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

Rumors spread about West Stockton that numerous drug deals were executed at 10 Prairie Road, Belle’s address. Sheriff Lord and his boys were always at the residence because of ruckus. Two arrests were made in the last year. Belle slept with her lawyer who prevented her from going to jail for drug possession. Other rumors spread about the county that suggested Max Martin was Belle’s boyfriend, which I disagreed with, since he was into boys and not Belles.


Tal and I rode past Belle’s place. Her vintage Buick sat in the driveway. Two lights were on in the two-story house. I asked Tal, “You think Max Martin is in there?”


“Nope. His truck isn’t next to the Buick.”


I said, “I don’t think so either.”


“Because Belle likes her drugs, and Martin is always out here selling them to her.”


“You think Martin sold Evan Sting drugs?”


“I do. Even if he told me different.”


“Going on your gut again, aren’t you?” Tal asked.


Chapter 20