Wisdom of the Cactus follows Fenwick (Fenn) Lomax on his search for his father who disappeared while working for the railroad in the wilds of New Mexico when Fenn was only five. His journey takes him to unexpected places and encounters with Geronimo, the Apache leader, beautiful and mysterious Mexican sisters and their father, Don Matteo, and the exciting and wild landscape of early California. Through it all, his friendship with his mentor, Pickett, an ex-Union Army captain, and his integrity strengthen him and see him through betrayal and loss.

From St. Louis to New Mexico, to the sprawling ranchos of early California, and finally to Lone Pine on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, there is adventure and romance set against the backdrop of the 1800s. Will he find his father? The story continues in the sequel, Trail Dust and Roses.