Range detective Sam Blake is after cattle rustlers—but when a beautiful woman is accused of murdering her employer, he has to step in and see justice done. Miriam had her reasons for the brutal killing, and though she’s not talking, Blake understands there’s more to this crime than meets the eye.
When the local sheriff, James Fremont, asks Blake to spirit Miriam and her two children out of town before a lynch mob comes for her, he agrees. But Cyrus Diebler, the influential rancher who is intent on seeing her pay for her crime, is not about to be stopped. He will go to whatever lengths he must to see her dead, though it means putting his own family in harm’s way.
As Blake and Miriam stay one step ahead of the relentless Diebler and his deadly henchmen, a relationship begins to build between them. When Blake learns the real story behind the murder, and the dark secrets of Diebler’s motivation to see Miriam dead, he vows he will protect her and her children at all costs—even if it means his own life.
EXCERPT
Blake and the intruder spied one another at the same time. The man threw the shotgun up to his shoulder and Charley heard the click as the hammers were drawn back. Now, Charley had his opportunity. He grasped a stone and hurled it at the man, shouting as loud as he could at the same time.
The stone fell short but it was sufficient distraction for Blake to draw his pistol and fire.
The man grunted—unhumph! The raised shotgun went off, a noise so unexpected it made Charley jump. Pellets rattled against the poles of the cabin. Blake fired again. The man spun round and fell on his back in the grass.
Charley walked stiff-legged, skirting around the man's body, pausing just long enough for a look that made his stomach turn. Blake called to him.
"Run, Charley. Down there." He pointed to a gully beyond the corral that descended into the woods beyond.
The boy ran. He heard shouts. More gunfire, then the sound of footsteps behind him.
John, I thoroughly enjoyed Blake's Rule from beginning to end. You always manage to keep the tension high and the story moving, and this was no exception. Congratulations on your release of Blake's Rule!
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt. Full of tension and danger. Congratulations on your new release.
ReplyDeleteI love the set up with a woman accused of murder and a cowboy charged with spiriting her and her children to safety...and there is the mystery of who really committed the crime to be solved. Very intriguing, John.
ReplyDeleteI wish you great success and my congratulations on your new release.
John,
ReplyDeleteYour stories always have the most intriguing layers in them. I've enjoyed every one I've read, and I'm looking forward to reading Blake's Rule. Best wishes on this release.
I have to say, John, the premise of your new novel is tremendous and the extract is certainly exciting enough to whet the appetite. I thoroughly enjoyed two of your other Sundown Press westerns - GERONIMO MUST DIE and THE TITHING HERD - and I imagine I'll enjoy BLAKE'S RULE just as much!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release,John. Blake's Rule sounds like a good mystery. Way to go.
ReplyDelete