Avenging Victorio

A rag-tag group of Apache warriors, led by an elderly man in his late seventies, took on the U.S. Army’s Ninth Cavalry in revenge for the death of the great Apache war chief Victorio. Using guerilla warfare, they led raids through New Mexico, slaughtering men, women, and children and evading the Cavalry and the Buffalo Soldiers. In the end, they won! Interesting historical characters abound. Billy the Kid was killing people in the southern part of the territory. The New Mexico Territory was governed by Lew Wallace (author of Ben-Hur and territorial governor). Colonel Edward T. Hatch (the chile town of Hatch is named for him) was in charge of the U.S. Army’s Ninth Cavalry. And the great Apache war chief Victorio had been killed by the Mexican Army. After Victorio (a supposed treasure trove is named after him) was killed, the elder war chief Nana led the Apache to victory.

Avenging Victorio Awards

• Winner, 2008 New Mexico Book Awards, “Best Adventure Novel”
• Finalist, 2008 INDIE Excellence Book Awards
• Silver Medalist, 2007 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year
• Finalist, 2007 National Best Book Awards
• Finalist, 2007 Southwest Books of the Year, Tucson-Pima Library System

Avenging Victorio Reviews

“Dave DeWitt’s 1880s battle novel is so well-crafted, it’s hard to believe he wasn’t actually there. DeWitt has crafted an entertaining, enlightening novel that will hopefully not be his last. It’s well-known that an attention to detail differentiates a good chef from a great one; DeWitt’s skills have clearly carried over into the realm of novel writing.” — Tucson Weekly

“Provides a fascinating glimpse into a frequently forgotten event in New Mexico. Great reading, good antidote against the winter cold.” — Albuquerque Journal

“(DeWitt) heats up the action and puts your interest level in high gear… in this unique novel that is one of the best I’ve read this year.”– MyShelf.com.

“Superbly portrays the cultural differences and motivations … grows like a hunger!” — POSH Magazine

“Balanced … quite vivid … likely to whet the reader’s appetite to learn more!” — Amazon.com

“Dramatic, moving story … historical fiction at its best! Powerful! This is a book for every American citizen to read and pass along to their offspring. Brilliantly written, this is a story that will haunt the reader long after the cover is closed.” — Amazon. com

“This swiftly moving tale of death and revenge has long needed to be told.–True West Magazine, October 2007

“Effectively fictionalizes … DeWitt’s storytelling weaves together the perspectives of the opposing sides, providing insight into the events of the period, and the personalities, motivations and cultural differences of the key players in the conflict. … dynamic narrative format builds suspense as the reader eagerly awaits the discovery of which strategies will ultimately accomplish each side’s goal—defeating the enemy… creates a kinship between a contemporary reader and the usually intangible characters of New Mexico’s past.” — New Mexico Magazine, September 2007

“A fast-paced, fascinating, historical novel bound to entertain and educate at the same time. DeWitt’s technique of telling this tale from two perspectives–the Apache’s and the military–provides a truer sense of history and the cultures. … Highly recommend to readers who enjoy historical western-type novels. Genre: Fiction/SW History; Rating: Excellent” — MidWest Book Reviews, September 2007 and Kaye Trout’s Book Reviews, August 21, 2007

“Dave DeWitt created engaging and believable characters on both sides of the conflict, showing their motivation and their beliefs…. a well-rounded volume about fighters on both sides of the encounter as well as a very eye-opening read about the Apache culture and customs. … an enthralling book, which grabs you quickly and does not let go. If you are like me, your only disappointment will be that it ends too quickly.” –ReaderViews.com

“… a throughly engrossing tale that takes the reader on a legendary journey …For historical value alone, this book is a winner, yet it will intrigue you with its tales, its characters, and its sense of location, pulling you deeper and deeper into its depths, until you find yourself fully absorbed and engrossed in the territorial history of the late 1800’s, never wanting it to end. I have never enjoyed a historical novel as much as I did this one.” — DawnEagle Summers, BellaOnline.com

“Historical fiction at its best. I especially appreciated DeWitt’s detail in describing the traditions, customs, and celebrations of the Apache Indians. …. This is a book for every American citizen to read and pass along to their offspring. The story is a reminder of the high price paid by the frontiersman and settlers of the West. It is also a reminder of the high price paid by the American Indian in their attempt to maintain their land, culture and way of life. Brilliantly written, this is a story that will haunt the reader long after the cover is closed on the last chapter.” — Midwest Book Review, November 2007 and Amazon.com, September 19, 2007