Rowdy: Dead or Alive

Rowdy #3

by Chris Mullen

From award-winning author Chris Mullen comes the third installment in this explosively exciting coming-of-age western series.

Afraid of his capture and being forced to face false accusations of the killing of Patrick Byrne, Rowdy is unable to stop his flight of Dodge City. Racing through the dead of night, blood-trailing from a gunshot wound to his shoulder, and in need of care before it is too late, he succumbs to pain and exhaustion but is helped by a surprising source.

Wanting to repay his rescuers, Rowdy sets off to bring a family back together and stumbles upon an old friend from the past that leads him on a journey he could never have expected.

But Rowdy’s troubles are far from over. As encounters with old enemies resurface, he discovers he is being tracked by an ornery and ruthless bounty hunter. Surprised and betrayed, Rowdy is bound and forced to return to Dodge City.

Recovering from a battered body and a bruised heart, all hope seems lost. With dreams of returning to “Circle R” where friends and family await, will Rowdy finally be able to set the record straight?

“This kid’s life is a non-stop roller coaster of intrigue, adventure, challenges and overcoming everything the old west has to offer.” —Early Reader

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2022

About the author

Chris Mullen is an award-winning author, educator, and graduate of Texas A&M University from Richmond, Texas. Before becoming a full-time writer, he spent 23 years as a Kindergarten and PreK teacher, captivating his students with Rowdy adventures.

In 2021, he signed with Wise Wolf Books, launching the ROWDY series, which now includes six novels and two short stories (The Hunt and The River). His short story The River was featured in Ridin’ with the Pack, an anthology released by Wolfpack Publishing on December 26, 2023.

Chris also writes the Cass Callahan contemporary Western mystery series for Wolfpack Publishing. The series debuted in 2024 with Dead Land, followed by Kill Order and Hunting El Despiadado. Also, his short story, Hard to Kill was published in Ridin’ with the Pack, Vol. 2 in December 2024. More Cass Callahan adventures are on the way in 2025, including the novels Darkness Rising and Texas Terror.

Awards & Recognitions
•ROWDY~Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen
2023 Independent Press Distinguished Favorite
2022 The Wild Bunch Film Festival - Best 1st-Time Western Manuscript Writer
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult
2021 Selah Award Finalist - Westerns
2020 Best Book Finalist - Westerns
2020 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns

•ROWDY~Redemption
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult

•ROWDY~Dead or Alive
2023 Will Rogers Medallion Bronze Medal
2023 Sunny Side Up Film Festival Winner - Best Action/Adventure Western

•ROWDY~Rescue
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Finalist - Westerns

•ROWDY~To Catch a Killer
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns

•ROWDY~Return
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner

Chris’s work continues to attract readers of all ages. Stay connected through his website, chrismullenwrites.com, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok (@chrismullenwrites), and X (Twitter) @cmullenwrites.

Reviews

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey there, Western readers, here's Chris Mullen's first series 'Rowdy' the complete six-book collection.

Immerse yourself in the gritty world of 'Rowdy,' a six-book series by Chris Mullen that takes you on a harrowing journey through the Wild West. This collection is not for the faint of heart, as it follows the young protagonist, Rowdy, through a life marred by tragedy and shaped by the relentless pursuit of justice. The saga begins with 'Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen,' where we meet thirteen-year-old Rowdy in the aftermath of a brutal attack that leaves his family dead and his home in ashes. Pulled from the waters of the Mississippi River, Rowdy's tale of survival and vengeance unfolds across the rugged landscapes of America. Each book in the series escalates the stakes, with Rowdy facing down bandits, river pirates, and his own inner demons. From 'Rowdy: Redemption' to 'Rowdy: Dead or Alive,' Mullen crafts a narrative that's as much about the spirit of survival as it is about the battles that define the era. Chris Mullen's 'Rowdy' series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of a young man's coming-of-age in a time where lawlessness reigned supreme. Readers have lauded the series for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and the protagonist's complex character development. It's a testament to the enduring allure of Westerns and their ability to capture the imagination with tales of courage, honor, and the fight for what's right. For those with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, the entire series is available to borrow, making it an accessible adventure for all who dare to ride alongside Rowdy into the sunset. So, saddle up, Western readers, and prepare for a ride through danger, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of loyalty that define the Rowdy series.

• ASIN: B0CHC2PP9B
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 10/24/2023
• File Size: 3261 KB
• Print Length: 1601 pages
• Genre: Teen & Young Adult Travel Fiction eBooks – Teen & Young Adult US 19h Century Historical Fiction eBooks - Teen & Young Adult Westerns Fiction eBooks

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead or Alive (Rowdy, #3)
by Chris Mullen

Chris Mullen sure knows how to leave the reader hanging. Okay I will forgive the cliff hanger for this book, as it lessons of standing up for others is needed in our schools. After the fall out of his attempt to face his bully Rowdy learns the cost of leaving a battle field. On his return from Dodge city and the events in the prior book he sees many of the cultural and historic oppression in the west. He looks into the treatment of Asian immigrants, black slaves, and the oppression of all other minorities in the west. The Railroad industry was very dangerous out west, not just the hard work, Indian attacks, but the general attitude of the railroad that people were not important, just the work. Rowdy, finds that his heroic ideology can be manipulated, and his innocence may cost others. He builds his view of the world from the mistakes he makes. Its a great inspiration for young students. That each of us can make a mistake, but not only do we need to be responsible for our selves but for those things that affect others.
Glad to hear Chris Mullen has a contract for the next book, and hope he keeps connecting to great authors, and learning lessons to enhance his books. Having westerns return to the young adult library is an advantage.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artistic License?

I enjoyed this series and recommend it to those who read and enjoy Western novels.

It's a heck of an adventurous coming of age tale. From a raid by river pirates that kill his father and older brother, Rowdy is "adopted" by an independent boatman who carries freight up and down the Mississippi River and after many adventures, finds himself owning a ranch near Lincoln, New Mexico.

The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that water moccasins are nowhere near as dangerous as the author makes them out to be.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowdy made amends with Byrne just to have him killed by someone else he is shot as he races out of town and finally falls off his horse at the end of tent city. He is saved by a Chinese family. The husband is basically being held captive by the railroad construction crew. Rowdy makes plans to rescue him and send the family to his ranch in Lincoln. His friend, Mac, who saved his life on the riverboat, is also in need of rescue. Once that is done they head to Lincoln, but Rowdy has a $500 bounty on his head. Makes for exciting and painful times.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowdy

Have read all three books and am anxiously waiting for a hoped for fourth!! These books have plenty of action, suspense and still teach us morals, empathy and love. Kudos to Mr. Mullen for some of best stories I have read in years!!!

[LUAYNE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh no

Rowdy finally Maes peace with Byrne. Bryan is murdered and Rowdy takes the blame. He finds an old friend and makes new friends while on the run. The ending is a cliffhanger. NOT OK!!!

[Elizabeth Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowdy Dead or Alive

I loved the story line and intricate connections of characters. But the promising ending left me saying ugh. ?? What the heck is going on ? That was a thump. Now is there a 4th book coming? Come on Chris Mullen. Don't leave us hanging. Please.

[A. M. Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Westerns

I almost never give 100 percent rating to any books. This is high rating coming from me. I like these books, but would like them better if the traveling around was less.

[Joanne Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of characters and intrigue

As long as this isn’t the end of this series it is a good one. Strong main character and lots of intrigue and action

[Joseph A. Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep

Another good one and yep I enjoyed. Good ole rowdy and mac. Hope you enjoy as much as I did

[Drew- Pickleball Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent coming of age story geared toward young acults and those who enjoy westerns. The main character Rowdy is also an orphans and pretty much raises himself with the help of good mentors. As he makes difficult decisions, he comments about why he made those decisions.