Bangtail Instinct - by Bruce Leaf (Paperback)

About the Book

Tom Sparks spent his life running an isolated cattle ranch, but, like his health, it is failing. When the bank forecloses on it, he erupts in anger and takes off--on horseback--into the wilderness, determined to ride all the way to Mexico to help his ailing sister and finally do something right. His journey and escape from modern society find their way onto the Internet and capture the imagination of millions of people who wish they, too, could shuck everything and be free.

Book Synopsis

Tom Sparks is dying of cancer and his ranch is failing. His wife, Jody, reveals she wants to do something meaningful in her remaining years. He gets a letter from Abby, his older sister in Mexico, saying she is sick. When he is served with foreclosure papers, he goes ballistic, torches his house, and takes off on his horse into the wilderness.
Sheriff Cat Osborne investigates the fire but delays going after him. It's late in the day and she doesn't have a horse or backcountry gear with her. Tom rides through the desert and meets a crazy former Wall Street banker, Pickett, who applauds what he is doing. When Osborne tracks him to the mine where Pickett lives, he stalls her to give Tom time to escape. Later, he helps a dazed and abused woman, Marla, and then humiliates her abuser, an outlaw biker named Billy, who swears to get even.
Marla persuades her brother, Sy, to drive Tom to Mexico. They run into a police roadblock set up to capture Tom, but he bolts on his horse and disappears again into the desert. Marla posts information about him on the Web. He stumbles into a hidden oasis where the women living there are not happy to see him... until they learn he's a famous outlaw. Sheriff Osborne catches up to him there but realizes that arresting him likely will cost her votes, so she decides to accompany him on his journey.
People throughout the country admire Tom's courage and determination. One lone cowboy fighting the system gives them hope for what the country can still be. With the public's support, a cowboy's determination, and an insane amount of luck, can Tom reach Abby in time and save his ranch?

About the Author

Bruce Leaf worked in various newspaper editing roles for many years before turning to writing fiction. "Bangtail Instinct" is his fourth novel following "Sea Change," "Pieces of Eight," and "Fire Step." He lives in Colorado.