What do you think?
Rate this book
Ride the Desperate Trail
Outlaw Tig Hardy had a mile-wide mean streak and a vicious way of exacting vengeance. And after the accidental shooting of his brother, Tig had his sights set on ex-soldier Free Anderson. But Tig didn't go straight for Free. Oh no. He took Free's wife, Clara, instead. Free knows he's running straight into a trap, but he's willing to do whatever it takes to get Clara back. And he's not alone. With his longtime friend Parks Scott, Free embarks on a wild chase across the most dangerous land in Texas, knowing that no matter how many hurdles they face, their only choice is to...RIDE THE DESPERATE TRAIL
- GenresWesterns
194 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2007
About the author
Mike Kearby
37 books14 followersMike Kearby (born 1952) is an American novelist[1] and inventor.[2] Since 2005, Kearby has published ten novels, one graphic novel, and written two screenplays: (2011) Boston Nightly, with fellow writer Paul Bright and (2012) The Devouring
Kearby was born in Mineral Wells, Texas,[3] and received a B.S. from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in 1972. He worked in the irrigation industry for 20 years where he ob tained patents 5,762,270, 5,992,760, 6,478,237, 6,155,493, 6,209,801. He taught high school English and reading for 10 years and created "The Collaborative Novella Project".[4] The project allows future authors to go through the novel writing process from idea to published work. Kearby began novel writing in 2005 and has completed ten novels, one graphic novel, and written the afterword to the TCU Press 2010 release of western novelist's, Elmer Kelton, "The Far Away Canyon".[5]
"Ambush at Mustang Canyon" was a finalist for the 2008 Spur Awards.[6]
"A Hundred Miles to Water" was awarded the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Adult Fiction.[
“Texas Tales Illustrated~The Revolution was awarded the 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best YA Non-Fiction.
Western Novels:
The Road to a Hanging (2006)
Ride the Desperate Trail (2007)
Ambush at Mustang Canyon (2007), 2008 Spur Award Finalist
The Last Renegade (2009)
The Taken (2010)
A Hundred Miles to Water (2010), 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Adult Fiction[8]
Dead Man's Saddle (2011)
Science Fiction:
The 13th Baktun (2008)
Horror:
The Resonance (2011)
The Devouring~Kavachi’s Rise (2012)
Graphic Novel:
Texas Tale Illustrated (April, 2011), illustrations by: Mack White[9]
Afterward:
The Far Canyon (2010), Kearby wrote the Afterword for the Elmer Kelton TCU Press reprint
Kearby was born in Mineral Wells, Texas,[3] and received a B.S. from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in 1972. He worked in the irrigation industry for 20 years where he ob tained patents 5,762,270, 5,992,760, 6,478,237, 6,155,493, 6,209,801. He taught high school English and reading for 10 years and created "The Collaborative Novella Project".[4] The project allows future authors to go through the novel writing process from idea to published work. Kearby began novel writing in 2005 and has completed ten novels, one graphic novel, and written the afterword to the TCU Press 2010 release of western novelist's, Elmer Kelton, "The Far Away Canyon".[5]
"Ambush at Mustang Canyon" was a finalist for the 2008 Spur Awards.[6]
"A Hundred Miles to Water" was awarded the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Adult Fiction.[
“Texas Tales Illustrated~The Revolution was awarded the 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best YA Non-Fiction.
Western Novels:
The Road to a Hanging (2006)
Ride the Desperate Trail (2007)
Ambush at Mustang Canyon (2007), 2008 Spur Award Finalist
The Last Renegade (2009)
The Taken (2010)
A Hundred Miles to Water (2010), 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Adult Fiction[8]
Dead Man's Saddle (2011)
Science Fiction:
The 13th Baktun (2008)
Horror:
The Resonance (2011)
The Devouring~Kavachi’s Rise (2012)
Graphic Novel:
Texas Tale Illustrated (April, 2011), illustrations by: Mack White[9]
Afterward:
The Far Canyon (2010), Kearby wrote the Afterword for the Elmer Kelton TCU Press reprint
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 20, 2021
Dec 1868-9. Ex-slave Sgt Free rescues pregnant wife Clara from Apaches with Ex-Civil War Lt Parks. Much guns, bandits, Injuns.Twists, good turn bad turn good. Typos 1.1 Aharsh IS A harsh 6.1 per sis tent IS persistent 17.2 ross IS cross 22.2 plea sure IS pleasure 25 displeasure --more
May 12, 2008
Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com
RIDE THE DESPERATE TRAIL is number two in a trilogy (following THE ROAD TO A HANGING), and continues the saga of Free Anderson and Parks Scott, whose friendship began when they were in the Union Army. Free Anderson is a black ex-slave, and Parks is a white mustanger. Free has married Clara and the two of them are establishing a Texas homestead.
Free and Parks are away from home on a rescue mission when they happen on a situation that results in a rogue outlaw getting killed. His sidekick makes a bee-line to the outlaw's brother and they embark on a ride for revenge to Free's homestead. The two outlaws kidnap Free's wife and kill his mother, who also lives at the ranch. The action is non-stop and the suspense is in high gear as Free and Parks follow the trail left by the outlaws. The pregnant Clara, putting up a fierce fight against the men, is taken through the Sand Hills of Texas to the Guadalupe Mountains. A band of Apaches are also after the outlaws, and after a fierce battle, manage to kill both men. Clara is then taken prisoner by the Indians, one of whom plans to make her his slave. They travel to an Apache winter camp in Big Bend country, with Free and Parks in hot pursuit.
Mike Kearby manages to give us great insight into the minds of the heroes, the outlaws, and the Apaches in this exciting adventure of the Old West that is laced with accurate historical detail and high emotions. The characters are compelling, and the multi-level plot keeps the action moving quickly right up to the satisfying climax.
Mr. Kearby includes a glossary in the back of the book with word, phrase, and name meanings in English slang, Comanche, Spanish, and Apache languages. There is also a page of discussion questions to help gain better understanding of the history and theme of the story. This series is sure to be a hit with teens...it's easy to read and exciting.
RIDE THE DESPERATE TRAIL is number two in a trilogy (following THE ROAD TO A HANGING), and continues the saga of Free Anderson and Parks Scott, whose friendship began when they were in the Union Army. Free Anderson is a black ex-slave, and Parks is a white mustanger. Free has married Clara and the two of them are establishing a Texas homestead.
Free and Parks are away from home on a rescue mission when they happen on a situation that results in a rogue outlaw getting killed. His sidekick makes a bee-line to the outlaw's brother and they embark on a ride for revenge to Free's homestead. The two outlaws kidnap Free's wife and kill his mother, who also lives at the ranch. The action is non-stop and the suspense is in high gear as Free and Parks follow the trail left by the outlaws. The pregnant Clara, putting up a fierce fight against the men, is taken through the Sand Hills of Texas to the Guadalupe Mountains. A band of Apaches are also after the outlaws, and after a fierce battle, manage to kill both men. Clara is then taken prisoner by the Indians, one of whom plans to make her his slave. They travel to an Apache winter camp in Big Bend country, with Free and Parks in hot pursuit.
Mike Kearby manages to give us great insight into the minds of the heroes, the outlaws, and the Apaches in this exciting adventure of the Old West that is laced with accurate historical detail and high emotions. The characters are compelling, and the multi-level plot keeps the action moving quickly right up to the satisfying climax.
Mr. Kearby includes a glossary in the back of the book with word, phrase, and name meanings in English slang, Comanche, Spanish, and Apache languages. There is also a page of discussion questions to help gain better understanding of the history and theme of the story. This series is sure to be a hit with teens...it's easy to read and exciting.
March 29, 2011
Free Anderson and Parks Scott have to deal with more “fuss” in this second book of their trilogy. Mike Kearby does a wonderful job of placing the reader into the setting at the end of the 1860s in Texas. I have enjoyed both book one and two of this story line and look forward to the third one. Mr. Kearby has written this for folks of all ages and keeps in the PG ratings which I have no problem then in encouraging my kids to pick up these books. I like the friendship that Free and Parks have with one another as the color of their skins make no difference on their moral character. They would back each other up no matter what and have complete trust in one another. The historical names that Mr. Kearby throws into the storyline are fun and the reader needs to be on the lookout for them. The numerous Indian tribes, with their different ways and customs, are also well done. Another really good Western piece of work!
May 2, 2014
Intrigued
Intrigued
thriller and suspends,never a dull moment. sometimes wordy and hard to follow but overall, very pleased.loved the descriptions of the weather and environments.
Intrigued
thriller and suspends,never a dull moment. sometimes wordy and hard to follow but overall, very pleased.loved the descriptions of the weather and environments.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews