Philip McBride

A Different Country Entirely Philip McBride

The story of the Callahan Expedition has slept in a dusty corner of Texas Ranger history for over 160 years . Until now, until this novel-A Different Country Entirely. In 1855, across the southwest edge of Texas, settlers live in daily fear of the savage raids by Apache warriors. After their depredations, the Apaches outrun their pursuers to cross the Rio Grande River to the safe haven of Mexico, where the U. S. Army and the Texas Rangers are forbidden. In October, Captain James Callahan and 115 Rangers ignore the international border to follow the Apache band that killed the young son of a Methodist preacher. Forewarned of the Texan invaders, the Mexican army waits by the Rio Escondido. Undeterred, Callahan's outnumbered mounted Rangers charge the Mexican cavalry, lances against Colt revolvers. After the bloody clash, pursuers become the prey. Hear the voices of Caroline, a ravaged woman taken by the Apaches; a runaway slave named Thompson; Texas Rangers McKean and Gunn; Mexican Colonel Menchaca; and Captain Callahan himself. Their tale is sometimes brutal, sometimes poignant, and compelling to the last word.