THE BURNT DISTRICT by Ellen Gray Massey

THE BURNT DISTRICT by Ellen Gray Massey
Hard Shell Word Factory - 2001
ISBN: 1582006539 - eBook
Western Historical

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth, MyShelf.com
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In 1863 Missouri, trouble was on the rise, trouble being a cruel man named Captain Murdock. After General Order #11 was issued by Brigadier General Ewing, stating that all residents of certain counties in Missouri were to vacate their homes and move to the nearest military post or to Kansas, Captain Murdock roamed the area with his army of men burning down houses, barns and crops, and taking any remaining civilians prisoner.

Hannah Rockfort remained on her farm waiting for her military husband, Paul, to return from war. Two years had passed since she last heard from Paul and she was afraid he had died. When Captain Murdock and his men arrived on her farm she was given fifteen minutes to gather her belongings and her three daughters and be escorted to the nearest detention camp. As Hannah and her daughters planned their escape, they get some surprising help along the way. Even better they meet a very kind scout who offers to find out what happened to Paul.

You cannot help but sympathize with Hannah. The fact that women and children were driven from their homes and put to work in prison camps is tragic, but a fact of life during that time period. Her story is a courageous one and a thrill to read. The fast pace kept me entranced through out the book, which is filled with surprises and some sad moments. An outstanding story that is a must for any Western Historical fan.