Which eccentric cowboy in Stockton County branded Evan Sting on Shotner Hill, murdering the young man? This is what private eye Joe Boxford asks himself when he's hired by Evan's father Benny to find the murderer. Joe needs some help, and enlists the services of Tal Linear, owner of The Linear Bar. But sparks begin to fly between the two. As romance heats up between them, they attempt to solve the branding crime. As the suspects start to pile up and weird relationships unfold in West Stockton, Joe and Tal begin to unravel a heinous crime. That is, until Tal vanishes and Joe thinks his sleuth buddy is going to be the killer's next victim. Does Joe have the skills needed to be a hero and save Tal from the killer's secret agenda and solve the crime? Or will Joe fall flat on his face and lose his reputation as a private investigator as well as his new lover, Tal Linear?

Stockton County Cowboys Book

“If I may be so bold to ask, what were you scampering around Blue Ranch for, Mr. Boxford?”


I thought for a second or two how to answer his question without coming across as questionable. I could lie and tell him that I found him sexy as hell and thought we might hit it off together over a hot cup of coffee. Instead, I decided to lie and tell him that I wanted to see his artwork and maybe purchase a piece for my office, and one for my Wolf Ridge Ranch home.


He cleared his throat, sat up in his seat in an assertive way, sipped his glass of water, and said, “I could arrange for you to see ten of my most recent pieces. Are you familiar with the Branding House?”


Chapter 13