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Frontier Marshal: A Coogan Mystery
U. S. Marshall Danny Coogan returns to his roots in Montana to settle into the sleepy town of Darwin with his pregnant wife. But as Danny races into town ahead of an early blizzard, the storms of his past threaten his future. Not only has the ambitions of the Ghost Buffalo Society set some of the local Indians on a path toward insurrection, but Danny’s best friend, Edmund Goodrunner, working undercover for the Tribal Council, has gone missing.
Soon, gunfire erupts in the town of Brokenrope on the Rez. Danny is first on the scene and calls in for backup. He realizes this was a deadly diversion, while back in Tennant Creek, three men have broken Ethan Iron Tail, a geologist working for the local mine, out of jail. During the break-out, a cop is shot, as is Danny’s wife, an innocent bystander. Soon, the FBI, State Police, Sheriff’s Department, and Tribal Police are involved, each with an eye on their brand of justice. Danny, as a U.S. Marshall, is caught in the middle of jurisdictional disputes while his wife’s life hangs in the balance in a surgical room in Darwin Memorial Hospital.
Danny knows what he needs to do as a discover the motives for these shootings, find Edmund, and stop the carnage. But as a man and a husband, he craves vengeance on the culprit who shot his wife.
Danny uncovers how simmering prejudices, unscrupulous greed, and the desperation of poverty have crept into the Dead Horse Indian Reservation. Danny ends up in a blizzard-impacted shoot-out that can either save himself, Edmund, and the community or lead down a warpath that promises further destruction. And in the balance, he faces the all-too-human desire for revenge against the morality he has just sworn to uphold as a lawman.
The flavor of westerns from the past woven into the fabric of current-day social issues provides fans of Craig Johnson and CJ Box with a new series of adventures. FRONTIER MARSHALL joins the earlier successes of FRONTIER JUSTICE and FRONTIER OUTLAWS. If you like western-flavored crime stories with realistic and resilient heroes, hot shoot-outs, and a smattering of wilderness humor, you’ll be thrilled to read THE COOGAN MYSTERY series.
Soon, gunfire erupts in the town of Brokenrope on the Rez. Danny is first on the scene and calls in for backup. He realizes this was a deadly diversion, while back in Tennant Creek, three men have broken Ethan Iron Tail, a geologist working for the local mine, out of jail. During the break-out, a cop is shot, as is Danny’s wife, an innocent bystander. Soon, the FBI, State Police, Sheriff’s Department, and Tribal Police are involved, each with an eye on their brand of justice. Danny, as a U.S. Marshall, is caught in the middle of jurisdictional disputes while his wife’s life hangs in the balance in a surgical room in Darwin Memorial Hospital.
Danny knows what he needs to do as a discover the motives for these shootings, find Edmund, and stop the carnage. But as a man and a husband, he craves vengeance on the culprit who shot his wife.
Danny uncovers how simmering prejudices, unscrupulous greed, and the desperation of poverty have crept into the Dead Horse Indian Reservation. Danny ends up in a blizzard-impacted shoot-out that can either save himself, Edmund, and the community or lead down a warpath that promises further destruction. And in the balance, he faces the all-too-human desire for revenge against the morality he has just sworn to uphold as a lawman.
The flavor of westerns from the past woven into the fabric of current-day social issues provides fans of Craig Johnson and CJ Box with a new series of adventures. FRONTIER MARSHALL joins the earlier successes of FRONTIER JUSTICE and FRONTIER OUTLAWS. If you like western-flavored crime stories with realistic and resilient heroes, hot shoot-outs, and a smattering of wilderness humor, you’ll be thrilled to read THE COOGAN MYSTERY series.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2025
178 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 25, 2025
Wanting more.
That was one hell of a homecoming for Danny and Ruth and of course Sunka. Trouble seems to fallow Danny and he gets more hurts and always stands on his own two feet. From the time he gets into town he gets I deep and has to puzzle put what the hell. Just another great read the writer puts you right in the middle if it all and you get to ride along. With every bump in the road and every gun fight you get to fell it all. Now we come to the end of book three so don't let me wait to long for book four. Could ask for a better read all I can say is WOW WOW!!! Bring it on.
That was one hell of a homecoming for Danny and Ruth and of course Sunka. Trouble seems to fallow Danny and he gets more hurts and always stands on his own two feet. From the time he gets into town he gets I deep and has to puzzle put what the hell. Just another great read the writer puts you right in the middle if it all and you get to ride along. With every bump in the road and every gun fight you get to fell it all. Now we come to the end of book three so don't let me wait to long for book four. Could ask for a better read all I can say is WOW WOW!!! Bring it on.
February 3, 2025
Best one yet
This hopefully is not the last in this series. The author is maybe thinking about #4. The mystery, the humor and how everyone plays their parts is excellent. The plight of modern day Native Americans is dreadful and this series touches on it without being preachy. Is there hope, I don’t know. Recommend this series highly.
This hopefully is not the last in this series. The author is maybe thinking about #4. The mystery, the humor and how everyone plays their parts is excellent. The plight of modern day Native Americans is dreadful and this series touches on it without being preachy. Is there hope, I don’t know. Recommend this series highly.
January 21, 2025
With an Ending Tear
I absolutely recommend Michael Cardwell's latest book. The author certainly has a unique writing style using the best descriptive phrases ever. A soldier's experience is evident as the story moves quickly through expertly researched Native American lands. The main character, Danny Coogan is still the humble, loveable hero I met in the first two books. I also enjoyed seeing his Navy SEAL father-in-law back in the action. The End...just perfect.
I absolutely recommend Michael Cardwell's latest book. The author certainly has a unique writing style using the best descriptive phrases ever. A soldier's experience is evident as the story moves quickly through expertly researched Native American lands. The main character, Danny Coogan is still the humble, loveable hero I met in the first two books. I also enjoyed seeing his Navy SEAL father-in-law back in the action. The End...just perfect.
December 3, 2025
Nothing in Montana comes easy....
Frontier Marshall, book 3 in the Frontier series, picks up the story of Danny Coogan after he has become a deputy US Marshall. His homecoming ends in gunfire and, again, Darwin, Montana is turned into a war zone. The writing is of the highest caliber, everything about the writing is exactly as it should be. This is another fun, unpredictable ride. 5/5 stars, highly recommended for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers! There is a reason that Cardwell is the only "western crime thriller" author I enjoy, he is that good!
Frontier Marshall, book 3 in the Frontier series, picks up the story of Danny Coogan after he has become a deputy US Marshall. His homecoming ends in gunfire and, again, Darwin, Montana is turned into a war zone. The writing is of the highest caliber, everything about the writing is exactly as it should be. This is another fun, unpredictable ride. 5/5 stars, highly recommended for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers! There is a reason that Cardwell is the only "western crime thriller" author I enjoy, he is that good!
August 22, 2025
A real treat. A complicated story involving a group of Indians wanting to break out on their own and destroy the "white man". A man has a dream about a white Buffalo being born when it is time for the Indians to fight. Well, a white Buffalo is born and that starts the rebellion. This is a very well-written book. We will all look forward to the next book. Recommended.
July 1, 2025
Now a US Marshal, Danny Coogan continues to fight crime his way. I really enjoy all of the realistic supporting characters and Danny's interactions with both friends and not friends on the Rez. Hopefully another book is coming soon!
February 28, 2026
Frontier Marshal
This was truly amazing great Book by this famous Author!! I totally enjoyed each and every page of this book, fill full of Action and Suspense and romance. Loved all the weapons and all of the shooting, with a fantastic ending!!
This was truly amazing great Book by this famous Author!! I totally enjoyed each and every page of this book, fill full of Action and Suspense and romance. Loved all the weapons and all of the shooting, with a fantastic ending!!
January 29, 2025
Frontier Marshall
A thoroughly enjoyable read, one were the action simply never stops. I can only hope that this series continues in its current format.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, one were the action simply never stops. I can only hope that this series continues in its current format.
February 23, 2025
I have read all 3 books and have learned and enjoyed them all. Keeps you guessing.
February 23, 2025
Montana Lawmen
I love the mixTure of characters and the history told about the American Indians.
I like is description on Montana. I reach for a map.
I love the mixTure of characters and the history told about the American Indians.
I like is description on Montana. I reach for a map.
March 17, 2025
Great book
Very exciting and lots of suspense who was
The killers & what did they want the ending was great gave you a great feeling
Very exciting and lots of suspense who was
The killers & what did they want the ending was great gave you a great feeling
July 15, 2025
Romping good time
Great read all bout grey area of the law, about family friends faith and the future, and how quickly life and liberty can change
Great read all bout grey area of the law, about family friends faith and the future, and how quickly life and liberty can change
October 2, 2025
Monkey business.
Interesting story, flowing writing style, good action. Good detail about life in Montana. Easy to read and follow. Worth reading.
Interesting story, flowing writing style, good action. Good detail about life in Montana. Easy to read and follow. Worth reading.
October 18, 2025
good read
Great book a lot of twists and turns good series can’t wait for the next one
Keep up the good work
Great book a lot of twists and turns good series can’t wait for the next one
Keep up the good work
November 15, 2025
Action packed
Cardwell doesn't disappoint! All the good guys live and a few bad guys too. How many ways a man get shot and
live to talk about it.
Cardwell doesn't disappoint! All the good guys live and a few bad guys too. How many ways a man get shot and
live to talk about it.
January 3, 2026
Make this series into movie
This is such a good story. I am amazed he is still alive. He is very smart, but does so many stupid things. I love the stories. Make a movie
This is such a good story. I am amazed he is still alive. He is very smart, but does so many stupid things. I love the stories. Make a movie
Read
January 16, 2026Indian uprising
This is a great book to read with all the action you can stand. Non stop for most of the book. Also has some good humor.
This is a great book to read with all the action you can stand. Non stop for most of the book. Also has some good humor.
February 22, 2026
fantastic
So much action, I could barely hang on. Danny IS an accident looking for a place to happen. Loved it! What’s next?
So much action, I could barely hang on. Danny IS an accident looking for a place to happen. Loved it! What’s next?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews