Book Review A Ranger's Trail by Darlene Franklin

Book Description:
This is the fourth book in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.


In 1875 Buck Morgan rode into Mason County with the Texas Rangers to quell the violence stirred up by the actions a vigilantly mob. The Hoo Doo (or bad luck) War erupted as suspected cattle rustlers were  killed by an angry German mob and former ranger, Scott Cooley, gathers a gang to seek vengeance on the murders.


Suspected of cattle rustling, Leta Derrick's husband was murdered by the mob a year earlier. Now she is siding with the rogue ranger, Scott Cooley and refuses to help Buck Morgan stem the tide of violence.  Leta prays daily that God will wreak vengeance on her enemies. Buck prays that the God of all provision will supply for the needs of the widow, her son Ricky, and her 15-year old brother, Andy. Buck lays a trap at his uncle's ranch for the suspected outlaws but the plan backfires when Andy shows up. Shots are fired and one man is down. Andy has joined the outlaw gang and is now guilty of murdering Buck's cousin.


Will their actions fuel the fire of vengeance? Or will Buck and Leta strike an accord that leads to more than just peace?


My Review:
Firstly thanks to netgalley for my review book. This is the fourth book in this saga and just as good as the first book. What I love about the series is learning history. I am learning Texas was not a place for the weak hearted as there were constant issues that the people had to contend with. This book deals with the Hoo Doo war which I had not heard of before but it was very much like a feud with the German settlers on one side and the Anglo's on the other. Add a sheriff that sides with one side it led to a war. The book starts with the death of Leta's husband at the hands of a mob. We see how quickly the hate spreads and how it becomes tick for tack. Buck is a Texas Ranger who is trying to help quell the violence as well as finding the truth behind who murdered Leta's husband. In the mean time he she's a widow needing help, he can see the farm is run down and needs repairs and knows he can help in some way. On issue that can cause a problem is Bucks family who lives nearby is German and may be involved. 
Watching the story unfold and reading about the actual facts of the war was interesting and seeing the out come for Buck and Leta's families. If you haven't read the previous 3 books you would still be able to follow this story but I would suggest you do read the first 3 books as it helps you understand the issues the Morgan family have faced up til this book. Great read and I look forward to book 5 in the series in April.