Red Sky Morning: a historical look into Texas Ranger Company F

Red Sky Morning: The Epic Story of Texas Ranger Company F by Joe Pappalardo is described as the explosive and bloody true history of Texas Rangers Company F. The hard men who rode hard and risked their lives to bring justice to the lawless frontier in the waning years of the Old West. Focusing on the years between 1886-1888 as Sergeant James Brooks commanded Company F as they engaged in three fatal gunfights and countless manhunts. Company F hunted down criminals, killing them if necessary and bringing them to trial when possible. They were confident in their “Ranger justice.” However, one outfit would give Company F a challenge. The Conner family were an East Texas family of master hunters and jailbreakers who were wanted for their part in a  bloody feud. An in depth account of the Company F’s showdown with the Conner family that find themselves over their heads and in the fight for their lives. Did Company F find the Conner family? And at what cost? 

I love history, especially history that I know little about. Everyone has heard of the Texas Rangers but most do not know the twists and turns of its history. I was very excited to read Red Sky Morning. I eagerly dove into the chapters as the men and women of the Old West were introduced. However, as Mr. Pappalardo jumps back and forth in time without an apparent reason. He states in the introduction that he set out to answer the question about who the Texas Rangers really were, I feel he failed. Red Sky Morning became a tedious read that became more a history of the Texas frontier, all its colorful characters and events rather than just Company F. I found myself losing focus as I turned pages. The book lacked cohesiveness as the presentation was very disjointed. Individuals would be introduced, while famous or infamous in the Old West, seemed to have nothing to do with Company F and their manhunt for the Conner family. I do not recommend Red Sky Morning. 

Red Sky Morning: The Epic Story of Texas Ranger Company F

is available June 28, 2022 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

The Last of San Geronimo: the story of a brothers' feud which turns deadly

The Last Cowboys of San Geronimo by Ian Stansel is the story of two brothers who spent their lives feuding until one fateful act ended it all. The story opens with the death of Frank Van Loy, the older brother, and his younger brother, Silas, has killed him. Silas goes on the run, knowing the authorities will be after him. What he doesn’t realize is another is on his trail too. Lena, Frank’s wife, is determined to find the man who murdered her beloved husband. As the search for Silas continues and Silas tries to stay one step ahead, the brothers’ history is revealed and the truth behind their feud is much more complicated than a brothers’ fight. Did Silas kill Frank in cold blood and why? Will Lena catch up with him? What will she do if she does?

The Last Cowboys of San Geronimo is a contemporary western about a lifelong feud. While the book wasn’t my cup of tea, Mr. Stansel’s descriptions of the locations are beautiful and how he describes the horses and their movements is poetic. However, I didn’t care for the language he uses for some of the character. I realize that the language fits the characters, I just don’t like it being used in life and in books. The story does leave the reader questioning Silas’ true motive in killing Frank. I like that the truth behind why he did it wasn’t so cut and dry and the reactions of Lena and others as they hear his motive is believable. I recommend The Last Cowboys of San Geronimo for those who enjoy a good western with a family drama twist.

The Last Cowboys of San Geronimo

will be available July 4, 2017

in hardcover and ebook