Far as the Eye Can See
In 1876, the Great Sioux War is heating up for a major confrontation between the Indian tribes of the Black Hills and the U.S. Army. Amidst this background, Bobby Hale is caught up in the struggle while traveling west to California. While trying to find a woman he had befriended on a wagon train heading west, he is hired on as an Army scout. While on a scouting expedition, he mistakenly kills several Indians that were on a peace mission. Discovering his error, he thinks he is now on the run, both from the Sioux and the U.S. Cavalry.
When in hiding, he befriends a mixed-raced Indian woman named Ink. He accidentally shoots her, thinking she was one of the Indians on his trail; he then attempts to find medical aid for her. To complicate matters even more, Ink is on the run from her Crow husband, who wants her back and is on her trail.
The author captures and accurately describes the American West during this turbulent time in history. The characterizations are excellent, realistic for the time period, and they provide this fast-paced story with drama and excitement. The mistakes the protagonist continues to make throughout the book make for a compelling read. A difficult book to put down, the story kept me involved from beginning to end. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading other books by this author.