Patch Elkins And Gus Roundtree: The Last Men Standing: A Western From The Author of "Patch: United States Marshal: Wanted Dead"

by Russ Towne, Robert Hanlon, Fred Staff

Welcome to Shady Bluff A gang of robbers decides the perfect time to hit a bank is when nearly everyone in town is at the swearing-in of Shady Bluff’s new Sheriff, Arliss “Patch” Elkins. Last Man Standing An older, more experienced, and determined blacksmith who just arrived in town challenge young Gus Roundtree’s plans to open a blacksmith shop. The trouble is, there’s only enough work for one of them. Tough Love The behavior of a kind, elderly widow changes when her son returns from five years at sea. Patch investigates and is ambushed by a gang of vicious outlaws. Timing Is Everything Patch and Gus run toward a bank robbery in progress and all hell breaks loose when four more robbers arrive. False Friends Gus’ reluctant efforts to help a love-struck friend lead to humorous and then disastrous results when three brothers out for revenge hatch a vicious plot to kill him and frame his friend. School of Hostages This tale introduced Patch, Gus, and Helen to the world and inspired all the other stories featuring them. It was published in earlier work; but, as the seminal story for these characters, it seemed fitting to include it in this publication. In this story, they are in supporting roles, but they left such a lasting impression on my readers and me that they deserved stories of their own. In this story, Helen sends a letter to Longshot Hanson, asking him for help when Patch arrests the brother of a gang leader for murdering the mayor during a town council meeting. In a desperate bid to secure his brother’s release, Cord Stoddard and his gang kill the school’s teacher and kidnap the students, including Patch and Helen’s daughter and Gus’ twin sisters.

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2019

About the author

Russ lives with his wife in Campbell, California, USA. They’ve been married since 1979; have three adult children, and five grandchildren. His passions include family, friends, writing and investing. Russ wrote his first book in 2013 when he was fifty-six and has written and published dozens of books that can be found on Amazon.com and elsewhere.
Russ delights in seeing the expressions on the faces of young children and their loved ones as they experience his children's picture, early reader, and chapter books. He enjoys reading his stories in classrooms, schools, libraries, and anywhere young children gather. Russ revels in interacting with youngsters, answering their questions, and inspiring a love within them for the magic of reading and writing.
Russ savors experiencing nature, especially near rivers and streams that run through giant redwood groves, and near beautiful beaches. He enjoys watching classic movies, reading, and his tiny fern garden and redwood grove. Russ greatly enjoys managing the investments of Clients of the wealth management firm he founded in 2003.
Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/russtowne.
Blog: Russ Towne's A Grateful Man: http://russtowne.com
The titles of the books he has written, compiled, and published include:

Books for Young Children:

Sunny Saves the Grumpadinkles

Mysti Z’s Magical Day

Wilbur the Duck Who Flew Upside Down

Sir Alex Sleighs a Dragon

Flora Belle and Dreami Dragon

The Beach that Love Built

A Day in the Shade of a Tickletoe Tree

Zach and the Toad Who Rode a Bull

V. G. and Dexter Dufflebee

Ki-Gra’s REALLY, REALLY BIG Day!

Clyde and Friends

Clyde and Hoozy Whatzadingle

Clyde and I Help a Hippo to Fly

Rusty Bear and Thomas, Too

Clyde and I

Non-Fiction
Honest, Honey, That’s How It Happened
Stop Peeing in the Kitty Litter!
Slices of Life An anthology of the selected non-fiction stories of several writers.
Reflections from the Heart of a Grateful Man

Fiction
It Was Her Eyes A novella
Touched Short stories and flash fiction
Palpable Imaginings An anthology of stories by several writers in various genres.

Poetry
Kaleidoscope
Heart Whispers An anthology of the selected works of over 20 poets.

Reviews

[Charles Castell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting series of short stories by Mr. Towne. I love to read about Patch and Gus as try do their very best at bringing justice to their area of law enforcement. Great job by an outstanding author!

No.problem awarding five stars to thks wonderful series of old American folklore adventures, as the good guys do their very best in providing security and handling he bad guys accordingly! Never a dull.moment from beginning to end.
Mr. Towne is the master, when it comes to outstanding character selections, and his storylines successfully portrays compassionate and entertaining accomplishments throughout the entire series of stories. I anxiously await the next exciting escapades that of newly appointed Sheriff Gus in Shady Bluff.
Definitely recommend this series of outstanding short stories to any and all readers, especially if you enjoy western short stories. There is never a dull moment throughout the entire series and the excitement only increases with each new episode. Do yourselves a favor and follow Patch and Gus through these outstanding masterpieces!

[Connie Skief · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short stories.

I look forward to finding more novels. Great writer. Recommended for anyone who likes westerns. Clean stories but a lot of killing.