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Will Fain, U.S. Marshal #6

Will Fain, U.S. Marshal, Book 6

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Will Fain, U. S. Marshal, Book 6--Will Fain and his deputies are directed by the President to catch the killer of Judge T. H. DuVal, who was murdered by outlaw Jax Duplin because Judge DuVal sentenced Duplin's brother Zane to be hanged for murdering two innocent people in a bank robbery. Like Jesse James and Cole Younger, Jax Duplin is from Missouri and is a hero to many in the state. Will and his four deputies chase Duplin and his gang all over the Midwest. They kill all the gang members before Jax Duplin himself heads to his hideout in Indian Territory. He fools the marshals by returning to Missouri, where the marshals bring him down in a dramatic conclusion to this exciting novel. Another classic western from R. O. Lane

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2018

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About the author

R.O. Lane

64 books107 followers
R.O. Lane is the author of several western novels, including the US Marshal series. R. O. has BA in English and an MA in communications research. He worked as a writer and editor for three daily newspapers and has written dozens of speeches for senior officers of three Fortune 500 corporations.

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5 stars
1,963 (67%)
4 stars
731 (25%)
3 stars
165 (5%)
2 stars
33 (1%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Fred  Barnes.
179 reviews21 followers
May 16, 2026
ONE AFTER ANOTHER GREAT BOOKS IN A GREAT SERIES AND THIS SIXTH BOOK IS SETTING EVEN A HIGHER BAR

5/14/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Will Fain, U.S. Marshal 6 (Will Fain, U.S. Marshal, West Texas) by R.O. Lane is just about as good as you can get as a great action thriller. Putting the storyline into a historical fiction piece based on the time frame of the late eighteen hundreds, through a group of tough lawmen set out to bring the murders, thieves, horse and cattle rustlers, rapists, and assholes of the world to justice just makes this book even greater. As usual, Lane throughs in some romance into his books, add that the characters that are written well, the heroes of the story are ones you can relate to, the women are strong willed, loving,  and supporting to their tough and rough husbands who placed their lives on the line almost daily away from their families, loved ones, and friends. The humor between Will, Isum, Del, Ross, and Abrem while on the trail will bring more than a few smiles on your face while reading.

In this sixth book, Will and his deputies travel from Texas to Missouri, and into Indian territory and back trying to track down a murderous gang and especially their ruthless leader on a manhunt that becomes a test of skill, smarts, and determination all at the personal request from the president himself. This deadly manhunt becomes one of the hardest and bloodiest for Will and his team and takes them away for their families for numerous months at a time.

The main characters are strong men and women who are highly developed into characters that are easily to relate to, feeling their success and their hardships.The families of the Marshals standby and support them and the Marshals as hardened and tough are loving and gentle with their family and constantly show their love for each other. 

​​​​This is a book that I have no problem recommending to all readers that enjoy good books full of action, mysteries, good verses evil, and even those that enjoy a touch of romance in their reading. Basically, this book and series has a little of everything to satisfy all readers. The storyline of this series builds upon the previous books and therefore I highly recommend starting at the first book and reading them in the order they were written for better enjoyment.
1,408 reviews13 followers
September 21, 2018
I have certainly enjoyed all six of these books this far, and will certainly begin pursuit of any others that are available. Mr. Lane, a very prolific writer of great American folklore, outdid himself with this specific masterpiece. Will Fain does not take no for an answer, she he is on a specific journey. Very impressive story and we'll worth the time involved.

Definitely a five star story of our old western folklore and the author did a magnificent job with his extraordinary visionary storytelling. I was hooked immediately and the storylines created an exceptionally well defined group of ongoing escapades that readers enjoy following.

The characters were effectively selected and their assignments were perfectly describe described to enhance their designated involvement. In spite of the many different gunfighting escapades, I would seem this story to be family-friendly and there were plenty of heartwarming adventures to satisfy those weak of heart readers.
I, without hesitation, recommend this story, and the entire Will Fain series, to all readers looking for excitement from beginning to end. I assure you that your desire for excitement will certainly be appeased, as these U. S. Marshals seek justice, and normally fulfill dreams intentions. Your loss if you fail to follow Marshal Fain and his Deputy Marshals!😂
244 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2019
Not as good as the previous 5

The book is rife with Fain acting against character. The case of the recovered saddle is an example. Fain simply takes the saddle away from the farmer who legally recovers it? But, the farmer has to take a WAGON to scout out the buzzards so the saddle will be in plain site when Fain arrives. You take only the horse cross country.
The other downer in the book is the unrealistic depiction of the wives. They are all extremely competent housewives who are sexually demanding at all times. Stepford wives must have existed centuries before its publication. Even the outlaw wife turns her ill gotten gains over to the law. Very unrealistic behavior.
69 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2018
Jax : not for kids

Mr. Lane has won again!
In his careful, concise methodology he snares the weary or wary reader used to cookie cutter plots with his unique useage of his character's weaknesses and strengths woven into highly believable action sequences.
You can't walk away from Will, Isum, Del, Ross and their seemingly real families as they all work together to live with their readers circa the 1870's !
Another highly entertaining and believable treasure from Mr. Lane's fertile imagination.
12 reviews
July 28, 2023
I've recently discovered Mr. Lane's books and am thoroughly enjoying them-but...
He needs a new editor! In books 5 and 6 in this series, I came across at least 3 typos and missed edits. I missed my calling, I should have become an editor or proof reader--whatever they call them. I can deal with the occasional typos but when they have an incorrect word, refer to the incorrect character or have an incorrect pronoun, it drives me crazy! If I could have located an email for Mr. Lane, I would have given him th page numbers and the corrections needed. They are easy fixes.
Profile Image for Jim Buchanan.
161 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2023
Dedication

U.S. Marshal Will Fain and his group of deputies are dedicated to trying to keep law and order wherever their duties may take them. Jax Duplin woke up on the wrong side of the bed and never corrected. After long evading capture Jax finally reached his end. Jax's wife Sally was dedicated to the raising of their family and did the best she could. Similar to the rewards the Marshals received for a job well done, Sally was rewarded with a new loving life that far overshadowed her life with Jax. A really good read with some twists and turns.
260 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2019
Very good book.

I am reading the entire set of Will Fain and have enjoyed every one. I appreciate the effort by the author and look forward to the next one. Thank you. P.s. this is my second reading of the series...the first was a year ago. I am 76 years old and 20 years ago I could not reread a book until 25 or 30 years had passed. I can now enjoy them as soon as one year has passed. Love the books. Bill Megenity
Profile Image for Bob.
558 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2021
Beans!

I couldn't make the connection, nor could my dictionaries, but now I know and it makes perfect sense. While I've lived in SE Missouri, Eastern Texas, Douglas AZ, and Las Vegas NV, I had never heard beans called whistleberries. Thanks to R. O. Lane, I now have another word added to my vocabulary.

Oh, right. I enjoyed the book and know many of the places mentioned, which is always a pleasure.
72 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2025
Will Fain Book Six

A gritty fun read of Marshall Fain and his deputies as they chase down the fearsome criminal Jax Dublin. The story has many twists and turns which do a great job in keeping the reader’s interest.

The highs and lows along with a relentless man hunt add a lot of spice to the story. The epilogue at the end is a nice touch that helps complete this Great Western in a satisfying way!
37 reviews
February 11, 2026
Good Until the End

The story about US Marshals tracking a famous outlaw was good. The end not so much. First, the author has always have the person in head shots have groove carved into the skull. So many of his books have that senario. It is so unlikely that the person lives. Second, every good main characters live and the bad guys always die. I still love reading the books, but they usually don't reflect reality.
Profile Image for Linda.
513 reviews7 followers
July 26, 2018
Outstanding book

What a great story this was. This book was a definite page turner and as usual the characters were awesome. Keep up the great writing Mr. Lane. Looking forward to the next book in this series.Would highly recommend this series to all that enjoys a great western story.
567 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2018
Will Fain, U.S. MARSHALL, Book 6

Will and his deputies chase, arrest or even kill the worst kind of criminals who have committed the baddest crimes from robbery, to murder and rape. Oh yea those are very bad men and these U.S. Marshals will find you, but when they kill a Federal Judge: it gets real personal. This is a great read. 👏👏BRAVO 👏!!!
34 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2018
R O Lanes 6th book

This series of books by R O Lane has kept me wanting to read more and more of his stories. I finish one and after I immediately find the next one and read it with the same enthusiasm,he is fast becoming one of my favorite authors,try it for yourselves you won't be disappointed!
39 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2020
Worth reading again!!!

I read them, and then re read the whole series again. More slowly the second time and enjoyed them all. The book six was outstanding! More than five stars worth. The epilogue was well done. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs of the U.S. Marshalls.
994 reviews10 followers
August 1, 2025
5 STARS, WONDERFUL US MARSHAL MANHUNT

5 STARS as usual for R.O. Lane for a Will Fain, US Marshal Series storyline this one is Book 6. It was an intense & incredible read. The lawmen are having more children & their older ones are being successful at college & school. They make a formidable team.

Just a terrific storyline! The series continue.
RECOMMENDED
178 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2018
Will Fain,U.S.. Marshal, what a great story about law in the old west.

I have read all the Will Fain series and sure hope there is more to come. Stories of the work that the U.S. Marshals did in the old west are interesting and entertaining you will be left wanting more.
37 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2018
Outstanding story....

I'm feeling pretty sure that this is the end of the Will Fain series of books. If not I'll be back searching for whatever is next. Great Stories and well written...
212 reviews
October 5, 2018
Dedicated

I was married to a law enforcement officer. Their dedication to keeping our neighborhoods safe is unwavering. I enjoyed this book a lot. Like stories of the early years of or country especially the west.
Profile Image for Masina Lane.
258 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2019
The Hunt

Will and his deputies are working hard trying find and arrest or kill a vicious killer and his gang but aren't having much luck. This is another well written Western from ROL. I highly recommend this author.
77 reviews
January 22, 2019
Book 6 U. S. Marshal Thumbs up

I enjoyed this book very much , as I have all the other five .It kept my interest and was very enjoyable to read . Thanks to R. O. Lane keep them coming .
222 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2019
I truly enjoyed the Will Fain series.

The story continues......and concludes in book 6 I enjoyed the ride. This has become one of my favorite series quickly. Fast paced, well thought out. A really fun read.
27 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2019
Another exciting Will Fain story

Once again 5 stars is not enough... I've lived in the Ozarks and the families are intertwined as described in this story. Lane again weaves a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what's coming next... and this doesn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Jim.
282 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2019
Will Fain

As always, Will Fain and his deputies don't back down when faced with a task. The President tasks Will and his deputies to track down an outlaw that has murderer a Federal Judge.
8 reviews
March 27, 2019
Will Fain US Marshall

I have read six books in the Will Fain series now and can’t wait to read seven and eight. This series has captivated me, my thanks to the author for this wonderful work!
381 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2019
Wanted Dead or Alive

What an exciting story. How difficult and dangerous for the US Marshall's to capture the hardest outlaw in Missouri. Another great book by R. O. Lane of the lives of US Marshalls.
Profile Image for Casey.
1,537 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2020
Well written

What to say?
R. O. Lane wrote is a coherent, fascinating tale. I found it insightful. To 'see' inside the mind of an outlaw, a human being with no regard for the law, is enlightening.
Profile Image for Anthony R Woods.
738 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2020
The bad man who would not die

Will and the rest of the deputies track down the man who killed the federal judge. They tracked him his gang all over several states. They finally got the gang but not the leader. It took them several more true to finally kill him.
265 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2020
Persistence

The title says it all-the US Marshals never stopped the hunt, traveling long distances and many days to catch the criminals. They didn’t receive paychecks at first, but did the job with all due diligence.
18 reviews
April 3, 2022
The Marshall and his deputies track down a killer.

A federal judge is murdered and President Hayes orders Marshall fain to track down the man responsible for the murder. A lengthy pursuit ensues.

Another good read by an excellent author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews