The first in a series, DEAD MAN’S HAND is an engaging story advertised as a YA novel. I disagree. The protagonist is 12 and the plot stays within the boundaries of the middle grade world. I solidly recommend the novel for ages 10-14, placing it in the often mysterious upper middle grade category.
Here’s what to expect:
Twelve-year-old Dominick Dalesandro is obsessed with the Old West—outlaws, lawmen, and dusty frontier towns. But when a mysterious library book transports him back to 1888 Abilene, Kansas, history is no longer just a subject he studies…it’s a world he must survive.
Sheriff Amos “Lone Wolf” Malone has chosen Dominick as his apprentice, giving him the chance to live out his Wild West dreams under a new name, Pete Moss. But adventure quickly turns to danger when Pete learns that the sheriff is doomed to die in just one month. Determined to change history, Pete must navigate gunfights, town secrets, and a daring rescue mission—all while trying to stop a fate that the sheriff refuses to outrun.
As the stakes rise, Pete faces an impossible choice: save the kidnapped children he’s sworn to find or prevent the sheriff’s tragic end. One decision could change the past forever—but at what cost?
The first person narration flows nicely in page turning fashion. Young Pete Moss is a great character who despises the treatment of Native Americans but is also fascinated with his new life on Kansas Prairie in the 1800s. Pete learns to ride a horse and despite missing life at home, he learns to adapt to this very different time. Pete meets many new people as a sheriff in training, both young and old. Abby is the girl his age that he likes. She and her younger brother Tommy are kidnapped which becomes part of the tale’s focus. They mystery of the kidnapping will have you guessing throughout as to the guilty party.
The other strand of the plot is how Pete can interrupt the impending death of a character from his favorite biography: The Man Who Tamed the Wild West. The Unauthorized Biography of Amos “Lone Wolf” Malone. He tries many times to tell Amos Malone what is going to happen, but the sheriff won’t listen, wanting no part in changing history. The relationship between these two develops into a father and son type bond. It’s a heartwarming character arc for both of them.
This time period in our history is rarely seen in middle grade books and shows the mistreatment of native lands and people. Perfect for those who enjoy a time travel mystery with plenty of adventure throughout. The Abilene Kid series will continue with 3 more books.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 25, 2025 PAGES: 264
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Madormo, a Chicago area screenwriter, author, and college professor, has created a body of work that has attracted the attention of motion picture producers and publishers. John has sold a family comedy screenplay to a Los Angeles production company, signed a contract for a three-book deal with a major New York publisher, and was recently named the Grand Prize winner of a national writing competition.
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Always in the Middle... 