Grasshoppers in Summer

by Paul Colt, Gene Engene (Narrator)

Grasshoppers in Summer examines the conflict between Native American plains tribes and the U.S. westward expansion from 1866 to 1876. It begins with the Fetterman massacre and negotiation of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. That treaty ended Red Cloud's war for control of the Bozeman Trail. President Ulysses S. Grant came to office a year later on a reform platform that included Indian peace policy. Relentless cultural, economic, political and religious pressure frustrated Grant's effort to reform Indian policy. Military, railroad and mining interests conspired to destroy the Fort Laramie Treaty. That broken promise led to the drum beat of war. The plain tribe's last great victory at Greasy Grass would win the bitter spoils of total defeat.

First published May 1, 2008

About the author

Paul Colt’s critically acclaimed historical fiction crackles with authenticity. His analytical insight, investigative research and genuine horse sense bring history to life in dramatizations that entertain and inform. Paul’s Great Western Detective League series does action-adventure western style. Grasshoppers in Summer, and Friends Call Me Bat are Western Writers of America Spur Award honorees. Boots and Saddles: A Call to Glory received the Marilyn Brown Novel Award, presented by Utah Valley University.

Reviewers recognize Paul’s lively, fast paced style, complex plots, and touches of humor. Readers say,

“Pick-up a Paul Colt book, you can’t put it down.”
To learn more visit Facebook @paulcoltauthor

Reviews

[Rachel Santino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Colt did a superb job writing a convincing version of the story behind the Fort Laramie Treaty and the wars involving rights to the land between the Plains Indians and the U.S. military. Tension runs deep between all parties. The Indians want to live by their traditions but instead are forced to move onto reservations where they cannot hunt and are deprived of proper food rations. Corruption within the military hijacks the president’s plan for reform. He simply cannot control the end game while two of his generals continue to allow Custer to play fool to his need for glory. Through the perspective of all sides, the reader will rally for the natives, detest the bluecoats, and feel utter frustration over a failed political agenda. Grasshoppers in Summer was engaging as both a military account and an Indian narrative. I love the title. It suggests beauty when really it represents something very hollow.

[Peg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged to read the manuscript prior to publication. The writing is very well done and the story is told by both sides of the Indian/White man war on a most equal basis. It is out in audio version only at the present time. It is a finalist in the Spur Awards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKXv3q...

This youtube is a nice introduction to the book.

Peggy