Bandera Pass — L.J. Washburn

On Hank Littleton's first assignment as a Texas Ranger, he shows how his crack-shot aim can stop the careful escape plan of a group of prisoners being escorted to Austin. Then his captain again pairs him with war veteran Joe Casebolt on a do-or-die assignment: catch the notorious band of robbers led by former lawman Isom Whitaker that is working the stages and rails near San Antonio.

The two Rangers soon conclude that this wouldn't be such a tough job if it were only the Whitaker gang causing all the trouble. But a lone bandit, and brother of the local sheriff, has been pulling some spectacular jobs of his own -- and leaving a trail of corpses half-way across Bandera County. The pursuit of the bandits follows a twisted path leading finally to Bandera Pass -- the perfect place for an ambush. It is there that Hank learns a truth that shatters the last of his innocence in this taut, suspenseful tale of deceit, justice, and revenge.

Livia J. (L.J.) Washburn has been writing professionally for over 30 years. Washburn received the Private Eye Writers of America award and the American Mystery award for the first Lucas Hallam mystery, WILD NIGHT. Her story “Panhandle Freight” a Hallam story, in The Traditional West anthology, was nominated for a Peacemaker award. She lives in the small Texas town she grew up in. and is married to New York Times bestselling western writer, James Reasoner. Her website is www.liviajwashburn.com