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The Floating Outfit #3
A Horse Called Mogollon
The brainchild of Amazon Kindle bestselling western writers Mike Stotter and Ben Bridges, PICCADILLY PUBLISHING is dedicated to issuing classic fiction from Yesterday and Today!
A HORSE CALLED MOGOLLON
When Colin Farquharson refused to sell the horse called Mogollon to Beatrice, Vicomtesse de Brioude, her husband swore to make him change his mind. To help him enforce his will upon the Scot, the Vicomte had a bunch of hired killers and a dozen cavalrymen commanded by an ambitious lieutenant besotted by the voluptuous Vicomtesse. Against them, the Scot had ten Mexican mesteneros and three Texas cowhands not yet twenty years of age. They were Ole Devil Hardin’s newly-formed floating outfit. Mark Counter, a handsome blond giant with the strength of a Hercules and a brace of real fast guns. The Ysabel Kid, baby-faced but deadly expert in the use of a Winchester rifle or a bowie knife. And their leader. Small, insignificant in appearance, he looked more like the horse-wrangler than the segundo of the biggest ranch in Texas. His name was Dusty Fog.
Although the Vicomte did not know it, taking the horse called Mogollon would be far from as easy as he imagined.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Thomas Edson was born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire, on February 17 1928, the son of a miner who was killed in an accident when John was nine. He left Shirebrook Selective Central School at 14 to work in a stone quarry and joined the Army four years later.
As a sergeant in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Edson served in Kenya during the Emergency, on one occasion killing five Mau Mau on patrol. He started writing in Hong Kong, and when he won a large cash prize in a tombola he invested in a typewriter.
On coming out of the Army after 12 years with a wife and children to support, Edson learned his craft while running a fish-and-chip shop and working on the production line at a local pet food factory. His efforts paid off when Trail Boss (1961) won second prize in a competition with a promise of publication and an outright payment of £50.
The publishers offered £25 more for each subsequent book, and with the addition of earnings from serial-writing for the comic Victor, Edson was able to settle down to professional authorship. When the comic's owners decided that nobody read cowboy stories any more, he was forced to get a job as a postman (the job had the by-product of enabling him to lose six stone in weight from his original 18).
Edson's prospects improved when Corgi Books took over his publisher, encouraged him to produce seven books a year and promised him royalties for the first time. In 1974 he made his first visit to the United States, to which he was to return regularly in search of reference books. He declared that he had no desire to live in the Wild West, adding: "I've never even been on a horse. I've seen those things, and they look highly dangerous at both ends and bloody uncomfortable in the middle. My only contact was to shoot them for dog meat."
His heroes were often based on his favourite film stars, so that Dusty Fog resembled Audie Murphy, and the Ysabel Kid was an amalgam of Elvis Presley in Flaming Star and Jack Buetel in The Outlaw.
Before becoming a recluse in his last years, JT's favourite boast was that Melton Mowbray was famous for three things: "The pie, Stilton cheese and myself but not necessarily in that order."
A HORSE CALLED MOGOLLON
When Colin Farquharson refused to sell the horse called Mogollon to Beatrice, Vicomtesse de Brioude, her husband swore to make him change his mind. To help him enforce his will upon the Scot, the Vicomte had a bunch of hired killers and a dozen cavalrymen commanded by an ambitious lieutenant besotted by the voluptuous Vicomtesse. Against them, the Scot had ten Mexican mesteneros and three Texas cowhands not yet twenty years of age. They were Ole Devil Hardin’s newly-formed floating outfit. Mark Counter, a handsome blond giant with the strength of a Hercules and a brace of real fast guns. The Ysabel Kid, baby-faced but deadly expert in the use of a Winchester rifle or a bowie knife. And their leader. Small, insignificant in appearance, he looked more like the horse-wrangler than the segundo of the biggest ranch in Texas. His name was Dusty Fog.
Although the Vicomte did not know it, taking the horse called Mogollon would be far from as easy as he imagined.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Thomas Edson was born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire, on February 17 1928, the son of a miner who was killed in an accident when John was nine. He left Shirebrook Selective Central School at 14 to work in a stone quarry and joined the Army four years later.
As a sergeant in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Edson served in Kenya during the Emergency, on one occasion killing five Mau Mau on patrol. He started writing in Hong Kong, and when he won a large cash prize in a tombola he invested in a typewriter.
On coming out of the Army after 12 years with a wife and children to support, Edson learned his craft while running a fish-and-chip shop and working on the production line at a local pet food factory. His efforts paid off when Trail Boss (1961) won second prize in a competition with a promise of publication and an outright payment of £50.
The publishers offered £25 more for each subsequent book, and with the addition of earnings from serial-writing for the comic Victor, Edson was able to settle down to professional authorship. When the comic's owners decided that nobody read cowboy stories any more, he was forced to get a job as a postman (the job had the by-product of enabling him to lose six stone in weight from his original 18).
Edson's prospects improved when Corgi Books took over his publisher, encouraged him to produce seven books a year and promised him royalties for the first time. In 1974 he made his first visit to the United States, to which he was to return regularly in search of reference books. He declared that he had no desire to live in the Wild West, adding: "I've never even been on a horse. I've seen those things, and they look highly dangerous at both ends and bloody uncomfortable in the middle. My only contact was to shoot them for dog meat."
His heroes were often based on his favourite film stars, so that Dusty Fog resembled Audie Murphy, and the Ysabel Kid was an amalgam of Elvis Presley in Flaming Star and Jack Buetel in The Outlaw.
Before becoming a recluse in his last years, JT's favourite boast was that Melton Mowbray was famous for three things: "The pie, Stilton cheese and myself but not necessarily in that order."
- GenresWesterns
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1971
56 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Edson
185 books79 followersJohn Thomas Edson is an English writer of Westerns.
He was born in 1928.He was obsessed with Westerns from an early age and often "rewrote" cowboy movies that he had seen at the cinema. One thing that always intrigued him was the minutiae—how did the baddie's gun jam? What were the mechanics of cheating at cards? How did Westerners really dress and speak?
His writing was helped to develop by a schoolteacher who encouraged him. Now lives in Leicester, Leicestershire.[citation needed]
During his 20s and 30s, Edson served in His Majesty's Armed Forces for 12 years as a Dog Trainer. Cooped up in barracks for long periods, he devoured books by the great escapist writers (Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert McCraig, Nelson C. Nye and Edgar Wallace). He also sat through hours of movies starring John Wayne, Randolph Scott, Errol Flynn and his all-time favourite, Audie Murphy.
His first appearance in print was "Hints On Self-Preservation when attacked by a War Dog" in the Osnabrück camp magazine Shufti in 1947. Acquiring a typewriter in the early 1950s and putting it to good use while posted to Hong Kong, by the time of his discharge he had written 10 Westerns, an early version of Bunduki and the first of the short detective-type stories starring Waco.
Upon leaving HM forces, JT won second prize (with Trail Boss) in the Western division of a Literary Competition run by Brown & Watson Ltd, which led to the publication of 46 novels with them, becoming a major earner for the company.
He had the need for supplementary income from time-to-time and also served as a postman, and the proprietor of a fish 'n' chip shop. Furthermore, he branched out as a writer and wrote five series of short stories (Dan Hollick, Dog Handler) for the Victor boys papers, and wrote the "box captions" for comic strips, which instilled discipline and the ability to convey maximum information with minimum words.
His writing career forged ahead when he joined Corgi Books in the late '60s, which gave JT exposure through a major publishing house, as well as the opportunity to branch out from the core Westerns into the Rockabye County, the science-fiction hero Bunduki and other series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._T._Edson
He was born in 1928.He was obsessed with Westerns from an early age and often "rewrote" cowboy movies that he had seen at the cinema. One thing that always intrigued him was the minutiae—how did the baddie's gun jam? What were the mechanics of cheating at cards? How did Westerners really dress and speak?
His writing was helped to develop by a schoolteacher who encouraged him. Now lives in Leicester, Leicestershire.[citation needed]
During his 20s and 30s, Edson served in His Majesty's Armed Forces for 12 years as a Dog Trainer. Cooped up in barracks for long periods, he devoured books by the great escapist writers (Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert McCraig, Nelson C. Nye and Edgar Wallace). He also sat through hours of movies starring John Wayne, Randolph Scott, Errol Flynn and his all-time favourite, Audie Murphy.
His first appearance in print was "Hints On Self-Preservation when attacked by a War Dog" in the Osnabrück camp magazine Shufti in 1947. Acquiring a typewriter in the early 1950s and putting it to good use while posted to Hong Kong, by the time of his discharge he had written 10 Westerns, an early version of Bunduki and the first of the short detective-type stories starring Waco.
Upon leaving HM forces, JT won second prize (with Trail Boss) in the Western division of a Literary Competition run by Brown & Watson Ltd, which led to the publication of 46 novels with them, becoming a major earner for the company.
He had the need for supplementary income from time-to-time and also served as a postman, and the proprietor of a fish 'n' chip shop. Furthermore, he branched out as a writer and wrote five series of short stories (Dan Hollick, Dog Handler) for the Victor boys papers, and wrote the "box captions" for comic strips, which instilled discipline and the ability to convey maximum information with minimum words.
His writing career forged ahead when he joined Corgi Books in the late '60s, which gave JT exposure through a major publishing house, as well as the opportunity to branch out from the core Westerns into the Rockabye County, the science-fiction hero Bunduki and other series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._T._Edson
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 7, 2025
Holy horseshoes, folks! If you've never saddled up with JT Edson before, "A Horse Called Mogollon" is one heck of a place to start! This ain't your grandma's Western (unless your grandma's a pistol-packin' badass, in which case, can I meet her?).
So there I was, thinking I'd just dip my toe into a quick cowboy story, and BAM! - Edson lassos me in faster than a rodeo champion on his fifth cup of coffee. This book is basically what happens when you mix a high-stakes horse race, a bunch of colorful characters who'd shoot you as soon as look at you, and enough plot twists to make a rattlesnake dizzy.
The Horse's Mouth
Let's talk about our equine star - Mogollon. This ain't just any four-legged grass-muncher! This magnificent beast is the fastest thing on hooves this side of the Mississippi, and everybody and their gun-slinging uncle wants a piece of the action. The way Edson describes this horse, you'd think he was writing about a combination of Secretariat, Black Beauty, and some mythical speed demon from the depths of Western folklore.
The Humans Aren't Bad Either
Our main man, Dusty Fog (seriously, how cool is that name?!), is your typical Edson hero - which means he's about as "typical" as finding a vegan at a Texas BBQ. He's quick on the draw, quicker with the ladies, and has the kind of swagger that makes other men reach for their guns and women reach for their... well, let's just say he's popular.
The supporting cast is a rogue's gallery of Western tropes turned up to eleven - shifty gamblers with hidden agendas, saloon girls with hearts of gold (and daggers in their garters), and enough villains to fill a prison wagon twice over.
The Plot Gallops Along
Without spoiling too much (because trust me, you want to experience this bucking bronco of a plot yourself), the story centers around a high-stakes race that's about as "fair and square" as a snake oil salesman's product guarantee. There's double-crossing, triple-crossing, and so much gunplay that you'll practically smell the cordite wafting off the pages.
And just when you think you've got it figured out - NOPE! Edson yanks the reins and sends you careening down another dusty trail of "what the heck just happened?!"
The Edson Experience
For the uninitiated, JT Edson writes Westerns like he's getting paid by the action sequence. The man never met a gunfight he didn't like or a tense standoff he couldn't stretch to the breaking point. His prose isn't exactly Shakespeare, but it's got more energy than a saloon on payday and moves faster than a card cheat who's been caught red-handed.
Is it historically accurate? About as much as those old John Wayne movies. Does it matter? Heck no! You're here for the wild ride, not a history lesson!
Saddle Up or Stay Home?
Look, if you want a sophisticated literary analysis of the American Frontier with nuanced character studies and thought-provoking themes... maybe mosey on down to a different section of the bookstore.
But if you want a rollicking good time with more action than a Fourth of July celebration in Tombstone, "A Horse Called Mogollon" delivers the goods. It's like someone took every Western cliché, stuffed them in a cannon, and fired them straight into your brain - in the best possible way.
So grab your hat, your sense of adventure, and maybe a shot of whiskey for good measure, because this horse is ready to run, and partner, you'd better hang on tight!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5 sheriff's badges)
So there I was, thinking I'd just dip my toe into a quick cowboy story, and BAM! - Edson lassos me in faster than a rodeo champion on his fifth cup of coffee. This book is basically what happens when you mix a high-stakes horse race, a bunch of colorful characters who'd shoot you as soon as look at you, and enough plot twists to make a rattlesnake dizzy.
The Horse's Mouth
Let's talk about our equine star - Mogollon. This ain't just any four-legged grass-muncher! This magnificent beast is the fastest thing on hooves this side of the Mississippi, and everybody and their gun-slinging uncle wants a piece of the action. The way Edson describes this horse, you'd think he was writing about a combination of Secretariat, Black Beauty, and some mythical speed demon from the depths of Western folklore.
The Humans Aren't Bad Either
Our main man, Dusty Fog (seriously, how cool is that name?!), is your typical Edson hero - which means he's about as "typical" as finding a vegan at a Texas BBQ. He's quick on the draw, quicker with the ladies, and has the kind of swagger that makes other men reach for their guns and women reach for their... well, let's just say he's popular.
The supporting cast is a rogue's gallery of Western tropes turned up to eleven - shifty gamblers with hidden agendas, saloon girls with hearts of gold (and daggers in their garters), and enough villains to fill a prison wagon twice over.
The Plot Gallops Along
Without spoiling too much (because trust me, you want to experience this bucking bronco of a plot yourself), the story centers around a high-stakes race that's about as "fair and square" as a snake oil salesman's product guarantee. There's double-crossing, triple-crossing, and so much gunplay that you'll practically smell the cordite wafting off the pages.
And just when you think you've got it figured out - NOPE! Edson yanks the reins and sends you careening down another dusty trail of "what the heck just happened?!"
The Edson Experience
For the uninitiated, JT Edson writes Westerns like he's getting paid by the action sequence. The man never met a gunfight he didn't like or a tense standoff he couldn't stretch to the breaking point. His prose isn't exactly Shakespeare, but it's got more energy than a saloon on payday and moves faster than a card cheat who's been caught red-handed.
Is it historically accurate? About as much as those old John Wayne movies. Does it matter? Heck no! You're here for the wild ride, not a history lesson!
Saddle Up or Stay Home?
Look, if you want a sophisticated literary analysis of the American Frontier with nuanced character studies and thought-provoking themes... maybe mosey on down to a different section of the bookstore.
But if you want a rollicking good time with more action than a Fourth of July celebration in Tombstone, "A Horse Called Mogollon" delivers the goods. It's like someone took every Western cliché, stuffed them in a cannon, and fired them straight into your brain - in the best possible way.
So grab your hat, your sense of adventure, and maybe a shot of whiskey for good measure, because this horse is ready to run, and partner, you'd better hang on tight!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5 sheriff's badges)
April 30, 2020
Some of the names mentioned in these novels are real people.
That is where the similarity ends.
In many ways these are modern versions of the old dime novels. The only similarity to the truth are the fact that... The author mentions real people.
However if you just want to read an old fashion cowboy shoot em up, that's what these books are.
That is where the similarity ends.
In many ways these are modern versions of the old dime novels. The only similarity to the truth are the fact that... The author mentions real people.
However if you just want to read an old fashion cowboy shoot em up, that's what these books are.
January 15, 2021
Did not stand the test of time
The stories are fun as is the idea of the old West. However I cannot buy any more as the casual racism is just too much. I appreciate these books were written before I was born and thongs were different then but it's just too much.
The stories are fun as is the idea of the old West. However I cannot buy any more as the casual racism is just too much. I appreciate these books were written before I was born and thongs were different then but it's just too much.
March 27, 2018
Excellent
Very fine adventure while successfully portraying the debauchery of some in the human race. It is well that good won over evil.
Very fine adventure while successfully portraying the debauchery of some in the human race. It is well that good won over evil.
February 17, 2022
Excellent. A good, old-fashioned, Western shoot-em-up, with an intriguing plot-line that would satisfy most mystery lovers. J T Edson escapism at it's finest.
August 21, 2024
Good Story
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I sincerely hope that the rest of you out there enjoy it as much as I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I sincerely hope that the rest of you out there enjoy it as much as I did.
December 30, 2025
Another great western. The good guys won…
December 24, 2013
This book picks up where .44 Caliber Man left off. Colin Farquharson, the Scot in the skirt, is determined to catch the infamous wild stallion Mogollon for his ladylove Jeanie Schell. But there are others who have their eye on the stallion and it's lucky for Colin that the floating outfit is still on hand.
January 7, 2012
Excellent book. Well written. Mogollon was a beautiful horse by description.
October 2, 2015
Continuation of .44 caliber man. Standard Etson western. Only little bit more sexuality than common
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews