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Trail to Brimstone: A Classic Western Novel

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In the unforgiving Wild West, a man’s reputation can be as deadly as his aim.

Dane Calder is known for one never missing his mark. As a seasoned bounty hunter, he’s set his sights on the notorious Cottrell gang, infamous for their ruthless crimes across the frontier. With a lucrative bounty on their heads, Dane plans to offer them a simple choice—surrender to justice or meet their fates in a gun blazing showdown.

Tracking the dwindling outlaws through rugged terrain, Dane faces deceptive tactics that test even his seasoned abilities. And as each confrontation blurs the line between hunter and hunted and he closes in on the gang’s elusive leader, a final showdown looms that will not only test his skill but also force him to make a choice that will define his legacy in the annals of the West.

In a land where bullets speak louder than words, can Dane Calder deliver a reckoning on the bloody trail to Brimstone?

Experience the gripping intensity of the Old West in this classic Western adventure today!

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

616 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Robert Vaughan

449 books135 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.

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5 stars
490 (58%)
4 stars
229 (27%)
3 stars
88 (10%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
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9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Anthony.
7,294 reviews31 followers
January 20, 2026
Dane Calder is known throughout as "the" Bounty Hunter and has set his sights on bringing in the Cottrell gang a bunch of blood thirsty, nefarious, and bank robbing, murdering no accounts. The final showdown, when all is said and done, leads to Brimstone.
69 reviews
October 27, 2024
Another outstanding western!

Trail to Brimstone: A Classic Western Novella in another outstanding western written by renowned western author Robert Vaughan and a must read.
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,649 reviews63 followers
September 18, 2024
Fellow Western readers, here's another one from the Master himself, Robert Vaughan.

"Trail to Brimstone" by Robert Vaughan is a captivating Western novella that transports readers to the rugged terrains of the American frontier. The story revolves around Dane Calder, a seasoned bounty hunter known for his unfailing pursuit of outlaws. His latest quest? The formidable Cottrell gang. Vaughan's narrative prowess weaves a tale of grit, honor, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Vaughan's mastery in character development shines as Calder's journey unfolds. The bounty hunter's encounters with the treacherous gang members are not just physical confrontations but also moral quandaries, challenging his principles and resolve. The novella's setting is a character in itself, with the harshness of the Wild West mirroring the inner turmoil of the characters.

The suspense escalates with each chapter as Calder navigates through deceit and betrayal. Vaughan skillfully builds up to an intense climax, ensuring readers are on the edge of their seats, rooting for Calder. The showdown between Calder and the Cottrell gang is not only a battle of wits and guns but also a defining moment that tests the very essence of Calder's character. So, my friends, "Trail to Brimstone" is a must-read for Western enthusiasts and those who relish a story well told. Vaughan's ability to blend action, psychological depth, and vivid scenery makes for an unforgettable reading experience. This novella is a testament to the timeless appeal of the Western genre and Robert Vaughan's enduring legacy as a storyteller. Don't miss it; grab your copy today!

• ASIN: B0D3HT526Q
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 9/17/2024
• File Size: 4075 KB
• Print Length: 169 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Western Fiction Classics - Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
Profile Image for Brent Towns.
Author 126 books108 followers
July 15, 2025
Dane Calder is a bounty hunter hard on the trail of the Cottrell gang. The outlaws hit the town of Thunder Ridge where they rob the bank. However, their misdeed is discovered and during their escape they are involved in a vicious shootout where two of them are wounded and a teacher and child are shot and killed.
Enter Dane Calder. He'd been following the Cottrell gang for the bounty and before he knows what is happening, he finds himself in a cell next to the two outlaws who were captured and sentenced to hang.
Cottrell though isn't about to let his men stretch rope.
Calder almost dies in the ensuing escape as the outlaws are blasted free.
Before long Calder is hot on their trail again and after a series of gun battles, it all comes to a head in a town called Brimstone.

“Robert Vaughan’s storytelling shines in this gritty Western, a bold homage to the timeless clash between good and evil.”

This book was a great read and well written. Keeps moving forward with plenty of action and would suit first time readers or the ones who love everything western. This is my first Dane Calder story even if it wasn't the first in the series. However, it won't be the last.
You should try it too. You won't be sorry.
1,401 reviews13 followers
October 24, 2024
This fast !moving series of ongoing excitement will definitely keep you turning pages!

Another five star sensation that will pacify anyone's desired expectations, and the Author's explicit, and descriptive, action packed storylines are entertaining, to say the least!
The character selections will definitely appease anyone's desired expectations from beginning to end! I was hooked from beginning to end, as each new endeavor was more entertaining than the previous one!
Definitely recommend this outstanding story to all readers, regardless of your normal reading desires! Try it! You will love it, I assure you!!!😃

Profile Image for FredM2.
294 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2024
Trail to Brimstone is a bounty hunter action story with twists and turns. Dane Calder is known as The Bounty Hunter. More times than not his outlaws are brought in dead. He gives them the chance to surrender but more times than not they try him and get thrown over the saddle and tied on. He is after a truly vicious gang that leaves most of their victims dead. Dane comes close sometimes to them but they keep getting away. He gets the one by one but they leave a path of dead behind them. It is a good read with suspense and action throughout.
Profile Image for Lee Tyner.
214 reviews
September 29, 2024
Decent Horse Opera With Glaring Flaw

Overall, it was a turn-a-page horse opera like many others. That’s OK, and it had decent action. I didn’t care for Vaughan using diction that is more Princeton than old west, dropping it to 4 stars. However, there is a whopper of an error about halfway through the book when he very briefly describes a huge point of the story that deserved 4 to 5 chapters. Instead, it got half a page or so. What the heck? It was very odd.

Also, there were a few goofs regarding horsemanship and period items such as food, etc.
25 reviews
January 28, 2025
Dane Calder

Is at it again! I really enjoyed reading this book. The author kept my attention throughout the entire book.
There were only a few parts that were wordy, but he was just trying to help those that can visualize descriptive settings (I'm just not one of them).
I highly recommend this book! And the other 2 books that are about Dane Calder.
I hope that there will be more about Calder soon.
731 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2024
The Bountyhunter

This was an excellent and extremely well written western! The author captures your attention and leads you to read on. The book is full of action and intrigue and makes it near impossible to put down. Truly one of the absolute best westerns I've read and would highly recommend it!
41 reviews
March 11, 2025
Oh yes! Tension and excitement indeed

I totally enjoyed this unputdownable thriller from start to finish. I didn't even miss the usual descriptions of the landscape, which I find entertaining. It was just a Bounty Hunter, with a one-track mind, determined to catch his felons and collect his bounty. No frills.
Profile Image for Loretta Gabriel.
843 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2024
A real thriller.

The author has written a very good and fast paced story of a gangster crime spree and a bounty hunters guest to bring them to justice one way or another. Great story with a lot of excitement.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews145 followers
January 13, 2025
Bounty Hunter Deluxe🐺🔫🐎💀

ADULT Historical Western Adventure 🐺🔫💪🔪🐎💀
Dane is a bounty hunter who gives no quarter To those bad men he hunts down. But he is also a hero To those who are avenged.
I got this e-book from Amazon 📚 with kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Joshua Bunnell.
Author 10 books1 follower
January 27, 2025
Good Pulp Western Story

The story was well written v with good characters. The book was full of action on nearly every page with the hero coming through nearly unscathed. Would recommend to any fans of pulp western fiction.
537 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2025
Trail to Brimstone

It appears that the MC is totally devoid of feelings and seeks justice and retribution against the perpetrators and evil intended men and women of the west. His determination and fortitude is his trademark and total focus.
37 reviews
April 16, 2025
Good, but Too Short

Not my favorite of Robert Vaughn’s books so far. It was too short. No side stories, just a straight hunt for the bad guys. And, Dane, the main character had to be the luckiest person ever.
149 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2025
Trail to Brimstone

I would recommend reading this book. It was a little slow at the beginning, but it turned out to be a very good Western read with lots of action,determination and meaning. On to my next book and adventure.

Keep reading, so much better than any movie!!
5 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2024
Good quick read

Too quick but the story held my attention. Characters could have been developed more. Couldn't imagine the Landscape in this story
Profile Image for LUAYNE.
1,953 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2024
Good read

Dane Calder is part cat. My opinion. He is shot, shot at, knocked from cliffs, beat half to death, and still completes his bounty hunting.
429 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2024
Western justice...m

The determination to follow the outlaws to the end carried over to my continuing to read. A story that is gripping throughout.
10 reviews
June 23, 2025
Bounty hunter extraordinary

Dane Calder is a believable hero that you can't help to cheer for. situations are reasonable and exciting. Nice to have a western writer to enjoy.
Profile Image for Matt Gamed.
18 reviews
July 3, 2025
Just ok. Typical western fare. Nothing groundbreaking just a good classic read. Took a star away due to multiple typos and some of those made me laugh out loud.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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