Send Packs! by David P. Kutchinski is an interesting historical novel. The beginning of the book opens with an intriguing excavation of the Little Big Horn battlefield where an unexpected find turns up. The reader is then taken back in time towards the end of the American Civil War to the Cole family ranch. After the death of his father, David Cole is forced to take control of the family business in West Texas, protecting their 1000 head of cattle from the constant threat of bandits, Indians, the Mexican army and the elements. David is a born leader and embraces his new role. However, danger is ever-present for him and his family. When the love of his life is lost to him, he becomes reckless and his actions are brought to the attention of General George Armstrong Custer. David Cole and General Custer come together in battle at the Little Big Horn in 1876.

The true events and the famous characters that David Kutchinski includes in this novel provide a fascinating backdrop to the story line. I was impressed by the research that has been carried out for this book. It added an unexpected and engaging layer to the writing. This included a revealing insight into General Custer and the infamous Battle of the Little Big Horn. Send Packs! is a rugged tale of intrepid ranchers fighting for their corner against warring factions. However, woven in amongst this harsh world are tender spiritual overtones and a tragic love story. This is a book full of action and adventure and will appeal to those with an interest in American history.

Send Packs! is a work of action-packed historical fiction by author David P Kutchinski. Part of a trilogy, this story focuses on two central characters during the final section of the American Civil War. The author’s own hero, David Cole, fights alongside the historical figure of George Armstrong Custer until the inevitable moment when both of them die on the battlefield at Little Big Horn in 1876. With this grim knowledge in mind, we follow the heroes through their personal lives and interactions with other people, as well as the political landscape that Custer faced against President Grant. All of this culminates in a desperate need for aid in the final battle, and questions why both David and Custer had to die that day.

My only qualm with this story was that the plot was sometimes sacrificed for some strong-armed moments where the author seemed to attempt to ‘correct’ history, which perhaps readers who are already engrossed in the Custer debate would have enjoyed much more than I did. That said, David P Kutchinski provides a wonderfully knowledgeable recollection of the atmosphere and climate of the late 1800s, building a dramatic picture of two men simply trying to do right by their countries and their families. David’s story was particularly heartfelt as the young man is thrown into the epicenter of a political and wartime nightmare, and rises to the occasion to try to fight against it. Overall, Send Packs! is an engaging and well-told tale recommended for eager readers of Civil War fiction.

Send Packs! by David P Kutchinski is a gripping tale set in a fictional town in West Texas, but one with strong historical underpinnings and that features one of history’s intrepid fighters — George Armstrong Custer. Set in the 1800s, the story plunges readers into a world reeling with war and atrocities. David Cole’s father is killed in the Civil War and he is left with the task of guarding 1000 cattle. But does he have what it takes to keep them safe, with marauders and bandits taking advantage of the war to wreak havoc everywhere? Follow this tale of adventure and discover the personality of George Armstrong Custer unknown to many in a tale filled with action and romance.

The setting itself is powerful and constitutes a strong basis for the conflict. The drought is getting tougher and the Mexican army, the Indians, and bandits are taking advantage of the war to get away with criminal acts. We encounter a young man who has to protect a herd of cattle from these men. The political setting is brilliantly developed and readers have a perfect picture of the influence of the Mexican government in West Texas. The characters are well developed and readers will enjoy the relationships that develop as the narrative progresses. Themes of war, family, love, violence, and adventure are expertly woven into the fabric of the story. The writing is atmospheric, evoking powerful images that will stay with readers. Send Packs! is a beautiful reminiscence of a period that altered history and sowed seeds of a culture that is still felt today. Beautifully imagined, well researched, and deftly written.