While a Louis L’Amour style western romance is a departure from the inspirational historical fiction I usually review, the inspiration is there. I’ve known the author all of my life. He is my 
dad. And if I ever thought it was too late to accomplish a goal or realize a dream, he has blown those excuses away like so many dandelion seeds.
Yes, there is inspiration inside and out. Dad turned eighty-nine in May, four months after completing THE STAGECOACH MURDERS. For the story behind the story, please see Dad&Me.
Howard Worley’s first novel, THE STAGECOACH MURDERS, is a perfect blend of Louis L’Amour meets Zane Grey – a western romance!
Beautiful Lily MacIntyre travels west with her parents where her father will run the Wilkinson-Hall Stage Line. When the stage stops in Arizona City, Boone Osborne joins the ride. Lily is annoyed with herself for being drawn to the handsome ex-Texas Ranger, but when her father is murdered on the stagecoach and her mother dies of a broken heart, Lily finds herself bent on revenge and Boone the means to find it.
Their hearts soon become entwined and love ensues. But is it enough? Boone seeks justice, Lily seeks vengeance—both want to find the killer. If they cannot trust each other, can they trust their own heart?
I enjoyed this book so very much. I was amazed at how my dad, without studying the craft, gave such voice to each of his characters. And he never forgot a thread or took his reader down an empty path.
And while his book was not written specifically for the CBA market – I would have liked to have edited a couple of words with darn and heck (Dad said no, his bad guys would not have talked that way!) – if you enjoy Louis L’Amour or Zane Grey, you are going to enjoy this book!
I would venture to say if you like a tale of romance, sprinkled with a rich historical setting, you are going to enjoy the book as well. I know the research Dad did for the book, and I love the way he turned it into story. It reminds me of how he could bring dull history books to life for me while I was growing up.
I liked Boone, an ex-Texas Ranger, who was educated at a military academy in the East and represented strong values in his approach to life. Lily, strong-willed and passionate, won my admiration, too, with the way she grabbed onto life and never let go.
DAD’S BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM AND KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Stagecoach-Murders-Howard-Worley/dp/147761382X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341626469&sr=1-1&keywords=howard+worley
Watch for it soon on BARNES&NOBLE and NOOK.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” KJV Psalms 19:14
Comments 19
I believe that Barnabas Horton is my ninth great-grandfather also. I would be interested in knowing from which of his sons you are descended. I enjoyed your novel.
Hi, Stephanie! Thank you so much! I’m descended from Barnabas through his son Joshua – the second son of Barnabas and Mary. We must be distant cousins – who are you descended through? I love the legacy Barnabas left!
Thank you for your reply, Rebecca. Our family history shows that I am descended from Caleb who may be the first son born to Barnabas and Mary.
I just read your story in Guide post and now am looking to get your Dad’s book. Also will be looking at your book and the one coming out in July of this year.
Thank you, Carole – Dad and I are thrilled to know you’ll be reading The Stagecoach Murders! And thank you for looking for my books, too! They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree :o) Are you by any chance related to the Budds of Southold, Long Island who came over from England in the 1600’s? They are actually in my books and we may be distant cousins!!
I’d like to see this made into a good movie.
Beki, I think it would make a fantastic movie!! Dad’s descriptions are so vivid, the action and dialogue so engaging and the story engaging and that all translate into a great movie! Thanks for stopping by!
Dear Cathy – I just saw your comments and will certainly pass them on to my dad, Howard Worley! I’m thrilled my brother had a chance to share with you about his novel and I hope you were able to obtain a copy! Hope to keep in touch with you! Warm regards, Rebecca DeMarino
I wish to make a correction on the blog I just made. I meant to say seat mate. Thank you.
I learned about your book from your son Mark. Who happens to be the name of my son too. He talked well of your book while he was my seat on the plane to Phoenix Arizona. I expect to buy one the soonest I can and look forward to reading it. Just the same congratulations.
Thank you Liz, Cynthia, Martha and Lena! Your kind comments are much appreciated! And yes, Lena, Dad would be thrilled to be featured on your blog!!
I left a comment on the blog that was posted about your dad. He’s more proof that we don’t have to be young to write a good story. My congratulations to him for persevering. How wonderful that God healed your dad from his stroke so he could finish the story. At 76 I now have 10 full length novels and 1 novella in the past three years with 5 more under contract. Keep going, Howard, you still have stories left to tell. There’s life left in us yet.
I’d love to feature your dad and his book on my blog.
Congrats to your dad and thanks for sharing his story. What a tremendous accomplishment. And you’re correct, it definitely blows away all our excuses for not pressing towards our goals!
Cornerstone Books is delighted to be carrying Howard’s first book. The cover alone is enough to make me want to read it. I’m looking forward to settling in one day and enjoying a good read in Stagecoach Murders. Thank you so much for sharing it with us here in downtown Monmouth.
Kathleen, thank you so much for your sweet words! I will pass them on to Dad. He is a joy and I continue to learn from him in so many ways. I know I’ve been blessed and I’m so thankful!
Thank you for the wonderful news about your Dad and his book. Please thank him for me, for contiuing to pursue and complete his dream of writing his book. He will be a shining light to others to encourage them to persevere. May God bless you for being a loving daughter. What a joy it must be to have him as your father.
Thank you, Catherine! I am so happy for him and so glad he is my dad!
How absolutely cool is this? It just goes to show that writing knows no bounds. My congrats to your dad and to you for helping him with this endeavor.