'm sure readers looking for entertainment will find the entire series a delicious read. Lou deserves more than he's earning off these books. But someone needs to dig up that body buried in front of Bunny's and collect the reward.
Cain waa are man of many talents, talking, not so much, loyalty, absolutely! When he receives word that "Bunny" one of the old Mountain men that took him in when he was young, was in trouble, he packed up and went to find him to find out what the trouble was all about. As usual, it was a good thing to be a friend of Cain's, to get on his bad side is just not a smart life decision. It generally meant that you better run for your life, unless you get caught before you even know he's around. Great Read!!!
Bradshaw's stories are every interesting and addictive smooth like good tequila that you sip slowly and feel bad when finished. But with the promise of a new book happens achieved. All Brashow stories are narrated by characters that are good strange and weird. The plot and the action is normal, possible and no love heroic crazy action. I read all his books and will keep buying the new one.
When I heard about this new book I smiled and went right to the Amazon site and got the book. Outside of ole Ben Blue, Shadrac Cain is my favorite character of Mr. Lou Bradshaw's. Cain is just about like I used to be before I got married I could get into more trouble in a week than I could get out of in a month of Sundays. Good.job.
Story about an old mountain man who cares deeply for the the very old mountain man who befriended him. During Cain’s journey to keep his friend Bunny safe, he repeats Bunny’s caring for him, a paying it forward but with gaining love and companionship. Cain is a wonderful character. I hope there will be more stories about him and his boys. .
As usual with a Bradshaw novel, I wanted more! The story was so easy to relate to, and felt so authentic. I have read all the books in this series,and I have enjoyed the Blue series ,as well. The characters and locale feel so real that I want to check maps for the locations mentioned, and check old census data to locate the descendants of the family!
I have read every book he has written. I love the Shadrac Cain books the most, but the Ben Blue boy it where it all began. I loved every o e of them as well. Always waiting for his next book to be published. I love reading them as much as he likes writing them. Thank you Lou Bradshaw🙋
Enjoyed the story. The author and editors did a great job. I grew up in the deep South where the Language needed an interpreter too. I'vehad dogs, cattle, and horses most of my life too. I appreciated the way the old guys. of which I'm one. were respected. I'm looking forward to the next (actually the first) Cain book.
Mr. Bradshaw you have written another great book. Your characters are brought to life with your words. Very few writers can accomplish this feat. Would highly highly recommend this series to all that enjoys a great western series.
If you like westerns Lou Bradshaw spins a good yarn. Easy comfortable reading with likable characters. If you haven’t had the pleasure as yet start with the first one, Hickory Jack. There are regulars that keep turning up in later books
This was a typical Cain story, one straight forward action packed adventure, but this one has a different twist to it.Cain shows a side I've never seen before, a sense of humor and a softer side. This was a great effort and well done.
I swear, it’s hard to come by a good ol original western that’s not all sexed up with nonsense. This book would be a great Cain stand alone, or in my case a much hoped continuation of a relationship. Good Job, keep em coming!
I loved this book! Great characters ! Good way to live , appreciate no profanity. my plan is to read all book by Lou Bradshaw. Thanks so much....BELINDA Young from Mississippi
Cain picks up another stray as a pal to him and Dog for some great adventures. Watch him smile and make you smile as you read another of Lou's yarns about a crusty old mountain man.
Each book in this series has been an adventure! Cain is quite the character, and is always in the "thick of it" as the saying goes. Never a dull moment!