Later Dennison gets a job at the Double S and we discover he's trying to shake off the past and a vengeance seeking man whose brother he's killed.

The ranch owner's daughter seems to be making a play for Dennison although she's linked to the cowboy who warned him away, ramrod Carl Wexton. Dennison learns that Lisa is also a flirt so his feelings toward her become confused.

Alvin Ripley provides a fast moving, well told, story with plenty of action along with a touch of romance. At first Dennison is seen as a man wanting to avoid trouble of any kind, even going as far as not wearing his gun, but as events escalate he soon finds himself not only wearing it but using it.

All though not a complicated plot Ripley keeps adding questions that help to keep the reader hooked and eager to continue reading.

I'll be looking for more by this author, or as we've just found out those written under other pseudonyms.

Other observations connected to threads within the discussion egroup. The hero isn't up against heavy odds as has sometimes been claimed as being a Hale must. There is a romantic interest although this is more used for jealousy to fuel the growing animosity between Dennison and Wexton rather than hero rides off with the girl ending. Oh yeah...it ain't set in Montana! LOL.