The Red Sabbath

by Lewis B. Patten

Book by Patten, Lewis B.

Genres: Westerns

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

aka Lewis Ford, Len Leighton, Joseph Wayne (with Wayne D. Overholser)

Lewis Byford Patten was a prolific author of American Western Novels, born in Denver, Colorado. Often published under the names Lewis Ford, Len Leighto and, Joseph Wayne.

Reviews

[Jeff Tankersley · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I vaguely wondered where Custer was and hoped, God help me, that he was dead. He sure as hell deserved to die for leading us into this" - Miles Lorette

A first-person account of the Battle of Little Bighorn, "The Red Sabbath" (1968) is a tense read from its start. Miles Lorette serves as a scout for General Custer and presciently acknowledges the dire straits this unit is in, both in terms of its lack of numbers confronting a superior foe and in terms of the recklessly suicidal drive of the man in charge

Attached to Major Reno's command when Custer divides his forces, Lorette finds himself impressing on the newly promoted Major that help isn't coming from Custer for his surrounded troops as promised; Custer is in even bigger trouble than Reno is. There are some flashbacks that show how Lorette ends up in this time and place, but the bulk of the action takes place during the surviving Reno / Benteen force's last stand on Reno Hill.

"The Red Sabbath" won the 1968 Spur Award for best historical novel and has some harsh criticism of Custer, of course, but there's a subtle hint of relatability and defense for the legendary horse soldier in Lorette’s blatant tone.

Verdict: A good western and thrilling narrative for any reader interested in learning more about the Battle of Little Bighorn or historical fictions set during famous events.

Jeff's Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1968, this cavalry western novel is set against the background of Custer's last stand at The Little Bighorn in 1876. The main character, a civilian scout for the 7th cavalry, has a deep hatred of Custer, and the novel is riddled with flashbacks to events in the past that shaped this viewpoint. This makes for some interesting character development and a great storyline.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent telling of Custer's last stand, told through the eyes of a scout who had been misused by both the Indians and Custer. The book leaves little doubt that Custer was an idiot who was glory hunting, trying to resurrect a failing career. Well done, recommended.

[Bradthad Codgeroger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrative of Custer. The good guys won.