E. Z. in the Den of Thieves

E. Z. in the Den of Thieves is the third book in the Fighting Devil's Backbone trilogy, a young adult historical fiction series set in 1809 on the historic Natchez Trace that ran from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez Mississippi.

Young teen Ezekiel ("E. Z.") Perkins is kidnapped by a bandit on the mysterious wilderness road known as "The Devil's Backbone."  The captor demands that the boy join his bloodthirsty gang, learn the skills of a bandit, and prey on travelers.  The lives of E. Z.'s brother David and best friend Isaiah depend upon his decision.

The road forces E. Z. to use all his wits to prove himself.  The real battlefield is the boy's own heart and head as he discovers who he is and the man he chooses to become.