Thrust to the mercy of the Mississippi river, thirteen-year-old Rowdy floats safely away as he watches the smoke rise from his burning farmhouse. Now alone in the world, his perilous journey of survival begins, challenging and shaping him into the young man his father would want him to become.

Pulled from the waters, he is given a chance by a lone river Captain and his mate. Rowdy has grown strong working the river but must use his wit as well as his strength to confront a bullying crewman and survive a surprise attack by river pirates.

Growing up on the Mississippi river was a start for Rowdy, but Dodge City, Kansas proves it has its own challenges. He was warned not to get entangled with Patrick Byrne Byrne, Dodge City’s most powerful rancher. Unknowingly crossing Byrne, he faces life and death decisions. Rowdy’s only option is to run.

Survival is what he has come to know all too well. His escape across the plains nearly claims his life. Through a stranger’s help, Rowdy recovers and finally discovers Lincoln, New Mexico, and acquires a new friend along the way. Rowdy is settling in when hired guns sent by Patrick Byrne find and confront him. Blood, bullets, and tears bring Rowdy’s world to a showdown. Fighting for what was right is his code, living life for others becomes his way, and staring danger in the face is what he must do if he can truly be Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen.

Interview with Rowdy from

Rowdy: Tough and Mean, Sharp and Keen

Tell us about your family when you were younger…

My mother died before I learned to walk. I remember her smile and that she had long hair and blue eyes and that whenever she hugged me, I felt safe. I grew up with an older brother and my father. We would hunt and fish, but mostly work my father’s land with him. He put a lot of responsibility on us, even at an early age. Looking back, it was the best thing for us and is an important part of my life that I still draw from today.

Did you have any friends?

I had a few friends, but work and family always came first. When work was done, I’d have some time to fool around. We would swim or explore, and sometimes cause a little trouble, but nothing that would result in problems for others. Well, most of the time anyway.

What was it like on the river the first night after your escape?

I had never felt so alone in my entire life. It was dark and quiet, except for the bugs that sang out on the riverbanks, and cold. I don’t remember sleeping that first night, but I do remember wishing I had stayed awake the next.

Were you more afraid on the river or on the run from Dodge City?

Each was different. On the river I was afraid because I had lost my family and my home. I had nothing and had no idea what I was going to do. When I was on the run from Dodge City, my hand was injured and I had just been in the fight of my life, but I had Delilah with me and that helped a lot. I had a plan when I left, so that time I knew what I had to do. If I had to only pick one, I would say I was most afraid on the river because at that time I was an inexperienced boy who had just lost everything and did not know what was going to happen next.

Was it hard to develop trust with the people you met?

Developing trust takes time. Captain Hennessy took a chance on me, so I worked hard for him and did what was expected. It took longer with Mac, but after our last river pirate run-in, I feel like I gained a lifelong trust from him. It was the same in Lincoln and the folks I met there. I met Roberson and Sheriff Campbell when I first arrived, and it was not exactly under the best circumstances. As it turned out, I had plenty of time and many chances to prove myself to the people I met and have made friends that I would call family because of it.

What is life like for you now?

Life is busy. I’m working the ranch with Dog and hunting with Roberson when I get a chance. And I’ve seen a bit of Molly recently. Cappy always seems to need help with something, and I like spending time down at the jail, not IN jail, but to talk with Sheriff Campbell. I am enjoying what I have now because I know how easily it can be taken away.