Bullet for a Ranger — James J. Griffin

In Bullet for a Ranger, the latest novel in the Texas Ranger Jim Blawcyzk series, Jim is locked in a jail cell in the town of Quitaque, accused of murdering a saloon woman while in a drunken rage. Even though the idea of the happily married, loyal family man, non-drinking and church-going Blawcyzk being involved with a saloon entertainer, then killing her, is extremely far-fetched, the evidence against the Ranger Lieutenant is so strong even he has to admit he stands a good chance of being convicted. Worse, Jim has no recollection of the night or the events in question. His only sure ally is the priest from the local Catholic mission, and even the good padre has his doubts about Blawcyzk's innocence. Hoped-for help from one of his fellow Rangers has failed to materialize, and the date for Blawcyzk's trial is fast approaching. Somehow, Jim must figure out who is really the woman's killer, or face a quick hanging. Solving the mystery from his cell is proving to be an almost insurmountable task.