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Hidden Hero: A Classic Western Novel

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SECRETS, LOVE, AND GUNFIGHTS COLLIDE IN THE OLD WEST.

Smith is just a barroom piano player in Casper, Wyoming, with a secret—the kind of secret that gets men killed.

When young Eliza Whitlock arrives in town, she quickly falls in love with Smith. But an ambitious man working for her father, a stagecoach tycoon, has other plans for Eliza—and for the town of Casper. His scheme is destroy the local stage line, take control of the town, and force Eliza into a marriage, earning her father's approval in the process.

As bullets fly and the townsmen take sides in the fight for the lucrative stage route in and out of Casper, Smith digs his heels in to help the town. Too bad a gunslick discovers his secret in the process and decides to give the piano man a one-way ticket to hell.

Will hidden hero Smith survive the deadly schemes and save Casper? Dive into this gripping Western tale and find out!

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

854 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Robert Vaughan

454 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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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,649 reviews63 followers
October 15, 2024
Robert Vaughan's 'Hidden Hero' - A Riveting Tale of Secrets and Survival in the Old West

Robert Vaughan, a prolific author with a career spanning over five decades and nearly 500 books, has once again captivated readers with his latest Western novel, 'Hidden Hero.' This gripping tale is set in the rugged landscape of Casper, Wyoming, and follows the enigmatic barroom piano player, Smith, who harbors a deadly secret that could cost him his life. The storyline weaves a complex web of love, ambition, and betrayal as young Eliza Whitlock arrives in town, falling for Smith, unaware of the looming danger. The plot thickens when an ambitious man, working for Eliza's father—a stagecoach tycoon—unveils a nefarious plan to seize control of the town and force Eliza into a marriage that serves his own interests. As the conflict escalates, bullets fly, allegiances shift, and the fate of Casper hangs in the balance.

Vaughan's narrative prowess shines through in 'Hidden Hero' as he deftly explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the quest for justice. His characters are richly drawn, with Smith's mysterious past and the resilient townsfolk adding depth to the high-stakes drama. The novel promises a blend of secrets, love, and gunfights, delivering all the hallmarks of a classic Western adventure. For fans of the genre, 'Hidden Hero' is a must-read that offers a fresh take on the timeless struggle between good and evil in the American frontier. Vaughan's latest work is a testament to his enduring ability to spin a yarn that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a story that resonates with the spirit of the Old West, reminding us why we continue to be fascinated by this era of American history. So drop everything and get your copy today!

• ASIN: B0DGNXXVLV
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 10/15/2024
• File Size: 4408 KB
• Print Length: 215 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Western Fiction Classics - Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
26 reviews
November 9, 2024
A Must Read

This Western depicts in my mind true human nature in the old West with an interesting and unexpected twist at the end. Can't say human nature is inherently evil although the characters made me wonder at times! Character development was very thorough and believable in most cases. I thought the main female role needed shoring up despite her newness to the West; she was too innocent although she did grow as the book progressed. This was a good read and highly recommended for you Western fans!
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews147 followers
December 9, 2024
Western mystery💀 Man🐺🔫🐎

ADULT Historical Western Adventure 🐺🔫💪🐎and Romance 💕.
This is an interesting book because it has 2 mysteries going on at the same time.
I really enjoyed this novel Because it is somewhat different than many of the western genre books📚 I have been reading.
It's a good story and well written And a real page turner.

I got this e-book from Amazon 📚 with kindle unlimited.
71 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2025
Hidden Hero by Robert Vaughan

Mr. Vaughan has done it again, an exceptional novel for sure. I really liked how this story developed and how each character was presented and added to the reading. I always try to guess and think what will be coming next as I read, but in this one there were many surprises that made it very interesting. The biggest turn of events happens in the last 10 pages and caught me unprepared for its value in the Novel’s conclusion. A great read!!
110 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2024
Well written with a lot of hidden agendas

I had no idea who was who and what was going on. But it was a well written story, with intrigue, romance, and of course, violence, couldn't be a good western story without that!
Thank you for an enjoyable read Mr Vaughan, and truly, thank you for your service for our great country!
Profile Image for FredM2.
307 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2024
HIDDEN HERO keeps you guessing from the start even if you don't know it. It has action, suspense, and mystery. The bad guys appear to be winning until something unexpected happens. It was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to western readers.
25 reviews
April 22, 2025
Hidden Hero

Thank you Robert Vaughan for the Hidden Hero novel.
It’s the best western novel I’ve ever read. It was excellent from the beginning to the surprise at the end.
Thanks again
S.D. Malone


172 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2025
Enjoyable story with some surprises along the way.

Enjoyed reading this as the storyline progressively became more intriguing. There were some surprises that kept my interests up throughout the story.
100 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2024
Excellent

Just when you think you have it figured out, you find out you're half right. Just the right mix of twists and turns to keep you glued to the book. Read it and see.
118 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2024
Outstanding

I thoroughly enjoyed this story completely different from most western and the the ending was a complete surprise. Good stuff.
73 reviews
November 3, 2024
Good story

This book lives up to its name “Hidden Hero”. Robert Vaughan is an outstanding writer, author of the western novel.
Profile Image for Carl Borovec.
6 reviews
November 27, 2024
Great read

Great story with great action, believable and fun. Hope to see more like it. Keep them coming please. Thank you.
452 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
Gun fighters and hidden identities.....

The actions of the brave against the blood thirsty, makes for an entertaining and great tale. Enjoy as I did.
108 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2025
Great

I loved the story and I'm sure that some of these incidents actually happened. I also see some of those same scenes happening in this day and age.
102 reviews
January 26, 2025
Another Good Book From Robert Vaughan

Mr. Vaughan writes a good book and he never disappoints me. I am going download the next book now! Thanks
11 reviews
February 8, 2025
Suspenseful and Intriguing

I don't review books, I just enjoy reading them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A great western story, with exciting plot twists.
98 reviews
April 5, 2025
hidden Hero

Good read, good story, and one that had a good and interesting story that moved along very well. Held my interest all the way,!!
Dave Cochran
39 reviews
April 12, 2025
Another Great Story

Very exciting and enjoyable page turner. I loved the ending, and was very surprised. You’ll love it too, but you’ll have to read the book to find out!
2 reviews
December 19, 2025
Loved this book

It makes me want to read it again, soon. Lots of surprises and kept me interested all the way through. Excellent read.
1 review
March 29, 2026
Review for Hidden Hero

Thank you for the great read. Ending was a great surprise.. And not seem coming. Am planning on reading more of your stories.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews