Comment

Jan 23, 2016GLNovak rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Vanderhaighe's ability to weave big issues together, paint engaging characters, and spin a bit of a love story at the same time appeals to me. I enjoyed his way of presenting the story from the perspectives of many of the characters. His love of and ease with the West and its history comes through in his writing. This is Vanderhaeghe's third and last book about the Cypress Hills/Montana area in the late 1870's, after the battle at Little Big Horn and the ensuing uncertainty about Sitting Bull and his intentions. We meet Wesley Case, a Canadian ex-soldier, ex-Northwest Mounted Police, and current Montana rancher at Fort Benton, as he begins his career as a go-between for Major Walsh north of the border and Major Guido Ilges at Fort Benton Montana Territory. Each is approaching the Indian Problem differently and each needs to keep apprised of the others intentions. The 'good man' is many of the characters - Case, Walsh, Ilges, Sitting Bull. The only issue, and that might be from my own ignorance, was the inclusion of the Fenians and their on-going underground war with Britain being waged on Canadian and colonial soil.