What do you think?
Rate this book
The Floating Outfit #1
The Ysabel Kid
The war was over. The South had lost. But the Texas rebels of the Floating Outfit were too busy to surrender. They had to smuggle a thousand Henry repeaters across the border to Juarez--and to do it they needed the help of the bad-hat, war-wise kid named Ysabel...
179 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1968
121 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Edson
183 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 24, 2013
In this first book of the Floating Outfit series the three core members of the of outfit meet for the first time. It directly follows J.T.'s Civil War series, most of which follow Dusty's career though the Ysabel Kid features in a few of the Belle Boyd titles. Dusty is sent to Mexico to bring back the Confederate soldiers who are fighting with the French forces so that the United States can officially assist the native forces without risking reigniting the Civil War. Along the way Dusty meets former smuggler the Ysabel kid who is looking to avenge the recent murder of his father. The kid in turn meets Mark Counter, one of the Confederate soldiers serving with the French. The three discover that they make a formidable fighting force and Dusty invites his new friends to join his uncle's floating outfit. The rest of the order of the floating outfit series is somewhat fluid as there are some chronological contradictions with various members overlapping when they shouldn't. All in all it remains my very favorite western series with lovable characters in the classic western style; it's a pity no one can write like this anymore!
September 22, 2015
Excellent Book
I have most of J t Edson's books and was happy to be able to get on my kindle. Looking forward to re- reading the rest.
I have most of J t Edson's books and was happy to be able to get on my kindle. Looking forward to re- reading the rest.
May 29, 2022
Dusty Fog joins forces with the Ysabel Kid to run some guns to the Mexican army for use against French invaders, thereby ensuring safe passage for a band of former Confederate soldiers whom Dusty and the Kid hope to convince to accept amnesty, give up support for the French, and return to the US. Though the premise sounds a bit convoluted, it’s a very straightforward tale of straight shooting good guys and backstabbing bad guys. Go to McMurtry or McCarthy for gritty novels about what a nightmare the Old West could be, but come to Edson for tales of camaraderie and bravery. He is not a very good stylist, producing some sentences that are downright confusing and relying too much on repetition (we read that the Ysabel Kid is “Indian dark” dozens of times). However, he does know how to set up an exciting action scene and that makes up for a lot. He also seems to know his stuff when it comes to firearms of the period, so it is interesting to read about how the capabilities of different types of gun influence the strategy and execution of the gunfights.
https://thericochetreviewer.blogspot.com
https://thericochetreviewer.blogspot.com
July 16, 2009
Just a well crafted western that hooked me on all the JT books.
March 2, 2025
"The Ysabel Kid" is a novel in J.T. Edson's popular "Floating Outfit" Western series, featuring one of his most memorable characters, Loncey Dalton Ysabel, known as the Ysabel Kid. First published in 1962, this novel serves as an origin story that establishes the background of this fascinating half-Comanche, half-white character who becomes a key member of the "Floating Outfit" group of Texas heroes.
Edson crafts a compelling narrative that follows the Ysabel Kid's journey through the post-Civil War Texas frontier. As a mixed-race character, the Kid navigates a difficult existence between two worlds - never fully accepted by either white society or his mother's Comanche people. This tension forms the emotional core of the novel and provides depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward Western adventure.
The novel excels in its action sequences, with Edson's trademark detailed descriptions of gunfights and combat. His background knowledge of weapons and fighting techniques is evident throughout, lending authenticity to the numerous confrontations. The Ysabel Kid is portrayed as a deadly combatant with exceptional skills using both traditional Comanche weapons and frontier firearms.
Character development is another strength, as Edson establishes relationships that would continue throughout the series, particularly between the Kid and the other core members of the Floating Outfit - Mark Counter and Dusty Fog. Their camaraderie feels genuine and provides welcome moments of humor amid the violence and danger.
While the novel is entertaining and fast-paced, it does reflect the attitudes of the time it was written. Modern readers may find some of the racial attitudes and stereotypes problematic by today's standards, though the Ysabel Kid himself is portrayed with respect and complexity.
For fans of traditional Westerns, "The Ysabel Kid" delivers all the expected elements - dangerous outlaws, frontier justice, skilled gunfighters, and the harsh realities of the American West. Edson's prose is straightforward and accessible, prioritizing action and plot over literary flourishes.
Overall, this novel stands as an important entry in Edson's extensive Western catalog, introducing a character who would feature prominently in dozens of subsequent books and cementing the author's reputation as one of the most prolific and popular writers in the genre.
Edson crafts a compelling narrative that follows the Ysabel Kid's journey through the post-Civil War Texas frontier. As a mixed-race character, the Kid navigates a difficult existence between two worlds - never fully accepted by either white society or his mother's Comanche people. This tension forms the emotional core of the novel and provides depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward Western adventure.
The novel excels in its action sequences, with Edson's trademark detailed descriptions of gunfights and combat. His background knowledge of weapons and fighting techniques is evident throughout, lending authenticity to the numerous confrontations. The Ysabel Kid is portrayed as a deadly combatant with exceptional skills using both traditional Comanche weapons and frontier firearms.
Character development is another strength, as Edson establishes relationships that would continue throughout the series, particularly between the Kid and the other core members of the Floating Outfit - Mark Counter and Dusty Fog. Their camaraderie feels genuine and provides welcome moments of humor amid the violence and danger.
While the novel is entertaining and fast-paced, it does reflect the attitudes of the time it was written. Modern readers may find some of the racial attitudes and stereotypes problematic by today's standards, though the Ysabel Kid himself is portrayed with respect and complexity.
For fans of traditional Westerns, "The Ysabel Kid" delivers all the expected elements - dangerous outlaws, frontier justice, skilled gunfighters, and the harsh realities of the American West. Edson's prose is straightforward and accessible, prioritizing action and plot over literary flourishes.
Overall, this novel stands as an important entry in Edson's extensive Western catalog, introducing a character who would feature prominently in dozens of subsequent books and cementing the author's reputation as one of the most prolific and popular writers in the genre.
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.
November 20, 2018
Not so much a review as a story... My dad used to read these books when I was a child and as an avid reader I also read some of them. Decided to revisit the books and started to read in chronological order. This is not for the hard core reader looking for writing excellence and word perfect paragraphs on every page but man, do I enjoy it! Nothing like reading about the West and taking your mind of the present...
May 17, 2016
This is the first book of the entire Dusty Fogg series. Very enjoyable. Concerns bringing some Confederates home from Mexico.
I confess I am a lover of shoot em up westerns and this pushed all my buttons
I confess I am a lover of shoot em up westerns and this pushed all my buttons
August 26, 2011
One of the best westerns I've read!
Read
November 22, 2015How do I load this Book so I can read it?
August 1, 2021
Read again with love
I first read this, probably in the '80's, when I read everything and anything. I think I actually have this in paperback in storage. I hadn't thought of J.T. Edson since the late '90's. I was thinking about Westerns I have read and his name came to me. I was delighted to find it for my kindle. I still get a little irritated by some repeat phrases Edson uses, but enjoyed the story the same as I did way back when.
I first read this, probably in the '80's, when I read everything and anything. I think I actually have this in paperback in storage. I hadn't thought of J.T. Edson since the late '90's. I was thinking about Westerns I have read and his name came to me. I was delighted to find it for my kindle. I still get a little irritated by some repeat phrases Edson uses, but enjoyed the story the same as I did way back when.
March 25, 2024
I first rea jt in the 70s off duty in a tent in Denmark I got hooked from that day I have all the books in paper back but so tatered and torn. I'm recollecting them on my kindle. The way J T Edson writes about dusty and the gang is from the southern side of the civil war and the aftermath the South had to suffer at the hands of the northern bully's this book is the start and introduces the floating outfit can't wait to read the next in line
February 24, 2019
Good story
I knew that some of the confederate soldiers went to Mexico after the civil war. This story sheds some interesting light. An interested part that the author dos not have great respect to the fighting capabilities of the French. All in all a good book smooth flow of action and adventure.
I knew that some of the confederate soldiers went to Mexico after the civil war. This story sheds some interesting light. An interested part that the author dos not have great respect to the fighting capabilities of the French. All in all a good book smooth flow of action and adventure.
June 22, 2020
Don't underestimate the small insignificant Texan or do it at your own peril. Welcome to the cool headed, cleverly planned, and lighting fast realm of Captain Dusty Fog of Texas Light Cavalry. Teamed up with part Kentuckian part Comanche stock Ysabel Kid, Captain Dusty Fog goes deep into Mexico to bring back General Bushrod Sheldon. One hell of a series in the making. An exhilarating read.
December 17, 2023
Good read
I read this book when I was 10 years old. The words 'El Cabrito' stuck with me, and even after I had forgotten the title and the author, I was able to find the book 35 years later in Kindle format. Very interesting and well written book that keeps the reader captivated throughout.
I read this book when I was 10 years old. The words 'El Cabrito' stuck with me, and even after I had forgotten the title and the author, I was able to find the book 35 years later in Kindle format. Very interesting and well written book that keeps the reader captivated throughout.
April 28, 2024
J. T.EDSON!!!!
I have read these books since I was a teenager. My father was a big fan and I followed in his bookshelves.
J.T.EDSON and LOUIS L'AMOUR were his and my most favourite western writers!
I cannot recommend these books enough, I am currently rereading them on kindle because I enjoyed them so much when I was younger!
I have read these books since I was a teenager. My father was a big fan and I followed in his bookshelves.
J.T.EDSON and LOUIS L'AMOUR were his and my most favourite western writers!
I cannot recommend these books enough, I am currently rereading them on kindle because I enjoyed them so much when I was younger!
October 13, 2017
Great Book
I have never read a book by J. T. Edson before, but I must say I have really enjoyed reading this one. It has lots of action. I would really like to read more on The Ysabel Kid. I look forward to more books by this author. Thank you for a great read.
I have never read a book by J. T. Edson before, but I must say I have really enjoyed reading this one. It has lots of action. I would really like to read more on The Ysabel Kid. I look forward to more books by this author. Thank you for a great read.
August 7, 2019
Great
As I read the whole series in original paper backs, I thought that I would not be able to read this series again. Defiantly as good as I remember. I had patently awaited the next book and built a complete collection. Then a hurricane came along.
As I read the whole series in original paper backs, I thought that I would not be able to read this series again. Defiantly as good as I remember. I had patently awaited the next book and built a complete collection. Then a hurricane came along.
January 12, 2022
As with J T Edson's Comanche last week, which re-acquainted me with J T after more than 40 years, I re-read this, the first in the Floating Outfit series. I was not disappointed and now intend to read this series in chronological order.
April 15, 2023
J T Edson wrote so many that it is difficult to say which is best.
I read a cool deal of them when I was unemployed in the early 2010s.
I picked this at random.
If you like Westerns then dive start in.
I read a cool deal of them when I was unemployed in the early 2010s.
I picked this at random.
If you like Westerns then dive start in.
July 20, 2017
Great
Great read really enjoyed it now to find the next one in the series to follow the kid and see how it goes
Great read really enjoyed it now to find the next one in the series to follow the kid and see how it goes
May 30, 2018
I've read these books so many times, but it's been a long while since I started the series with book 1. They are like comfort food.
June 10, 2018
Long time
Long time since I have read a cowboy,still very enjoyable,iffy plot but characters do not dissapoint. I can hang my guns up till next time.
Long time since I have read a cowboy,still very enjoyable,iffy plot but characters do not dissapoint. I can hang my guns up till next time.
September 3, 2019
Great
This book , as all of his books was a pleasure to read. I’ve read a bunch and intend to read more.
This book , as all of his books was a pleasure to read. I’ve read a bunch and intend to read more.
November 30, 2019
Good
Have always enjoyed reading JT Edson s books from the 1970’s and will continue to do so now you can read on kindle
Have always enjoyed reading JT Edson s books from the 1970’s and will continue to do so now you can read on kindle
December 31, 2019
A reminder of my late grandfather n his love of westerns. Really enjoyable easy reading taking u to the Wild West.
April 18, 2020
Brilliant
It has been years since I read a J.T. Edson, but do not regret my decision to try them again at all. I shall buy some more - they are so good!!!
It has been years since I read a J.T. Edson, but do not regret my decision to try them again at all. I shall buy some more - they are so good!!!
May 13, 2020
Run of the mill, but a relaxing read all the same.
June 9, 2021
I have read this series of JT Edson over and over again. Well written
September 26, 2022
Great book
Great author and a great story with great characters. He draws you in with the stories he writes great fantastic.
Great author and a great story with great characters. He draws you in with the stories he writes great fantastic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews