Bad River is a tale of two men: One who builds a grass empire of cattle and horses on the vast Dakota prairie; the other who follows a trail of violence and bloodshed. A gripping western novel told in a way that will keep you in your saddle from beginning to end. King has written a lively and readable novel of action and event, but also of character and situation. The narrative moves along at a great rate, dialogue is particularly well crafted, the main characters carry the novel, they are believeable, and, in particular the ending is effective, as the lone rider silently moves off stage. It is written with drive and conviction.