Arizona Red Ghost

By: Nick Korolev

Narrated by: Adrian M Lopez

Arizona Red Ghost is one of the more bizarre tales out of the Old West based on a true story reported by the 1883 Mohave County Miner, a weekly newspaper of Kingman, Arizona. Joe Crane runs a freight business using camels to carry goods through the brutal Arizona desert. He is attacked by three vicious outlaws looking for a gold shipment. When they find nothing, they play the cruel trick of tying the seriously wounded Crane to one of the camels to die in the desert. They don't take into consideration the fact that his son, Joshua, and ex-slave partner, Moses, are soon on their trail, or the vindictiveness of camels.

©2021 Nick Korolev (P)2024 Wordwooze Publishing

Alright, Story With some Interesting History

The story was good enough to entertain, but not really all that exciting. I did enjoy all the history about Camels and their use by US Calvery. The Narrator does a good job with the characters voices and Storyline.

Real ife Ghost!

In the vast desert landscapes of the Old West, where tales of daring outlaws and legendary heroes abound, few stories capture the imagination quite like "Arizona Red Ghost" by Nick Korolev. This captivating audiobook, narrated by the talented Adrian M. Lopez, offers a unique blend of history and fiction, taking listeners on an enthralling journey through the unforgiving terrains of 19th-century Arizona. In this 1500-word review, we delve deep into the heart of this story, exploring its fascinating historical backdrop, gripping narrative, and masterful narration.

"Arizona Red Ghost" presents an intriguing glimpse into the real history of camels in the United States Cavalry, a topic rarely touched upon in popular culture. The use of camels in the American West, masterminded by none other than the influential Jefferson Davis in the 1850s, is a pivotal aspect of the story. Davis, who would later become the President of the Confederate States of America, played a key role in this unconventional military experiment, and his fascination with the camels stemmed from a pressing dilemma faced by the War Department.

Following the Mexican War, the United States found itself in possession of vast, uncharted territories in the Southwest. In this rugged, untamed land, there were no established roads, and venturing off the beaten path was a perilous undertaking. The topography ranged from unforgiving deserts to imposing mountains, and resources such as water and pasturage for traditional pack animals were scarce. The camel, renowned for its adaptability to harsh conditions, emerged as a scientifically sound solution to this predicament.

Furthermore, "Arizona Red Ghost" brilliantly ties this historical context into its narrative, exploring the intriguing possibilities that the use of camels held for the U.S. Army. It's a captivating blend of fact and fiction, making for a richly layered tale that educates and entertains simultaneously.

While the historical backdrop of "Arizona Red Ghost" is undoubtedly fascinating, the core of the audiobook lies in its gripping narrative. The story, set in the mid-1800s, is based on a true account reported by the 1883 Mohave County Miner, a weekly newspaper in Kingman, Arizona. At its heart, it's a story of courage, revenge, and the harsh realities of life in the unforgiving Arizona desert.

The protagonist, Joe Crane, runs a freight business that utilizes camels as pack animals to transport goods through the brutal Arizona landscape. The tale takes a thrilling turn when Joe is ambushed by three ruthless outlaws, driven by their relentless pursuit of a rumored gold shipment. When their search for treasure yields nothing, the outlaws resort to a cruel trick: leaving the seriously wounded Joe tied to one of the camels to meet his demise in the merciless desert.

What the outlaws fail to consider is the unyielding determination of Joe's son, Joshua, and his ex-slave partner, Moses, who set out on a relentless mission to avenge Joe and bring the outlaws to justice. This familial bond, woven into the fabric of the story, adds a layer of depth and emotion to the narrative, making the characters more relatable and endearing.

A remarkable aspect of the audiobook is the meticulous research that underpins the storytelling. Nick Korolev's attention to historical detail is evident, and his portrayal of the Arizona of the 1800s is vivid and immersive. This dedication to historical accuracy enhances the listening experience, providing a window into a bygone era and the challenges faced by those who dared to traverse the wilds of Arizona.

Adrian M. Lopez's narration of "Arizona Red Ghost" is nothing short of outstanding. His skillful delivery breathes life into the characters and the storyline, effectively transporting listeners to the heart of the Old West. Lopez's ability to provide distinct voices for each character ensures that the listener can easily distinguish between them, adding depth to the audiobook's immersive quality. His commanding presence as a narrator keeps the audience engaged from start to finish, making it difficult to press pause on this enthralling journey.

In addition to the historical significance of the camels in the American West, "Arizona Red Ghost" taps into the intriguing world of local folklore. In Arizona, a legendary figure known as the Red Ghost is said to have roamed the frontier in the late 19th century. This mythical creature was described as a massive, red camel with a human skeleton strapped to its back. Local legends of the Red Ghost persisted until the dawn of the 20th century.

In a twist that could only be born from the realms of speculative fiction, this audiobook cleverly incorporates this enigmatic piece of Arizona folklore into the narrative. As the story unfolds, the Red Ghost's presence becomes central to the plot, lending an element of mystery and intrigue that captures the imagination.

"Arizona Red Ghost" by Nick Korolev, narrated by Adrian M. Lopez, is a hidden gem in the world of historical fiction. This audiobook offers a rich and immersive experience, taking listeners on a journey through the annals of American history, while simultaneously spinning a gripping and imaginative tale. With meticulous research, well-developed characters, and exceptional narration, it keeps its audience enthralled from the opening chapter to the closing credits. Whether you have an interest in history, adventure, or simply crave a captivating story, "Arizona Red Ghost" is an audiobook that deserves a prominent place in your listening library.