Wilson, John. Ghost Town (Desert Legends Trilogy).

Wilson, John.   Ghost Town (Desert Legends Trilogy).  Orca, 2011.  172p.  $12.95.  ISBN 978-1-55469-879-0         ms/hs (Grades 7-12)   Historical Fiction E-BN              

There is plenty of gun fighting and violence in this easy-to-read novel about the Wild West. Although it is the second book in a trilogy, it can be read as a stand-alone.  As the story begins, James is riding out to find a life for himself.  He encounters Billy the Kid and tags along with him until James sees the violence that is always under the surface with The Kid.  James leaves the Kid to join the army.  Readers learn about the Buffalo Soldiers as well as the fight at the Alamo involving James Bowie and Davy Crockett.  Warring factions in New Mexico Territory are trying to control the sale of horses and supplies to the army, and James must take sides.  Should he support the corrupt suppliers, ride with Billy the Kid and his Regulators who are set on revenge, or be his own person?  Throughout the book, the theme of what makes a hero and a villain is explored, as well as the idea that both kinds of traits can reside in the same person.  After James survives a fierce shootout and firefight, he finds and mounts the horse he thought he would never see again and heads to Fort Stanton, where a new adventure, probably in the role of army scout, awaits him.  This is a perfect book for boys looking to experience life during the days of the Wild West and would enjoy reading about the action and violence of gunfights in times gone by.                          Lois McNicol