‘Memories of Buffalo Bill,’ by Louisa Frederici Cody (reprint, Bison Books)
‘Memories of Buffalo Bill,’ by Louisa Frederici Cody (reprint, Bison Books)
In an endorsement on the cover of “Memories of Buffalo Bill,” Denver author Steve Friesen writes, the book “reads like fiction — and some of it is.”
Indeed, unlike Libbie Custer, who wrote a series of books burnishing the reputation of her husband, George Armstrong Custer, Louisa Cody wrote to whitewash her marriage. Her reputation had been harmed by the published court record of Custer’s unsuccessful divorce suit against her. So her autobiography, first published more than a century ago, is filled with loving stories of the couple. That’s not to say the book doesn’t have merit. Louisa reveals many facts about Buffalo Bill’s early years, although she glosses over his life as an entertainer. She also writes about her life in the unsettled West, her fears of being left alone on the dangerous frontier, and that makes the book part of women’s history.
Louisa’s real story is in the detailed introduction by historian Sherry L. Smith, whose account tells of the Codys’ unhappy marriage and their bitter divorce suit. Also included are excerpts from the divorce depositions.
‘Blues for the Buffalo,’ by Manuel Ramos (Arte Publico Press)
Art Publico Press has reprinted Denver author Manuel Ramos’ “Blues for the Buffalo,” originally published 30 years ago. The book is part of Ramos’ series about Luis Montez, a Denver lawyer whose clients are a motley collection of the city’s lower class.
In this book, Montez is hired by an investigator looking into the disappearance of a young female writer, adopted as an infant by a wealthy California family. Montez met the woman once, on a beach in Mexico, and might have been the last person to encounter her. She gave him a copy of her manuscript.
Meanwhile, Montez is shaken by the firebombing of a local bar, where a friend was killed. He believes the two cases are connected but can’t figure out how.
Ramos is the West’s top Chicago mystery writer. His fans will be glad to see that his early works, long out of print, are back on the shelf.
‘Blues for the Buffalo,’ by Manuel Ramos (Arte Publico Press)
‘The Blue Horse,’ by Bruce Borgos (Minotaur)
When a helicopter pilot is shot in the heart while rounding up wild horses, Nevada sheriff Porter Beck sets off to find the killer. Then a member of the BLM is savagely murdered, her assistant shot. Now, Beck has three murders on his hands. The FBI believes the killer is a member of CANTER, an organization dedicated to saving the mustangs. Beck isn’t so sure.
Finding the killer is a challenge for Beck, who suffers from night blindness. His assistant, Scruffy, is down with COVID. The FBI is muddying the search. Fortunately for Beck, his girlfriend, Charlie Blue Horse, shows up to help. Also joining the fray are Beck’s father and sister.
Beck suspects operators of a lithium mining operation in his county may be involved in nefarious doings, including murder. But why would they care about wild horses? As the plot thickens, both Beck and Charlie are drawn into a dangerous situation, of course. Their lives are threatened just as their relationship turns serious.
In this third Porter Beck mystery, author Borgos hits his stride. The story is suspenseful, and the characters are becoming readers’ old friends.
Originally Published: July 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM MDT