Wolf Stockburn, Railroad Detective
It’s the 1880s, and train robberies are becoming more common in the Dakota Territory. One gang, known as the Devil’s Hoard, is terrorizing the Northern Pacific Railroad. They not only rob the trains but also murder the passengers and train employees. Wolf Stockburn, formerly the town marshal of Wichita, Kansas, and one-time Pony Express Rider, is on the trail of these cutthroats. Wolf, now a veteran Wells Fargo detective, is ordered to find them. He is ordered to request assistance in their capture. Instead, Wolf finds himself alone while he attempts to capture or kill the outlaws one by one.
I found this novel, the first in a new western series, an exciting, fast-paced story and difficult to put down. A subplot revolves around Wolf’s search for his missing sister, taken by Indians when they were young. My only complaints were about the author’s use of adjectives such as “the crashing belch of the rifle” and “screaming arrows.” But these are minor issues—the novel is a thoroughly worthwhile read and should be enjoyed by western aficionados.
