Multiple Spur Award finalist James Robert Daniels, author of the western blockbusters The Comanche Kid and Jane Fury, is back with another unforgettable adventure.

It’s the brutal aftermath of the Civil War. Texas Ranger Lieutenant James Quinn, a battle-scarred veteran, rides into a town he’s never seen before—badly wounded, alone, and dragging captured outlaw Cole Twist.

Quinn is saved by China Smallwood, a Quaker schoolteacher who stands against the town she calls home. While Quinn heals, the jailed, smooth-talking killer recasts himself as a folk hero, whipping the town into a frenzy against the Ranger—and China, who is determined to educate newly freed slaves. Meanwhile, Twist’s gang is still out there, along with the stolen cash Quinn is sworn to recover.

Now Quinn faces two suicidal choices: hunt the gang alone, or defend China single-handedly from a violent uprising.

Praise for James Robert Daniels

"Classic western storytelling in such a free and easy style. Another blazing winner." Peter Brandvold, multiple Spur Award-finalist and Western Fictioneers Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.

"A mercilessly taut, masterfully paced, heart-pounding western that conjures such classics as Death Rides a Horse and True Grit." Jonathan Evison, New York Times bestselling author of West of Here.

“This authentic-feeling, exciting Western has elements of True Grit mixed with Red River and The Searchers, but it succeeds on its own terms. It’s quite a ride.” David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of First Blood

"A classic Western tale. The action scenes are superbly done and very effective. This is certainly one of the best books I’ve read in recent years.” James Reasoner, New York Times bestselling author of the Outlaw Ranger series