Literary Las Vegas: Robert Lee Murphy
In Sun City Anthem author Robert Lee Murphy’s historical novel, “Eagle Talons: The Iron Horse Chronicles: Book One,” newly orphaned 14-year-old Will Braddock sets off across the post-Civil War West to find his railroad surveyor uncle and escape a life as a blacksmith apprentice.
Will’s adventures along the expanding Wyoming rail lines are packed with Cheyenne attacks, wagon train trials, horse rescues and wholesome frontier romance.
Along the way, he is protected by eagle talons received as a reward for saving a foe’s life.
To research the book, Murphy traveled the route of the railroad, from Nebraska to California, visiting the museums and historical sites along the way and walking the sites captured in his story.
For more information, visit robertleemurphy.net.
Excerpt:
He approached the coffin. His mother looked so pale in her final sleep. He didn’t realize he was crying until a tear dropped to her face and slid down her cheek. Will brushed the wetness from her cold skin.
“Sorry, Mama,” he whispered, “I can’t go to your funeral. They want to make me an apprentice under old man Nagel’s custody. I can’t let them do that, Mama.”
He laid a hand over hers. “You always said if I got an education, I’d amount to something. I know I didn’t do well in school, but I don’t think you meant for me to be a blacksmith.”
A quick glance confirmed Reverend Kincaid still slumbered.
“Mama, I’m going out west to find Uncle Sean. I have to talk him out of signing those papers. I’ll ask Uncle Sean to help me get a job on the railroad. That’ll make you proud of me.” He squeezed his mother’s hand, then tiptoed into the kitchen.
