Thunder Over the Prairie

by Chris Enss, Howard Kazanjian

Future legends of the Old West, Charlie Bassett, Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, and Bill Tilghman were the lawmen who patrolled the unruly streets. When a cattle baron's son fled town after the shooting of the popular saloon singer named Dora Hand, the four men--all experts with a gun who knew the harsh, desertlike surrounding terrain--hunted him down like "Thunder Over the Prairie." The posse's ride across the desolate landscape to seek justice influenced the men's friendship, their careers, and their feelings about the justice system. This account of that event is a fast-paced, cinematic glimpse into the Old West that was.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, True Crime, Crime

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Cari · Rating 1 out of 5]

So this was basically shit. On the bright side, it's short.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's fast paced, which for me is so important to catch my attention and keep me interested. It's not a long or in-depth account of the story, more like a quick overview, but it peaked my interest in wanting to know more.

[Shayna Grieshaber · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not that I don’t like the Wild West but this book was tough to stay in tune with. Thankfully it was a very short read.

[Claudia Mundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might not be the most learned account, but I certainly enjoyed reading of Earp and Masterson! It read fast, gives a glimpse of just how the old time was like today--not always as fair as it pretends to be. Since I had just passed through Dodge City, I could still smell the cattle drives of the period that linger still! I have since ordered three more small books by Enss to read about women of the West.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting nonfiction book about a woman entertainer killed in Dodge City, Kansas. There was not near as much information on Fannie, but much, much more on the posse composed of Charlie Bassett, Bill Tilghman, Wyatt Earp, and Bat Masterson. Who ever knew these western icons ever worked as a team? Would be a good edition to Kansas or western history in middle, junior high, or high school libraries.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book easy to read and very entertaining. It reads much like a novel to me, with short biographical content about each "character". There was enough information to keep one interested but not too much where you're not even sure what the book is about. It was also an interesting glimpse into what it was like to live in those times, in places like Dodge City.

[Pancha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The authors are both screen writers, and it shows in the way that the story unfolds like a film narrative. That said, the writing wasn't great.

[Tomigirl44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads more like a documentary than a novel, but an interesting glimpse into the Wild West and some of its memorable characters.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was well worth the read. Nice bit of background info on Earp and Masterson leading up to their more well-known exploits.