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Harper's Justice #1
The Rustler Hunter: A Traditional Western Adventure
When forty-one successful manhunts have made you a legend, there's nowhere to go but down.
J.J. Westin, the infamous Rustler Hunter, goes undercover at Arizona Territory's largest cattle ranch to expose the thieves bleeding it dry. The rustlers aren't just stealing cattle—they're operating from inside the bunkhouse, trusted cowboys by day, outlaws by night.
What Westin doesn't expect is Hayley Harper, the tough-as-nails cook who's got secrets of her own. She's the daughter of notorious outlaw Galen Harper and a Pinkerton agent working the same case. When their covers are blown and bullets start flying, they discover this isn't just about rustled cattle—it's a network of corruption stretching across three territories.
With a target on their backs and enemies closing in, the legendary manhunter and the outlaw's daughter must work together to survive. But in the badlands of 1898 Arizona, trust is a luxury they can't afford—and justice comes at the end of a rifle.
J.J. Westin, the infamous Rustler Hunter, goes undercover at Arizona Territory's largest cattle ranch to expose the thieves bleeding it dry. The rustlers aren't just stealing cattle—they're operating from inside the bunkhouse, trusted cowboys by day, outlaws by night.
What Westin doesn't expect is Hayley Harper, the tough-as-nails cook who's got secrets of her own. She's the daughter of notorious outlaw Galen Harper and a Pinkerton agent working the same case. When their covers are blown and bullets start flying, they discover this isn't just about rustled cattle—it's a network of corruption stretching across three territories.
With a target on their backs and enemies closing in, the legendary manhunter and the outlaw's daughter must work together to survive. But in the badlands of 1898 Arizona, trust is a luxury they can't afford—and justice comes at the end of a rifle.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
280 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2025
7 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Sloane
4 books8 followersR.J. Sloane captures the raw spirit of the American frontier in action-packed westerns that don't shy away from the harsh realities of territorial justice. Drawing inspiration from modern classics like Longmire, Yellowstone, and Murdoch Mysteries, R.J.'s stories blend historical authenticity with the timeless struggle between law and lawlessness.
A passionate student of Southwest history, R.J. spends countless hours researching the legendary lawmen of the region—from the Arizona Rangers to the territorial marshals who tamed pivotal frontier towns like Phoenix, Tombstone, Prescott, and beyond. Growing up watching John Wayne, James Garner, and Clint Eastwood westerns with dad on lazy Sunday afternoons instilled a deep appreciation for authentic frontier storytelling. This combination of classic western influence and dedicated historical research brings depth and authenticity to every story.
The Harper Justice series follows a family of territorial lawmen as they navigate the dangerous transition from frontier chaos to civilized order, where doing what's right often means defying what's legal.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 11, 2025
I enjoyed reading The Rustler Hunter, the first book in R.J. Sloane’s Harper’s Justice historical western series set in Arizona in 1898. J.J. Westin is a famous rustler hunter and the story opens with J.J. fearlessly hunting an outlaw on a passenger train.
J.J. takes a job working undercover on an Arizona ranch where law enforcement suspect a gang of outlaws are rustling cattle. Hayley is a Pinkerton agent who’s also working undercover at the ranch as a cook and cleaner. She’s there with her brother, who’s a federal marshal, and they’re trying to infiltrate the criminal network. Hayley’s father was a notorious outlaw and she’s close to her siblings despite their difficult upbringing. Many of her siblings work in law enforcement and they’re all committed to seeking justice and apprehending outlaws.
J.J. and Hayley are drawn to each other, but they try to ignore their feelings. They both have trust issues for different reasons and their romance simmers in the background as they focus on their dangerous undercover work. They need to solve the mystery of who’s involved in the cattle rustling operation and dismantle it. The action packed twists and turns in the story kept me turning the page to find out what happens next.
I recommend The Rustler Hunter to historical fiction readers who like classic westerns with action, adventure, danger, suspense, and romance that include a cattle rustling mystery and relevant faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy.
J.J. takes a job working undercover on an Arizona ranch where law enforcement suspect a gang of outlaws are rustling cattle. Hayley is a Pinkerton agent who’s also working undercover at the ranch as a cook and cleaner. She’s there with her brother, who’s a federal marshal, and they’re trying to infiltrate the criminal network. Hayley’s father was a notorious outlaw and she’s close to her siblings despite their difficult upbringing. Many of her siblings work in law enforcement and they’re all committed to seeking justice and apprehending outlaws.
J.J. and Hayley are drawn to each other, but they try to ignore their feelings. They both have trust issues for different reasons and their romance simmers in the background as they focus on their dangerous undercover work. They need to solve the mystery of who’s involved in the cattle rustling operation and dismantle it. The action packed twists and turns in the story kept me turning the page to find out what happens next.
I recommend The Rustler Hunter to historical fiction readers who like classic westerns with action, adventure, danger, suspense, and romance that include a cattle rustling mystery and relevant faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy.
August 27, 2025
J.J. Westin is a legend rustler hunter. His undercover stint in Arizona to try to take down a gang doesn't go as well as he thought. He was settling in fine until he first had a glimpse of Halley Harper, an undercover Pinkerton agent.
The story is a well-written tale and had me engaged at the beginning. There were times when the Cowboys' antics made me laugh, and others when I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how a specific incident would turn out.
The characters had many layers, and I enjoyed watching them unfold during the story. There is suspense, betrayal, kidnapping, a budding romance, and just the right amount of Christian content.
I finished the book in one sitting. The author's descriptions of the Arizona Territory and rustling made me feel like I was there. An exciting read. I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The story is a well-written tale and had me engaged at the beginning. There were times when the Cowboys' antics made me laugh, and others when I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how a specific incident would turn out.
The characters had many layers, and I enjoyed watching them unfold during the story. There is suspense, betrayal, kidnapping, a budding romance, and just the right amount of Christian content.
I finished the book in one sitting. The author's descriptions of the Arizona Territory and rustling made me feel like I was there. An exciting read. I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
The Rustler Hunter is a story showing off the skills of several law enforcement agencies back in the late1800’s that had teamed up and went undercover to try to break up a large criminal cattle rustling gang that had invaded Canyon Diablo in the Arizona Territory . The Aztec Land & Cattle Company had sent Hayley Harper, a Pinkerton Detective there to find out as much about the criminal activities while cooking and helping take care of the laundry. They sent her brother Flynn Harper that was a Deputy U. S. Marshall with her to be one of the cowboy’s on the ranch. They also sent the famed Rustler Hunter J.J. Westin that had honed his skills chasing cattle rustlers and getting justice to be a cowboy. They were to mingle with the other cowboys while caring for the cattle with the brand Hashknife. J.J. has seen several different cattle mixed with other brands and was involved in helping to drive some of the cattle to a small corral by the train track where the train stopped and loaded the cows to be sold in other areas with no questions. On a visit to the company it was decided a ruse might work with J.J. and Hayley as a couple. The problem is J.J. has already fallen for Hayley. When J.J. gives the company the information that the gang was going to bigger things like robbing a Wells Fargo stage coach, they devise a plan and bring in Shane Harper an officer with the Cattleman’s Association and their brother-in-law Grady Thatcher who is over the Cattleman’s Association. Their plan is to capture the gang when they hit the fake stage coach using Hayley as the rich looking passenger as bait. But when the leader of the gang snatches Hayley from the stage coach, J.J. and the family are off on the mission to get Hayley back. They are willing to give it everything including their lives to get her back.
The Harper family had a very famous criminal father, Galen Harper now serving time in the Yuma jail. They agreed the day they burnt the house down they grew up in they would bring justice instead of crime to their area. And if they can bring this gang down it would be the best justice they could get.
The Harper family had a very famous criminal father, Galen Harper now serving time in the Yuma jail. They agreed the day they burnt the house down they grew up in they would bring justice instead of crime to their area. And if they can bring this gang down it would be the best justice they could get.
September 22, 2025
This book was sooooooooooo good!! Reminds me of the Louis L'Amour books I read and the westerns I still love to watch on TV. J.J. Westin is the Rustler Hunter, who meets Hayley when he goes undercover on the same operation she's working on for the Pinkerton's. Neither knows the other is working undercover. When their cover is blown, along with both of Hayley's brothers, they aren't sure who's going to be left standing. Thanks to Hayley, J.J. finally sees things that happened in his past with different eyes, and Hayley's learned she can depend on J.J. because of his faith. Can't wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
September 25, 2025
The more Christian Western romance I read, the more I like it!
Hayley Harper is the daughter of a notorious outlaw. After he abandoned them, she and her siblings determined to devote their efforts to righting wrongs men like their father caused, and Hayley chose to do that by becoming a Pinkerton agent. She’s undercover at Canyon Diablo, investigating while posing as a cook and laundress.
J. J. Westin is the renowned Rustler Hunter. He’s successfully taken in 41 men, and now his superior has tasked him with infiltrating Canyon Diablo to bring down what appears to be a widespread gang involved in cattle rustling and who knows what else.
When Hayley and Westin meet, sparks fly. Each knows the other is hiding something, that they are not what they’re claiming to be, but what? Can they trust each other? And romantic sparks fly, too, as they are drawn to each other. But Westin is racked with guilt over a past mistake and thinks he’ll never deserve the comforts of a home and a family.
This is the first book I’ve read by R. J. Sloane, but it won’t be the last! It starts out wild, with Westin jumping on a moving train to get his intended quarry, and it never lets up. There were times I had to put the book down for a minute because it was just so tense – kind of like peeking through your fingers at the scary movie when you know the jump scare is coming, but you can’t really tear yourself away, you gotta keep watching! Or reading, as the case may be.
The story is a fantastic blend of action and character backstory. And the romance is definitely swoonworthy but keeps it clean. Hayley and Westin both live out their faith and turn to God in good times and challenging situations, but it’s woven in so naturally, it’s just part of who they are. It doesn’t stand out as “hey, look how Christian I am,” and I like that. That’s how we all should strive to live as believers.
The ending of the book gives me hope that there’s more adventure to come with Hayley and Westin, and I am here for it. R. J. Sloane is a new favorite, and I’ll be reading more. Five stars from me for The Rustler Hunter!
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
Hayley Harper is the daughter of a notorious outlaw. After he abandoned them, she and her siblings determined to devote their efforts to righting wrongs men like their father caused, and Hayley chose to do that by becoming a Pinkerton agent. She’s undercover at Canyon Diablo, investigating while posing as a cook and laundress.
J. J. Westin is the renowned Rustler Hunter. He’s successfully taken in 41 men, and now his superior has tasked him with infiltrating Canyon Diablo to bring down what appears to be a widespread gang involved in cattle rustling and who knows what else.
When Hayley and Westin meet, sparks fly. Each knows the other is hiding something, that they are not what they’re claiming to be, but what? Can they trust each other? And romantic sparks fly, too, as they are drawn to each other. But Westin is racked with guilt over a past mistake and thinks he’ll never deserve the comforts of a home and a family.
This is the first book I’ve read by R. J. Sloane, but it won’t be the last! It starts out wild, with Westin jumping on a moving train to get his intended quarry, and it never lets up. There were times I had to put the book down for a minute because it was just so tense – kind of like peeking through your fingers at the scary movie when you know the jump scare is coming, but you can’t really tear yourself away, you gotta keep watching! Or reading, as the case may be.
The story is a fantastic blend of action and character backstory. And the romance is definitely swoonworthy but keeps it clean. Hayley and Westin both live out their faith and turn to God in good times and challenging situations, but it’s woven in so naturally, it’s just part of who they are. It doesn’t stand out as “hey, look how Christian I am,” and I like that. That’s how we all should strive to live as believers.
The ending of the book gives me hope that there’s more adventure to come with Hayley and Westin, and I am here for it. R. J. Sloane is a new favorite, and I’ll be reading more. Five stars from me for The Rustler Hunter!
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
September 7, 2025
R.J. Sloane's first in the series Harper's Justice, The Rustler Hunter (Desert Life Media 2025), is a good story with lots of clever intrigue. J.J. Westin was a famous rustler hunter who went undercover to catch cattle thieves who not only stole cattle, but murdered ranchers and cowhands while doing so. As Westin burrows into his fake identity, he finds the rustlers are entrenched in legitimate operations and more widespread than anyone thought--and as it turns out, smarter. Lucky for Westin, his boss in this operation also sent a brothers-sister team to help him undercover. Turns out to be as close to life and death as J.J. ever wants to get.
I enjoyed the story, but had trouble keeping track of who was talking at first. The author switches point of views with each chapter, in first person, making the chapter lead-in the only immediate way to tell who is talking. Once I acclimated to that, I discovered interesting characters, but not traditional Western. In fact, J.J. Westin must do unrighteous acts as part of his cover, actions that make us Traditional Western Adventure readers shake our heads at times. It doesn’t mean he’s wrong or you won’t nod along with his life advice or chosen actions. I would say this book is best for readers who love a good western with maybe more reality than we're used to (maybe not--didn't live in that era).
I enjoyed the story, but had trouble keeping track of who was talking at first. The author switches point of views with each chapter, in first person, making the chapter lead-in the only immediate way to tell who is talking. Once I acclimated to that, I discovered interesting characters, but not traditional Western. In fact, J.J. Westin must do unrighteous acts as part of his cover, actions that make us Traditional Western Adventure readers shake our heads at times. It doesn’t mean he’s wrong or you won’t nod along with his life advice or chosen actions. I would say this book is best for readers who love a good western with maybe more reality than we're used to (maybe not--didn't live in that era).
September 20, 2025
* I received a free advance review copy of this book from the BookSirens.
The Rustler Hunter—what a snappy title! It carries a pulpy narrative reminiscent of old serials. We’ve got a classic good-guy hero, a damsel on a mission, and a quintessential bad guy surrounded by his henchmen. As I type this, the plot starts to feel like a James Bond thriller in a cowboy’s skin. Clearly, I’ve read way too much! But fear not, the narrative ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a Western. It’s full of well-timed twists, character archetypes, and plot points that feel almost obligatory, and yet, they work.
R.J. Sloane’s writing style radiates an appreciation for the old school Westerns, which is a breath of fresh air. His prose is crisp and pulpy in the best possible way. You can tell he’s done his homework—every checkmark for an entertaining yarn is hit, even with the Christian elements sprinkled in. All in all, it’s a fine read that proves sometimes, even in the wild chaos of the West, good stories find a way to shine bright.
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/...
The Rustler Hunter—what a snappy title! It carries a pulpy narrative reminiscent of old serials. We’ve got a classic good-guy hero, a damsel on a mission, and a quintessential bad guy surrounded by his henchmen. As I type this, the plot starts to feel like a James Bond thriller in a cowboy’s skin. Clearly, I’ve read way too much! But fear not, the narrative ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a Western. It’s full of well-timed twists, character archetypes, and plot points that feel almost obligatory, and yet, they work.
R.J. Sloane’s writing style radiates an appreciation for the old school Westerns, which is a breath of fresh air. His prose is crisp and pulpy in the best possible way. You can tell he’s done his homework—every checkmark for an entertaining yarn is hit, even with the Christian elements sprinkled in. All in all, it’s a fine read that proves sometimes, even in the wild chaos of the West, good stories find a way to shine bright.
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/...
September 24, 2025
Christian Western Romance is an awesome genre and one that I appreciate. The Rustler Hunter by R.J. Sloane is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the Harper's Justice series.
The storyline reeled me in from the first few pages. The setting is 1898 in Arizona. The main Characters are J.J. Westin and Hayley Harper. J.J. is a cattle Rustler Hunter. Rustlers steal cattle from Ranches and J.J. hunts them down to stop them and save the cattle. His most recent case is at the largest cattle Ranch in Arizona. Hayley Harper is a Pinkerton Agent and J.J. is surprised when she comes on the case also. J.J. is familiar with her Dad, Galen Harper, as he is an outlaw. They are both working undercover, that is until their cover is blown. I LOVE how they continue to work together on the case, even though they know further danger might be on the horizon. I also love how they help each other realize things about their individual personal life struggles. J.J. is a man of faith and it is shown throughout the book. The book is one of Trust, Romance, Faith and more. I am excited for more books in this series. GREAT BOOK!
The storyline reeled me in from the first few pages. The setting is 1898 in Arizona. The main Characters are J.J. Westin and Hayley Harper. J.J. is a cattle Rustler Hunter. Rustlers steal cattle from Ranches and J.J. hunts them down to stop them and save the cattle. His most recent case is at the largest cattle Ranch in Arizona. Hayley Harper is a Pinkerton Agent and J.J. is surprised when she comes on the case also. J.J. is familiar with her Dad, Galen Harper, as he is an outlaw. They are both working undercover, that is until their cover is blown. I LOVE how they continue to work together on the case, even though they know further danger might be on the horizon. I also love how they help each other realize things about their individual personal life struggles. J.J. is a man of faith and it is shown throughout the book. The book is one of Trust, Romance, Faith and more. I am excited for more books in this series. GREAT BOOK!
October 15, 2025
The Rustler Hunter by R.J. Sloane
Harper’s Justice Series Book One
Rustler Hunter J.J. Westin, or Jay Wagner when he’s undercover, has been hired and sent to the Diablo Bunkhouse to find out about the rustling ring that’s been harassing the ranchers by stealing the cattle and murdering to get them. Being undercover, J.J. may have to go against all he believes to fit in and close down this gang, not to mention the beautiful cook at the camp who seems to be more than what she appears to be.
Pinkerton Agent Hayley Harper has been undercover for two weeks now. Her younger brother, Flynn, a US Marshal, is also there. She’s suspicious of the new guy and yet drawn to him. She had to stay on top of her game, though, and figure out who was good and who was the leader of the rustlers.
This story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I liked the characters and look forward to reading the stories of Haley’s brothers: Shane, Flynn, and Ike.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Harper’s Justice Series Book One
Rustler Hunter J.J. Westin, or Jay Wagner when he’s undercover, has been hired and sent to the Diablo Bunkhouse to find out about the rustling ring that’s been harassing the ranchers by stealing the cattle and murdering to get them. Being undercover, J.J. may have to go against all he believes to fit in and close down this gang, not to mention the beautiful cook at the camp who seems to be more than what she appears to be.
Pinkerton Agent Hayley Harper has been undercover for two weeks now. Her younger brother, Flynn, a US Marshal, is also there. She’s suspicious of the new guy and yet drawn to him. She had to stay on top of her game, though, and figure out who was good and who was the leader of the rustlers.
This story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I liked the characters and look forward to reading the stories of Haley’s brothers: Shane, Flynn, and Ike.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
September 23, 2025
Because I live in the Southwest, I am drawn to books set in the area. The Rustler Hunter starts in Trinidad, Colorado but soon moves to the Arizona Territory. There are a number of undercover agents (many of whom are related) from different government agencies and the Pinkerton Agency.
The Rustler Hunter is a story of the wild west and of catching cattle rustlers, with a bit of romance thrown in. This is a “can’t put it down” book that I found to be an easy read. The author seems to know wild west history and did an excellent job of sharing that history with readers. The Rustler Hunter is a great read for any who enjoy stories about the Wild West.
While The Rustler Hunter is an adult historical novel, there is nothing that would keep it from being placed in a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for high schoolers.
I received a complimentary copy of The Rustler. This is my honest review.
The Rustler Hunter is a story of the wild west and of catching cattle rustlers, with a bit of romance thrown in. This is a “can’t put it down” book that I found to be an easy read. The author seems to know wild west history and did an excellent job of sharing that history with readers. The Rustler Hunter is a great read for any who enjoy stories about the Wild West.
While The Rustler Hunter is an adult historical novel, there is nothing that would keep it from being placed in a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for high schoolers.
I received a complimentary copy of The Rustler. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews