Synopsis "Deadly Deadly: Book 2 Trail's End"
In the first book of "Deadly Deadly" We are introduced to Deadly, a huge Texas Longhorn Bull, and the humans and animals that make up his world. It is the relationship between Deadly and trail boss Joe Bob Grady that propels this story forward. Together, this unusual partnership becomes an indomitable force and a blessing for the beautiful Grace Cecile McNamara. Grace Cecile McNamara, who prefers to be called Ceci, hires Joe Bob Grady to drive her small but special herd of cattle to her huge spread that borders both Mexico and Texas. The journey is treacherous from the beginning. Firstly "Grady" is concerned the the new, small breed won't be up the the long journey. With extreme wilderness, historical storms, Indians and evil men, the trail party face and battle constant danger. Deadly becomes a hero as he consistently rescues Ceci, Grady and the herd from the many perils that befall them. When the trail party becomes trapped in the Chiricahau Mountains, in a historical Blizzard, Grady realizes he must journey the few days to Janos with Deadly and return with supplies in order to survive until they can get the cattle safely out of the mountains. What was only to be a several day turnaround turns into weeks after Grady's horse breaks its leg. Grady hits his head and receives a massive concussion. Delirous, Grady manages to mount and tie himself to Deadly. He points him down the familiar trail to Janos, and relies on Deadly as he floats in and out of consciousness. Exposed to the elements he becomes extremely ill and lapses into full unconsiouness after nearly drowning in a creek when Deadly has a standoff with wolves. While Deadly is battling the wolves, and using the creek as partial protection, the saddle falls underneath Deadly into the water. Grady uses his last reserves to release himself from the saddle and shoot his gun to scare off the wolves. Deadly arrives in town with Grady tied to his back. It is weeks before Grady wakes up and realizes it may be too late to rescue his responsibilities. At the end of the first book the trail drive is coming off of the Chiracahua Mountains after being trapped for weeks in snow and freezing conditions. Low on supplies, working to exhaustion and illness to keep the herd alive, and thwarting an attack by outlaws. Love blooms in this sequel between Grady and Ceci, and other characters in the story, including Bear and Candace Murray, the Janos saloon owner who nursed Joe Bob Grady back to health. after he arrived in Janos unconscious and tied to Deadly's back. Book II picks up right where Book I ends. Grady and Ceci, both extremely ill must rely on others to get them safely to Janos. Bear takes on the responsibility of managing the crew. He must carefully get them safely off of the Chiricahau Mountain. Inspite of all the precautions taken they quickly run into trouble with serious injuries, a dangerous discovery and a runaway wagon. Once in Janos it is time for planning the next phase of the journey to Ceci's large ranch. With the indian threat rising and the troops leaving Janos, along with exciting news from Candy, Bear helps her decide to clear out of Janos and close her saloon. The trip home is broken into 3 parts. All of the parties that are journeying to Ceci's ranch are met with problems, disasters and perils. They rely on their guts and ingenuity to get them to Ceci's home. Once again M. J. Vigna, with her unique writing style, does not let you down. She leaves you on the edge of your seat as you wrap yourself up in the characters you have grown to love in book one. And good ol' Deadly does not disappoint as he continues to care for his "herd." There are exciting and sweet developments in book 2 that will have you yearning for the publishing of book 3.
