Central Kansas Library System

The proud tradition of Ralph Compton's epic Westerns carries on with the scintillating work of bestseller Joseph A. West. Blood on the Gallows features John McBride, a former New York City lawman who's moved west to pursue a more peaceful existence. But easy living just isn't in the cards. And when a town sheriff with a Texas-size chip on his shoulder decides to make trouble, McBride knows that one way or another, somebody's headed for an early grave....

Having not married in spite of their true feelings, cotton tycoon Mary Toliver DuMont and timber magnate Percy Warwick struggle with deceit, secrets, and tragedies that challenge their children and grandchildren in their small east Texas community.

"For thousands of years the lonely canyon knew only wind and rain, wild animals, and an occasional native hunter. Then a trapper found a chunk of gold, and everything changed overnight. In six days a town called Confusion appeared . . . and on the seventh it could disappear, consumed by the flames of lawlessness and violence. On one side are those who understand only brute force. On the other are men who want law and order but are ready to use a noose...