Savage Guns
Subtitle

By William W. Johnstone with J.A. Johnstone

       “I want one of two things,” King Bragg tells Sheriff Cotton Pickens. “To be proven innocent and cut loose or to die. I don’t want to be called an outlaw or a fugitive or a criminal on the run.”

Speaking from behind bars, Bragg is in jail for killing three men in a barroom. According to the accused killer, he doesn’t remember pulling the trigger. All he can recollect is walking into the bar, having a drink and then waking up on the floor with gunsmoke wafting over the scene.

“If I did it, I did it. If I didn’t, I didn’t,” King explains. “I have nothing more to say.”

Although the recalcitrant man may not be able to help the sheriff, his father and sister have plenty to say. Convinced King is innocent of any wrongdoing, they both insist Cotton find out who is really responsible for the deed.

As he does a little digging Cottons discovers that one of Puma County’s biggest ranchers, Crayfish Ruble, may be involved in the case. With some folks wanting to see King Bragg hang, others wanting to break him free, and still others struggling to keep their stories straight, Sheriff Pickens finds himself a beleaguered man.

The gallows is being constructed in Doubtful, Wyoming. The only question is who is going to mount the steps on execution day. Cotton doesn’t have much time, but he is determined see justice is done and to make sure the right man (or woman) swings.

The fact that he is dealing with the two most powerful families in the area who are pressuring him isn’t going to make the job easier, but Cotton already knew, when he accepted the badge, this was a thankless job that was never going to be easy.

If you have saddled up and ridden with William Johnstone before, you already know that this writer can spin a pretty darn good cowboy yarn. He won’t disappoint you with “Savage Guns”. It’s got all the elements to keep you reading until the trap door opens, the noose is stretched, and the villain swings!