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Justice #1
Forty-Four Caliber Justice
A promise driving him toward violence. Bloodshed on the banks of the Rio Bravo. Can one young cowboy restore balance before he’s defeated by evil?Texas, 1873. Clay Barlow has his whole future before him. Working his family’s ranch and preparing for law school, the earnest seventeen-year-old dreams of the day when he can settle down with his childhood sweetheart. But he’s shattered when he returns home to discover a ransacked house and his parents’ gruesomely murdered bodies.
Traumatized and consumed by rage, a bitter Clay packs his saddlebags, tightens his gun belt, and abandons everything in the hunt for vengeance. But when he learns he’s up against a hardened gang of outlaws, he can’t shake the sense that he might be walking into a trap.
Can Clay become a man before the dark side of the frontier claims his life?
Forty-Four Caliber Justice is the rough-and-tumble first book in the Justice Series of classic American Westerns. If you like fast-paced adventure, old-timey charm, and stories of good versus evil, then you’ll love Donald L. Robertson’s immersive story.
Buy Forty-Four Caliber Justice to draw down on desperados today!
Traumatized and consumed by rage, a bitter Clay packs his saddlebags, tightens his gun belt, and abandons everything in the hunt for vengeance. But when he learns he’s up against a hardened gang of outlaws, he can’t shake the sense that he might be walking into a trap.
Can Clay become a man before the dark side of the frontier claims his life?
Forty-Four Caliber Justice is the rough-and-tumble first book in the Justice Series of classic American Westerns. If you like fast-paced adventure, old-timey charm, and stories of good versus evil, then you’ll love Donald L. Robertson’s immersive story.
Buy Forty-Four Caliber Justice to draw down on desperados today!
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2016
1339 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Donald L. Robertson
27 books68 followersI am a retired Southwest Airlines pilot. My wife Paula and I, live with our Chihuahua, Gabe, in Mesa, Arizona in a 55+ Golf Resort even though we don't play golf. It affords my wife a very active lifestyle while I spend my time writing. As a child, I enjoyed going to the Saturday matinee and spending the day watching westerns and daydreaming about the old west. I shared a passion with one of my aunts and read every western I could get my hands on. John Wayne was my favorite actor and Louis L'Amour my favorite writer. I miss those days where the good guys win, they treat the ladies right, have honor and are trustworthy. So, in about 2014, I started writing my own westerns and became quite shocked that people enjoyed them. I am so thankful to those of you who read my books, take the time to write reviews and email me. John Wayne said it best when he said "without you, I wouldn't be here". Please accept my deepest appreciation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 27, 2021
Clay Barlow, just 17 yrs old at the time, comes home to the hideous and most savage of murders done to his family. His father was shot, hung, and set on fire. His mother was raped and murdered. After burying the dead, he swears justice will be done to those that did these deeds.
But he’ll be chasing a ruthless gang - he is young and inexperienced. He hasn’t killed a man before. But now, he needs to do from boy to a man. A good neighbor helps him with some immediate needs, and he befriends a few that listen to his story, giving him some wisdom for survival in the Wild West. Clay also remembers with fondness some of the things his father (who was a deputy) told him growing up, but will he remember and learn enough on this quest as he stares death in the face - his whole future is at stake? Sometimes yes…sometimes no.
This was full on action from page 1 to the end. Really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Western genre.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
But he’ll be chasing a ruthless gang - he is young and inexperienced. He hasn’t killed a man before. But now, he needs to do from boy to a man. A good neighbor helps him with some immediate needs, and he befriends a few that listen to his story, giving him some wisdom for survival in the Wild West. Clay also remembers with fondness some of the things his father (who was a deputy) told him growing up, but will he remember and learn enough on this quest as he stares death in the face - his whole future is at stake? Sometimes yes…sometimes no.
This was full on action from page 1 to the end. Really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Western genre.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 21, 2018
CLAY BARLOW'S VENGEANCE
Young Clay Barlow has just returned to his home/ranch to find it eerily quiet. No horses in the corral, and a dark body hanging from a tree in the yard. Upon closer inspection it's his father's charred body hanging from a tree limb in the yard. He looks around and sees Skin's body riddled with bullets. He races toward the cabin and finds the house ramshackle, he's looking for his mother, whom he finds bloody and dead. The poor boy falls to his knees at the sight of his sweet mother, who lays there bloody and naked. The woman who played violin and encouraged him to read and write hoping someday he'll study and practice law is now dead. Clay Barlow buried his parents and Slim, and vowed at their graves he would hunt down the men who murdered his family no matter how long it took.
Clay keeps his word and while hunting these men he made friends who thought highly of him. He also found out that his parents were murdered by the Gideon Pinder gang who were paid by some unknown piece of trash to cause this horrible heartache and destruction to his family. Well like everything else in this money driven economy, besides greed and control, you have land grabbers and that's what and why Clay's family was murdered. This is a moving western adventure of love and respect for your family and nature. Every western you read there's a deep respect for their horses. Some cowboy take good care of their horses while others don't and think that they are means of transportation nothing else. You read how they run horses to death or they just don't care. There's also the quality how people are judged by others living in the west, it's exhibited when Clay stops by Lynn's house the reception he's given by her family because he killed ten men..well one would say, "what's done is done, they murdered my family and I kept my vow to parents and Slim."
Justice Justice on the frontier was a strange animal that wore many coats, but the prevailing one was take care of the problem yourselves or write to U.S. Marshals for help. Usually by the time they arrived you were either dead or left the State. Also it can be said an eye for an eye, which ever worked.
Young Clay Barlow has just returned to his home/ranch to find it eerily quiet. No horses in the corral, and a dark body hanging from a tree in the yard. Upon closer inspection it's his father's charred body hanging from a tree limb in the yard. He looks around and sees Skin's body riddled with bullets. He races toward the cabin and finds the house ramshackle, he's looking for his mother, whom he finds bloody and dead. The poor boy falls to his knees at the sight of his sweet mother, who lays there bloody and naked. The woman who played violin and encouraged him to read and write hoping someday he'll study and practice law is now dead. Clay Barlow buried his parents and Slim, and vowed at their graves he would hunt down the men who murdered his family no matter how long it took.
Clay keeps his word and while hunting these men he made friends who thought highly of him. He also found out that his parents were murdered by the Gideon Pinder gang who were paid by some unknown piece of trash to cause this horrible heartache and destruction to his family. Well like everything else in this money driven economy, besides greed and control, you have land grabbers and that's what and why Clay's family was murdered. This is a moving western adventure of love and respect for your family and nature. Every western you read there's a deep respect for their horses. Some cowboy take good care of their horses while others don't and think that they are means of transportation nothing else. You read how they run horses to death or they just don't care. There's also the quality how people are judged by others living in the west, it's exhibited when Clay stops by Lynn's house the reception he's given by her family because he killed ten men..well one would say, "what's done is done, they murdered my family and I kept my vow to parents and Slim."
Justice Justice on the frontier was a strange animal that wore many coats, but the prevailing one was take care of the problem yourselves or write to U.S. Marshals for help. Usually by the time they arrived you were either dead or left the State. Also it can be said an eye for an eye, which ever worked.
December 29, 2025
This is a good Western, Texas story of a young man coming home from gathering cattle for several days to find his Parents and work hand murder. He steps out to get justice for his family and friend, and this story Chronicles his journey. Narration was good and went well with this story.
October 26, 2018
Thought the first story I read by Mr. Robertson was great, but this one is definitely a masterpiece of exciting western folklore. Good enough for me to purchase the second book of this series. Mr. Robertson is definitely one of a kind author, whose impressive storytelling is most certainly a worthy piece of American western adventure! Really an entertaining piece of great western adventures from beginning to end!
Definitely a five star blockbuster that never abated throughout the entire story. Started strong and finished even stronger, with plenty of ongoing gunplay. One of the greatest assortment of characters I have ever had the opportunity to follow. They all live up to their expected assignments, as each and everyone of them effectively initiated their assignments with plenty of ongoing gunplay and the excitement never ceases!
The author apparently did his research, as each developing episode is thoroughly descriptive and the storylines are unbelievably fulfilling. This can be considered family-friendly activities that will definitely motivate the readers full attention.
Most definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to enjoy a very heartwarming rendition of our old American folklore, as there is romance, gunfights and plenty of exciting adventures throughout the entire w!
Definitely a five star blockbuster that never abated throughout the entire story. Started strong and finished even stronger, with plenty of ongoing gunplay. One of the greatest assortment of characters I have ever had the opportunity to follow. They all live up to their expected assignments, as each and everyone of them effectively initiated their assignments with plenty of ongoing gunplay and the excitement never ceases!
The author apparently did his research, as each developing episode is thoroughly descriptive and the storylines are unbelievably fulfilling. This can be considered family-friendly activities that will definitely motivate the readers full attention.
Most definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to enjoy a very heartwarming rendition of our old American folklore, as there is romance, gunfights and plenty of exciting adventures throughout the entire w!
March 13, 2019
I have found another favorite author!
Before reading this book I had never heard of Donald Robertson. I have to say I was so engrossed in the story I went straight into the second book without writing my review. Now I have finished both books and I come back to write my review. This is a good story. I like the author's style and I appreciate the lack of curse words and the lack of sexual innuendos running every page. I am not a prude, I know the sex happened or we wouldn't be here. I just don't want to read about it. If I did I would choose another genre to read. If you want to read a great story, and read some believable tale this is it. He does not have his character jump on a horse and ride half way across Texas before dark. I mean come on, you can't jump in your car and drive half way across Texas before dark even if you break the speed limit. I know cause I've lived here all my life. Read book two you'll like it too. I am patiently awaiting book three.
Before reading this book I had never heard of Donald Robertson. I have to say I was so engrossed in the story I went straight into the second book without writing my review. Now I have finished both books and I come back to write my review. This is a good story. I like the author's style and I appreciate the lack of curse words and the lack of sexual innuendos running every page. I am not a prude, I know the sex happened or we wouldn't be here. I just don't want to read about it. If I did I would choose another genre to read. If you want to read a great story, and read some believable tale this is it. He does not have his character jump on a horse and ride half way across Texas before dark. I mean come on, you can't jump in your car and drive half way across Texas before dark even if you break the speed limit. I know cause I've lived here all my life. Read book two you'll like it too. I am patiently awaiting book three.
February 3, 2022
Justice Series #1
I love reading a well storied western. But, I have been disappointed in some of the later westerns I have read. Most have too much cliche action sequences and you knew exactly what was going to happen. This book had some of the cliches, but it was more coming of age/doing what was right. The action scenes were great, the love interests were unexpected, the characters were great. A good series to keep reading. A 4.7 out of 5 rating.
I love reading a well storied western. But, I have been disappointed in some of the later westerns I have read. Most have too much cliche action sequences and you knew exactly what was going to happen. This book had some of the cliches, but it was more coming of age/doing what was right. The action scenes were great, the love interests were unexpected, the characters were great. A good series to keep reading. A 4.7 out of 5 rating.
November 25, 2021
Forty-Four Caliber Justice - A classic Western, set in Texas Hill Country in 1873. A seventeen years old, Clayton Barlow is after the shady killers that murdered his family in Texas. He will run after them and kill them regardless of how long it takes. His father taught him at an early age how to fight and shoot when necessary. His father was a lawman but this is the first time Clay is on his own with no one to help him. Will he be able to hunt, shoot and kill a man in the west?
These are good, clean, well written novels by a wonderful author. The whole family can enjoy them. This story is full of adventures, action, mysteries, emotions and excitement. Every story that Robertson writes has a new plot that is good. The story holds your full attention throughout the book. All his series are full of entrainment.
These are good, clean, well written novels by a wonderful author. The whole family can enjoy them. This story is full of adventures, action, mysteries, emotions and excitement. Every story that Robertson writes has a new plot that is good. The story holds your full attention throughout the book. All his series are full of entrainment.
March 7, 2024
Another good one from Mr Robertson!
Clay was just 17 years old when he came back from handling the cattle to his parents home and found a ranch worker and his mom and dad BRUTAlLY murdered. He seeks retribution for their killings or is it vengeance? He receives information from the local sheriff that it could be the Pinder gang that was recently released from prison. It was Clay’s father that had them serving time. A lot of great characters help him along the way. A little surprise ending. Love the horses in these books. Glad he reunited with Blue.
Clay was just 17 years old when he came back from handling the cattle to his parents home and found a ranch worker and his mom and dad BRUTAlLY murdered. He seeks retribution for their killings or is it vengeance? He receives information from the local sheriff that it could be the Pinder gang that was recently released from prison. It was Clay’s father that had them serving time. A lot of great characters help him along the way. A little surprise ending. Love the horses in these books. Glad he reunited with Blue.
December 28, 2023
Forty-Four Caliber Book 1 Is a Good Read!
Donald L Robertson’s Justice Series Book 1 is an excellent Western action Novel. It is a story of a teen age boy forced to become a man much to early in life. After tragedy took his family he used the training his father had given him in life to seek justice for his family’s murder. The six gun action, love for horses, his fathers great reputation, some potential romance, all add to a story filled with adventure and enjoyment!
Donald L Robertson’s Justice Series Book 1 is an excellent Western action Novel. It is a story of a teen age boy forced to become a man much to early in life. After tragedy took his family he used the training his father had given him in life to seek justice for his family’s murder. The six gun action, love for horses, his fathers great reputation, some potential romance, all add to a story filled with adventure and enjoyment!
March 7, 2017
A hard way to grow up, in a hard land.
The characters are very believable and true to the books time in history. The weapons are authentic to the time period. The author has, in my opinion, done a excellent job of writing a book true to its time and history. I highly recommend this excellent western.
The characters are very believable and true to the books time in history. The weapons are authentic to the time period. The author has, in my opinion, done a excellent job of writing a book true to its time and history. I highly recommend this excellent western.
April 30, 2018
Never disappoints
This new series is some of Robertson best writing. I was enthralled from the first pages to the very end. Clay is not your average 17 year old. He thinks and learns quick and draws faster. I’ve already downloaded the next volume in the series. Write faster Mr. Robertson. I’ll need the next volume soon.
This new series is some of Robertson best writing. I was enthralled from the first pages to the very end. Clay is not your average 17 year old. He thinks and learns quick and draws faster. I’ve already downloaded the next volume in the series. Write faster Mr. Robertson. I’ll need the next volume soon.
May 22, 2018
A Ranch Raided/3 Murdered/A Son Finds Them/He seeks Justicr
DLR has penned a western about a young cowboy who was out moving cattle around. He returns to find his Pa, Mom absence killed. He squares away the ranch and prepared to chase the men. He follows the men to their place in western Texas and slowly begins the hunt. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
DLR has penned a western about a young cowboy who was out moving cattle around. He returns to find his Pa, Mom absence killed. He squares away the ranch and prepared to chase the men. He follows the men to their place in western Texas and slowly begins the hunt. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
September 24, 2018
I'm so lucky to have found this author and his western stories. Just enjoy reading them. The first western books I remember reading were "Zane Grey" books. The books by Mr. Robertson remind me of them. The romance is not x-rated and it's not missed because you are so into the characters and what they are doing. I'm hoping there will be more books about Clay Barlow and the Justice series.
January 15, 2019
A gunman comes of age.
Classic western adventure with a young man out to avenge the murder of his parents. Along the way he must decide which of three young ladies will win his heart. This is an easy enjoyable read in the John Wayne tradition of "A man' s gotta do what a man' s gotta do" even if he loses his girlfriends.
Classic western adventure with a young man out to avenge the murder of his parents. Along the way he must decide which of three young ladies will win his heart. This is an easy enjoyable read in the John Wayne tradition of "A man' s gotta do what a man' s gotta do" even if he loses his girlfriends.
November 17, 2020
An enjoyable read about a young guy forced into growing up in the old West
I like the main character, his tenacious pursuit of his parents' killers and the moral compass he uses to avoid becoming a harder gunslinger. The story is good, the characters are believable and the pace is perfect. I recommend the book.
I like the main character, his tenacious pursuit of his parents' killers and the moral compass he uses to avoid becoming a harder gunslinger. The story is good, the characters are believable and the pace is perfect. I recommend the book.
December 8, 2020
So young to have to fight for justice
Excellent story. It starts with murder and ends with justice but there is a twist in the end. Brought up right by his father, the skills he learned young carry him on. Highly recommended for all adult and teenage readers. Great western and no improper sex scenes.
Excellent story. It starts with murder and ends with justice but there is a twist in the end. Brought up right by his father, the skills he learned young carry him on. Highly recommended for all adult and teenage readers. Great western and no improper sex scenes.
February 28, 2021
Sometimes you talk too much
Only four stars this time, while I've given all your others five. It seems our hero thinks the same things over and over and you are much too descriptive and dialog falls to the wayside. Still a good story, I just had to skim a lot to get back to the action
Only four stars this time, while I've given all your others five. It seems our hero thinks the same things over and over and you are much too descriptive and dialog falls to the wayside. Still a good story, I just had to skim a lot to get back to the action
July 20, 2021
This true Texas hero is remarkable!
Robertson is a formidable storyteller! Literally I couldn't put this book down. Clay is a fascinating young hero. Watching him mature through his actions coupled with his decessed father's wise words that Clay took to heart --- these were what made this western well worth the read.
Robertson is a formidable storyteller! Literally I couldn't put this book down. Clay is a fascinating young hero. Watching him mature through his actions coupled with his decessed father's wise words that Clay took to heart --- these were what made this western well worth the read.
December 15, 2017
Captured and held my attention
I am very impressed with the quality of the writing in this novel. There are some really good western writers now and Donald L. Robinson is very much at the top of the list.
I am very impressed with the quality of the writing in this novel. There are some really good western writers now and Donald L. Robinson is very much at the top of the list.
March 3, 2019
Forty-four caliber Justice
This is the first book I have read by this author,but it won't be the last.It was a real page turner.I liked the story very muh.Action,with a little romance,not too much though.
This is the first book I have read by this author,but it won't be the last.It was a real page turner.I liked the story very muh.Action,with a little romance,not too much though.
July 14, 2019
Exciting
A well written story with great characters, tragedy, action, and justice. All the things required for a good western. I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good western. I definitely am going to read more books by Donald L. Robertson.
A well written story with great characters, tragedy, action, and justice. All the things required for a good western. I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good western. I definitely am going to read more books by Donald L. Robertson.
July 14, 2019
Great Book!
This is the best book about the Old West that I've read in a long time and I can't wait to start on the next one in the series. Persistence and dogged determination win the day.
This is the best book about the Old West that I've read in a long time and I can't wait to start on the next one in the series. Persistence and dogged determination win the day.
July 13, 2020
Rough Start
Talk about everything falling down around you. Losing your family and a close family friend at the beginning of the book is certainly a rough start. Clay is forced to grow up real quick.
Talk about everything falling down around you. Losing your family and a close family friend at the beginning of the book is certainly a rough start. Clay is forced to grow up real quick.
April 4, 2021
A Great book for you
I enjoyed this book mostly because of the reading ease, it flows and keeps you entertained. I have found a new author to follow. Not swearing and cussing, just clean fast moving reading!
I enjoyed this book mostly because of the reading ease, it flows and keeps you entertained. I have found a new author to follow. Not swearing and cussing, just clean fast moving reading!
June 5, 2022
Good series
Just finished the three book series, hard to stop reading when you get started. You won't be disappointed from the first to the last page. Five star. Much better than a lot of other author's works.
Just finished the three book series, hard to stop reading when you get started. You won't be disappointed from the first to the last page. Five star. Much better than a lot of other author's works.
September 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this first book of the series. I do encourage to read series in order as I read 2 and 3 and then went back and read 1. I then, to get the feel for the 3-book series, reread 2 and 3. So yes it was an excellent read for all 3 books.
May 16, 2023
Enjoyable read for a series start!
Donald L. Robertson as written another great start to a series that I was unable to stop and do my chores until I finished reading it all. A fan!
Donald L. Robertson as written another great start to a series that I was unable to stop and do my chores until I finished reading it all. A fan!
August 1, 2023
Each chapter catches your attention.
I have read five of his stories and so far I like Forty-four-calibre Justice more than the others. The detail in the chapters is a real attention catcher.
I have read five of his stories and so far I like Forty-four-calibre Justice more than the others. The detail in the chapters is a real attention catcher.
April 2, 2024
Very heartwarming book
Its hard to say what anyone would do if their entire family was killed. This was very interesting to watch a young man of 17 become a man almost overnight. He set his mind to catch the killers and he did, but he lost the girl he cared about.
Its hard to say what anyone would do if their entire family was killed. This was very interesting to watch a young man of 17 become a man almost overnight. He set his mind to catch the killers and he did, but he lost the girl he cared about.
July 27, 2025
Justice is best served "Cold".
Really enjoyed this book. Great storyline and well written. Clay seems to have gotten a fast draw without practicing several hrs every day and day out. Looking fwd to bk 2.
Really enjoyed this book. Great storyline and well written. Clay seems to have gotten a fast draw without practicing several hrs every day and day out. Looking fwd to bk 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews