Western Writing Endorsements
"RED RUNS THE PLAINS is a crackerjack story written by a craftsman at the top of his form. A young boy, orphaned by a massacre, grows to manhood among mountain men and warrior tribes. Along the way he learns the meaning of loyalty and courage, and joins in the fight against betrayal and treachery. A whirlwind of a tale that will keep you turning pages."
Matt Braun
"I welcome Gary Lee (W.R. Benton) to the small fraternity of writers who love the mountain men."
Win Blevins
"Red Runs the Plains is a compelling coming of age tale set in the days of the mountain men. True fans of this genre will be more than pleased with W.R. Benton's well-written novel."
Stephen Lodge
Author of, Shadows of Eagles, and Charley Sunday’s Texas Outfit!, also co-wrote the Kenny Rogers' Western epic, Rio Diablo.
"As a western writer myself I can thoroughly appreciate the immense work and research that has gone into the making of WAR PAINT. It’s an exceptionally good read, excellent plot, beautifully drawn characters and well sustained from start to finish. The details are historically accurate without detracting from the story or bogging down the reader with facts and figures, W.R. Benton just knows what he’s talking about and meshes it all together with the craft of a good story teller.
Countless western novels have been written about gunslingers and lawmen but Benton has chosen to write his story about the mountain men, their hard lives, their culture and their uneasy alliance with the native red man. It’s all here, expertly laid out for the reader to soak up and enjoy; thrills, spills, romance and murder set in a time when the only way of life was what a man could make for himself and the only law was what decent, honest men could mete out in all conscience.
WAR PAINT is for the western reader who wants to read something different and for the western enthusiast who likes to know there is accuracy and authenticity in them thar pages."
Mel Hague
Author of “Death on a Rope” and others as well as a Recording Artist of 17 albums
Visit Mel Hague at www.melhaguecountry-western.com
"A remarkable book (Red Runs the Plains) with interesting characters and a good story of course. If you are reading between the lines, you can capture the spirit of an era, which comes back from the past directly to the reader. I have read many western novels. Some of them were something special, and this book (is) too. W.R.Benton did a good job, and I am absolutely sure that W.R.Benton is a name the readers should always consider when classic westerns are concerned."
Alfred Wallon
Author of “The promised land"
German Western Author
"For those who enjoy the mountain man era, W. R. Benton's book (Red Runs the Plains) is a must read. His chilling story of a young man's struggle to survive his family's brutal murders is hard to put down as you experience his capture and escape from Indians and subsequent adoption by fur traders. The boy exacts his revenge on the Snake and Blackfoot, but finds respect and honor in the camp of the Sioux."
Jean Henry
Novelist and photojournalist
Author, Escape on the Wind
"W.R. Benton takes you on a ride you'll never forget (Death on the Mountain). The authenticity and accuracy of details brings the Old West to life in vivid color. Each chapter reads like a day in the life of a mountain man, buffalo skinner, or Sioux Indian brave. After reading this book, you'll feel as though you've returned from a time travel tour of the high plains and Shining Mountains more than a century and a half ago. Revisit the frontier and find yourself in the middle of gun fights, Indian skirmishes, and buffalo stampedes. The fast-paced action pulses on every page. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the rich flavor of an old-fashioned western."
Rosalie More
author of Allegiance
www.rosaliemore.com
"Ty Fisher and the Blood of the Mountain Men is a must read for any fan of old west fiction. The author has skillfully written this tale in the flowing vernacular of the mountain men and draws the reader right into the story with a tug that doesn't let go. A fast page turner that demands one keep reading as the laws of the mountain men demand satisfaction. A tour of the ways of the old west at its best. An excellent read from start to finish."
Sam Long
Author of Blade McAllister
www.winghavenwesterns.com