Wrangled

by Clair M. Poulson

When he’s not risking life and limb on the back of a bronc, local rodeo star Ken Jensen runs a private investigation firm in his small Utah town. With the help of his friend and fellow investigator Dallas Welch, Ken has wrangled cattle thieves and dodged bullets. But none of that prepares him for his latest case.

When a mysterious phone call from a frantic young man sends Ken and Dallas leaping into action, they find an injured rodeo performer named Herbie whose run of bad luck has turned sinister. With the help of Ken’s fiancée, Kamry, the team launches an investigation—but although it’s not their first rodeo, the pieces just don’t fit. Herbie isn’t the only target of a twisted plot, and as they inch closer to the truth, Ken and his team find themselves directly in the path of a deadly foe determined to put them six feet under.

Genres: Suspense

304 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2024

About the author

Clair M. Poulson was born and raised in Duchesne, Utah. His father was a rancher and farmer, his mother a librarian. Clair has always been an avid reader, having found his love for books as a very young boy.

He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.

In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.

Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.

Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.

Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good luck keeping track of all the characters and especially all the bad guys and gals. That over abundance of characters made for a bit of a convoluted story. There were soooo many miracles that it was a little over the top. It was also hard to believe that people could physically survive after all the two main characters went through. It was still a captivating story and overall I enjoyed it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of action and things happening. I kind of feel bad for the main characters as I repeatedly wondered how many horribly bad things can happen in one book? In most of the mystery books I've read the detectives are given clues and leads that help them solve the case. This book was different as the detectives never had any good clues or leads. The bad guys kept striking and trying to stop the detectives from finding clues which eventually led them to get caught. I was surprised when the motive for the crimes was made known as it seemed really petty. All of the deaths and destruction was over that? Overall it was an interesting read with a lot of action. 

[Kevin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Clair Poulson's latest book and it kept me on my seat right from the start. This is another rodeo story about jealously among riders and a parent. Don't read this if you can't take murder, mayhem and straight out dangerous people that don't have any regard for human life. The story involves three Pi's, an older man and a much younger man and his girlfriend. All members of the story get hurt in so manner or other and others get flat out killed. This isn't for the faint of heart, so you have been warned.

[Ann Topham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Cowboy PI, but could be a stand alone. Cowboy and Private investigator Ken Jensen, along with his Partner Dallas Welch and his fiancé and secretary Kamry Lyon, begin this story again at the rodeo.
Another cowboy is a no show and the trio find him beaten up and nearly dead near the rodeo grounds. Finding his attackers and the reason behind the attack plays out over the pages of this story!

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a fast-paced mystery with a cowboy twist, Wrangled delivers. Ken Jensen, a rodeo star who moonlights as a private investigator, jumps into a wild new case when a late-night call leads him and his partner, Dallas, to a seriously injured rodeo performer. What looks like a streak of bad luck turns out to be something much darker.

The fast-paced plot keeps readers guessing as Ken, Dallas, and Kamry uncover a web of deceit that stretches far beyond a string of bad luck. Ken’s loyalty, Kamry’s strength, and Dallas’s sharp wit make them an unforgettable trio.

Full of danger, heart, and cowboy charm, Wrangled is a thrilling ride through small-town secrets and rodeo arenas.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I'm feeling a bit more generous lately when I do the star rating.

Mr. Poulson's writing isn't great literature. Sometimes it even feels pretty basic or even maybe "slight". But I give him a lot of credit for keeping it clean, and not shying away from his religion. I like that people (even in fiction) can credit our Maker for the good in our lives.

That said, this book seemed a bit edgier - lots of dead bodies. And some people who are truly evil. I did, read it in an afternoon and enjoyed it.

[Brent · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read most of his books and enjoyed several of them. I'm trying hard to finish this one because I want to know what happens. However the dialog in this one is so corny and that's being kind. With his background you would think he would make the law enforcement parts at least somewhat realistic but, oh well. I'll keep plugging on to get through it. He's certainly done better.

[Wayne Cable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible, suspense filled novel

I was deeply involved in this novel from page one! It is a great pleasure to read novels written by members of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I hope you will continue for many years!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a long time fan of Clair Poulson, but this was not one of my favorites. There was plenty of adventure and suspense involved, but I felt that there was a great deal of repetition. It seemed that on every page someone was being kidnapped or shot at. There wasn't much variety in the story.

[Jaris Boothman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Clair does not disappoint with his novels! It definitely had me wanting more! I love the rodeo and horses so I definitely get a joy out of his stories! Overall, would definitely recommend this book to anyone

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action packed suspense novel you don't want to miss!

[Christy Peterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it, the writing was just so bad. Even at 2x the speed.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book from Weber Library so sad that men can hate others because they are better at something than they are. Sorry book of hate. Killed and tried to kill many more

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contained lots of violent acts. There were beatings, kidnappings, killings, shootings, and stabbings.

[Caroline Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for me