From School Library Journal
Grade 5-10-Carrie Sutton stands out in the crowd-not that Wyoming is very crowded in 1860. Even in that wild part of America, young ladies are expected to conform to certain standards of decorum and dress. Trained in survival skills since childhood by her widower father, Carrie can ride and shoot as well as anyone. As stubborn as she is talented, she has no intention of giving up her preferences for men's clothing and activities just because she is about to turn 16. Her new stepmother's attempts to civilize her fail miserably and add to the tension and grief caused by the recent murder of Carrie's father. Both are agreeably distracted when their ranch is chosen as a relay station for the new Pony Express service. Anna sees the extra income as a means to get back to the East before war breaks out, while Carrie begins plotting to become an Express rider. Her machinations lead to success against all odds and her job soon involves her in adventures with a sinister Confederate agent. The denouement brings reconciliation and romance, but leaves enough tantalizing questions to pique curiosity about the promised sequel. With such an appealing heroine, it is easy to forgive this first novel's narrative flaws, notably too much dependence on exposition where showing would have been preferable to telling. A good adventure to offer series fans.
Starr E. Smith, Marymount University Library, Arlington, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Starr E. Smith, Marymount University Library, Arlington, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
