The Long Hitch: A Western Story

By Michael Zimmer

Mase Campbell has earned a reputation as a skilled wagon master, heading up freight trains for Kavanaugh Freight. Then one night in 1874 in Corinne, Utah Territory, he is stopped in the street by someone asking him for a match, and shot to death. Those who saw the murder either do not come forward or admit no knowledge. Buck McCready, captured at ten years of age by Indians, rescued by Mase, and raised by him, wants to find out who killed Mase and why. But there is not time for investigation because Jock Kavanaugh, owner of the freight line, has committed to a freight wagon race from Corinne to Virginia City and he needs Buck to replace Mase as wagon master. Buck believes that Mase was murdered because of the competition and that the murderer will probably be on the train. Buck is right about one thing: someone in the wagon crew is willing to do whatever is necessary to see the Kavanaugh venture fail.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Release date: Jun 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781634507691

Michael Zimmer

Michael Zimmer, an American history enthusiast from a very early age, has done extensive research on the Old West. In addition to perusing firsthand accounts from the period, Zimmer is also a firm believer in field interpretation. He’s made it a point to master many of the skills used by our forefathers: he can start a campfire with flint and steel, and he can gather, prepare, and survive on natural foods found in the wilderness. Zimmer lives in Utah with his wife, Vanessa, and two dogs.

Reviews for The Long Hitch

[dadbrazelton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A knowledgeable book based on Western muleskinners, but not a very satisfactory ending.