Trail to Tomahawk

By: Edwin Booth

Narrated by: Harris Allgeier

Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

His partner was death-branded by six bullets from a ghost gun.

It was Curt Traynor's birthday, and Curt was a young man who liked to celebrate the occasion with a drink and a friendly brawl. Curt had been working like a dog and his partner in the Tomahawk ranch, Frank Ballard, felt Curt had earned the right to blow off a little steam.

What worried Ballard was Del Hudspeth, who owned the Crazy K. Hudspeth wanted the Tomahawk and recently had been hiring men who seemed to have more experience with six-shooters than herding cows. But Ballard figured if they hit the local saloon for a few quick ones and headed back to the Tomahawk, he could avoid the Crazy K bunch and keep Curt shy of any trouble. But Ballard figured wrong.

Someone, probably from the Crazy K lured Curt outside and when Ballard went out to check on things that someone shot Curt six times from the darkness, making his birthday his death day as well. Worse, whoever pulled the trigger framed things to make it look like Ballard had fired the shots and murdered his own best friend.

Ballard shot back and when the sheriff arrived, Ballard was standing over Curt's body with the smoke still rising from his gun. Since Ballard inherited Curt's share of the Tomahawk, he had a good motive for the killing and most folks fingered him for the murderer. Unless Ballard acted fast he knew he would face a murder trial and a public hanging.

Somehow he had to escape and find the ghost gun that killed his partner and the man who had pulled the trigger. And even if he did, Ballard knew Hudspeth and the Crazy K riders would be waiting on the open plains to intercept him with loaded guns. For on a range where he could no longer tell friend from foe, Ballard's fight to save Tomahawk had become a total struggle for survival - for his life as well as Tomahawk ranch.

©2019 Buckskin Editions (P)2021 Buckskin Editions

Critic reviews

"A first-class job." (Oakland Tribune)

A Gripping Tale of Tenacity and Redemption

"Trail to Tomahawk," penned by the illustrious Edwin Booth and narrated by the talented voice artist Harris Allgeier, is a riveting Western audiobook that takes its listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the perilous landscapes of the Old West. This tale of courage, betrayal, and redemption is an absolute gem that deserves every ounce of praise it receives.

Set in the rugged backdrop of the Tomahawk ranch, this audiobook introduces us to Curt Traynor, a hardworking young man who knows how to celebrate life's simple joys. The story kicks off on Curt's birthday, promising an eventful evening filled with camaraderie and spirits. But little did he know that his celebration would spiral into a life-altering chain of events.

Frank Ballard, Curt's partner at Tomahawk, recognized the need for Curt to unwind and enjoy himself, given his dedication to the ranch. However, lurking in the shadows is Del Hudspeth, owner of the Crazy K ranch, harboring sinister intentions. Hudspeth's desire to acquire Tomahawk leads him to hire gunslingers, setting the stage for a showdown between the two ranches.

The audiobook sets a gripping tone as it unfolds the mystery surrounding Curt's tragic death. The ruthless attack on Curt, where he is mercilessly shot six times from an unknown assailant's ghost gun, turns his birthday celebration into a nightmare. Worse yet, the cunning killer manages to frame Frank Ballard for the heinous crime, placing him at the scene of the murder.

Booth's narrative talent shines through in this audiobook, crafting a narrative that is both intricate and fast-paced. The characters' depth and the tension in each scene keep listeners engaged from start to finish. As the story unfolds, the suspense and intrigue only intensify, making it almost impossible to pause or divert your attention elsewhere.

At the heart of "Trail to Tomahawk" is the struggle for justice and survival. Frank Ballard, wrongfully accused of his best friend's murder, must navigate a treacherous path to clear his name and uncover the identity of the true killer. His journey takes him through a perilous chase across open plains, where danger lurks at every turn. The constant threat of ambush by the Crazy K riders keeps the stakes high, and listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Ballard will evade his pursuers.

Harris Allgeier's narration is a masterful performance that adds depth and authenticity to the characters and the Wild West setting. His ability to capture the essence of each character, from Ballard's determination to Hudspeth's cunning, is nothing short of remarkable. Allgeier's narration is the perfect complement to Booth's storytelling, immersing listeners in the dusty trails and cowboy showdowns of the Old West.

One of the most commendable aspects of "Trail to Tomahawk" is the profound sense of camaraderie and loyalty that permeates the story. Frank Ballard's unwavering determination to clear his name and avenge Curt's death is a testament to the strength of friendship and justice. The audiobook beautifully portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, making it not just a gripping Western tale but also a tale of redemption and honor.

Edwin Booth's writing doesn't just transport you to the Old West; it immerses you in it. The vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the dusty trails, and the tension in the air make you feel like you're right there alongside the characters. It's a testament to Booth's skill as a storyteller that he can evoke such a strong sense of time and place.

As the audiobook races towards its climactic showdown, listeners are treated to a heart-pounding finale that leaves no loose ends. The resolution of the mystery surrounding Curt's death and Frank's battle for justice is both satisfying and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion, "Trail to Tomahawk" is a gripping and emotionally charged audiobook that takes its listeners on a thrilling journey through the Old West. Edwin Booth's masterful storytelling, brought to life by Harris Allgeier's exceptional narration, makes this audiobook an absolute must-listen for fans of Westerns and anyone who appreciates a tale of courage, loyalty, and redemption. Whether you're a seasoned Western enthusiast or new to the genre, "Trail to Tomahawk" will captivate your imagination and keep you enthralled until the very last word. So, saddle up, put on your headphones, and embark on this unforgettable trail of adventure and justice.

Good Western

A quick fast paced thrilling story set in the old west that captivates from start to finish. The world building and narration are on point. This is my first read/listen from this author and I was sucked in from the start...I look forward to more from this author