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A Heap of Killing: A Classic Western Adventure
Bestselling author Robert Vaughan’s fan favorite Lucas Cain is back with another fast-paced action and adventure tale set in the old wild west.
First introduced in Vaughan’s A Rambling Man, Lucas Cain is back in the saddle, searching for some peace of mind and some solace after the loss of his wife and newborn child. He has continued his traveling from town to town, an itinerant lawman focused on capturing the bad guys for whatever amount is on the wanted papers for them. Local sheriffs and marshals, though initially wary of him, come to love him because does what he does without pay–other than the reward money.
Cain finds himself in some tough spots, but always manages to stay one step–and one fast bullet–ahead of the outlaws he seeks. Dudley Stewart and his gang just might be the ones to stop that, though…
On a lazy crime spree throughout the southwest, Stewart and his renegades have, up to now, been cutting a path of death, destruction, and loss through many a town…until Lucas Cain gets wind of their actions and gets it into his head to end the reign of terror with a hail of bullets…
First introduced in Vaughan’s A Rambling Man, Lucas Cain is back in the saddle, searching for some peace of mind and some solace after the loss of his wife and newborn child. He has continued his traveling from town to town, an itinerant lawman focused on capturing the bad guys for whatever amount is on the wanted papers for them. Local sheriffs and marshals, though initially wary of him, come to love him because does what he does without pay–other than the reward money.
Cain finds himself in some tough spots, but always manages to stay one step–and one fast bullet–ahead of the outlaws he seeks. Dudley Stewart and his gang just might be the ones to stop that, though…
On a lazy crime spree throughout the southwest, Stewart and his renegades have, up to now, been cutting a path of death, destruction, and loss through many a town…until Lucas Cain gets wind of their actions and gets it into his head to end the reign of terror with a hail of bullets…
- GenresWesterns
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
478 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Robert Vaughan
441 books131 followers Robert Vaughan is an American writer. He has also written a series of contemporary and historical romance novels under several pseudonyms including "Paula Moore" and "Paula Fairman". His father served in the military and Robert followed him in the 1950s, entering army aviation. He served until the Vietnam War and won numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with several oak-leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several other medals.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 1, 2024
Fellow Western readers, here is the next book in the Lucas Cain series.
Robert Vaughan's "A Heap of Killing" is a riveting addition to the Lucas Cain series, offering a deep dive into the tumultuous life of a wandering lawman. The novel follows Lucas Cain as he traverses the Southwest, driven by a quest for peace after personal tragedy. His path is one of righteousness, seeking justice for the wronged and retribution for the wicked. The narrative thrusts Cain into the path of Frank Baylor and his gang, notorious outlaws on a spree of destruction across the frontier. Vaughan crafts a tale of suspense and action as Cain, with his unwavering moral compass, resolves to halt their reign of terror. The story is a classic Western adventure filled with gunfights, moral dilemmas, and the harsh realities of 19th-century frontier justice.
Vaughan's storytelling is exemplary, capturing the essence of the Western genre while infusing it with a modern sensibility. His depiction of Cain is multifaceted, portraying a man who is both a hardened gunslinger and a grieving widower. The character's depth is a standout feature of the novel, inviting readers to explore the complexities of a man seeking solace in a lawless land. "A Heap of Killing" is a testament to Vaughan's ability to weave a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a must-read for fans of the genre and a perfect entry point for newcomers to the series. With its richly drawn characters and vivid portrayal of the Old West, the book stands as a shining example of contemporary Western fiction.
• ASIN: B0C3J9ZKNC
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 5/30/2023
• File Size: 4151 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Genre: Western Fiction Classics - Westerns - Action & Adventure Fiction
Robert Vaughan's "A Heap of Killing" is a riveting addition to the Lucas Cain series, offering a deep dive into the tumultuous life of a wandering lawman. The novel follows Lucas Cain as he traverses the Southwest, driven by a quest for peace after personal tragedy. His path is one of righteousness, seeking justice for the wronged and retribution for the wicked. The narrative thrusts Cain into the path of Frank Baylor and his gang, notorious outlaws on a spree of destruction across the frontier. Vaughan crafts a tale of suspense and action as Cain, with his unwavering moral compass, resolves to halt their reign of terror. The story is a classic Western adventure filled with gunfights, moral dilemmas, and the harsh realities of 19th-century frontier justice.
Vaughan's storytelling is exemplary, capturing the essence of the Western genre while infusing it with a modern sensibility. His depiction of Cain is multifaceted, portraying a man who is both a hardened gunslinger and a grieving widower. The character's depth is a standout feature of the novel, inviting readers to explore the complexities of a man seeking solace in a lawless land. "A Heap of Killing" is a testament to Vaughan's ability to weave a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a must-read for fans of the genre and a perfect entry point for newcomers to the series. With its richly drawn characters and vivid portrayal of the Old West, the book stands as a shining example of contemporary Western fiction.
• ASIN: B0C3J9ZKNC
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 5/30/2023
• File Size: 4151 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Genre: Western Fiction Classics - Westerns - Action & Adventure Fiction
October 17, 2025
Lucas Cain returns. There is a bit of an episodic feel to this novel, as the protagonist moves from bounty to bounty (it almost feels like a serial). Lots of action, but not a whole lot of plot in this one. It's occasionally silly, but I couldn't stop reading. In the end it was good, but I preferred A Rambling Man: A Classic Western Adventure.
Next: Ghost Coach: A Classic Western Adventure.
Next: Ghost Coach: A Classic Western Adventure.
June 6, 2023
Lucas Cain is a Man You Don’t Want To Mess With!
Another good yarn spun by Robert Vaughn! Lucas Cain once again has proved to be relentless in his pursuit of outlaws no matter what it takes. The story has ebbs and flows throughout but as you are reading you have confidence that Lucas will prevail.
A real good “shoot em up”. One mystery is, will we see Cindy again in the future? Read it and you may wonder too!
Another good yarn spun by Robert Vaughn! Lucas Cain once again has proved to be relentless in his pursuit of outlaws no matter what it takes. The story has ebbs and flows throughout but as you are reading you have confidence that Lucas will prevail.
A real good “shoot em up”. One mystery is, will we see Cindy again in the future? Read it and you may wonder too!
January 31, 2024
Disappointed
Big change in plot. I recognize this is a dime store western but to go from the seemingly quick easy captures found in book one to this 6 month stumble and bumble quest was too big a change in character. the multiple page cut and paste from the previous book also surprised me . Not what I would call RV's typical work. Poorly done
Big change in plot. I recognize this is a dime store western but to go from the seemingly quick easy captures found in book one to this 6 month stumble and bumble quest was too big a change in character. the multiple page cut and paste from the previous book also surprised me . Not what I would call RV's typical work. Poorly done
June 9, 2023
A real exciting and thrilling story. Thank
The author has written a great story of the old West about a man that makes it his aim and goal to track down the most wanted criminals with large rewards. A fast and action packed story of the West that kept you entertained.
The author has written a great story of the old West about a man that makes it his aim and goal to track down the most wanted criminals with large rewards. A fast and action packed story of the West that kept you entertained.
February 8, 2024
Dealing with cruel hardened criminals brings a hardness.
It's like our hero lost some of his humanity. He has become colder and less caring. I hope he finds himself in the next book. Recommended for adult readers.
It's like our hero lost some of his humanity. He has become colder and less caring. I hope he finds himself in the next book. Recommended for adult readers.
June 7, 2023
Lame
Really a poor story. His other books were much better. This showed how easy it was in the West to kill.
Really a poor story. His other books were much better. This showed how easy it was in the West to kill.
June 14, 2023
Quick read
A good quick read. Nothing noteworthy, standard horse opera. Some character development, lots action. Fun diversion with gun smoke. I
A good quick read. Nothing noteworthy, standard horse opera. Some character development, lots action. Fun diversion with gun smoke. I
June 18, 2023
Heap Of Killing
This was an extremely disappointing “western adventure “! Robert Vaughan can do better than this poorly conceived plot. I is a waste of good paper and ink!
This was an extremely disappointing “western adventure “! Robert Vaughan can do better than this poorly conceived plot. I is a waste of good paper and ink!
June 28, 2023
The characters were robotic. They needed fleshing out. They had no personality. The hero reminded me of Yul Brynner in Westworld. Stomping through the story . Stiff. Unstoppable. Boring.
August 29, 2023
another good western
Great fast read. Looking for the next Lucas Cain story soon. Hope it’s as good as this one. Can’t wait
Great fast read. Looking for the next Lucas Cain story soon. Hope it’s as good as this one. Can’t wait
September 18, 2023
Robert Vaughan
This author is about as good as it gets. He has a nice flow to his words and it is a cant put it down book
This author is about as good as it gets. He has a nice flow to his words and it is a cant put it down book
September 20, 2023
Exciting & Unpredictable Western
This book is a cleverly scripted Western The plot has many unexpected twists and yet is logical. The characterization is well done.
This book is a cleverly scripted Western The plot has many unexpected twists and yet is logical. The characterization is well done.
November 28, 2023
pretty good story
So far this is a good series. Good main character. Lots of action and adventurers and new characters. Can’t wait for more of this characters adventures
So far this is a good series. Good main character. Lots of action and adventurers and new characters. Can’t wait for more of this characters adventures
March 4, 2024
Excellent once more.
Robert Vaughan tells the great stories of the old west. “Lucas Cain” has many bad men in this one to pursue. Excellent !
Robert Vaughan tells the great stories of the old west. “Lucas Cain” has many bad men in this one to pursue. Excellent !
April 22, 2024
fun read
Well Lucas Cain does it again! Rides all over the west killing bad guys galore. Seldom getting a scratch but when he does within a short time he’s all set to ride again….
Well Lucas Cain does it again! Rides all over the west killing bad guys galore. Seldom getting a scratch but when he does within a short time he’s all set to ride again….
April 24, 2025
The title says it all
There must be more people shot in this story than in a whole year in the American west! As such the story becomes untenable, even though fairly well written.
There must be more people shot in this story than in a whole year in the American west! As such the story becomes untenable, even though fairly well written.
May 1, 2025
Very good story!
I enjoyed this book a lot! Very good reading! The storyline was great and you even get meet some people from book #1!
I enjoyed this book a lot! Very good reading! The storyline was great and you even get meet some people from book #1!
May 8, 2025
Better than the first
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews