Dead Land: A Contemporary Western Mystery Series

by Chris Mullen

For fans of Craig Johnson and C. J. Box, Dead Land embarks on an exhilarating journey alongside Cass Callahan into the heart of Texas—where answers are scarce and perils run as deep and enduring as the Rio Grande.

Following a series of traumatic events, Cass and his wife Raven leave Houston for the refuge of their recently inherited West Texas ranch, the CR. But the tranquility they seek begins to unravel when they cross paths with enigmatic neighboring ranchers and the intolerable Levi Flint.

Against the backdrop of expansive landscapes, Cass’s resolve is tested. And when dead bodies are discovered on his land, he learns that the CR is concealing secrets darker than listless shadows. Uniting with the local sheriff, he delves into a world of deceit that threatens both truth and family safety—unveiling a mystery that stretches as far as the horizon.

Venture alongside Cass Callahan on a deadly journey into the heart of the CR, where danger and destiny are bound to intersect. Grab your copy of book one in this contemporary western mystery series today!

“Mullen’s new series starts with an absolute bang … Cass Callahan is a can’t-miss character.” —James Wade, two-time Spur Award-winning author of Beasts of the Earth

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Chris Mullen is an award-winning author, educator, and graduate of Texas A&M University from Richmond, Texas. Before becoming a full-time writer, he spent 23 years as a Kindergarten and PreK teacher, captivating his students with Rowdy adventures.

In 2021, he signed with Wise Wolf Books, launching the ROWDY series, which now includes six novels and two short stories (The Hunt and The River). His short story The River was featured in Ridin’ with the Pack, an anthology released by Wolfpack Publishing on December 26, 2023.

Chris also writes the Cass Callahan contemporary Western mystery series for Wolfpack Publishing. The series debuted in 2024 with Dead Land, followed by Kill Order and Hunting El Despiadado. Also, his short story, Hard to Kill was published in Ridin’ with the Pack, Vol. 2 in December 2024. More Cass Callahan adventures are on the way in 2025, including the novels Darkness Rising and Texas Terror.

Awards & Recognitions
•ROWDY~Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen
2023 Independent Press Distinguished Favorite
2022 The Wild Bunch Film Festival - Best 1st-Time Western Manuscript Writer
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult
2021 Selah Award Finalist - Westerns
2020 Best Book Finalist - Westerns
2020 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns

•ROWDY~Redemption
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult

•ROWDY~Dead or Alive
2023 Will Rogers Medallion Bronze Medal
2023 Sunny Side Up Film Festival Winner - Best Action/Adventure Western

•ROWDY~Rescue
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Finalist - Westerns

•ROWDY~To Catch a Killer
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns

•ROWDY~Return
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner

Chris’s work continues to attract readers of all ages. Stay connected through his website, chrismullenwrites.com, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok (@chrismullenwrites), and X (Twitter) @cmullenwrites.

Reviews

[Allison Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the beginning started a bit slow, I was glad I stuck with it because it was a terrific mystery in a great western setting. If you like C.J. Box or Craig Johnson (I like both), you'll like this book.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Dead Land on Kindle Unlimited right after meeting Chris Mullen at Bouchercon in New Orleans, and I tore through it. This isn’t just a western mystery—it’s a story anchored by Cass Callahan, a man with a rock-solid moral compass who loves his wife, his country, and the law. What really struck me was how Mullen balanced grit with tenderness: Cass is tough enough to face down danger on the CR ranch, but he’s also deeply respectful of Raven and her healing journey. That combination makes him an easy character to root for, and proof that westerns aren’t just for men—women can absolutely get swept up in these stories too.

What makes Dead Land work is how it layers mystery, suspense, and real-world challenges—like immigration and cartel violence—into the wide-open setting of West Texas. I half-expected the land itself to swallow Cass whole, but instead, he stands tall and grows into his role, all while navigating secrets, dead bodies, and complicated neighbors. Chance stole my heart as a favorite side character, and I’m excited to see how Cass evolves as both a rancher and a man, especially in his relationship with Flint. This first entry hooked me, and I can’t wait to see what Chris Mullen has in store next.

[Ian Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Land by Chris Mullen is a modern-day western thriller masterpiece. Chris has done an incredible job of building a great ‘who done it.’ This work of art, kept me excited as I clung to the pages anticipating turning the page to find out what happened next. The storyline of Cass Callahan and his wife, Raven, relocating to a ranch Cass inherited to move away from the past is captivating. The story is built with precision.

The characters are developed extremely well in this book. Cass, Raven, Flint, Chance, and so on are all distinct in their way. I found myself gravitating to their nuances and their past. Cass the lead character is one that we can all admire. A former law enforcement officer and servicemember whose character is impeccable. Raven’s past has not been kind to her but she is still a strong woman who loves her husband. Chance is the personification of law enforcement in a rugged western county. Flint, is the guy that is tough and rough around every edge imaginable. Chris does an incredible job of weaving all the characters in this book, flaws and all.

The story even hits on real issues we face today. The book does address challenges living in a West Texas county that borders Mexico. Chris does not shy away from that but confronts that reality head-on.

The level of detail and the breadcrumbs laid in this Western thriller is a complete work of art. This book contains some twists that are stunning as well as refreshing. Once I hit the first twist, I couldn’t put the book down. I had to finish it. Chris had lassoed my attention and steadily pulled me in.

Chris’ book flows easily and is refreshing to read. I was excited about this book when it was released, and it definitely lived up to and surpassed my enthusiasm. This is a great read. Chris Mullen has written another masterpiece. I look forward to the next book with good ole Cass Callahan in it.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey there, booklovers. I have a brand new series for you from Chris Mullen.

'Dead Land' is the first book in the Cass Callahan series that introduces us to Cass, a former cop who moved to a small town in West Texas with his wife, Raven, after she survived a terrible ordeal. They had inherited a huge ranch from Cass's grandfather and hoped to start a new life there. Raven is in a fragile state, and Cass hopes the small-town life might be the answer to her recovery. But trouble seems to follow them everywhere. Cass soon gets involved in a dangerous case involving murders, drugs, and corruption. He also has to face his own fears and doubts about his wife's recovery.

This book is a roller coaster of emotions. It has everything you could want in a thriller: action, suspense, romance, and humor. The characters are relatable and likable. The plot is gripping and surprising. The writing is smooth and captivating. If you are looking for a new series to get hooked on, look no further than the Cass Callahan series by Chris Mullen. You won't go wrong with this one; I am sure you will love it!

• ASIN: B0CMKR5ZB5
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/23/2024
• File Size: 4574 KB
• Print Length: 350 pages
• Genre: Mystery Series, Men's Adventure, Mystery Action Fiction

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - This author, known for his Western adventure series for middle and high school students, has taken the leap into an adult series. I’ve read a couple of his books, so I was intrigued when he announced this. Well, one chapter in and I wasn’t sure this was the same author. He has definitely kicked up his skills. His setting descriptions, personal relationships, and a ton of other good things have all been elevated to make this a delightful read.

Being a bit of a nit picker, there was one very minor disconnect about vehicles. I had trouble figuring out if I missed something or not. I chose to overlook the hiccup and continued the great read.

Mullen did a masterful job of bringing the Texas ranch to life. I also found the supporting characters, such as Chance and Dr. Frannie, incredibly compelling. I can’t wait to see how he continues to develop Cass and Raven’s new life using their well established past.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Land: A Contemporary Western Mystery Series (Cass Callahan Book 1)
by Chris Mullen
Chris Mullen has tried a new genre of fiction in this modern western. It shows a growth in his writing to focus on more adult themes and ideas. Diving into a current hot topic his description of gangs, cartels, and Texas backcountry is remarkable. The characters walk off the page, and you are immediately drawn to them. The story is more adult with adult content and violence. It shows the nature of the men and women in gangs, and cartels with brutal honesty. The heroics of the hero is real and honest, showing the inner turmoil of the law enforcement and borderland population.
Can't wait till March for book two.

[James Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Land rides in with dust on its boots and trouble in its eyes. Chris Mullen drops Cass Callahan into West Texas country where the sky is wide, the neighbors are tight-lipped, and the past never stays buried for long. The CR ranch is beautiful, brutal, and steeped in secret, and when bodies turn up, the story tightens like a cinch on a working saddle.

Mullen writes with a steady hand and a sharp eye for character, blending modern western grit with mystery that creeps rather than shouts. The tension builds naturally, the stakes feel personal, and the land itself becomes an unforgiving antagonist. Fans of Craig Johnson and C. J. Box will feel right at home. Dead Land is spare, atmospheric, and hits hard, like a truth you can’t outride.

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Land is a good fast read. Cass Callahan moves to West Texas to a ranch he inherited from his uncle. He and his wife, Raven, are trying to start over after a traumatic incident his wife endured. All is not as peaceful as he wished when the bodies start showing up on the ranch. The ranch borders the Rio Grande river separating the U.S. with Mexico. Cas has a lot of experience behind him. He was deployed in the army and then became a Detective. These skills help him to survive all the action that presents itself on the CR Ranch. I really hated to see the book end as it was very entertaining and a fast read with all the action. I look forward to the next book with more Cass action.

[Ronald Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

West Texas

Chris Mullen has put together a spellbinding thriller. He puts the reader right out there in the raw West Texas landscape like a horned lizard sunning on a rock on a warm Texas morning. Chris is a master of the metaphor and in Dead Land uses his talent to the utmost to bring the story to life. The dramatic conclusion of Book 1 gives us a hint that Cass Callahan has lit a fire that could have disastrous consequences in Book 2. Don't miss this modern West Texas mystery series!

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in a new contemporary western series featuring Cass Callahan, a former police officer who inherits his family ranch in a small Texas border town. Together with his wife Raven, a survivor of a traumatic event due to Cass's job, they encounter violence amid the border problems now faced by our Southern states. I really enjoyed how the situations they faced helped bring Cass and Raven closer together. I definitely want to read more in this series.

[David Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Mullen breaks new ground in this exciting Cass Callahan book about real-life problems on the Texas-Mexico border. This is a page-turning adventure you won't want to miss. Chris tells a wonderful story about events that are happening today.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for simple minds.

This book is a far cry from others in its category. How many ex service men and ex cops are supermen that can do all the right things just in time to save the day. I will not be reading book two, I have had enough naps trying to get through this one. In

[Rachel Santino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story and the characters. For its girth, the book reads quickly. I will definitely continue reading the series and look forward to seeing what happens to Cass Callahan and life on the CR.

[Thomas Cavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Mullen evokes the harsh beauty, genuine people, and border town dangers of remote West Texas. Take a ride with Cass Callahan across the CR ranch out past the cottonwoods, but you best grab that firearm before you saddle up. There just may be a body or two hidden somewhere in the bushes.

[Joseph A. Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Read this on Christmas dance and really a good book. Yes jcrime, death, action and more. Now an glad I picked it

[Georgia Fulenwider · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

Just finished my first Chris Mullen book and it did not disappoint! I had a hard time letting it down as I Can't wait for book 2!!!

[Nicholas Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Land kicks off what has become one of my favorite contemporary Western series. It’s fun, thoughtful, and well written. Chris Mullen keeps me coming back for more Cass Callahan!

[Carrie Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

The author keeps you on your toes from the first page to last. Good book and cant wait to finish the rest of the series.

[Drew- Pickleball Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first few pages as detectives are racing through the streets of Houston to sinister happenings on a desolate west Texas ranch, “Dead Land” is a contemporary western filled with high octane excitement and covers tough issues!

❤️‍🔥If you’re going to write any book, make sure the reader knows what the setting is! Mullen does this with excellent pop culture references that folks will relate to!! “It was as if she had been at a Taylor Swift concert where each note released another batch of endorphins that nearly had her flying. And, like a diehard fan, when it was all over and the encore had been played out, the last thing she wanted to do was leave.” I feel like I’m living and dealing with the tough issues of today discussed in this book!!! Especially when some youngblood doesn't know the Dukes of Hazzard! 🤣🤣