Saddle up for one heck of a ride along the border of Mexico and Texas in the 19th Century. Full of historical facts and stories peppered with colorful characters.

Many names will seem familiar and the author very kindly ties them all together. There are times when the amount of information is almost overwhelming. But you understand why the author feels it is important to the reader as you push through. It is worth it though as the author does a good job of setting the scene to help the reader prepare for when McNelly arrives as a Texas Ranger.

The groundwork really helps to understand the dynamics of what he and his peers were dealing with. The politics on both sides of the border, the personal struggles, the spying and double-crossing. And yet, this particular man kept to his personal morals and compass. Brave to the point of craziness at times, it is hard to comprehend men like this existed in our history. Other than Hollywood heroes in movies, we rarely encounter individuals like this our day to day. The loyalty he inspired is truly worth learning about. His actions, and those of a few others, changed the course of our nation’s history; not just Texas history.

I found this book picks up pace as you turn the pages and get absorbed into the time and places you are reading about. After I finished reading it, I find myself still thinking about it. It is an inspiring read about an incredible man. I have not previously read any of Mr. Clavin’s other books, but I know some of them will be in my future read pile.