Reluctant to see her innocent father die for something she sees as her fault, Emma confesses to a crime she did not commit. As a result, she's sentenced to death. Despite the pleas of her husband and father, Emma's unwilling to recant her confession. Consequently, she's about to be hung, right in the centre of town, when her husband Nate charges to her rescue. Thus begins Emma's life as an outlaw...

Emma the Outlaw painted a vivid picture, covering both the good points and the bad, of life in Colorado in the late 1800's. Emma's character is quickly established in the dramatic first few pages; the scene where Emma was standing on the hangman's platform, about to be hung, was absolutely gripping. For me, a book about a female outlaw and the challenges she faced was an unexpected take on the life of an outlaw, but one I really enjoyed. Emma and Nate were a loving, well-matched pair, sharing the same ideals, both determined to see justice served. I feel Laura Hogg has left open the possibility of a sequel or two. I hope she plans to tell further tales of Emma and Nate's adventures; I'd like to read them.

Reviewed by: Kara