Here's what people are saying about "The Footless Girls of Camp C"

9/1/24 Anonymous

A great read. Coming of age thriller. This book is an amazing journey of the maturation of a young American man into the successful, confident, literate, compassionate man he became. I read it the first time in June, then again the first week of August 2024. The Grateful Dead play a big part in the narrative but folks who aren’t fans can get a lot out of it, too. The story weaves from his teen years through his solicitation and training for the mission, to the jungle and back. It’s great seeing him mature in the pages. This read contains some hard, precise descriptions of violence, including when he had to fight hand to hand to the death. Wear your seat belt!

4/5/24 George H. Saratoga, NY

3/29/24 Twinwasp

A rough, honest thriller by a new author. First off - I know Shows Leary, he is a pretty straightforward guy and a pretty good musician.
He sure can write. His account of his experiences before and after his big adventure in the tropics is damn good, obviously autobiographical, and rings very true. I am about the same age - so his memoirs from that era in Albany, in the Finger lakes, camping, and the late Vietnam era brought back my own memories of people, places, cars and food.
His clandestine mission is unique among thriller or action stories, in that the point of view is that of a rookie who happens to bring a good skillset to the table. Action-adventure stories, whether true or fictitious, need to create a compelling vicarious experience for the reader. This he does, in some eccentric ways.
Military missions require campcraft, campcraft requires discipline about sanitation, garbage, leaving tracks, health, hydration, as well as tactics, weapons and fighting skills. Shows is one of only writers I know of to dwell on the constant need to know where and how to "use the (non-existent) facilities" in the field.
He does a good job of laying out the daily grind of moving 20 or so fighters through a jungle - form the navigators up front to the tail end guys brushing out the footprints and pulling down the trail markers.
Shows claims this is a true story.
Well maybe the big adventure part is, maybe not, but worth reading just to form an opinion.
The moral questions about private forces killing people on contract loom large to me. There is a moral difference between a soldier on a mission and a mercenary killing for an unknown client.
If he does a second edition - he needs to edit a couple of events that totally creep me out, are probably unintentional, and could be taken the wrong way. I am not giving details.
All in all though a darn good effort. Hope he writes some more adventures.

3/22/24 Nancy G, Poestenkill, NY.

I'm about halfway through your book and I'm really enjoying it. What an amazing story! When you were telling me a little bit about it at Giuseppe's I think I had a skeptical look on my face and for that I apologize. I remember thinking what could be so important that you couldn't talk about it for 45 years. Now I understand. When I finish the book I'll give it to my son in Vermont. I think he'll like it.

2/2/24 Suzanne B, Troy, NY.

I have seen the author read from the book and I was completely mesmerized and entertained and thought provoked! Highly recommended.

1/23/24 Maggie G, Hebron, NY.

This story grabbed my attention from the get-go. The drudgery of life in the jungle while waiting was sometimes hard to get through, but I think that was the point. I couldn’t wait to find out what happens and had to stop myself from just skimming the pages and looking ahead. I loved the will he or won’t he ending.

John W., Cambridge, NY.

“I read your book and couldn’t put it down!! I found it fascinating and crazy AF. Now I need to see if I can go crook a deer!”

Peter SG., Averill Park, NY.

“I definitely want to see the movie some day.”

Mike C. Colonie, NY

“I sat down to read this book and couldn’t stop. I read it straight through in three and a half days. It’s a page turner and a wild adventure.”

1/10/26  Mike Bryk, Colonie, NY

Shows I just finished reading your book.  Wow, it just goes to show you really don’t know a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. 45 years. Son of a bitch unbelievable. Those survival instincts. I'm just blown away. I'm not even sure how to express how I'm feeling in words. You were incredible to be able to show restraint. You're such a humble man.

12/26/26  Tabitha C., Troy, NY

Shows, me & Nana were talking about your book. Just had to tell you’re the coolest dude I know. So much respect! 

1/9/26  Steve Bovey, Rutland VT.

Your book is absolutely phenomenal. I freakin’ love it. Your story is so unique and awesome, I’ve enjoyed every second. I took Audible first as I needed to hear you tell your story. I love every bit of the audio. Fantastic. I will be buying a hard copy and if you don’t mind, a signature.

12/18/25   Chat GPT generated review of “The Footless Girls Of Camp C”

The Footless Girls of Camp C is the first book published by Shows Leary, a musician and writer who reportedly spent nearly five decades composing it before its release. 

The work is described as a fictionalized/autobiographical adventure saga that follows the author’s maturation and extraordinary experiences. It weaves together elements of coming-of-age narrative, action-adventure, jungle survival, personal growth, and moral reflection.

The story spans from youthful life in upstate New York — including camping, music (especially the Grateful Dead), and the social and cultural backdrop of the late Vietnam era — into a clandestine mission in a tropical jungle setting. Reviewer commentary suggests the narrative blends vivid, precise depictions of everyday survival skills and deeper questions about mercenary versus soldier identities, making readers ponder ethical dimensions of violence and agency. The tone has been described as honest, gripping, and intensely immersive, eliciting strong emotional responses from early readers.

Joseph K., Rochester, NY.

Your story was a really good read. It sucked me in and didn’t let go for three days. Now I have to read it again, soon.

Bobbie K., Chili, NY.

This book had me by the second page. Read the whole story within 48 hours. I could not stop myself.

344 2nd Street, Troy, NY

Dramatic reading of this high impact experience which kind and gentle Shows Leary shares from his unlocked history, explicit material, be forewarned, well written and delivered.

10/9/25 Bill Reich, New York

Riveting story, a page-turner.
Hard to imagine what the author went through while living it and having to keep it inside for all this time.

9/2/25 Steven Miller, Manitou Springs, Colorado

A really exciting first-hand account! I've recommended this book to several friends and family members. I couldn't put it down!

8/14/25 Jody, Spiegeltown, NY

This is an amazing story! The author takes you on a journey through part of his life. It’s a story of a hero!

3/12/25  Brian Schneider, Colonie, NY

Shows hits it out of the park. Excellent read through and through. The plot was clear and concise.

1/1/25  John C., Schenectady, NY

Shows Leary's first novel weaves stories of his maturation as an outdoorsman, a lover of music, particularly the Grateful Dead, and his desire to serve his country, ultimately, leading to the thrilling, and unexpected rescue of children held as slaves, somewhere in the Jungles of South America!! I do know Shows, and always knew there was something unique and special about him. Always organized and great attention to detail, in his careers work, and in his musical preparation. All of that is illustrated in this book! From the hunting trip with his father and Uncles, to his trek to the great Watkins Glen Dead concert of '73, to his perseverance and preparation for the ultimate challenge of his life. Great read, and great listen, and a story waiting to be filmed!!

8/23/24 Mr. Schmidt, Petersburg, NY

Shocking and awesome. This is a fascinating, unique and inspiring story. Mr. Leary weaves incredible detail with simple spoken words. I was in shock of his descriptions of how a group of men and children could overcome immense hardships as well as the disheartening depths at which man can sink to. I have gained more respect for all of those individuals who put their life on the line for the overall greater good. Thank you Shows for writing about your saga.

8/20/24 KB SPARKS

This was an excellent read. Very compelling with Incredible detail. Just a comment for the author, I would change the name so that it doesn't so easily give away the ending.

8/3/24 John Schaller, Rhode Island

A very fine account of late 70s silent warfare. The details of daily struggles to travel, camp, eating, recon, infil/exfil made me count my blessings. It makes you wonder what else was happening 45 years ago, and what most likely is happening today in the shadows.

Anonymous

1/26/24. Fabulous read. Can’t put the book down. Can’t wait for the movie.