Outrage at Blanco

by Bill Crider

On the day the bloodthirsty gang rode into Blanco, Texas, the bank was robbed, Ellie Taine was brutally assaulted, and her husband and another man were shot dead. Something within Ellie also died that day, and she would never be the same. Shotgun at her side, she rode out after the desperadoes and gave Texas one more outlaw--a woman bent on bloody revenge.

Genres: Westerns, Suspense, Fiction, Action

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Taught English at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Tex., and went on to become the chair of the Division of English and Fine Arts at Alvin Community College in Alvin, Tex.; prolific writer of mystery, science fiction, western, horror, and children's books, not to mention short stories, articles, reviews, and blog posts; perhaps best known for his Sheriff Dan Rhodes mystery series.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very good western. It starts with the rape of Ellie Taine, a bank robbery and a couple of murders. The rest of the book follows Ellie as she goes after the robbers/rapists. The dialogue is crisp and the book is a compelling story. I read it in one day. Thanks to Brash books for sending me this book. I rate it 4.5 stars out of 5( rounded up to 5).

[Edwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A paging turning gem masterfully paced and plotted with several memorable characters and dialog that rings true throughout. Loved the unlikely alliance between the victimized woman and the dying old man, a relationship that spoke to the times and events in life that motivate us to do what we feel are the right things, as a matter of justice, or maybe vengeance, or as a last hurrah before heading to that big corral in the sky. A highly satisfying story that grabs you early and never lets go. Highly recommended for crime and/or western readers that don't mind adult themes and violence.

[HornFan2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Outrage at Blanco that made me love revenge stories so much and guess I need to thank Bill Crider for that. Reader beware Crider pulls no punish with this one.

While this one is a thrice re-read for me, but it shows how good of an author Bill Crider is that although you know whats coming, it's still gripping as the first time I read it and he puts you right their on the vengeance trail with Ellie and Jonathan.

It starts with the rape of Ellie Taine but as the story develops, she becomes a tough lady who seeks vengeance for her rape and her husbands death. Ellie will end up making two evil varmints pay the ultimate price, she'll make some new friends along the vengeance trail and lives up to theme, even raises the bar on the good verse evil theme of the Western genre.

The coolest thing about Outrage at Blanco, is the fact that the main character Ellie, while your first impressions is that she's fragile, but as your reading, you realize just how strong, tough and one lady you don't want as an enemy.

It's refreshing to read a Western that has a tough Lady in a lead role, highly recommend this one and just wish that Bill would add some new Ellie adventures.

[Tucker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed several books in the Sheriff Dan Rhodes mysteries series by Bill Crider, so I was interested to read his take on the traditional western novel. I mention traditional western, but this one is somewhat non-traditional in that it features a female protagonist. This is no “cozy” western; it contains plenty of blood and brutality but all in service of the story. A well told tale and a good way to revisit the western genre.
Thank you to Brash Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike most western's "Outrage at Blanco" is a fast paced tale of revenge in 1880's Texas. Strong lead characters with righteous motives pursuing vicious killers on the run make this solid crime fiction.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know why I keep trying to read westerns. I really can't stand them.

[Rex Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Jink Howard sat in the shade of a tree and ate tomatoes out of a can while Ben Atticks raped the woman in the wagon bed.”

That’s the first sentence. Just reading it you think maybe Elmore Leonard? Or Hemingway. Or Twain. Right there from the jump it’s clear as desert daylight this author knows what he’s doing. Little wonder since Bill Crider’s written bunches of books. The surprise is I never knew about him.

He carries the same crisp control and eye for the central drama in the first sentence all the way through to the end. A very satisfying, American western justice end.

This is good stuff. If you’re like me this will be just the first of Crider’s books you read.

[Martin Marais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this books starts off with a bang, but it might be distasteful for some readers as it is a pretty gruesome rape. But once you get past that things settle down a little, although the main outlaws remain nasty pieces of work and this is cleverly contrasted with their leader, who is, of an outlaw and in contrast to the other two, quite a lovable chap! I enjoyed this novel very much. The narrative keeps you interested in both the characters and the plot. I suppose the ending is pretty predictable, but it is an interesting journey getting there. The characters are well described and become well established early on in the novel. A process helped by the good dialogue. Looking back I do not recall getting much impression of the wider setting, each scene seems quite contained and it is quite compartmentalised. One gets a sense of what is in the immediate vicinity of the players, but not the wider context. That is not a failing, simply an observation. This is well deserving of the four stars I have given it and I shall certainly read the sequel.

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave this book as much of my attention as I could, but I just can't take it anymore. I am putting it down and walking away. The biggest turn-off for me was the opening scene. Starting out with a brutal rape scene is a bold move, but you are going to turn off a certain number of potential readers before you even pull them in with your stellar characters or amazing storyline. I tried to keep reading and get through to the end of the story, but I just couldn't handle it any more. The opening rape colored the whole story for me in such a negative fashion, I just can't read any more.

I received a copy of this book to peruse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is of the AUDIO VERSION of this material.

Outrage at Blanco is a quality western tale. Author Bill Crider has created a credible western tale that uses realistic characters and period dialogue to propel it forward. This is a quality story packed with just enough action to be exciting and the author creates a careful balance between characterization, dialogue, western flavor, and that action. Crider gets it right.

Here's a few of the details that I appreciated:

1) The Texas Ranger had a homemade badge

Rangers often made their own badges and Crider describes his perfectly.

2) The heroine of the story is a hard-working farm wife and her labor, courtship, and work at her husband's side is detailed carefully.

3) The heroine goes to the bank to obtain a loan and the banker, at first, is reluctant to loan her the necessary funds until he discovers her collateral.

Now for the negatives-- please remember I'm reviewing the audible version--

I had a hard time following the timeline of the story. The first outrage occurs! The husband goes to town and stumbles into the second outrage! The heroine goes to the ranch and discovers another outrage! She and the old rancher join forces and go on the hunt. By the time we reach the climactic conclusion is how long? Well, he keeps referring to it as "yesterday" but it seemed to me more time had passed.

The reader consistently pronounced "Blanco" as BLANK-O even though it appeared to be the Spanish word pronounced BLAHN-CO (White)--- Now, perhaps this is not the spanish word and really is pronounced that way, but I winced everytime I heard it.

Overall-- a GREAT story... Well worth my driving time!

[Madeleine Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would work as an episode in a TV Western series

As literature, this novel reminded me of Chaucer's Pardoner's Tale, with the outcome ending in Death as the big winner of a contest fueled by greed, except for Ellie Taine. I did wish that we had seen more of Burt and Ellie's life together before she met the bad guys, but throughout the story the focus was on the action as it played out, with only the spare and necessary details given to develop character and reveal the setting as they helped to move the story. Although none of the characters reached the level of heroism vs villainy we find in the standard horse opera, the resilience of all the characters-- jumping in and out of the saddle, running to and from various confrontations--despite life-threatening injuries or illness--did challenge my willing suspension of disbelief. However, fans of the old-fashioned Westerns will find this a quick but satisfying read.

[Barbara Lee Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

DON'T MESS WITH MINE

Meanest, disrespect and mere tint of morals are what seems to possible infuse these dregs of the human race. A son whose worthless to himself and others. Who would set up his own father whose near death, to rob the bank where his father has an account.
Raping women was well known evil act performed by whomever happened upon the chance to take advantage of a situation. Even though women and children were supposedly held in a corner of their own, they were still defiled by men and women who were suppose to protect their lives.
It's sad but, it's true in many western settlements, the far reached isolated farms were there for the plucking. Read this story and make your decision.

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD STORY, GREAT CHARACTERS, GORGEOUS LOCATION

This was an easy read western, reminds me of Saturday afternoon cowboy movies I enjoyed when I
was a kid, Double feature Western's , cartoon and an action packed weekly serial, all for a
quarter, of course .25 cents in 1940 had a whole lot more buying power then today's quarter.
I think it was a monumental mistake when Pres. Nixon took the country off the gold standard and
stopped backing our paper currency with gold in our treasury.

[D.F. Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up reading all the Louis Lamor books and love the classic western genre. This book by Bill Crider nicely follows the logic and pacing of these types of stories, yet offers its own attractions. The tough,independent heroine and the dying rancher are fairly unique (excepting some bodice rippers where they rarely ring true).

I enjoyed the matter-of-fact tone of the story-telling and the expected plot and denouement. Well done.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and then I enjoy reading a western. I started this one on Saturday and finished it on Monday! It was such an exciting book, I couldn't put it down. If you are into westerns, then I can recommend this book without reservations. The book begins with a bang and the action never lets up.
I was hook from page one! I shall certainly try to read more of Bill Crider.

[Don A. Whitehead, Sr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. The setting and people seem believable and the actions and results appropriate. I am looking forward to teading the sequel.

Good story. The settings and people seem believable and the actions and results appropriate. I am looking forward to the sequel.

[Jim Edmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hard life for a hard woman

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well fleshed out and the plot was unique. The Western revenge plot is not new, but the approach was. I can't wait to read more about Mrs Taine.

[Tracyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Western novel (that I can remember reading) and I really enjoyed it. Very different (and darker) than the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series, but I can see some of his style in those books here. A very quick read for me too.

[D. Durst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Western with interesting plot

Good adult Western that gets where it’s going in very interesting way. The author balances multiple characters, but still leaves you wanting more.

[Jerry MeCaskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Begins with a rape scene. Not overly graphic, but disturbing.

The story begins as a revenge tale, but becomes something better.

There are a few lessons in this novel that are worth learning. Still, some of it is deeply unsettling.

[Gary Sedivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, fast paced western. The protagonists are a woman determined to get revenge and an old dying man. They are chasing three brutal, but not bright outlaws. I liked this novel.

[DANIEL CHIAPPONE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading. Loved the character. More like them are needed. I would like to read more like this. I can't for the ill the next one.

re like this one. I can't wait for the next one. The author does a good job of keeping your interest.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outrage at Blanco, is a western story that did not start off as any old fashion western book that I used to read. Ellie Taine, on her way back to her ranch, farm to see her husband Burt, was stopped by two men and then taken advantage of. She fought like the devil and bit one of them but was knocked out. When she come to they were done and riding off. When she got back to the ranch her husband knew something had happened and asked her what the men looked like and then rode into town. Not knowing that they were meeting up with another man planning to robe the bank. When he got to town the delivery stable was on fire and the three men were on their horses riding towards him when he pulled on the rains his horse bucked because of the rain and one of the men shot him dead. Ellie did not find out until the next morning and then over hearing everything that went on in town buried her husband and rode out to the Crossland ranch where she overheard people talk in about Crossland son Gerald. When she got there the son was dead along with the Marshall from town. She told Mr. Crossland she was going after the two men who harmed her and killed her husband. He ends up going with her and actually helps her in tracking and giving her the fortitude to continue. The story goes back and forth between the robbers and Ellie and sometimes the town people. I am not going to tell you how it ends but I will say that over all it is a good story and probably more true to life than we would like to think and for that reason I am saying this is an outstanding book and true to life book. A very good read and the characters are hard when they need to be and in their mind wondering if it is the right thing. A very good book. I got this book from net galley.

[Kevintipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trip to town and back for Ellie Taine has gone very wrong as this western from author Bill Crider begins. Just outside of the small Texas town of Blanco she had made the mistake of stopping for the two men who seemed friendly. As it became clear they had something else on their minds, she thought they only meant to rob her. Unfortunately for Ellie, robbery wasn’t what they wanted. Ben Atticks and Jink Howard wanted something much more personal to Ellie than the few items she had purchased in town at Roger's Mercantile.

When they were done with her they left her alive. That was another mistake in a long line of mistakes in their criminal careers. What happened to Ellie is just part of this very good western from Texas author Bill Crider.

Originally published in 1998 by Dell Books, Outrage at Blanco is now available as an e-book. Reminiscent of The Baby Shark Series by Robert Fate in that a rape spurs a woman to seek justice on her own, this western set in the Hill Country of Texas features a number of interesting characters. A complicated tale of vengeance and redemption for several characters results in a book that moves forward at a rapid pace despite the many players and almost as many agendas.

Outrage at Blanco (Ellie Taine)
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.blogspot.com
ASIN: B00DHM0B2U
June 2013
E-Book
240 Pages
$2.99

Material was picked up during the author’s recent free book promotion for my use in an objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014
Mind Slices and Carpathian Shadows, Volume II
Book Reviews and More http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/

[R.Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jink Howard and Ben Atticks have a history of pillaging and raping throughout the old west. At a bar/brothel over the border in Mexico, they meet Daniel O'Grady, whom they had known in prison, who just wants enough money to begin leading a "decent life," and overweight cowardly Gerald Crossland whose wealthy father Jonathan is dying back in Blanco, Texas. The four of them concoct a scheme to rob the bank in Blanco where Gerald says his father keeps all his money.
On their way to Blanco to meet the others, Jink and Ben encounter Ellie Taine driving home with groceries to the farm where she lives with her husband. They leave her alive after raping her. She goes home, and when her husband Burt finds out what has happened, he heads to town to find and kill the two who had violated his wife, but instead he is killed himself by Ben and Jink.
This is a good old-fashioned western tale about simple-minded people who act without considering the consequences, yet the exception in this story is Jonathan Crosslands who rises from his death bed to accompany Ellie Taine in tracking the men who killed her husband.
The story moves fast in the compressed amount of time in which it all takes place. In this kill-or-be-killed tale of western horror, sometimes you don't know whether to laugh or cry or just be appalled at the thinking of these simple-minded psychopathic criminals. Only in Ellie and Jonathan do we see any attempt to evaluate the right or wrong of the intent to kill.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Outrage at Blanco” by Bill Crider is a western with a twist; the central character is a woman. Ellie Taine is her name and the author did not make her just another fair prairie rose to be rescued. When she is brutally raped by two outlaws in the first pages, Ellie morphs from victim to pursuer by sheer strength of will. Her pursuit of her assailants is thoughtfully written, with an underlying humanity that is unexpected. She questions her decisions, reconsiders her pursuit and finds mercy for the rapists tugging at her conscience.

Some details could use adjustment: A garden in its final days would be more likely to have corn, peas and beans ready for harvest and storage for the coming winter - not tomatoes; Animals being left alone for an indefinite period would be let out to pasture where they can look out for themselves, not put in a barn; The Colt Navy .36 Caliber Revolver belonging to Ellie’s husband is a cap and ball weapon that was used during the Civil War which ended 22 years prior to the story–– a man who owned his own farm would be unlikely to carry such a weapon given the violent times he lived in.

Western carnage aficionados will find plenty to enjoy in this story of the old west while being treated to a new kind of heroine. “Outrage at Blanco” is a ripping read in just 192/240 pages, and I hope to see more from Ellie Taine in the future.

I was given an eARC of “Outrage at Blanco” by NetGalley and Brash Books in exchange for this review.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a woman wanting revenge and a dying old man wanting the same. Ellie Taine had been raped, then her husband murdered when he went after them. Jonathan Crossland was dying from cancer and had a weak son that got involved with three men to rob the bank and get his father's money. The young man had been shot by his fellow conspirators.

The robbery was a disappointment. Old Crossland had moved his money to another bank and all that came of it was a small amount of money and two dead people, a bank clerk and Ellie's husband.

Ellie set out to get the men and found the dead Crossland heir and the town's sheriff at the Corssland ranch. Old Jonathan and she set out to get the three men.

But things changed as they rode. Reasons for revenge seemed petty. Old Crossland didn't have long to live and Ellie wanted the law to handle it.

Author Bill Crider turns the revenge plot on it's head and sends the tale in a different direction. Still, things get done.

Nice western.

[Philip Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Western? I stopped reading Westerns before I was a teenager. Living in the real world of cars and telephones deleted all thoughts of cattle drives and chuck wagons. With some trepidation I started Outrage at Blanco and was quickly hooked. The script is of the modern world style, the plot is equal to many current day adventures, and the whole story allows the mind to be easily transported to days of yore. America is still a very young country and many of us are of the age when television was a new introduction and the word technology was not an everyday statement. If one was fortunate enough to have a TV it is likely each of the three channels was showing a Western. Advance to more modern times and note how Western stories keep popping up in the entertainment world. Outrage at Blanco quickly revives old memories as it follows a trail of realistic people in an easily believable environment caught up in a life of good guys (or gals) versus bad guys. A most pleasing taste of the early life style in the semi wilderness of America. I look forward to more works from Bill Crider.

[Carolyn Injoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outrage at Blanco, An Ellie Taine Thriller by Bill Crider is a well written book that kept my attention from beginning to end. I enjoyed the prequel to Texas Vigilante very much. I gave it five stars.

"Jink stood up. He was as slim as a snake, narrow in all the places that Ben was wide, & short where Ben was tall. He had a bristly three-day growth of brownish whiskers & small black snaky eyes that were hard to see under the bony ridge of his brows."

I would like to thank the publisher, Brash Books & NetGalley for a complimentary kindle copy. That did not change my opinion for this review.

Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1941...

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie Taine sets out after some psychotic bad guys with a burning deep in her soul for justice, however she's not really expecting to survive the ordeal. Crider doesn’t just deliver a typical Western, this one keeps you turning pages to find out what’s going to happen next.

You can read the full review at my website: www.linearreflections.com