I was given this book as a gift and I found it to be one of the best books that I have read regarding the Apaches. It was also very interesting to read. I have been reading books about Geronimo since about 1955 and this made me interested in finding out more about Victorio and Mangas Coloradas.

A fascinating, balanced, and extraordinarily detailed account of the brutal conquest of a proud warrior tribe, Once They Moved Like the Wind provides rare insights into the Southwest's most violent era.

Author Roberts recreates the "profound distrust" and layers of "cultural misunderstanding" that lead to the intense racial hatred between the Apaches, the Mexicans, and American settlers. Roberts' powerful narrative doesn't idealize the sometimes brutal Apache traditions (cutting off a wife's nose if she was suspected of adultery, etc). Yet, it seems to me, that the real villains clearly remain the Mexican troops who purchased Indian scalps and casually murdered Apaches for fun and profit. The American settlers, who seem to be hysterical, are likewise committed to Manifest Destiny and seizing the Apaches' traditional lands. The federal government and U.S. Cavalry, to my surprise, played the role of both hunting Apaches and protecting them from the local settler population.

This book details some real quirky personalities from General Cook to Geromino and documents a few forgotten dirty wars. (Cochise still comes across a great chief who almost forced the federal government to abandon New Mexico and Arizona to the Apache during the Civil War.)

An almost perfect gift for history teachers, relatives living in the Southwest, or addicts of 19th Century American history. Don't be surprised if a clever travel agent uses this book for organizing tours in Arizona and New Mexico one day!!!

This is perhaps the definitive account of the Apache conflicts in the American Southwest and northern Mexico, particularly in the period from the time of Mangas Coloradas through Cochise, Victorio and Geronimo. Personally I think it could have been even more interesting if Roberts had started earlier in Apache history and included the Apache interactions with the Spaniards, Pueblo Indians, and so on. Roberts would be the ideal author to incorporate that early history, as some of his other writings (such as "In Search of the Old Ones") demonstrate his interest and expertise in the ancient Indian civilations of the Southwest and Mexico. In any case, anyone who wishes to learn more about the late 19th century Apache conflicts and the personalities involved will certainly appreciate the scholarship and flowing writing style of this book. And the comprehensive bibliography provides plenty of leads for those who may wish to read the original source materials. After finishing this book I was inspired to revisit some of the sites in southeastern Arizona such as Cochise Stronghold, the Chiricahua Mountains and Fort Bowie, and they came to life for me in a way they never had before.

I was highly impressed by the exhaustive research conducted by Sweeney for this biography of Cochise, who was surely one of the most impressive Indian chiefs ever. Sweeney's extensive use of obscure documents and recollections, as well as general knowledge of nearby events and geography, give this biography an authority that you don't often see in the historical bio field. Therefore Cochise clearly emerges from the world of rumors and romanticism, and is shown as a true man with real concerns and actions. So instead of the ruthless, bloodthirsty savage of popular legend, we see that Cochise was a highly intelligent leader of men and was nearly a military genius. He managed to fight a nearly even war with White settlers for a much longer time than any other Native American leader. This would not have been possible if Cochise were not a clear-thinking man of great intelligence, and Sweeney gives exhaustive proof that this was the case.

Sweeney's historical and geographic backgrounds, as well as extensive testimonials from the characters around Cochise, truly make the story come alive. Of special interest are many of Sweeney's footnotes, in which he gives a brief life story of just about every single person mentioned in the story (wherever possible). Sweeney is also ready to admit when information is missing, which is very refreshing for a biography. And in an even-handed fashion, Sweeney is not afraid to criticize Cochise at points, such as when he flouted his agreement to stay on the Chiricahua reservation to allow his warriors to continue raiding in Mexico.

Anyone who reads this book will come to greatly respect Cochise as a man, even if some of his actions were brutal. Unfortunately, this story ends like all other works of Native American history, with the eventual destruction of the people's independence. But while he was in his prime, you can't help but root for Cochise.

Ed Sweeney has written a marvelous biography of an Apache war leader of much greater stature and importance than the more popular Geronimo. It is based on a detailed examination of American and, especially, obscure Mexican documents having to do with the Chiricahuas and Cochise. As a result, Sweeney rescues the chief from the romantic mythology of Elliott Arnold and Michael Ansara. He turns out to be a fierce and uncompromising leader of a barbaric and savage people. His was not an era of gentle, politically correct, and liberal humane attitudes. Some of the accounts are chilling of the brutalities committed by whites, Mexicans, and Apaches toward each other. Sweeney examines in great detail the incident at Apache Pass that spurred Cochise's war against the whites. He notes that such a conflict was likely inevitable between two such very different cultures. Sweeney also writes about the relationship between Cochise and Tom Jeffords, which turns out to be somewhat different than the common myth. But it is also clear that the relationship was indeed a strong one and important to the final peace effort by General O.O. Howard. After reading this biography, you may want to read Sweeney's recent publication of the journal of Captain Jos. Alton Sladen, "Making Peace with Cochise". My only regret with Sweeney's biography is that he did not include more detail on the lifestyles of the Chiricahua Apaches. But the book is an important resource to everyone interested in the 19th century history of south Arizona.

Thank you Edward R. Sweeney. You've rescued Cochise from obscurity and myth. The real Cochise is every bit as admirable and fierce as the mythical one. This book is brilliantly researched, wonderfully written and combined with this same author's edition of "Making Peace with Cochise" supplies a vivid, objective and sympathetic portrait of the man who may have been the greatest of all the Indian chiefs.

I bought volume 1 while in Tombstone last January. Unfortunately #2 wasn't available. I am finally purchasing #2 via Amazon. They are a fountain of information that strike to the core of many of these "stalwarts". The 1st was a valuable aid in my historical/genealogical research and I know the 2nd will be even better!!!

"Cochise County Stalwarts" is a compilation of biographical essays about hundreds of the men and women who lived (and sometimes died) in or near Tombstone, Arizona, back in the days of the "Wild West". Some names are familiar to anyone versed in Western history: Wyatt Earp, Johnny Ringo, and Buckskin Frank Leslie. But most of the people profiled in the book would come under the heading of "ordinary citizens", even if sometimes they led rather extraordinary lives. This is a book which provides a wealth of background information behind the famous story of the "Gunfight at the OK Corral" (of course, it really wasn't at the OK Corral, but "Gunfight in the empty lot down the street" just doesn't have the same ring to it), but is also highly enjoyable to browse through, learning about the fascinating people history usually does not mention.

Very well written,well documented. Much more objective than others of this genre.

The late Alden Hayes engagingly weaves true stories of the cultures and individuals who have populated the Chiricahua Mountains, from mammoth hunters of the Clovis culture who arrived more than 11,000 years ago down to ranchers and farmers at the beginning of World War II. Various Native American cultures, including the Apaches who had migrated into the Borderlands by about 1600 A.D.; Spanish explorers; and gringo miners, ranchers, outlaws, and homesteaders followed those initial hunters in a swirl of history that at times involved substantial conflict and bloodshed. All but the book's first chapter take place in historic times, with the bulk detailing the years between 1860 and 1920 when figures such as Cochise, Geronimo, the Earps, the Clantons, and "Curley Bill" Brocius were on center stage. Important locations include Fort Bowie, Galeyville, Paradise, Portal, and Rodeo. Hayes' book will be most meaningful to those with at least passing acquaintance with Southeastern Arizona from the Dragoon Mountains east through the Sulphur Springs Valley and Chiricahua Mountains to the San Simon Valley, Peloncillo Mountains, and Animas Valley of New Mexico. If, as I have, you have visited Chiricahua National Monument, gone birding in Cave Creek Canyon, stopped at the monument to Geronimo's surrender in Skeleton Canyon, viewed a staged shootout in Tombstone, or yearned to learn more about the days of the Butterfield Stage and Apache Pass, this is the book for you. Hayes admirably includes a short section describing the geological and ecological setting of Southeastern Arizona, including three maps at various scales. In several sections of the book, Hayes also provides photographs of some of the many people whose lives, difficulties, and adventures he aptly describes. One minor criticism is that even more map detail would have been useful for tracing the exact movements of people through the Chiricahuas and adjacent ranges and valleys down into Sonora and Chihuahua, although sufficient detail is present to see the major outlines of those journeys. I enjoyed Hayes' book because it taught me why Portal, Paradise, and Rodeo are there at all and revealed the human, often tragic, struggles of those who settled (or were displaced from) Southeastern Arizona. I highly recommend this book to those with similar interests.

I read this book in one setting. What a fascinating journey Sladen takes you on in this first hand account of a significant moment in history. I've been reading books on the west my entire life and I have to say this is the best single book one could read on the American Southwest. It chronicles the remarkable meeting between General O.O. Howard and the Great Apache leader Cochise. Sladen records Cochise's personality and style in great detail. He gives a vivid portrait of life in an Apache village. He presents Tom Jeffords and Howard as they really were. He describes the incredible county this drama played out in with the sensibility of a true lover of beauty and nature. Sladen's become one of my heros along with Cochise and Edward R. Sweeney who edited this book and wrote a brilliant biography of Cochise.

This book is full of historical photos, and is full of humorous stories from actual interviews of pioneers who lived during this boom period. A very interesting history book. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the early 1900's boom periods in our history.

J A Jance has done it again. Rattlesnake Crossing is an excellent addition to the previous Joanna Brady mysteries. Set in a large county in Arizona shots rings out in the night and JoAnna is off again trying to save the citizens of Cochise County from murder. Fans of the Joanna Brady should also check out JA Jance's other series JP Beaumont of Seattle. I recommend both series to mystery fans.

When I first read the Kirkus review, I delayed reading the book. However, I did finally read it and I couldn't put it down. I think Ms. Jance endows her character with compassion and makes her a real person. Real police investigation is not the exciting stuff that is portrayed in some of the tough guy/gal novels. Joanna Brady is more like a real person with a real life. I enjoyed this book very much and am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series. I personally like a little romance.

While running for the position of Sheriff of Cochise County, Deputy Andy Brady was killed by a drug lord's hired gun. Andy's supporters convince his widow Joanna to run in his place in the upcoming election. Perhaps it was a sympathy vote, but to everyone's amazement, Joanna defeats her more experienced opponents. Months later, the grief has considerably diminished and she has become a very good law enforcement official.

Her latest case begins when Joanna arrives at the home of a licensed gun dealer and finds the man dead. Every weapon in the store is missing. Two more corpses are found. Both are the victims of a sniper with a 50-caliber rifle that is identical to what the deceased gun dealer supposedly kept in his stock. The women were scalped and their bodies were positioned in a special way, leading Joanna and her staff to believe they are contending with a serial killer, who must be stopped before someone else is murdered.

J.A. Jance brings to life the desert communities of the Southwest in such a vivid manner as to make readers feel as if they visiting Cochise County. In RATTLESNAKE CROSSING, the protagonist is a multi-complex character as she varies and balances her roles as mother, sheriff, friend, and potential girlfriend. This adds to that feeling of being on location. The story line is fast-paced and believable, making for a great addition to the Joanna Brady mysteries.

Harriet Klausner

Joanna Brady returns in DEVIL'S CLAW, and as usual, things are really hopping in Cochise County, Arizona. Joanna and Butch are getting married in a week, and the mother of the bride is finally able to plan the wedding of her dreams for her daughter. Normally all the hoopla would drive Joanna crazy, but she's turned all the wedding details over to Butch so she can concentrate on clearing her desk so they have have a real honeymoon (destination: Top Secret). When a teenager disappears and a woman is found near death, Joanna has even more work than she anticipated.

When the investigation into the woman's death reveals that she's the missing teenager's ex-convict mom, Joanna finds herself becoming more and more involved in the case. Compounding her stress, Joanna meets Butch's parents for the first time and has to deal with assorted pre-wedding parties. I especially enjoyed the side plot involving Joanna's secretary, Kristin.

As in all the Joanna Brady stories, Judy Jance provides the reader with a real-life look at southern Arizona. Since she grew up in the Bisbee area, Judy really knows the area well. I look forward to the next book in this exciting series.

Jance's Sheriff Joanna Brady series has been the highlight of many a rainy night for this reader. Devil's Claw is by far one of the best Joanna Brady books to date! The characters take on an added depth in this tale of a young girl, her pet hawk, and a riveting tale of time and tragedy that transcends mere mystery.

A recent, Sheriff Brady-inspired pilgrimage to Bisbee, Arizona proves that Jance knows her stuff. The Copper Queen is the best restaurant in town, the streets of old Bisbee are curvy and narrow, and the sheriff's office is at the farthest reaches of town.

Now if only Sheriff Brady could arrest all of the outlaw ranchers threatening to shoot illegal immigrants in Douglas, Arizona, we could all sit down and enjoy a good book!

J. A. Jance's Joanna Brady series is one of my absolute favorites. Probably helps that I got to have lunch (one on one) with J. A. Jance last year.

Joanna Brady is a Sheriff in Arizona. She is also a widow and single mom. I like the way J. A. Jance has developed Joanna's 12 year old daughter. She has gone through a lot but yet isn't an obnoxious child, nor is she a wimp. Joanna has gone through a lot as well. In this book she is to marry Butch. Her neighbor and friend Clayton dies. He used to help her feed her animals after Joanna's husband was killed by drug dealers (in a previous book). She always has a lot to deal with -- running the Sheriff's Dept., taking care of her daughter, keeping peace with her mother (a full-time job), getting to know Butch (in the past books), and trying to solve various murders and crimes.

Lucy has run away because her mother is getting out of prison. Her mother killed her father and Lucy has been living with her grandmother. She doesn't want to see her mother so she and her red-tailed hawk Big Red run away.

I normally don't like books where it isn't told in first person, but this is one series that it works well for.

I really enjoy this series and am always waiting for the next installment.

Having read some of the JP Beaumont series, I inadvertantly stumbled onto the Joanna Brady series. I like both of them. I am impressed that Jance does equally well with both male and female detectives. The descriptions of the Southwest are really wonderfully done and I like the realistic quality of Joanna's character. She is an unlikely person in the office of Sheriff yet it works because of her organizational and people skills. Eager to read more.

I believe I have read all of the Joanna Brady novels by J.A. Jance, and to me, this was the best one yet. The young love theme permeates the whole story, though there are other factors at work here. Mystery surrounds Brianna's family more than it does her in particular, as you know what happens with her and Ignacio fairly early in the story, but it is clear that things are not what they seem with her wealthy family. It almost seems that we have two stories in one here, but in the end, they do get tied together neatly. With each novel, we learn more about Joanna, and of course, if you have read some of the later novels before you read this one, as I did, you already know how some of the plotlines in this book pertaining to Joanna and her friend Marianne Meculyea develops, though they aren't played out fully in this particular story. I am not going to say more because I don't like to give away too much of the story, it will ruin it for readers who have yet to read this one, but trust me, you won't be disappointed!

J.A. Jance has brought us two wonderful series: J.P. Beaumont and Joanna Brady. In this book Joanna Brady, lady sheriff, once again battles not only the bad guys, but the good guys in her own department. In this book we see again how Joanna uses her own wits and common sense to beat the rest of them to the answer. Andy would be proud!