Review: Classic and entertaining western
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 11, 2013
The Bushwackers is a fun and exciting book. Set during the time of the Civil War, this is the story of a rough and tumble cowboy named Heck Martin. Heck Martin is an outlaw and somewhat of a loner. Unlike his father and brother, he does not side with the Union. After being reluctantly drawn into the war, Heck joins a group of men called the Quantrill for the purpose of making trouble for the bluebellies and other Union supporters.After Quintrell initiates a bloody massacre at Lawrence, Heck decides that he wants nothing more to do with Quintrell. He had initially been joined by thirteen other men, but they turn on Heck after he decides to drop out. Heck knows that they hate him with a passion, but they are also afraid of him. Heck is the fastest man with a gun that they have ever seen, and nobody dares to cross him.The war comes to a sudden end, and Heck heads back home. As he is leaving, he warns his former men that if any of them follow him or harm his family that he will kill them. The men fail to heed his warning and try to kill Heck anyway. They are unsuccessful, so they end up murdering two of his family members. Heck swears vengeance and sets out to find the members of Quintrell. He follows them on an interstate chase through the Old West and vows to seek revenge and not rest until he kills every last one of them.This is most definitely not a war story. It is a classic western set during the same time period. Despite the pervasive themes of war, gunfights, and vengeance, this is a really fun book. Van Holt really knows how to entertain and deliver. The plot moves fast and is very easy to follow. You will feel like you are riding right alongside Heck as you accompany him on his adventures.The descriptive writing really sets the tone and you will be able to get inside Heck's head. You will understand why he feels the way he does and why he does the things he does. Your curiosity will be piqued, and you will be interested and invested in what happens to all the characters. This is a riveting adventure story, and it is hard to read just a little at a time. You will be amazed at how time flies by as you get lost in the pages.I recommend The Bushwackers to anyone looking for a fun read. Whether you are a fan of westerns or not, you are sure to be entertained the whole way through.