Synopsis
A continuation of the tale of McBride and LaPoint, in this third book in the series, as they drive herds west and north, and search for family, love, and fortune in the mountains, while helping supply beef to miners and extend the ranching culture north with men like Charles Goodnight. At the heart this book are the reasons for and the evolution of their involvement in the Comanche Wars, and then of their experiences in developing the mountains of southern Colorado, including trailing herds into the heart of the mountains, and building a mountain railroad. It details the evolution of Josh LaPoint and Gabe McBride from scouts and warriors in Texas Indian wars, into railroad builders, and settled family men in the mountains of the southwest. A well researched historical fiction, with an accurate picture of the time and place. The essential characters of the age are given their proper place and role, with true events from their lives revealing the inner metal. The moral issues of the age are in the conversations of the characters. These are the men that opened the land to a better civilization, and To The Shinning Mountains is a tribute to their efforts. Telling the real Comanche story, from tracing the roots of the war on both sides, to the final outcome. Tracing the capture of Polonio Ortiz, to the Moway Village battle, and the final battle in the Palo Duro, are all told in vivid detail. The destruction of the plains culture, with the annihilation of the Indian horse herds, are painfully recounted. Beyond the Indians were the horse and cattle rustlers of the eastern New Mexico, between the herds and the markets. Those outlaws had to be dealt with before civilization could come. Once the frontiersmen have opened the plains, ranching pushed quickly west and north, but not without more conflict from thieves and legal organized interest. Men of courage and strength of character opened the trail for others to follow. At last the men have the resources to settle into ranching in Colorado, with Josh LaPoint able to have a family and have the enjoyment of the effort that it took.
About the Author
Wil Michael Peck is a stonemason, home-builder, stoneware potter, sculptor, river paddler, and longtime student of frontier history, who lives both in the Texas hill country and in the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado.
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