Patrick Dearen is een gevierd auteur die zich diep verdiept in de geschiedenis en cultuur van West-Texas, met name het grensleven en de verhalen van de Pecos- en Devils-rivieren. Door zijn veertien romans en tien non-fictie werken brengt hij authentieke cowboy-ervaringen tot leven en onderzoekt hij de complexe relaties tussen mensen en het land. Zijn schrijven wordt gekenmerkt door nauwgezet onderzoek en een passie voor het behoud van vervagende tradities en verhalen.
"Fourteen-year-old Josh and his friend Shan are facing hard times on their families' farms in Central Texas in 1934. It's the days of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, and rain is as scarce as money. With the long dry spell have come wild animals with flashing teeth and deadly rabies. Dust storms known as black blizzards are raging, threatening lives and destroying cropland. Will a rainmaker bring rain? Will their families lose their homes? Will Josh's and Shan's friendship survive? From rabid animal attacks to a deadly flood to a barreling freight train, Josh is in for an adventure he will never forget"--
BY THE WINNER OF THE SPUR AWARD It was 1932, the depths of the Great Depression, and thousands of desperate people rode the rails in search of jobs, homes, and hope. For some, the tracks were a road to nowhere, a dead end in a boxcar or under the wheels or in a sea of emptiness. Their fate seemed certain-until Ish Watson grabbed the rungs of a passing freight train bound for a dying relative on the Texas Gulf Coast.He brought with him the traits bestowed by his rural upbringing faith, conviction and dedication. But now he faced thundering wheels ready to mutilate and knife-wielding hobos restless to kill, a barreling train anxious to derail and railway "bulls" itching to shoot. Only here in life's trenches would he meet up with the dregs of society: the wayward and the runaways, the dope addicts and the prostitutes, the winos and criminals. The locomotive's black smoke drifted back down the line to cove them all like a shroud, but it was more than death they faced-for this train would not stop until it carried them all to their destinies. And their only hope was Ish's perseverance. This provocative novel, by a finalist for the Spur Award of Western Writers of America, may well challenge your perspective on life.
2022 WINNER, ELMER KELTON AWARD, West Texas Historical Association"In 1870, Jake Graves faced a choice: let Comanches carry off his sister, or shoot her. Unwilling to fire, he has been tortured for decades by the brutal end that he could have spared her. The incident bred in him a hatred for Indians that persists to this day in 1917 on an isolated ranch on the Texas-Mexico border. Now Jake learns that his daughter Dru wants to marry Apache foreman Nub DeJarnett. Even before Jake can process the news, Mexican bandits kidnap Dru and her cousin Ruthie. The bandit leader may be a tlehuelpuchi, a shape-shifting agent of evil who needs the women's blood to survive. Through a mysterious desert, Jake and Nub must give chase in this novel based on actual events"--
"Eight months have passed since Sam DeJarnett lost his wife and unborn child to Mescalero Apaches, and now he is one of ten Texas Rangers pursuing those very hostiles in 1881. He lives only for vengeance, and the fresh Mescalero trail in the snow is leading straight into the bitterly cold Sierra Diablo of Texas. In the Mescalero band is Nejeunee, a twenty-year-old woman with a baby. She has lost her husband to the Indaa, or white men, and she lives every moment in hatred. High in the Diablo snows, Sam the Apache hater and Nejeunee the Indaa hater are fated to meet, and what follows will test everything each of them has believed about the other's race. This novel is based on actual events"--
The book features a narrative crafted by a Spur Award-winning author, renowned for their exceptional storytelling in the Western genre. Readers can expect a compelling blend of rich characters and vivid landscapes, exploring themes of adventure, resilience, and the complexities of frontier life. The author's award-winning style promises an engaging and immersive experience that captures the essence of the American West.
Set in 1869, the story revolves around twelve-year-old Fish Rawlings and his cousin Gid, who are captivated by legends of a lost gold mine in the Chisos Mountains. Their adventure takes a turn when they encounter a dying Indian in the desert, leading them to question the truth behind the myths they've heard. The narrative explores themes of discovery, mystery, and the impact of legends on young imaginations.
Set in 1867, the story follows eleven-year-old Fish Rawlings and his cousin as they navigate the perilous Texas frontier on a wagon train. Along their journey, they encounter a threatening Comanche war party, which includes Hunting Bear, also eleven, who is eager to prove himself on his first war trail. The narrative explores themes of bravery, survival, and the clash of cultures as both boys face the challenges of their respective paths.
Set against the harsh backdrop of the 1880s Texas drought, the story delves into complex race relations through the plight of Zeke Boles, a black cowhand wrongfully accused of murder. His friend Will Brite, burdened with his own legal troubles due to his marriage to a mixed-race woman, embarks on a perilous journey to clear Zeke's name. Alongside Arch Brannon, they navigate a treacherous cattle drive, facing both physical and societal challenges, in search of justice and hope amidst despair.
Recognized as a finalist for prestigious awards, this book delves into themes of conflict and resolution within a western setting. It showcases compelling characters navigating the complexities of their environment, emphasizing the struggle for peace and understanding. The narrative intertwines historical context with rich storytelling, making it a significant contribution to the genre. Its accolades highlight the quality and impact of the work in contemporary western fiction.
Set against a backdrop of interstellar adventure, the narrative follows a crew on a perilous journey through space, facing both external threats and internal conflicts. The characters are richly developed, each grappling with their own motivations and fears as they navigate the challenges of survival and exploration. Themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the quest for knowledge are interwoven throughout the story, creating a compelling tale that resonates with fans of science fiction and adventure.
