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Tascosa Cummings left behind the tedious life of cattle ranching years ago; now he lives the carefree, nomadic life of a true cowboy, trading in herds for horses and barbed wire fences for the open Oklahoma range. When Tas and his band of mounted men find themselves in the crossfire of a two-sided range war with nothing but their horses, their guns, and a wagon of supplies for defense, getting out alive with their guns in their holsters just doesn’t seem to be an option. Doing business on the range at a time when the people who enforce the law are the very same who break it, it becomes practical for Tas and his Sawbuck gang to turn and ride away before shots are fired and the dust gets kicked up; if you don’t see anything, you can’t say anything. But when the good and the bad join forces in a veritable No Man’s Land, it’s up to each mounted man to defend what’s rightfully his—his bronc, his brand, and his name—law or no law.

Suzanna, a Romance of Early California by Harry Sinclair Drago. This book is a reproduction of the original book published in 1922 and may have some imperfections such as marks or hand-written notes.

Details the Lincoln County War, Pleasant Valley Feud, Johnson County War, Conflict on the Clear Fork of Texas and Fence-Cutting War in the Texas Panhandle, etc.

Spanish Basques settle in northern Nevada after the drought of 1862.

An Oregon reservation has suddenly been vacated and Henry Stall, a seasoned ranch owner, didn’t get the news in time. He is driven to continue the expansion of his cattle empire in the American northwest, and when he goes to stake his claim, conflict erupts between the old and new guards of ranchers on the open range. Stall combats the restraints of his age, and sets off on a strenuous endeavor to confront Jim Montana, his former employee and the commissioner of the newly vacant property. Heads turn as Stall and Montana mobilize and contend for a share in this territory—and to claim it rightfully theirs. Stall is determined to defend his reputation as a veteran proprietor, while Montana wants to assert his own authority as an emerging official, and their collision sets off a whirlwind of scraps, skirmishes, and showdowns. It falls upon each ranch to wrangle whatever forces it can to carve out a corner of the expanding cattle country before its neighbors. When the law of the land overrides the governing regulations on boundary lines, what emerges is a full-blown range war—and putting down a stake on unclaimed territory becomes more hazardous than ever.

An Oregon reservation has suddenly been vacated and Henry Stall, a seasoned ranch owner, didn’t get the news in time. He is driven to continue the expansion of his cattle empire in the American northwest, and when he goes to stake his claim, conflict erupts between the old and new guards of ranchers on the open range. Stall combats the restraints of his age, and sets off on a strenuous endeavor to confront Jim Montana, his former employee and the commissioner of the newly vacant property. Heads turn as Stall and Montana mobilize and contend for a share in this territory—and to claim it rightfully theirs. Stall is determined to defend his reputation as a veteran proprietor, while Montana wants to assert his own authority as an emerging official, and their collision sets off a whirlwind of scraps, skirmishes, and showdowns. It falls upon each ranch to wrangle whatever forces it can to carve out a corner of the expanding cattle country before its neighbors. When the law of the land overrides the governing regulations on boundary lines, what emerges is a full-blown range war—and putting down a stake on unclaimed territory becomes more hazardous than ever.

Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Crow’s Nest,” by John M. Floyd [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Whom Do You Trust?” by Hal Charles [solve-it-yourself mystery] “Winter’s Journey,” by R.J. Koreto [Barb Goffman Presents short story] Smoke of the .45, by Harry Sinclair Drago [novel] A Certain Dr. Thorndyke, by R. Austin Freeman [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “All in the Golden Afternoon,” by Marilyn “Mattie” Brahen [short story] “Doubled in Brass,” by Lester del Rey [short story] “The Admiral’s Walk,” by Sam Merwin [short story] “Simple Psiman,” by F.L. Wallace [short story] “Siren Satellite,” by Arthur K. Barnes [novella]

In "Smoke of the .45," Harry Sinclair Drago delivers a gripping narrative set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American West. With a distinguished style that seamlessly blends vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue, Drago captures the era's rugged landscapes and complex characters. The novel's pacing mirrors the tension of a classic Western, deftly intertwining themes of honor, vengeance, and the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonists, making it a quintessential addition to the genre's literary canon. Drago, an accomplished author with a profound fascination for Americana and the Western frontier, writes from a place of deep understanding of his subjects. His vast knowledge, cultivated through extensive research and personal experiences, informs the depth of his characters and the authenticity of the setting. As a writer with several other works focusing on the West, Drago's insights reflect the realities of both historical and mythical narratives, making his perspectives invaluable in this literary tradition. "Smoke of the .45" is a must-read for those who appreciate well-crafted Westerns imbued with thoughtful commentary on the human condition. Drago's keen eye for detail and engaging storytelling ensure that readers will be captivated from the first page until the last, making this book a paramount choice for both genre aficionados and literary enthusiasts alike.

Spanish Basques settle in northern Nevada after the drought of 1862.