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West of the Dead Line #9
Tales of Lawman Bass Reeves
He’s driven to catch a killer. But will this deadly, dusty manhunt be his last?
For Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, the long arm of the law reaches well into forbidding Comanche territory. Born a slave, his relentless crusade for justice has made him renowned for his sharpshooting and his unparalleled knowledge of the dangerous lands west of the railroad.
So when a colleague is brutally murdered, Marshal Reeves ventures into the treacherous Wichita Mountains to hunt down the vicious outlaw…
Riding with his Creek Indian companion, Reeves’s unique skills are stretched to the limit in the unforgiving terrain. And in a final showdown with the culprit, even this tough law dog may meet his match.
Will the determined deputy bring back his man, or will a savage desperado fill him full of lead?
West of the Dead Line, Tales of an Indian Territory Lawman is a spellbinding Western adventure. If you like larger-than-life characters, gritty action, and journeys back into the lawless frontier, then you’ll love Phil Truman’s tale of justice.
For Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, the long arm of the law reaches well into forbidding Comanche territory. Born a slave, his relentless crusade for justice has made him renowned for his sharpshooting and his unparalleled knowledge of the dangerous lands west of the railroad.
So when a colleague is brutally murdered, Marshal Reeves ventures into the treacherous Wichita Mountains to hunt down the vicious outlaw…
Riding with his Creek Indian companion, Reeves’s unique skills are stretched to the limit in the unforgiving terrain. And in a final showdown with the culprit, even this tough law dog may meet his match.
Will the determined deputy bring back his man, or will a savage desperado fill him full of lead?
West of the Dead Line, Tales of an Indian Territory Lawman is a spellbinding Western adventure. If you like larger-than-life characters, gritty action, and journeys back into the lawless frontier, then you’ll love Phil Truman’s tale of justice.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2017
271 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Phil Truman
17 books173 followersI'm a Heartland American who still believes in God, country, and apple pie (ummm). I've been married to the same woman for 40 years and plan to remain so as long as she and God permit it. I'm a father of two, grandfather of two, a Protestant, a veteran. Some would call me a curmudgeon (and have); I prefer conservative. I left the business world in 2007 to become a full time writer. I have three published novels - RED LAND OUTLAW, LEGENDS OF TSALAGEE, GAME, all of which have been #1 Best Sellers on Amazon. The 4th & 5th novels are in the pipe. I am a regular contributor to the Western Fictioneers blog http://westernfictioneers.blogspot.com/ . I never read books about teenage vampires, probably because I'm a former high school teacher; and have not, nor will I ever, read a Harry Potter book. The thought of flying, magical children frightens me.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 4, 2022
Another good western from Phil Truman
This book consists of several short, fictional pieces featuring real life Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. Reeves was a former slave who worked for Judge Isaac Charles Parker, Federal Judge for the Federal Court of the Western District of Arkansas in Fort Smith. The court had jurisdiction over all of Indian Territory, covering over 74,000 square miles. Reeves became a legendary lawman while working for Judge Parker.
The stories, while fictional, are entertaining pieces true to the history of Reeves and law enforcement in the Indian territory.
This book consists of several short, fictional pieces featuring real life Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. Reeves was a former slave who worked for Judge Isaac Charles Parker, Federal Judge for the Federal Court of the Western District of Arkansas in Fort Smith. The court had jurisdiction over all of Indian Territory, covering over 74,000 square miles. Reeves became a legendary lawman while working for Judge Parker.
The stories, while fictional, are entertaining pieces true to the history of Reeves and law enforcement in the Indian territory.
May 30, 2023
A good collection of western short stories.
May 20, 2017
"LAWMAN BASS REEVES LIFE AND CAREER"
I love riding with Bass Reeves and his deputies. Strong men with moral ethics, which weren't adhered by many men or women. He couldn't read which wasn't his fault, you'll read that he was ALWAYS accompanied by one of his deputies who could read. Not everyone knew he couldn't read, and in his line of work, it would definitely be used against him. I watched a program on television which had chronicled the lives of famous lawmen, and Bass Reeves was one of them, they had a family member of Bass Reeves, who added a more personal side to his life..Very enjoyable...hope you all read about the men and women of different backgrounds who helped settle the west...don't forget to include U. S. Marshal Bass Reeves in your reading pleasure🌟
I love riding with Bass Reeves and his deputies. Strong men with moral ethics, which weren't adhered by many men or women. He couldn't read which wasn't his fault, you'll read that he was ALWAYS accompanied by one of his deputies who could read. Not everyone knew he couldn't read, and in his line of work, it would definitely be used against him. I watched a program on television which had chronicled the lives of famous lawmen, and Bass Reeves was one of them, they had a family member of Bass Reeves, who added a more personal side to his life..Very enjoyable...hope you all read about the men and women of different backgrounds who helped settle the west...don't forget to include U. S. Marshal Bass Reeves in your reading pleasure🌟
September 15, 2017
Enjoyed this book very much!
As a native Oklahoman I recognized the landmarks and terrain in this book. You know the author's been there. The stories are well written, well structured, and believable. Good job!
As a native Oklahoman I recognized the landmarks and terrain in this book. You know the author's been there. The stories are well written, well structured, and believable. Good job!
March 9, 2018
West of the Dead Line: Tales of an Indian Territory Lawman
This book by Phil Truman is one of the best that I have read in a while. It is so different from any other book that I have read.
This book by Phil Truman is one of the best that I have read in a while. It is so different from any other book that I have read.
February 9, 2022
West Of The Deadline is a series of short stories that follows Bass Reeves from his time as a slave before the Civil War, to his exploits as a Deputy US Marshall. Very good stories. I would like to see a full length novel featuring this character.
November 10, 2022
makes you just keep reading.
I’m usually not into western novels but these read like a series of very engrossing short stories that keeps you reading one after another just to se what happens next. Try it, you’ll be glad y did.
I’m usually not into western novels but these read like a series of very engrossing short stories that keeps you reading one after another just to se what happens next. Try it, you’ll be glad y did.
December 16, 2018
Wonderful!
Really a great book which is well written and edited . It is full of excitment with Nd interesting and enjoyable plot.
Really a great book which is well written and edited . It is full of excitment with Nd interesting and enjoyable plot.
June 3, 2021
A Real Old time Western
Grew up on L'Amour, Zane Grey and Like Short. This book fits that tradition. A thoroughly enjoyable read with an admirable old West hero.
Grew up on L'Amour, Zane Grey and Like Short. This book fits that tradition. A thoroughly enjoyable read with an admirable old West hero.
March 12, 2018
Meh
I liked the concept and after reading it I spent time on the Interweb learning more about Bass Reeves. He was indeed iconic and worthy of a blockbuster hit. Furthermore, with limited documented biographical information I think the author did a decent job piecing together a reasonably likely set of stories. On the other hand.....
I read quite a few westerns and this reminded me more of a comic book. It seemed rushed along with simple plots and excessive use of country talk. Instead, use the vernacular early to establish the character; then, let it morph into a reasonable level of English.
Too many sentences were fragmented to portray country talk.
I liked the concept and after reading it I spent time on the Interweb learning more about Bass Reeves. He was indeed iconic and worthy of a blockbuster hit. Furthermore, with limited documented biographical information I think the author did a decent job piecing together a reasonably likely set of stories. On the other hand.....
I read quite a few westerns and this reminded me more of a comic book. It seemed rushed along with simple plots and excessive use of country talk. Instead, use the vernacular early to establish the character; then, let it morph into a reasonable level of English.
Too many sentences were fragmented to portray country talk.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews