Abstract:
These novels begin the Will Ackley/Blake Watson series. Ackley and Watson are middle-aged gunfighters who side for a variety of young gunmen -- most of whom are in need of a little reforming -- which their steadfast help makes possible. In OUTLAW'S BRIDE they help Len Virgil, a former outlaw, win back the TJ ranch for the young woman whose life Virgil saved. In GATES' THIRD PROMISE they help their best friend Eric Gates save the life of a woman who had been shot, then help him prevent her forced marriage to a wealthy and ruthless man in San Francisco. In SQUATTERS RIGHTS, Will and Blake have no intention of helping Russ Findings, the young outlaw who came to their friend's rescue, but they ride along with him to see that he does not harm the homesteaders he claims he wants to help. When the outlaw takes up his own homestead, no one can believe the reason.