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Left Hand of the Law
In this gripping western tale, a man on the run finds something to live for.
After a corrupt deputy killed his family, burned down his home, and left him with nothing but a sword scar across his face, Ben Cutler came back to settle the score. The townsfolk called it justice, but a judge called it murder—so now Cutler is on the run, a wanted man.
Trailed by an obsessed federal marshal, ambushed by a vengeful Sioux warrior, and running afoul of a low-down scoundrel in Deadwood, Cutler is in for a long, hard ride before he can find any peace. But when he comes to the aid of a westbound family, he begins to discover something he thought he’d lost hope.
After a corrupt deputy killed his family, burned down his home, and left him with nothing but a sword scar across his face, Ben Cutler came back to settle the score. The townsfolk called it justice, but a judge called it murder—so now Cutler is on the run, a wanted man.
Trailed by an obsessed federal marshal, ambushed by a vengeful Sioux warrior, and running afoul of a low-down scoundrel in Deadwood, Cutler is in for a long, hard ride before he can find any peace. But when he comes to the aid of a westbound family, he begins to discover something he thought he’d lost hope.
- GenresWesterns
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 5, 2011
14 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Charles G. West
71 books75 followersCharles G. West first arrived on the western literary scene in March, 1998 with his first novel, Stone Hand, published by Penguin under their Signet imprint. The book was the first of a three-book series, featuring Jason Coles, master tracker. The public response to those first three books called for more western fiction by West, and as of January 2014, Signet has published forty-five.
Inspired in his youth by great adventure authors like A.B. Guthrie and Vardis Fisher, West has always sought to be true to the men and women who braved the dangers of the savage frontier that was ultimately forged to become the American west. Novels by Charles G. West are classified as historical/westerns due to his diligent research in his subject matter, choosing to weave his fiction into the fabric of the actual places and events, being true to the times as well as the people. As a result, his protagonists are usually not heroes, but are often called upon to perform heroic deeds.
Insisting that his protagonists must be instilled with a sense of fairness in addition to courage. West readily admits that many of the characters in his books are patterned after his two sons, both of whom are graduates of the University of Montana, one still lives in Kalispell, Montana - and is the source of much of the author's detail on the ways of the mountain man. Both sons share West's love for the Big Sky Country.
Presently, the author resides in Ocala, Florida with his wife, Ronda, whose name is found on the dedication page of every West novel.
Inspired in his youth by great adventure authors like A.B. Guthrie and Vardis Fisher, West has always sought to be true to the men and women who braved the dangers of the savage frontier that was ultimately forged to become the American west. Novels by Charles G. West are classified as historical/westerns due to his diligent research in his subject matter, choosing to weave his fiction into the fabric of the actual places and events, being true to the times as well as the people. As a result, his protagonists are usually not heroes, but are often called upon to perform heroic deeds.
Insisting that his protagonists must be instilled with a sense of fairness in addition to courage. West readily admits that many of the characters in his books are patterned after his two sons, both of whom are graduates of the University of Montana, one still lives in Kalispell, Montana - and is the source of much of the author's detail on the ways of the mountain man. Both sons share West's love for the Big Sky Country.
Presently, the author resides in Ocala, Florida with his wife, Ronda, whose name is found on the dedication page of every West novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 22, 2024
I hadn't read a Western novel since reading "Riders of the Purple Sage" by Zane Grey when I was 14 yrs old. I didn't really think I would like this book, but despite being leery, I enjoyed reading it. There were lots of surprises, and the pacing was spot on. I even liked the description of the scenery, etc. I think I may put on a Stetson and read another of his books.
May 25, 2021
An undemanding, by-the-numbers read. It hits all the right notes you'd expect from an action Western, even if it does so without any real flair. The writing is workmanlike and occasionally clunky; it is a story you don't mind hearing spun but not one you'd seek out either, or remember much afterwards. I feel a bit guilty talking about it in this way, as I love Westerns even when they're average and I respect an author who shares that love. Left Hand of the Law won't shake your world – or even nudge it slightly – but it is clean and pleasant enough.
August 29, 2018
THE SCAR
A good fast paced reading. The plot has a good rhythm and the characters are also worth their weight during their thing. You'll enjoy this adventure which is truly has typical western flavors. Crazy men and vengeful Indians . Men trying panning for gold...you know instant wealth that comes with someone trying to steal it from you. The Black Hills of the Dakota's gold gold and the land that was given to the Lakotas and taken back.
A good fast paced reading. The plot has a good rhythm and the characters are also worth their weight during their thing. You'll enjoy this adventure which is truly has typical western flavors. Crazy men and vengeful Indians . Men trying panning for gold...you know instant wealth that comes with someone trying to steal it from you. The Black Hills of the Dakota's gold gold and the land that was given to the Lakotas and taken back.
March 21, 2018
Charles G West has quickly become one of my favorite western authors. This one bucks the trend of common westerns but still packs a great tale.
August 1, 2019
Another great story! Like others have said, it took me a little longer to get into it but once he met Cleve, it really gained momentum. It’s fast paced and enjoyable. Ben Cutler can’t seem to catch a break, only guilty of having bad luck. Definitely worth a read!
July 18, 2011
Ben Cutler had given up the life of a cowboy on trail drives in order to not be away from his wife and six year old son so long. He'd taken up farming.
All that was taken away by a crooked deputy who killed his wife and son and left him for dead in the burning barn. Ben's friend, Jim White Feather, had came along in time to pull him from the fire. He had several bullet wounds as well as a vicious scar across one side of his face from the deouty's broken half sword he carried like a Bowie knife.
When he was healed up, Ben went after the deputy who believed him dead and put five bullets into him. When everyone knew the story, they didn't blame Ben. Even the Sheriff. But he did his duty and arrested Ben for trial, sending for a judge, believing it all a formality.
The judge had a different idea. Seeing the town's feelings, he decided he would be the jury and since Ben had already admitted to the crime, as well as witnesses, he was convicted. The judge said it was just Ben's word that he was claiming his rightful vengeance.
He got ten years and Marshals were sent for to escort him to prison. Ben was planning an escape attempt, but wanted to wait to get away from town. Some of the toensmen didn't see it that way, so his escape was arranged.
Ben headed west.
He didn't know an obsessed Marshal was on his trail. Marry that with several Indian attacks, one maniacal Indian that wanted his head, a new friend he'd made, a family headed for Deadwood to be reunited with the son-in-law, husband, father, that had gone there to make his fortune and you've got a fast moving novel.
The one they hunted didn't want his family, never had, and had become a man of importance. And he was mad!
Ben had a lot on his plate now. A four year old that he'd grown quite close to, the boy's mother that he was reluctant to think the same thing, and the husband that had made it clear he didn't want them. To the point of violence if necessary.
All that was taken away by a crooked deputy who killed his wife and son and left him for dead in the burning barn. Ben's friend, Jim White Feather, had came along in time to pull him from the fire. He had several bullet wounds as well as a vicious scar across one side of his face from the deouty's broken half sword he carried like a Bowie knife.
When he was healed up, Ben went after the deputy who believed him dead and put five bullets into him. When everyone knew the story, they didn't blame Ben. Even the Sheriff. But he did his duty and arrested Ben for trial, sending for a judge, believing it all a formality.
The judge had a different idea. Seeing the town's feelings, he decided he would be the jury and since Ben had already admitted to the crime, as well as witnesses, he was convicted. The judge said it was just Ben's word that he was claiming his rightful vengeance.
He got ten years and Marshals were sent for to escort him to prison. Ben was planning an escape attempt, but wanted to wait to get away from town. Some of the toensmen didn't see it that way, so his escape was arranged.
Ben headed west.
He didn't know an obsessed Marshal was on his trail. Marry that with several Indian attacks, one maniacal Indian that wanted his head, a new friend he'd made, a family headed for Deadwood to be reunited with the son-in-law, husband, father, that had gone there to make his fortune and you've got a fast moving novel.
The one they hunted didn't want his family, never had, and had become a man of importance. And he was mad!
Ben had a lot on his plate now. A four year old that he'd grown quite close to, the boy's mother that he was reluctant to think the same thing, and the husband that had made it clear he didn't want them. To the point of violence if necessary.
January 16, 2013
I'll admit, I wasn't sold on this book right from the get-go. It lacks the world building and details that I like in a book. Before too long it became apparent that it was going to be rather predictable. Don't get me wrong, I love when the good guy wins and the bad guys get what they deserve - happy endings are my favorite type of endings. But I also think it would have been better if there was ever a bit of doubt as to whether or not there would actually be one.
I wasn't ever really drawn into the story until at least half way through, and was finally completely enthralled by the last 20 pages. The last 6 pages were the best part, with a very sweet ending. I think what kept me going to the end was that I wanted to know if anything would beome of Ben and Victoria. I was really looking for a more complex plot than I found here, but despite this, I ended up enjoying this book much more than I thought I would when I had started it.
I wasn't ever really drawn into the story until at least half way through, and was finally completely enthralled by the last 20 pages. The last 6 pages were the best part, with a very sweet ending. I think what kept me going to the end was that I wanted to know if anything would beome of Ben and Victoria. I was really looking for a more complex plot than I found here, but despite this, I ended up enjoying this book much more than I thought I would when I had started it.
August 4, 2015
Good story, interesting reading. Xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx ,xXx
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January 21, 2013
This author continues to write good novels and as long as he keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews