Marius' Mules II

The Belgae

By

S.J.A. Turney

Reviewed 2014

I finished this book and I was worn out. The battle scene was large and engrossing. Swapping between all your favorite characters and yes, as in times of war we do lose some and feel their pain and loss. Caesar as usual is brutal and unforgiving and only Fronto is willing to stand against his ways.

Like I said the battle scene is large and it puts you right in the middle of action. Making a stand against thousands.

S.J.A. Turney is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and this series of books drags you right in and holds you there.

The characters are made to feel real and not unbelievable.

It is easy to read, flows well and keeps you hooked.

Now all I want for Xmas is the next two books!!!

If you have never tried him give it a go and I think you won't be stopping there!!

Range Killer, Jeff Clinton

 Range Killer

By

Jeff Clinton

Dan Echo rode into town with one purpose: to hire out his gun to Hoover—the greedy, heavyset man who wanted it all. Hoover had his sights set on the sodbusters’ land and was ready to drive them off by force, assembling an army of hired guns to do the dirty work. Echo signed on, but the job—and the men around him—left a bitter taste. Sickened by the mission, he switched sides, knowing full well it could cost him his life. No one quit on Hoover and lived to talk about it.

Range Killer, as far as I can tell, was published in 1965 by Berkley Medallion. Jeff Clinton was the pen name of Jack M. Bickham, who also wrote the Wildcat O'Shea series under that alias.

The story is a fast-paced, punchy read at just 128 pages. Bickham’s writing is smooth and packed with action. Echo stands out as a man of principle, even if he started on the wrong side. He honored his word to Hoover—until his conscience wouldn’t let him anymore. That’s when he crossed the line to do what was right.

This is the first Jeff Clinton title I’ve read, and if I stumble across more, I won’t hesitate to pick them up.

Crocketts #9

 Escape From the Devil

By

Robert Vaughan

Get it here!

WITH THE CROCKETTS' IN TOWN, EVERY TWO-BIT GUNSLINGER’S CHANCES OF SURVIVING ARE JUST ABOUT ZERO…

After brothers Will and Gid Crockett deliver several horses to Colonel John Abernathy – a man they knew during the civil war – he hires them to accompany his sixteen-year-old daughter, Julia, on a stagecoach trip for fear she may be kidnapped and held for ransom.

Julia is very highly sought after, and Silas King and his outlaw gang refuse to back down.

The Crockett brothers find themselves in the outlaw town of Jericho with nothing but a shootout standing in the way of justice.

Will and Gid Crockett ride again in Escape from the Devil — the gripping ninth entry in Robert Vaughan’s action-packed western saga.

This time, the brothers are tasked with tracking down Julia Abernathy, a young woman who fled home for love, only to find herself caught in a far more sinister scheme. Her suitor’s true intentions? A hefty ransom.

Add Silas King and his ruthless gang into the mix, and the Crockett brothers may have finally met their match.

Robert Vaughan delivers another masterclass in pacing and storytelling, proving that even with his later books, he remained at the peak of his craft. I’ve read several books in this series, and each one holds its own — thrilling, tightly written, and impossible to put down.

Available now from Wolfpack Publishing.

Tomahawk Callahan #2

 A Coffin for Tomahawk

By

William W. Johnstone

&

J.A. Johnstone

Western legend Luke “Tomahawk” Callahan agrees to lead one last wagon train across the Mexican border—where revolution is brewing, bullets are flying, and all roads lead to death . . .

With just a single journey under his belt, first-time wagoneer Tomahawk Callahan became a national hero. It started as a challenge waged by a railroad mogul—a race between an old-time wagon train and a brand-new rail line—with the whole world watching. Against all odds, Tomahawk led his family business to victory. At the time, he thought it would be his first—and last—wagon train. But at his sister’s urging, he’s agreed to take on one final job, a never-before-attempted trip across the Mexican border . . .

But Mexico is undergoing bloody changes. After a brutal coup, General Porfirio Diaz is determined to bring “order and progress” to the country—while revolutionaries plot against him. Tomahawk’s wagon train could help modernize Mexico, bringing railroad workers, miners, and supplies—across a desert full of rattlesnakes, Apache, and other threats. The deadliest of all is a former priest known as Generalissimo “Padre” Rodriguez, who has his bloodthirsty sights set on the wagon train. Tomahawk’s got to drive his wagons out of this frying pan and into the fire—or they’ll all end up on a wagon trail to Hell . . .

Callahan had no desire to head south with the wagon train—but he did. And what awaited him was chaos incarnate: Apaches on the warpath, bloodthirsty revolutionaries, a ruthless one-eyed woman with a taste for murder, and a Mexican insurgent known, ironically, as Padre.

The journey alone was a gauntlet of peril, but things only worsened upon arrival. Captured and cast into a dungeon, Callahan found himself fighting not just for freedom, but for survival. In the end, it all boiled down to a desperate last stand—just a handful of men facing off against an entire revolutionary army. The odds were impossible. But Callahan never played by the odds.

This tale moves at a brisk pace, with solid writing that held my attention throughout most of the ride. The narrative splits evenly—half devoted to the perilous wagon train journey into Mexico, the other half focused on Callahan’s capture and daring escape. While I personally found it a notch below the first installment, it still delivers plenty to satisfy fans of the western genre. And the cover art? Absolutely striking—one of the series’ standout features.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC of this book. 

Fallen Star

Fallen Star

By

Lee  Goldberg

 A fifty-five-gallon drum washes up in the Malibu Lagoon stuffed with the corpse of Gene Dent, the key player in a bribery scandal that ensnared several local politicians. LASD detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone know the case—and all the likely suspects—well. Just as they begin their investigation, the sheriff publicly reveals evidence linking the crime to LA’s mayor.

But Eve and Duncan realize the bombshell allegation, true or not, arises from corruption within the sheriff’s own office…because they helped cover it up years ago. If the sheriff goes down, so will they.

Eve is agonizing over her moral dilemma when a helicopter crashes in the hillside below her Calabasas home. It’s not a coincidence. Eve soon discovers among the twisted wreckage and dead passengers shocking connections to her own past…and they lead straight to a fight for her life.

I’d never read any of the Eve Ronin books before, so I figured I’d give this one a shot. I really enjoyed the story—Eve finds herself investigating a murder while also dealing with the fallout from a helicopter crash. These events both add tension and complexity to the plot. The helicopter incident brings in Walker and Sharpe, who I believe have their own series, which was a nice crossover element.

Overall, it was a satisfying read. If I had one small complaint, it’s that some of the sentences felt a bit too long—I caught myself thinking breathe more than once. But that’s just my personal take.

Would I recommend the book? Definitely. I’d be keen to read more from the series.

I'd like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an ARC of this book. 

Louis L'Amour Frontier Stories Volume 7

 Merrano of the Dry Country

By

Louis L'Amour 

Barry Merrano carved out a ranch in the unforgiving terrain of Mirror Valley—a place so dry it made Hell look hospitable. While others watched their land parch and their cattle suffer, Merrano thrived. He’d spent 4 years building dams and ponds, capturing every drop of runoff the land would give. Now, he was the only rancher with water.

The others were desperate. Their herds were dying, their wells bone dry. And Merrano had what they needed. They didn’t care how they got it—only that they would. One way or another.

This gripping short story appears in Louis L'Amour's Frontier Stories Volume 7. At 34 pages, it's a bit longer than most in the collection, but L'Amour makes every page count. The tale centers on Merrano, a determined rancher who foresaw the dangers of drought and worked tirelessly to secure water for his land. In contrast, Tom Drake—owner of the powerful TD brand and the valley’s wealthiest man—had no water. His daughter, however, caught Merrano’s attention.

Merrano was despised by the other ranchers. As the son of a Mexican Vaquero who had once left and returned, he was seen as an outsider. They tried to fence him off from water, but Merrano found it anyway. Worse, he warned them they were destroying their land and that when drought came, their cattle would suffer. They hated him for being right.

And when the drought finally hit, Merrano had what they needed—and they came to take it.

This was a fantastic read. It felt like a full novel distilled into a short story, packed with tension, grit, and action that kept the pages turning.

Last Mountain man #53

 Thunder of the Mountain Man

By

William W Johnstone

and 

J.A. Johnstone

Thaddeus Bolton sees himself as a cattle king. His ambitions are as big as the land and stock he just purchased near Smoke Jensen’s Sugarloaf ranch. Bolton and his family are friendly enough, although in the case of his wife Emmaline, perhaps too friendly. While her husband stakes his claim with plans to spread throughout the territory, she’s set her sights on Smoke. But fending her off is the least of Smoke’s worries when outlaws sweep across the valley on daring rustling raids—hitting every ranch except Bolton’s.

Fearing it’s only a matter of time before his cattle falls prey to the rustlers, Bolton takes the law into his own hands. Forming a band of vigilantes, he tracks down the men he believes are the thieves and hangs them, despite no evidence linking them to the crimes. Then when Bolton’s ranch is actually rustled, his vigilantes go on an even deadlier, merciless rampage.

To stop the escalating violence, Smoke forms his own posse to bring the outlaws to justice—only to discover that Bolton’s plans are sinister and downright evil.

Now Smoke will have to prove Bolton’s corruption…before the entire valley erupts in a blood-soaked range war . . .

Just when it seems the Smoke Jensen saga has ridden off into the sunset, a new chapter thunders in. Smoke’s got fresh neighbors—Thaddeus Bolton and his kin—and with them comes a storm of trouble.

Rustlers hit Bolton’s spread hard, but that’s just the beginning. His wife sets her sights on Smoke, stirring up tension that cuts deeper than any cattle raid. And then there’s Bolton’s daughter, sweet on Cal—or maybe Cal’s the one doing the sweet-talking.

To clean up the mess, Bolton brings in regulators with orders to string up the rustlers. But the truth’s got more twists than a mountain trail, and when the dust settles, it all explodes in a smoke-choked showdown.

Another gripping tale from the Johnstone camp, packed with action, suspense, and plenty of twists. The writing is sharp, the pacing tight, and the story keeps you guessing right up to the final pages when the truth comes crashing down and the schemers are unmasked.

This time, Cal steps into the spotlight, offering a fresh angle that adds depth and variety to the narrative. His expanded role brings a welcome shift in perspective and keeps the story feeling fresh.

Western fans will find plenty to love here—it's a wild ride from start to finish.

This book will be published in Nov. 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the Arc of this story.

Don Pendleton's Mack Bolan

 State of Evil

Mack Bolan #111

(Mike Newton)

(Published 2006)

A call from an old friend sends Mack Bolan to the Congo, armed and ready to extract a young man from cultists calling themselves The Process. Led by a fanatical sociopath who believes his ultimate power lies beyond the divine--but also in the hands of an elite security team of Uzi-wielding enforcers--this self-styled prophet's most recent holy act involved removing all traces of a U.S. congressman's humanitarian visit, including the bodies. Making his way through the jungle with his reluctant charge in tow and hunters on his back, Bolan's instincts kick into high gear, quickly turning the rescue mission into a race to stop the detonation of an atomic weapon before the African cult leader's personal Judgment Day leaves no opportunity for second chances....

Mack Bolan is back in action—this time, deep in the heart of the Congo. His mission: extract a young man ensnared by a deadly cult led by the enigmatic Ahmadou Gaborone. Sounds straightforward enough.

At first, things go according to plan. The target is drugged, rescued, and Bolan makes a clean getaway. But the jungle has other ideas. Pursued relentlessly, Bolan is forced to fight his way through the undergrowth, danger lurking at every turn. Then, just as the extraction seems within reach, the young man drops a bombshell—literally. There's a nuclear device in play.

Bolan doesn’t hesitate.

He pivots back into the fire, launching a kill-or-be-killed mission to stop global catastrophe. As the stakes rise, the young man begins to see the truth: Gaborone was never the savior he believed in. Bolan, however, is the warrior he wishes he could become.

Mike Newton delivers another adrenaline-charged installment that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. As one of the prolific voices behind The Executioner series following Don Pendleton’s original run, Newton has carved out his own legacy in Bolan’s brutal world.

State of Evil showcases Bolan in peak form—relentless, resourceful, and razor-sharp. It’s a fast-paced, high-octane read that fans of the series won’t want to miss.

 Secret of the Malpais

By

Richard Ferber

(Dell 1963)

Cover by Harry Schaare. 

Logan wanted the gold, his wife's brother wanted him gone. But the Apache just wanted Logan dead.  

Logan staggered out of the Malpais, barely alive. His brother was dead—slain by the Apache—and now they were after Logan, accusing him of violating one of their women. He’d abandoned a fortune in gold deep in that cursed land, and he intended to reclaim it.

He found refuge at his brother’s remote cabin, where Angela, his brother’s widow, still waited. When she asked about her husband, Logan gave her the truth: he was gone. Not long after, the Apache came searching for Logan. When they left empty-handed, Angela made it clear—she wanted Logan out of her life for good.

Time passed. Logan gathered a horse, two pack animals, and set his sights once more on the Malpais, determined to retrieve what he believed was rightfully his. But he wasn’t riding alone. Angela joined him, demanding her share of the gold. They weren’t the only ones chasing it. Others lurked in the shadows—greedy, violent men—and Logan soon realized he was trapped between three deadly forces: the Apache, a cold-blooded killer named Moon, and the unforgiving land itself.

This was a fast paced well written story that I enjoyed very much. At a 160 pages, I read it in one sitting, flicking through the pages at a furious pace. Not knowing how it was going to pan out and at least one great twist along the way.  

Published by Dell in 1963 it had great cover art and the book was surprisingly in good condition. I've never read anything by Richard Ferber before but if I come across one of his books again, I'll be sure to read it.  

Sheriff Ben Stillman Series

 Hell on Wheels

By

Peter Brandvold

(Ben Stillman #8)

Get it here!

BEN STILLMAN’S WILD RIDE!

When Sheriff Ben Stillman accompanies Judge John Bannon and friends to a wedding in Sulfur, Montana Territory, he aims to have a nice long weekend of rest and respite from law dogging. But Angus Whateley has other plans. The crazy ex-Confederate has just been released from prison, and he’s out to avenge the hanging of his cattle-rustling sons--hangings ordered by Bannon.

Backed by a gang of the most violent and vicious members of his family, Whateley strikes when the judge takes the stagecoach back home. Soon, Stillman finds himself fighting a wheel-bound war against clan of zealous killers out for bloody revenge...

Hell on Wheels was first published back in September of 2006 by Berkley. Then in 2019 it was reissued by Wolfpack Publishing 

Hell on Wheels delivers exactly what the title promises—relentless action and high-stakes drama. In this gripping installment, Ben Stillman and his pregnant wife Fay are en route to a wedding with Judge John Bannon and his wife. But the celebration turns deadly when Angus Whately, recently released from prison, sets his sights on revenge. Years ago, the judge ordered the hanging of Whately’s sons for rustling—and now Whately intends to balance the scales in blood.

The return journey by stagecoach becomes a gauntlet of violence. Stillman must fight to protect everyone aboard, unaware that the judge and his wife are hiding truths. The tension is razor-sharp, the pacing relentless.

This is classic Peter Brandvold—gritty, well-crafted, and packed with the kind of storytelling fans have come to expect. With 16 books in the Ben Stillman series, I’m already queued up for the next wild ride.

Originally published by Berkley in September 2006, Hell on Wheels found new life in 2019 through Wolfpack Publishing, bringing its explosive energy to a new generation of readers.

 Red Diamond Rustlers

By

Will DuRey

(Published 2019)

Reviewed 2019

Law was a rare commodity on the vast cattle ranges and a man had to fight if he meant to hold on to what he owned. A rancher dispensed his owned justice when he caught those who stole his livestock, but Titus Sawyer lost more than cattle when rustlers raided his Red Diamond spread. Men were killed, too, slaughtered in a dreadful ambush, so, when he summoned his nephew Frank to track down the killers his desire to punish the culprits was deeper than justice; it was revenge.

Loved this book. Always enjoy a western with rustlers and ranchers in it.

Lots of action to keep you turning the pages and cheering for the good guy as he goes along picking up bits of information here and there to bring him closer to the truth.

Will DuRey is a prolific writer for the Black Horse brand and I've read a few of his books and enjoyed every one.

One thing I will say with full disclosure (I used to write for the Black Horse brand) is I think that these westerns are underestimated by some die-hard western readers. I say give them a try, there are a lot of talented authors who wrote these stories. Will DuRey amongst them.

Why not start your Black Horse adventure here?

 Quigley's Way

By

Philip McCormac

(Published 2018)

(Reviewed 2018)

A dying man, Peter Barker asks Sheriff Quigley to deliver a message to his family. Quigley does so, only to find himself the target of range baron Huston McRae, who controls everything in Gila County, including the local sheriff, and doesn't want an outsider nosing around in his affairs. And above all, he doesn't want Quigley helping Noreen Barker, Peter Barker's widow. When McRae's attempted intimidation of Quigley fails, he orders him killed. Quigley sends for his deputy, Murray Fishbourne, and together they take on the local sheriff and the gunslingers McRae sends after them. But as the fighting intensifies, can Quigley and Murray survive?

It starts with a promise to a dying man, and ends in a firestorm of lead.

After the death of a stranger in his town, Quigley promises that he shall deliver the news to his wife in person. What he doesn't understand is just how bad things actually are in the dead man's home town.

A great, quick read. Lots of action that will keep you turning the pages.

Action from the outset which drags the reader along.

An old fashioned good vs evil story which lovers of westerns will thoroughly enjoy.

 The Texas Hill Country

By

William W Johnstone

(J.A. Johnstone)

This story will be published in late Sept. 2025

Introducing a bold new saga from the bestselling Johnstones. This is the epic story of new arrivals in the Old West—a proud family of dreamers in the untamed wilds of Texas Hill Country . . .

They came to America to start a new life. Three brothers and their sister, the Braxton heirs lost everything they had in Europe so they boarded a ship to the Texas coast, hoping to stake a claim in the land of opportunity. They knew frontier life would be hard. But their troubles begin before they even reach Texas. A man is killed on board—a member of the fierce MacLochlainn clan who blame one of the Braxtons for his death. So begins a blood-drenched feud that will haunt and pursue them as they try to build a future in Texas Hill Country . . .

Now a fugitive on the run, the wrongly accused Perry Braxton changes his name and joins the Texas Rangers—waiting for the day his past catches up to him. His oldest brother, Athelston, struggles to build a ranch in Commanche territory while the middle brother Jeremy turns to gambling and running with outlaws. Their sister, Bodie, falls in love with a rugged frontiersman, who teaches her the importance of riding, hunting—and shooting—in a life-or-death game of survival. Each of the siblings have forged a path of their own. But when one of them is in trouble—and a rival is out for revenge—the Braxtons stick together. Because family is family. And blood is thicker than bullets . . .

This story reminded me so much of the early Sackett books from western author Louis L'Amour. Family comes to America to make a life for themselves, runs into trouble, sorts it out. 

The Braxtons lost everything and are forced to leave their home country in favor of greener pastures. Or so they think. However, while on that trip, one of them is accused of murder. Upon arrival the accused escapes and somehow by good fortune ends up signed on as a Texas Ranger under the name Jack Smith.

Meanwhile the rest of his family are headed to the Texas Hill Country where they start a new life building a ranch. But trouble seems to follow them wherever they go and it soon isn't long before it rears its ugly head once more in the form of rustlers. Only this time, they have an ace in the hole. One of the rustlers is also a Braxton. And soon the story is rushing along to its shattering gunsmoke filled conclusion.

Really enjoyed this story. Well Written and fast-paced. Plenty of western action which keeps the pages turning. As stated above it reminded me of L'Amour's early Sackett stories which I loved. In the pages were a great cast of characters and hopefully this will be the start of a great new series. Like the Sacketts I can see each character having their own leading role. 

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Fort Death

Trailsman #374

By

Jon Sharpe

(David Robbins)

Signet, December 2012

When Skye Fargo gets a letter from an old friend and fellow scout, he finds he's not alone. It seems that every sharp-eyed pathfinder worth his buckskins has been asked to Fort Carlson. But it's soon revealed that someone has brought them together for a very special reason--to take them out, one by one...

The request seemed simple enough: head to Fort Carlson and scout for the army against the troublesome Bannocks. But Fargo isn't the only scout there, and it becomes clear that someone wanted them all in one place for a specific reason. Soon, scouts start dying one by one, and it's up to Skye Fargo to identify the killer and stop them before it's too late.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story with a good mix of mystery and action. The characters were well-developed, though if I had a dollar for every time Bear River Tom said "t$$s," I'd be rich. Surprisingly, the book lacked the usual amount of intimacy found in a Fargo story—there was only one scene instead of the usual two or three. Nevertheless, it was a well-written and engaging tale.

I finished this story in just a couple of sittings. It kept me hooked and made me wonder why I hadn't been reading the series more consistently instead of just a few scattered stories over the years. The dialogue was sharp, and the ending was genuinely unexpected.

All in all, a fantastic western tale. Now, I need to go back and read Mountains of No Return.

Faraday Series

 Rails into Hell

A Faraday Western

By

Robert Vaughan

Brent Towns

Preorder here! 

This is my second Faraday book, the first being The Buffalo Train. The other books in this series were written by various authors, including James Reasoner and Robert Vaughan.

Set during the 19th-century railroad boom, these stories delve into sabotage, murder, espionage, and political intrigue tied to the steel rails stretching across the continent.

Faraday’s agents, often undercover, navigate hostile terrain, corrupt officials, and deadly ambushes while safeguarding the railroads' interests.

Each book is a standalone story, unconnected to the others, making it easy to pick up the series at any point.

My first book, The Buffalo Train, is based on historical facts with a good dose of fiction. The Buffalo Train was a real concept, a stunt devised by Joseph McCoy to attract buyers back to Dodge City.

McCoy organized a trainload of live buffalo, elk, deer, and other wild animals to be shipped eastward—reportedly to Chicago—as a dramatic display of the railroads’ capacity and the frontier’s abundance. His goal was to reignite buyer enthusiasm and draw attention back to Dodge City, which had started losing prominence as cattle routes shifted and competition from other cow towns intensified.

This wasn’t just a spectacle—it was strategic marketing. McCoy understood how the romance of the frontier could be leveraged to boost business. By showcasing exotic wildlife alongside cattle, he made Dodge City seem like the vibrant heart of the Wild West, brimming with opportunity and untapped resources.

This premise inspired me, and I ran with it.

Now with the second one, I've returned to what feels like a more classic 50s movie vibe, featuring an undercover agent who used to be a hired gun, a range war, and a murderer determined to derail the railroad's progress.  

Blurb: The railroad’s arrival promised progress, but in Sagebrush Creek, it came riding on a tide of blood.

A surveyor lies dead, murdered to halt the iron rails’ advance. Matthew Faraday knows one man who can uncover the truth—former gunfighter Jack Quade. But Faraday’s reasons aren’t entirely about justice. Trouble’s brewing in the hills: a range war with Quade’s estranged father, Vince, at its heart.

Years ago, Vince Quade disavowed his son. Now Jack must face a father who wants nothing from him—least of all help. But with a killer on his trail and tensions ready to explode into open war, Jack has no choice but to fight on two fronts: mending a broken bond and stopping a murderer before Sagebrush Creek becomes a graveyard.

Will Jack Quade bring peace to a town on the brink—or will the railroad carry him straight into hell? 

Writing the new story was a lot of fun, and I hope it resonates with readers as I intended. I aimed to capture the feel of an old 50s western movie, so fingers crossed I pulled it off. Now, all that's left is to wait for October 14 and see how things unfold. 

Larry & Stretch

Trail Dust

By

Marshall Grover/Len Meares

(Larry & Stretch) 

Larry Valentine and Stretch Emerson, the two trouble-prone Texans, are back in action, diving straight into more chaos and mayhem. This time, their journey takes them to Riggsville, Colorado, to visit Stretch's cousin Sam. Stretch mistakenly believes Sam is a horse doctor, but in reality, Sam Emerson is the town sheriff.

During their visit, a massive stagecoach robbery occurs, with outlaws making off with $100,000. But that's not the Texans' biggest concern. They've been duped into escorting a wagon train to a remote town called Windy Dip. The catch? The cargo consists of 60 women headed for the womanless town.

To make matters worse, one of the women has stolen the outlaws' loot, and now they want it back. What ensues is a wild adventure filled with chaos, culminating in a high-stakes showdown where Larry and Stretch must stand their ground or meet their fate.

Another fantastic Larry & Stretch western, packed with sharp dialogue, fast pacing, and plenty of action, along with their signature dash of humor. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Larry & Stretch story without the obligatory brawl.

I read so many of these during my younger years, but there are still plenty I haven’t gotten to yet—this being one of them. The story feels just as lively as I remember, making it an enjoyable read. I’d guess this book was published in the early to mid-1960s, though I could be wrong.

If you come across one, give it a read. For American readers, the series was published under the name Larry & Streak by Marshall McCoy. I still can’t figure out why the names were changed.

Home Like a Hero

by

Emerson Dodge

(Paul Wheelahan)

First published 1999

Val Tyrone was returning home from Mexico. He had left as a reckless young man but came back matured. However, some things remained unchanged—such as the deep-seated hatred between father and son. 

Other things, however, had shifted. His father was dying, a widowed woman sought to marry him for his wealth, and his oldest brother was after everything. Yet, upon Val’s return, it felt as though nothing had changed, especially the constant conflict with his father. The old man’s disdain for Val only grew when the ranch hands gave him a warm welcome.

Cole Tyrone, however, had a scheme to achieve his goals. He unleashed his unfaithful wife on Val, hoping to ensnare him. When that failed, only one option remained: ensuring his brother was laid to rest. 

Another fantastic Emerson Dodge (Wheelahan) tale, with just the right mix of mystery and scheming by those eager to take advantage of a dying old man. While it doesn't pack the level of action you'd typically expect from a Cleveland Western, it still delivers a solid and enjoyable story overall.

To read an interview with Paul Wheelahan, click here!

 

 1000 Dollar Target

By

Marshall Grover

(Len Meares)

(Big Jim #11)

At showdown time … the big man needed a miracle! Was this to be the last ride of Big Jim Rand? The killers awaited him dead ahead. Another of them rode directly behind him, covering his back. And, inside the disused shack, a desperate woman risked her life to give Jim a fighting chance of survival. Big Jim had become the target for professional assassins because his quarry, the elusive and badly scared Jenner, had posted a bounty on him. As well as the professionals, a trio of inept amateurs invited themselves to the ruckus, injecting humor into an otherwise grim situation

The copy I read of "Big Jim" was published around 1968 (though don't quote me on that). Jim Rand, also known as Nevada Jim in the series published under the name Marshall McCoy in the US, once again rides into a heap of trouble, accompanied by his cowardly yet light-fingered Mexican companion, Benito Espina.

This time, the story follows him as he closes in on Jenner, the man who killed Big Jim's brother and the reason he's riding the vengeance trail.

However, Jenner gets warned, and a $1,000 bounty is placed on Big Jim's head. Five men decide to cash in, but five men may meet their end instead. This could very well be Jim Rand's final ride.

As always with Meares' storytelling, there's a touch of humor mixed with plenty of action. The book is well-written, and the series was quite popular in its heyday. While paperback copies are hard to come by now, Piccadilly Publishing has released some of the stories as ebooks, including this one, ensuring they are not lost to time.

Buy it here!

 Callahan Rides Alone

by

Lee Floren

Published 1977

(Centurion Books)

Ex-Texas Ranger Al Callahan came to Montana to buy into a ranch, but it wasn't that simple. Two men tried to kill and rob him and then his would-be partner turned out to be a woman. Her main rival was another hellcat and that made the situation even worse. What with rustling and murder going on, not to mention a mighty peculiar character who walked around with a pack of wolves as bodyguards, Callahan got to thinking that maybe he should have stayed in Texas. But he had come this far so he might as well go the rest of the way

At first, I found myself a bit lost in this story, but as it progressed, everything fell into place, making for a solid tale. Not the best, but definitely enjoyable. Callahan was lured north under false pretenses to invest in a ranch run by Max Heywood, mistakenly thinking Max was a man, not a woman. From there, chaos ensues. Two men attempt to kill him, a peculiar old man with wolves shows up, he discovers Max has a brother, and learns that Max and Ann Scott, a young woman from the neighboring ranch, absolutely despise each other. Adding to the turmoil, cattle rustlers are targeting the ranch, leaving Callahan in over his head. I think I might have read this book years ago, but I couldn’t quite recall it. All in all, it was a solid entry in the western genre by an author whose work was widely published in magazines, paperbacks, and serials both in the U.S. and internationally. 

 High Rise

by

Gabriel Bergmoser

After a year of searching, rogue ex-cop Jack Carlin has finally found his estranged daughter, Morgan, holed up in the top floor of a rundown, grimy high-rise building. The trouble is, Jack's unconventional policing and information-gathering methods in the past has made him some serious enemies. And what Jack doesn't know as he heads into the building, intent on saving his daughter, is firstly, that Morgan doesn't want to be saved - particularly not by him - and secondly, that the entire criminal underworld in the city are on their way too... There's a bounty on his head, and they're after his blood - and they don't mind if Morgan is collateral damage.

As bounty hunters and gang members converge on the building, father and daughter are thrown into a desperate fight for survival through fifteen stories of deadly enemies - with only each other to rely on.

This book showcases Bergmoser at his finest. It's well-written, packed with a fantastic cast of characters, and loaded with nonstop action. Jack Carlin is on a mission to find his daughter, ultimately tracking her to a high-rise. As I mentioned, the cast is excellent—even Maggie from THE HUNTED makes a cameo.

However, it’s quite violent, so if that’s not your thing, this might not be the book for you. For the rest of us, dive right in and enjoy.

My only gripe, and this is purely personal, is that the book is written in present tense. But like I said, that’s just me. Overall, it’s an exhilarating read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this story. 

Top Gun

by

Gordon D. Shirreffs

Get a copy here from Wolfpack Publishing!

Dade Averill was fed up with being a gunslick. Before getting locked into the path he’d been on for years, he’d wanted more out of life than the clothes on his back and the pair of silver-inlaid Colts on his hips.

When an old friend pleaded for his help to fight off a bunch of killers, he wanted no part of it but couldn’t simply turn his back. He knew what he had to do, simply because he was the best. There was no rest for the weary, and no resting place for a top gun—except the final one.

I really enjoyed this book. It has a strong element of mystery, starting with Dade Averill being asked to help a friend while trying to leave his gunhand ways behind. Add another fast gun named Guthrie and an old flame named Mae, and things get intriguing right from the start. Then he meets the sheriff and his daughter, and everything shifts. The sheriff is murdered, and Chris Guthrie, the prime suspect, is locked up. But Averill suspects he’s not the killer, so he sets out to uncover the truth while staying alive. Eventually, everything unravels, leading to a final bloody showdown. 

Shirreffs is at his storytelling best here, crafting a broad range of characters, any of whom could be the killer. I read the paperback pictured below—the cover art is excellent, and the pages have that wonderful old book smell. Originally published in 1957, the edition I read dates back to the mid-to-late 1970s.

 

 Blood and Gold

Outlaw Ranger #3

By

James Reasoner

Get it here from Wolfpack Publishing.

A savage ambush...twenty men slaughtered in a brutal massacre...a fortune in gold stolen! This was a crime big enough and bold enough to bring the Outlaw Ranger to the wide-open settlement of Cemetery Butte, where a powerful mining tycoon rode roughshod over any who dared to oppose him. But even that atrocity doesn't prepare G.W. Braddock for the evil that awaits him, stretching bloody hands out of the past.

The third book in the Outlaw Ranger series is a thrilling ride. Braddock, seeking peace in the quiet village of Esperanza, spends his days playing chess with the local priest. However, tranquility is short-lived when Senora Dominguez approaches him for help. Her grandson was killed in an ambush, where a fortune in gold was stolen, and she believes Braddock is the perfect man to seek vengeance. But revenge isn't hers alone—Martin Rainey, the man behind the mining operation, becomes an even bigger target as the thieves use the massacre and stolen gold as a way to strike at him.  

This was another fantastic story by an author who truly knows his craft. It’s shorter than some others in the series, but it kept me hooked and flipping pages (digitally) right to the very end. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a bad story by James Reasoner. The best part is that all the Outlaw Ranger books are available in an omnibus edition. Load up your boots (or Kindle)!

James Reasoner

 Trigger Happy

Nathan Stark #2

By

William W Johnstone

Steely-eyed. Quick as a rattler. Unforgiving as the desert sun. The stories of Nathan Stark’s grit and determination as a manhunter across Indian territory are legendary. He stalks the wild western frontier on behalf of the army, pursuing hostiles to avenge his slaughtered family—and redeem his own failure to protect them.

Once again reluctantly partnered with Crow scout Moses Red Buffalo, Nathan has been assigned to assist the U.S. cavalry in escorting a large band of Blackfoot Indians across Montana and into Canada. Refusing to leave, Chief Thunder Elk threatens to wage war if his tribe is not left alone. Wealthy rancher Bennett McGreevey wants the land the Blackfoot call home, and he’s powerful enough to ensure the army does his bidding.

But Nathan Stark is not a soldier. And no cattle baron is going to give him marching orders. It’s a perfect storm for bullets to rain sheer hell across the land . . .

This was another well-written story, bringing the two main characters together again as comrades. The book picks up almost exactly where the first one left off, resolving a lingering loose end from the previous installment. It's a solid series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book soon. That said, I personally didn't find this one as good as the first in the series.

The two main characters are complete opposites, like chalk and cheese, and often clash with each other. I think this dynamic works well even if it gets a little wearing in some patches.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC of this book.    

 A Bullet is Faster

Big Jim #22

By

Marshall Grover

(Len Meares)

Don't quote me but from what I can gather this book was first published around 1965/66. However, both covers look good. 

What appears to be a straightforward murder case is anything but simple. Amos Lanfield faces the gallows in a trial no rational lawyer would dare to take on. The case seems utterly hopeless. Yet, Julia Rigby, a determined female lawyer, has a different plan. She not only wants to represent the supposed killer, she figures she can win. But someone doesn't want her digging too deep.

Enter Jim Rand. Former cavalryman now hunter of Jenner, the man who killed his brother. Julia needs someone to look after her and Big Jim is just the man. 

Then when the final blazing showdown came, only one man would stand tall--Big Jim.   

A classic Len Mears western—lighthearted, with a touch of comedy, a dash of mystery, and a simple yet engaging story that’s well-written and entertaining. Like many of his westerns, it follows the timeless good vs. bad theme. I read a lot of his books as a kid, and they’re just as enjoyable now as they were back then.

Get the first book here!

 Deadly Mistake

by 

Rob Sinclair

Simon Peake is not your average hero. He's called a cleaner. If you have a body, you want gone, then he's your man. But things go sour when he is brought the body of a woman to dispose of.

One problem...she's not dead.

Failing to do the job and killing two of the men who brought her to him, Peake finds himself on the wrong side of Lance Hardy, a scumbag who likes to feed people he doesn't like to his dogs.

Then things really heat up.

Sinclair has written an action-packed story with the cental character Simon Peake, I think is more of an anti-hero than anything else. It was well written and overall entertaining enough to hold my attention.

But be aware that this book has an element of violence and gore if you intend to read it.

This book will be published 17 September 2025

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this story.

 No One's a Winner

by

Emerson Dodge

(Paul Wheelahan)

First Published 1996

 Tom and Dane Hardy—brothers by blood, but little else binds them. When the story begins, Tom is serving a five-year sentence for cattle rustling, framed by none other than his own brother and the corrupt judge who oversaw the trial. On the outside, his sister Artella and a determined lawyer named Long are fighting to clear his name.

Inside the prison, Tom’s life is made unbearable by the judge’s allies. Pushed to the edge, he makes a daring escape into the snow-covered mountains, pursued relentlessly by a brutal prison guard and a pack of dogs. But Tom isn’t one to go down without a fight.

Meanwhile, Dane is deep in shady dealings, running rifles to Red Cloud’s Sioux warriors. He can’t afford distractions—but Tom’s escape throws a wrench into everything, and the stakes rise fast.

This isn’t just another shoot-’em-up western. It’s a gripping journey of transformation. Tom begins as a man of peace, but as the story unfolds, he confronts the fury buried within him. And when he finally unleashes it, the consequences are explosive.

Emerson Dodge (Wheelahan) delivers yet another compelling tale of the Old West—rich in character, tension, and grit. If you can track down a copy, it’s well worth the read. These books are getting harder to find, but any story penned by Dodge is bound to be a rewarding ride.

 Gun Trouble at Diamondback

A Bear Haskell Western #1

by 

Peter Brandvold

I wrote this review in 2016. I think this would have made a great series. Currently I think there are 4 books available.

Meet Bear Haskell. He's big, he's tough, he loves the ladies, and he's going to take over where Longarm left off. So if you loved Longarm then jump on the Bear train. I can't see it stopping anytime soon.

In Bear Haskell Peter Brandvold has crafted a top notch new western hero which readers will love and a story that will leave them looking for the next one.

The story sees bear investigating the death of his friend Lou Cameron and the element of mystery will stay with the story right up to the last few pages and have an ending that you won't see coming.

The story is easy to read and keeps you interested until the last page. And as with the Longarm books (Which Peter wrote many of) these are classed as adult westerns and not for the faint of heart.

In all this was a fantastic start to a new series that I'm sure will be around for a long time to come.

Buy a copy here and find out for yourself.

MAKE ME AN OUTLAW

By

Brett Waring

(Keith Hetherington)

A Classic Western #117

First Published 1974

Jim Rainey was an ex-lawman who had settled down with his wife and children to leave his previous life behind. But he gets caught up in a range was and his wife and children are killed he is after answers and revenge.

Once again, a smooth, well told story from Keith Hetherington. As usual with the Cleveland westerns there is plenty of action to keep the pages turning. At only 97 pages per story, they are a quick and fun read.  

Cleveland Publishing Company started publishing their westerns in 1953. At their peak the published 18 digest-sized westerns. Eventually they fell victim to the electronic age and readership fell away. They finally shut their doors in December 2018. 

Cleveland Publishing Company publications: American Wild West, Arizona Western, Big Horn Western, Bison Western, Bobcat Western, Chisholm Western, Classic Western, Cleveland Western, Condor Western, Coronado Western, Dollar Western, Fighting Western, Halliday Western, High Brand Western, Iron Horse Western, Legends of the West, Lobo Western, Loner Western, Peacemaker Western, Phoenix Western, Pinto Western, Rawhide Western, Santa Fe Western, Sierra Western, Sundown Western, Texas Western, The Avenger, Top Hand Western, Tumbleweed Western, and Winchester Western.

Some of the more prolific authors were: Des Dunn, Roger Green, Keith Hetherington, Richard Wilkes-Hunter, Len Meares and Paul Wheelahan. 

 The Man from Bitter Ridge

Universal Pictures 

Release Year: 1955

 Director: Jack Arnold

Main Cast:

Lex Barker as Jeff Carr

Mara Corday as Holly Kenton

Stephen McNally as Alec Black

John Dehner as Ranse Jackman

Writers:

Screenplay by Lawrence Roman

Adaptation by Teddi Sherman

Based on a novel by William MacLeod Raine

The Man from Bitter Ridge is a no-frills Western that delivers exactly what fans of the genre love. It has a principled hero, a corrupt townsman running for sheriff (John Dehner), and a trail of gunfire leading to justice. Lex Barker plays Jeff Carr, a state investigator who arrives in Tomahawk to solve a series of stagecoach robberies. Initially suspected himself, a telegram from a nearby town clears his name. He discovers a town bubbling with political tension ahead of an election and a power-hungry villain who flaunts his authority like the badge he desires.

Stephen McNally portrays Alec Black, a hardened, no-nonsense gunslinger leading and protecting a group of sheep farmers who have united to resist those in Tomahawk determined to drive them out. The farmers become an easy target for blame in the recent string of stagecoach robberies.

John Dehner portrays Ranse Jackman, the refined villain. Once again, Dehner takes on one of his suave badman roles. 

Mara Corday plays Holly Kenton, a gun-toting young woman who is just as tough as the men around her. However, her beauty catches Carr's eye, sparking his interest and the jealousy of Alec Black, who has plans to marry her.

I really enjoy the older westerns, and this one is no different. There’s something about the way they were filmed back in the day that completely captivates me. The lead characters were great, and Dehner was fantastic in his role as the badman.

RATING 8/10

 Lawless Prairie

By

Charles G. West

(Published 2009)

Find it Here!

A man discovers the bloody cost of freedom in this bold tale of the Old West.

Clint Connor only took the horse to stop a man from mistreating it, but a vengeful judge sentenced him to six years. Quietly serving his time, Clint suddenly finds himself free after he’s swept up in a daring jailbreak.  

Now a fugitive, Clint Connor will need courage, cunning, and a cold-blooded ruthlessness as he rides the lawless prairie. But before he can escape to the hills of Montana, he’ll have to outgun malicious outlaws and face a final showdown with a marshal determined to bring Clint back as a prisoner—or a corpse.

Overall, not a bad story and well written as is the usual with West's stories. I've read a few and never had any issues--until now.

Not that it is a big one, what I wrote above still goes about the book. However, I feel like this story went around in circles.

Clint Conner went to jail because he stole a horse to stop it being mistreated. Too bad a judge owned it, and it was the same judge who sent him to prison.

Then he gets swept up in a prison break with killer Clell Ballinger where he secretly saves the life of the guard. Conner decides to head north but swings by his old home to say goodbye to his father.

Now we get to the circle bit. This is the short of it. Saves the life of Marshal Zach Clayton, escapes said marshal, rescues young lady (Joanna) from Indians, captured again by marshal, taken in for trial, sentenced to extra time in prison by same judge, escapes and goes back to young woman before being captured again by same marshal. Meanwhile, Ballinger is still on the loose causing chaos.

But like I said, overall, it wasn't a bad story. But not one of West's best.