THE MUSTANGERS by Andrew J. Fenaday is a novel about a rodeo hero named Ben Smith, who finds himself at a crossroads when he realizes that his days on top have passed him by, and he returns to his hometown to start the next chapter in his life.

Ben is a quiet but confident man who keeps to himself and hopes for anonymity in his life away from the circuit, and he attempts to go into seclusion while he plans on getting on with his simple existence; but his fame leaves him a target for those who wish to make a name for themselves by challenging him, and those who would like to profit by being associated with him.

Circumstances occur that involve a beautiful but ruthless woman who is well known herself, as she hires Ben to work on her behalf in a land grab attempt that involves a highly successful businessman who owns a ranch neighboring Ben’s ranch.

Soon after his arrival, he finds himself attracted to the daughter of the local veterinarian who has a simple beauty he finds irresistible; yet he struggles with his reluctance to get close to her, or anyone for that matter.

Mustangs are one of Ben’s soft spots, as they are present on both his and the neighboring ranches; yet the brutality employed by the ranch hands of his well to do neighbor lead him to get physical with them resulting in legal matters where he’s being charged and forced to appear in court.

Ben also finds himself befriending the sickly young son of the neighboring businessman who idolizes him, and Ben sees this and does his best to be a good example to the boy and to teach him the lessons that will prepare him for life as an adult in the future.

Does Ben have the ability to balance romance, his felt responsibility towards the young man, and maintaining his principles regarding a chance at huge financial gain, or does he fly in the face of the law and the ruthless ranch hands to bring an end to the cruelty that’s taking place with the mustangs?

Interesting western that takes place in a later time period than is common to the genre, and Ben is easy to like as a hero who at times frustrates with his naivety in spite of his years on the road.

4 stars.

I've read a few of Andrew Fenady's books and loved every one of them. The characters feel real without being caricatures of what people think a cowboy in a western should be. The scenery and communities built into the back story are so real you can see them. The story itself will keep you spellbound, holding your breadth when the situations get tense. Spoiler alert...the good guys win, but the battle along the way to save the mustangs and the cowboys is exciting. I'm a die hard Johnstone fan, but I'll gladly read a Fenady story too.

The Mustangers is a pretty good historical. I am giving it four stars and recommend it for other readers.