“Blazing Guns on the Santa Fe Trail” introduces Clint Carrigan, a daring and resourceful teamster who works freight wagons on the Santa Fe Trail in the 1840s. Clint carries the big caliber Hawken Rifle and the new Patterson Colt five shot repeating revolver and is ready to face the dangers on the thousand mile trail between Independence Missouri and the western town of Santa Fe. Clint has caught the eye of a beautiful local girl named Maria, but he must complete another round trip delivery to the states and back before he can protect the lovely lady from an arrogant caballero and former beau named Estevan. Clint is challenged by former teamster partner Jake Owen whose changed loyalty and mis-deeds pose a threat the safety of the wagons, merchandise and lives of fellow teamsters. Clint’s brother Connor Carrigan joins the Army of the Texas Republic and participates in the ill-fated Texas Santa Fe Expedition. The soldiers become prisoners of the Governor of Nuevo Mexico. Will the brothers re-unite as these events merge and their stories unfold? Can Clint survive the dangers of the Santa Fe Trail and overcome the greed of partner Jake? Will he be able to rescue brother Connor from incarceration at the Governor’s palace? Will Clint have to confront Estevan to protect the honor of the lovely Maria?
William S. Hubbartt is the author of fiction and non-fiction books. Latest release is action mystery "Melton's Mettle."
Reedsy editor Jo Lane calls Melton’s Mettle an “entertaining and well-constructed thriller,” that is “very gripping and the twist at the end is outstanding.”
Booklife Prize critic’s report says “This solidly rendered mystery contains a straightforward plot that's engaging and easy to follow. Hubbartt has a knack for creating a sense of intrigue, while maintaining even pacing and approachable characters.”
Kirkus Reviews says: A private eye conquers societal expectations using resolve and ingenuity in this involving, moving mystery. This thriller tells a tale of perseverance thanks to its besieged protagonist. Hubbartt has created a vivid, flawed protagonist in Daniel [Melton].
Hubbartt's western fiction work includes Six Bullet Justice, Justice for Abraham, Lawman’s Justice, Live or Die by the Gun, Blazing Guns on the Santa Fe Trail and Against Overwhelming Odds.
He is the author of the contemporary fiction mystery novel Drawing a Line: A look inside the corporate response to sexual harassment,” and several management books including “Achieving Performance Results – Boosting performance in the virtual workplace.” Hubbartt’s short stories have appeared in anthologies, literary journals, and E-zines.
Clint Carrigan is established in Santa Fe, during the age of the Texas Republic, and he's going back east as a teamster, to trade for things he'll bring back. He has to leave his fiance home, even though she is being vigorously pursued by rival suitors.
The trip there and back are fraught with peril, and mostly exciting.
Meanwhile, Clint's brother joins the Texan Army for an expedition to Santa Fe.
A good western in an unusual milieu for the genre.
Follow two brothers as they brawl their way to Santa Fe using two totally different but equally dangerous routes. As they end up in the same town, the brothers must work together to protect their respective futures. #GoodreadsGiveaway