Whatever it takes… When rustlers menace peaceful Horseshoe Bend, rancher John Bolton demands drastic action, with gun or rope. Having had over a score of prize-winning cattle stolen and a ransom note pinned to his door from the notorious criminal Peregrine, Bolton calls for an emergency meeting with the other key ranchers in the valley. Duffy, Jeffers and Corliss – a newcomer to the town – rally together to help Bolton protect his herd, unaware that Peregrine and his outlaws plan to target a different ranch in every raid. Soon it becomes clear that there is a traitor in their midst communicating the guard plans to the enemy and suspicion threatens to destroy the ranchers’ defence. This looks like an ideal opportunity for the town’s brawny blacksmith, Lief Anderson, to impress Bolton’s lovely daughter Ellen and he insists on joining the ranchers’ efforts. But it wasn’t going to be that easy, for Lief couldn’t even fire a gun let alone shoot a rustler! Lief struggles on, aided by range detective Slim, and despite being accused of rustling himself he finally discovers the identity of the gang’s leaders. Risking everything for the security of the woman he loves, Lief attempts to take on the rustlers single-handedly and defies everyone’s expectations of the lowly blacksmith. That was only the beginning, though, and it was not until more treachery and the sound of gunfire had died down that Lief’s fate, and that of the whole valley, would be decided. ‘A rip-roaring western full of action and adventure’ – Tom Casey, bestselling author of Trade Off S J Bounds was born in 1920 and lived in Kingston Upon Thames. He wrote over 40 novels and hundreds of short stories many published under pseudonyms or anonymously. He was best known for his work in the science fiction, horror and western genres. His other must read western adventures include Cross Trails Marshal, The Long Chase, Ghost Town and Poison Springs’ Feud