Animas Forks: A Classic Western Series

by B.N. Rundell

DUTY. DESPERATION. LAWLESS ACTION.

Colorado Territory simmers with unrest, and Deputy Marshal Cordell Beckett stands in the fire. As the Ute push for a new treaty and gold camps spread like wildfire, the Buffalo Soldiers are sent west with orders that seemed impossible. Cord must navigate fragile negotiations, track claim jumpers through unforgiving terrain, and face down a ruthless band of vaqueros driving stolen cattle straight into the heart of the Rockies.

Cord’s badge still means something—but it won’t stop the bullets or ease the burden. Every ride into the high country leaves him more worn, more alone, and more certain that the life he dreams of—a ranch, a family, peace—is slipping further out of reach.

In a land where greed knows no borders and justice rides alone, can one lawman hold the line? Saddle up and journey into Animas Forks—a gritty Western where duty runs deep and survival cuts close.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in Colorado into a family of ranchers and cowboys, B.N. Rundell is the youngest of seven sons. Juggling bull riding, skiing, and high school, graduation was a launching pad for a hitch in the Army Paratroopers.  After the army, he finished his college education in Springfield, MO, and together with his wife and growing family, entered the ministry as a Baptist preacher.
Together, B.N. and Dawn raised four girls that are now married and have made them proud grandparents. With many years as a successful pastor and educator, he retired from the ministry and followed in the footsteps of his entrepreneurial father and started a successful insurance agency, which is now in the hands of his trusted nephew. He has also been a successful audiobook narrator and has recorded many books for several award-winning authors. Now finally realizing his life-long dream, B.N. has turned his efforts to writing a variety of books, from children’s picture books and young adult adventure books, to the historical fiction and western genres which are his first love.

Reviews

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

It looks like the end of Cordell Beckett, but the ending was excellent. Cord is asked to investigate claim jumpers. These aren't random crimes, but a gang. They are easy to track because they leave a trail of dead bodies and ruined claims. He finally tracks them to Animas Forks. The leader is a big bear of a man who might have choked Cord to death if not for Emaline, a wisp of a woman whos crashed a chair over the big guy's head. It is a long ride back to Saguache for Cord and Emi and lots of action to be had. Like trying to avert shooting between the Buffalo Soldiers and the Utes because the commander didn't want to give the Indians an extra day or to to get ready for their move. It would have been disaster for the soldiers. It's late in the year and miners are headed south. One group is waiting for vaqueros From Dawson's ranch to bring horses for them to buy. The problem is, Dawson isn't selling, which means the horses are stolen. Through all this, Cord and Emi seem to be getting attached. Will it last?

[carol heatherly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeanh

I have read a lot of R.N. books but this is one of the best. I really enjoyed it and hope to read more

[Margean S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completed the series and was thorouly blessed by it. Enjoyed the plot, characters and everything.

Thank you for a great read!