Hell on the Border

The Bass Reeves Trilogy, Book Two

By: Sidney Thompson

Narrated by: Midnite Michael

2022 Oklahoma Book Awards Finalist for fiction from the Oklahoma Center for the Book

2021 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist for western fiction

2021 American Book Fest Award Finalist for historical fiction

Set in 1884, Hell on the Border tells the story of Deputy US Marshal Bass Reeves at the peak of his historic career. Famous for being a crack shot as well as for his nonviolent tendencies, Reeves uses his African American race to his strategic advantage. Along with a tramp or cowboy disguise, Reeves appears so nonthreatening that he often positions himself close enough to the outlaws he is pursuing to arrest them without bloodshed.

After a series of heroic feats of capturing and killing infamous outlaws—most notably Jim Webb—and an introduction to Belle Starr, Reeves finds himself in the Fort Smith jail, charged with murder. This second book in the Bass Reeves Trilogy investigates what really happened when Reeves made the greatest mistake of his life on the heels of his greatest achievements.

©2021 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska (P)2023 Tantor

Love this book

I heard this great book and I love the history of bass reeves. Now watching the paramount series I can have a better understanding of his journey.

Censoring

I don't imagine using "N word" in a book of historical importance was the author's idea; especially after giving his disclaimer in Book 1. In a world where political correctness trumps historical accuracy, we sacrifice common sense. I am of African American descent and strongly prefer that history be told with frankness to all willing to listen. Honesty about what my ancestors and my hero, Bass Reeves, endured certainly does not offend me. Whose feelings are we protecting?

Bass: A Story Longing to Be Told

Bass lived through much racism & criticism, yet kept his belief in God & in his fellow man. He did a job most would turn down & did it well, where many died a few weeks or months into it, Bass did it for years because he learned the hearts of men & that God didn’t create anyone evil, there was always some good. In that perseverance & humility he also married & fathered ten children. It doesn’t say here, but he arrested 2 of those, which speaks volumes of his character. Anyone wishing to understand his fellow man will enjoy this true tribute to this fine man.

Eh

Mostly an absolute bore. Jumps 20y, skipping all the interesting things that could have lead to the present and then told you a bunch of pointless stuff until the whoopsie that finally brings the story forward but surprise! It's over. Gotta get the next book. These 3 could probably be 1 will written book

Censoring

It amazes me that we are now censoring novels like this and saying, 'N-word," instead of the actual word, even though it is historically accurate, but could offend somebody. I don't remember this happening in the first book. It seems as though art and history are now being modified to prevent offending someone. I wonder where this will stop.