2008-03-24 Not for the faint-hearted

Having read nearly all the Calder series, I was interested to see how Ms Dailey approached 'the Wild West'. This is an obviously very well researched novel, in that it tackled the 'dark side' of the West. Hannah Wade is a beautiful army wife, with an handsome soldier husband. However, other characters are brought in very well - the fascinating Captain Jake Cutter is obviously destined to play a significant part in her life, and in fact accepts Hannah when after her capture by Apache indians eventually ends. Hannah's ill-treatment at the hands of the Apaches, and eventual integration into the tribe is very well 'done'. Her determination to remain alive - at all costs, is excellently portrayed - her sympathy for the indians, and their way of life also comes over very well. Also the difficulties she has in being accepted by her own 'people' in the times she lived in is probably very realistic. This is not however for the faint hearted - and a couple of scenes are very graphic (the cowboy's capture and the mexican soldier's raid as well as the indian ambushes) and portray the brutal times in which these people lived.