Valley Shadow by British author and editor Philip Harbottle (
ISFDB,
SFE), based on a manuscript by the late John Russell Fearn (
ISFDB,
Wikipedia), is their standalone western historical action adventure mystery novel, where a newcomer in town appears to be framed for the murder of his partner and other incidental crimes, and in the attempt to track down the culprit, teams up with a beautiful saloon singer with a supposedly shady past to clear both their names while on the lam, free courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press's Pioneering imprint, who are e-printing it from its 2002 edition originally out from Robert Hale under the pseudonym Jack R. Phillips as part of their Black Horse Western line.
Currently free @
Amazon (available to Canadians & in the UK and pretty much everywhere else worldwide that Amazon sells, since this is being done via their KDP Select exclusive-or-else program)
Description
Trouble at every turn…
When Dave Norton rides into the town of Valley Shadow in the dark of night, he does not expect his life to turn upside down so suddenly!
Branded a murderer and a rustler, Norton is up against it to find the true killer of his partner and clear his own name.
Managing to narrowly escape jail and biding himself some time to find out the truth, Norton’s inquiries soon lead him into the path of the sinister Jeff Kelvin – owner of the Double Dollar Saloon.
However, the saloon holds not only danger but also hope in form of Nina Voles, a beautiful singer working in the bar.
Norton soon discovers the tragedy and fear behind Nina’s beautiful eyes and seeks to free her from Kelvin’s powerful hold.
Trusting Norton to rescue her from Kelvin’s clutches, Nina risks her life and the two of them set off together to right the wrongs that have plagued them both.
With false accusations threaten both their futures, Nina and Dave unite in a last ditch attempt to clear their names and finally free themselves from their pasts.
Now fugitives on the run, can Norton and Voles find a way to come out on top, or will treachery and greed conquer?
Valley Shadow is a thrilling western where our heroes face certain death in a courageous attempt to find justice.