This is the old story of the town under the sway of a corrupt boss (in this case bosses) and the stranger who wanders into town and confronts them. The town of Stirrup is in the control of the banker and saloon keeper. Things are so bad that the doctor won't even treat a patient without the bosses' permission. Into the conflict wanders a Texas lawman whose uncle owns a local ranch coveted by the vilains. The situation escalates with gunfire and killings from both sides until a climatic blockade of the town by the ranchers. What was published as a routine formulaic western reveals itself to be an exciting story of the type often filmed with Randolph Scott in the 40s and 50s. One can almost see the noble Virginian actor striding onto the town streets with Ray Barcroft and Victor Jory as the villains. This is great western fare for afficionados.

North to Powder River

Broke and down on their luck. Buckshot McKee and his sidekick Tortilla Joe took a job from an old friend. All they had to do was drive 32 Brahma bulls from Texas to Wyoming. It was a dangerous ride with every two-bit tought they met gunning for possession of the valuable bulls. And when the journey was over, Buckshot and Tortilla Joe found more trouble in the shape of a double-crossing gunman. But nothing was going to stop them from collecting the money they had worked so hard to earn.

The Gringo

Cliff Blanton drove his heard from Texas to a new ranch in California where he hoped to start a new life. But the minute he arrived in Santa Barbara, Blanton started receiving threats, For the Mexicans hated all gringos after the recent war, and they refused to recognize American claims on their land. Despite the danger, Blanton was determined to settle the land that was legally his. If the Mexcians wanted another war, he was more than ready to fight.

(from the back cover of the book)

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The reason I gave it three stars is because Double Cross Ranch was so boring. Scattergun grass, on the other hand was excellent. I wish they weren't in the same book.