The Lawmen

Lawmen of the old west played a juggling act as far as the law was concerned. It was necessary for a successful lawman to be both tougher and smarter than the outlaw or the outlaw would win. He sometimes did. The Earp Brothers were no saints. Marshal Henry Plumber was hanged for crimes he committed while wearing a badge. Most of the sheriffs and marshals wearing badges also played at gambling, sometimes owning the gambling concessions in the town saloons. As one would suspect, it was gambling that caused much of the trouble in town. The lawmen found themselves both supporting gambling while controlling angry gamblers. Most lawmen were good with guns and practiced daily. Being a second late on a draw against a fast outlaw gunman could spell the difference in which man lived. Western author Alton Pryor has brought a host of western lawmen together in one book.

In 1885 a large band of half-breed Canadian rebels known as Metis, slip south over the border into Montana Territory. They carry with them a stolen Gatling gun and a strong desire to benefit, by any means, from the USA's wealth. Tough and experienced Deputy United States Marshal Jesse Bronson, is sent out to apprehend them. He is accompanied by a corporal of the Canadian Northwest Mounted Police. Bronson at first deeply resents the enforced presence of the red-coated Mountie and it is only after surviving numerous violent encounters that they finally begin to form a genuine bond. The fast moving tale encompasses a bloody confrontation in the gold mining camp of Alder Gulch, followed by a pursuit down the swollen Missouri River on log rafts and then onto a final momentous showdown in the town of Great Falls.

Who can resist a man in uniform? Sheriffs, marshals, and bounty hunters bring law and order to the Wild West, but it’s the ladies taking care of business who manage to steal their hearts in this captivating collection. A Kiss in the Morning Mist: Former U.S. Marshal Eamon MacDermott failed to stop the Logan gang’s crime wave, and now he’s hung up his guns and turned his back on life altogether. That is, until he meets widow Theodosia “Theo” Danforth, who harbors an unshakable belief that everyone needs kindness. When the outlaw gang resurfaces to destroy Theo’s ranch, Eamon must choose between donning his weapons again to extract vengeance and forging a new future with Theo. Lady Broke: Boston socialite Christie Wallace is determined to bring the Everett gang to justice for the crimes they committed against her family. Bounty hunter Nat Randall tried to bring these killers to trial once before, but the law let him down. Frontier justice is all either of them have left, and they’re not about to let anything get in that way—not even when the sparks fly and they’re torn between pursuing the outlaws or each other. Seduced by the Outlaw: Tamar Freeman has everything under control as the owner of Kansas City’s local newspaper until undercover lawman Amos Tanner responds to a lonely hearts ad that’s actually a trap to catch a burglary ring. To all he meets, he’s Deadwood Dick, an outlaw and the last man Tamar should fall for. But the fire between them burns hot, and his final heist doesn’t go quite as planned. Will she find the strength to give up her safe world and risk a chance at the life she’s long desired? One Night’s Desire: Rustlers, claim jumpers, and fire—nothing will stop Kiera Alden from her goal: getting back to her sisters in Boston. But a murder accusation sets Marshal Evrett Quinn on her trail. She may be able to escape prison bars and eventually prove her innocence, but she can’t escape Ev’s love. Sensuality Level: Sensual

A strange and puzzling incident, regarded as a high school prank, presents an unusual dilemma for Mayor Barnes and the small restful town of Cherryville. One morning the town awakens to find that their address numbers are mysteriously missing. Every single one of them, gone; taken from private homes, shops, boutiques, city buildings and industrial complexes and for no apparent reason. Normally this kind of theft would be handled by the local law agency, Sheriff Sam and Deputy Basil. However, at a Town Hall Meeting, a meeting called to sooth the nerves of a rattled community, Sheriff Sam becomes extremely frustrated over a number of things; the Mayor's pettiness over jurisdictional responsibilities and the constant carping of the town-hall people. Sam resigns his post as does his trusted Deputy, Basil. Enter Max and Andy, two high school students on summer break, who offer their services to a very reluctant Mayor. Given the opportunity, the two eager temporary lawmen soon discover that the house number theft was not a mere prank but the prelude to a more sinister and complex case; one involving a fifty year old gem theft, infidelity, deceit, and an apparent murder. Their odyssey begins when they investigate the strange and eerie noises emanating from a house referred to by the local community as "haunted". The house was abandoned, and then totally neglected, after the old eccentric owner was apparently kidnapped and never heard from again. However, once inside the house Max and Andy are startled when they hear creaking sounds coming from a room directly above them. There are no footprints or smudge marks on the dusty floor below, so Max asks the obvious "How did they get up there." Despite Max's fear, which was bordering on panic, Andy's stubborn curiosity convinces Max to pursue their dangerous voyage up the stairs, to the second floor. And although they pay dearly for their journey they do come away with a few pieces to an ever widening puzzle. The puzzle which was eventually pieced together by the young sleuths established why the address plaques were stolen. They also uncovered a murder, made to look like suicide, and developed an insight into a fifty year old jewel theft and the mystery of the "haunted" house.

A Riveting Pursuit of Love, Loyalty and Missing Children In Blessing, Texas, children are vanishing, striking fear in the town. U.S. Marshal Camila Garcia arrives undercover after the Feds get wind of the mystery. Even though suspects themselves, Sheriff Jordan Nash and Deputy Ely Austin join her in hunting down the kidnapper. As desire and passion complicate their pursuit, another child disappears, unraveling a web of secrets that goes back decades. In this suspenseful tale of love and loyalty, duty blurs with human need, challenging the trio’s mission. How will they uncover the truth and keep the tempting marshal from slipping away when the case is over?

Black-and-white drawings portray famous men and women of the Wild West.

Standoffs, saloons, and sunsets spring to mind when one envisions the rough and tumble early days of the American frontier.