In 1823, Judith and Johnny Fowler led a wagon train from Arkansas territory to Santa Fe. Johnny also known as Johnny Osage because of his close relationship to that tribe of Indigenous people, guides the mule train on an unmarked trail through dangerous and often unforgiving country. The party faces impossible river crossings, water shortage, Indian attacks and treachery from within. Some of the descriptions of injuries whether from man or animal were extremely graphic.

Giles was a prolific author who wrote books in series that followed families making their way on the early American frontier. ( )