The Ambusher by Clinton Spurr, a pseudonym for British author Donald S. Rowland (
ISFDB,
SFE) is his vintage standalone western historical action adventure novel, this one a tale of reluctant quasi-allies and potentially multitudinous betrayal as cattle rustlers force a man to work with the rival rancher with whom his wife is having an affair, who brings in a range detective to supposedly investigate the criminal matters but may have more underhanded instructions to carry out as well, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press' Pioneering imprint.
This was originally published in 1973 by Robert Hale.
Currently free @
Amazon (available to Canadians & in the UK and pretty much everywhere else Amazon sells worldwide, since this is being done via their KDP Select exclusive-or-else program)
Description
A target on his back…
Mike Gannon didn’t want to believe the rumours that his wife was stepping out on him, but then he saw her with rival rancher Phil Begley.
Rather than taking swift vengeance upon them, Gannon swallowed his pride for the sake of his son Tobe, a boy who needs his mother.
Meanwhile, rustlers have been operating in the area, forcing both Gannon and Begley to attend the Cattleman’s Association.
There, Begley introduces range detective Rafe Poggin to investigate the criminal activity.
But is that his only assignment? Or is there something more sinister afoot?
And when Gannon is ambushed on the way home, he finds his troubles only just beginning.
Who is The Ambusher and why does he want Gannon dead?