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Will Fain, U.S. Marshal #1
Will Fain, U. S. Marshal
Will Fain is a U. S. Marshal sent into West Texas by President U. S. Grant. He comes to West Texas with six of the finest thoroughbred horses to build a life and build up a horse ranch in San Angelo, Texas, which becomes his base of operations. Fain seeks to establish law and order at a time when the U.S. Cavalry is in constant battle with Comanches and Kiowas. Soldiers desert regularly and often become criminals themselves. People without a conscience, murderers, robbers, rapists, counterfeiters, card sharps are all over West Texas. Fain seeks to bring to justice the worst of the worst criminals. Fain and his deputy, a former Buffalo Soldier named Isum Wood, have encounters with cattle rustlers, buffalo hunters, card sharps and a host other criminals. Will finds that horse racing is the favorite pastime of westerners, so be races his thoroughbreds against the finest quarterhorses in the West. While these criminals inhabit Fain's work world, he finds great joy by marrying a widow with two children, who give purpose to his life and bring him the greatest love he's ever known.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2016
766 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 20, 2019
Audiobook Review
I'm always on the hunt for a new western to love and came across this promising bet by a new to me author and read by new to me narrator. Kick the sand over that campfire, drop your rifle in the boot, and swing aboard your horse to join tough as nails Will Fain to bring law and order to wild West Texas.
Will Fain became estranged from the last of his family when he rode for the Union in the Civil War as aide to General Grant himself. Of late, he's been on the President's secret service team mostly rousting out counterfeit money. Will is restless and goes to Grant with his decision to quit and head west to raise horses. Grant laughingly tells him that he'll soon be bored with that and has a better idea for Will's brand of talent.
And, boy was he right. It was a little slow at first as Will methodically got outfitted for his task, but it was also interesting to follow him to a horse farms, arms factories, and an inventor's shop so that later when Will has those up to date advantages, it didn't just come out of the blue.
Will encounters trouble even before beginning his work, but he's cunning and calculating so the bad guys rarely get the drop on him. He settles in a particularly lawless region near Fort Concho and Santa Angelo. There we get a bit of romance for him and the start of his work and the start of new life on the frontier.
I did find it a little hard to believe that a guy who had spent his entire life in the east took to western life so easily, but he was from the Tennessee hills and already had a rep as fast and accurate with a gun before he went on to fight in the war and work in the secret service protecting the president and performing other federal policing actions. I guess it wasn't too far off that he could settle in quickly.
It was a great blend of action, historical backdrop, and the development of a romance with Viriginia a widowed pioneer woman and circle of regular characters for the ongoing series. Will chooses a retired Buffalo Soldier as his first deputy and ranch hand and I loved getting to know Isum and his family too. There is a smidge of humor in how Will tackles the lazy local town sheriff and the grumpy US Marshall in San Antonio. But, the rest is great gunfighter action and frontier life.
AT Chandler was amazing. He was the perfect fit for the story and Will's voice. He did great at the surrounding cast, too, whether other races, genders, ages, and western twang. He caught the spirit of this story so well. I really hope he is narrating the rest of the series.
All in all, it was a great outing and I will definitely be back for the rest of the series. Those who love western fiction can give this a go with my blessing.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm always on the hunt for a new western to love and came across this promising bet by a new to me author and read by new to me narrator. Kick the sand over that campfire, drop your rifle in the boot, and swing aboard your horse to join tough as nails Will Fain to bring law and order to wild West Texas.
Will Fain became estranged from the last of his family when he rode for the Union in the Civil War as aide to General Grant himself. Of late, he's been on the President's secret service team mostly rousting out counterfeit money. Will is restless and goes to Grant with his decision to quit and head west to raise horses. Grant laughingly tells him that he'll soon be bored with that and has a better idea for Will's brand of talent.
And, boy was he right. It was a little slow at first as Will methodically got outfitted for his task, but it was also interesting to follow him to a horse farms, arms factories, and an inventor's shop so that later when Will has those up to date advantages, it didn't just come out of the blue.
Will encounters trouble even before beginning his work, but he's cunning and calculating so the bad guys rarely get the drop on him. He settles in a particularly lawless region near Fort Concho and Santa Angelo. There we get a bit of romance for him and the start of his work and the start of new life on the frontier.
I did find it a little hard to believe that a guy who had spent his entire life in the east took to western life so easily, but he was from the Tennessee hills and already had a rep as fast and accurate with a gun before he went on to fight in the war and work in the secret service protecting the president and performing other federal policing actions. I guess it wasn't too far off that he could settle in quickly.
It was a great blend of action, historical backdrop, and the development of a romance with Viriginia a widowed pioneer woman and circle of regular characters for the ongoing series. Will chooses a retired Buffalo Soldier as his first deputy and ranch hand and I loved getting to know Isum and his family too. There is a smidge of humor in how Will tackles the lazy local town sheriff and the grumpy US Marshall in San Antonio. But, the rest is great gunfighter action and frontier life.
AT Chandler was amazing. He was the perfect fit for the story and Will's voice. He did great at the surrounding cast, too, whether other races, genders, ages, and western twang. He caught the spirit of this story so well. I really hope he is narrating the rest of the series.
All in all, it was a great outing and I will definitely be back for the rest of the series. Those who love western fiction can give this a go with my blessing.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2018
Interesting
He was a kind hearted man who did his job the way it should be done.a good man to know
He was a kind hearted man who did his job the way it should be done.a good man to know
July 29, 2025
5 STARS, FROM MILITARY AIDE TO SECRET SERVICE TO US MARSHALL FOR LIFE
Book 1 starts after the Civil War after Grant is President. Having already served as close collaborators since Shiloh making it 7 years by the time they end up dealing in the sticky &:political World of Washington D.C. President Grant with Will Fain as his top presidential aide & top Secret Service Agent. Will was also a qualified lawyer who could have served as a judge but it would have tied him down & he was restless & ready to leave the East Coast & war crisis behind him. The President made him an US Marshall for his lifetime and then had a man from the War Department take him around for many days to race horse farms, top weapons manufacturers, & other goods he might need with the cost being sent to the President or the War Department.
It is a wonderful bit of storyline and worth relishing while Will goes through this process plus gets lessons from a top Shootist on how to improve his draw & gun. Fascinating reading.From here Will Fain goes on to West Texas to purchase land for his ranch to raise the quarter horses he brought with him. He needs to set up a home base to leave th majority of the horses, the weapons, the ammo, & all his other supplies he will need. He will have to hire some man or men to stay around the ranch for when he is gone in US Marshall business. He plans to get a small herd of cattle also, in the future.
This story is a shoot-em-up action but it's still such a real joy & pleasure to read. I almost felt I was there at times. Will is a good. US Marshall, he knows the law & right from wrong but he also has a sense of justice so at times he meets out Justice.
RECOMMENDED going on to the next one in series
Book 1 starts after the Civil War after Grant is President. Having already served as close collaborators since Shiloh making it 7 years by the time they end up dealing in the sticky &:political World of Washington D.C. President Grant with Will Fain as his top presidential aide & top Secret Service Agent. Will was also a qualified lawyer who could have served as a judge but it would have tied him down & he was restless & ready to leave the East Coast & war crisis behind him. The President made him an US Marshall for his lifetime and then had a man from the War Department take him around for many days to race horse farms, top weapons manufacturers, & other goods he might need with the cost being sent to the President or the War Department.
It is a wonderful bit of storyline and worth relishing while Will goes through this process plus gets lessons from a top Shootist on how to improve his draw & gun. Fascinating reading.From here Will Fain goes on to West Texas to purchase land for his ranch to raise the quarter horses he brought with him. He needs to set up a home base to leave th majority of the horses, the weapons, the ammo, & all his other supplies he will need. He will have to hire some man or men to stay around the ranch for when he is gone in US Marshall business. He plans to get a small herd of cattle also, in the future.
This story is a shoot-em-up action but it's still such a real joy & pleasure to read. I almost felt I was there at times. Will is a good. US Marshall, he knows the law & right from wrong but he also has a sense of justice so at times he meets out Justice.
RECOMMENDED going on to the next one in series
April 16, 2018
WILL FAIN, U.S. MARSHAL
Will Fain, U.S. Marshal, ex-Secret Service agent has finally found his future wife, Virginia. Virginia a widow with two children living on a broken down ranch doing the best she can to feed herself and children. Lordy, here comes Will Fain who falls in love with her instantly...what a man..
Will is ridding the area of owlhoots, rapists and murderers. We're Alison introduced to Isum Wood ex-Buffalo solder, who has moved onto Will's ranch as a horse trainer and protector of the ranch when Will is away.
This is a good series so far and I hope R.O. Lane will continue writing about Will Fain, U.S. Marshal, also close friend to President Ulysses S. Grant who appointed him for life as U.S. Marshal which also gave him Carte Blanche over the thirty-seven states and Territories which were considered the United States..Will Fain reminds me of Jess Williams Series another great character who is fair, respectful. Treats people as human beings regardless of their ethnicity..very low amounts of cussing, just a good reading western adventure..oh yes, he loves horses and armaments which he uses without hesitation for protection in his line of duty...A MAN TO RIDE THE RIVER WITH..
Will Fain, U.S. Marshal, ex-Secret Service agent has finally found his future wife, Virginia. Virginia a widow with two children living on a broken down ranch doing the best she can to feed herself and children. Lordy, here comes Will Fain who falls in love with her instantly...what a man..
Will is ridding the area of owlhoots, rapists and murderers. We're Alison introduced to Isum Wood ex-Buffalo solder, who has moved onto Will's ranch as a horse trainer and protector of the ranch when Will is away.
This is a good series so far and I hope R.O. Lane will continue writing about Will Fain, U.S. Marshal, also close friend to President Ulysses S. Grant who appointed him for life as U.S. Marshal which also gave him Carte Blanche over the thirty-seven states and Territories which were considered the United States..Will Fain reminds me of Jess Williams Series another great character who is fair, respectful. Treats people as human beings regardless of their ethnicity..very low amounts of cussing, just a good reading western adventure..oh yes, he loves horses and armaments which he uses without hesitation for protection in his line of duty...A MAN TO RIDE THE RIVER WITH..
September 8, 2025
The series of 8 hold your interest
As I have listened to all 8 books
the fist 4 in Audible by A T CHANDLER
whose voice quality enhances the well
written fast moving conversations and
narration with much military knowledge,
personal insight to the mood of the country
after the civil war and history of our USA as it settles the west...added much to the strength of this series. I have listened to all 8 books several times. As any well written book has so many things packed in each chapter.... I pick up the little facts that are included in both coversations and narrative that I miss the first listening and pick up in second and third listening.... Like watching our favorite movies many times. At 85 I've
watched and listened many times as I do hand work ..knit,crochet and do household chores .
As I have listened to all 8 books
the fist 4 in Audible by A T CHANDLER
whose voice quality enhances the well
written fast moving conversations and
narration with much military knowledge,
personal insight to the mood of the country
after the civil war and history of our USA as it settles the west...added much to the strength of this series. I have listened to all 8 books several times. As any well written book has so many things packed in each chapter.... I pick up the little facts that are included in both coversations and narrative that I miss the first listening and pick up in second and third listening.... Like watching our favorite movies many times. At 85 I've
watched and listened many times as I do hand work ..knit,crochet and do household chores .
September 3, 2023
Wild Will Fain!!
Love a-great Texas cowboy especially a U S Marshal . Tough, hot blooded 🩸& sounds like all man. I can’t wait to read more. Not to keen on his wife , she doesn’t appeal to me at all. It’s like she is missing something?? She don’t help him do nothing, cooking and sex that’s about it, hard as he works he deserves more than that. My vote is still out on her. Love his relationship with his horses. I’m a big horse lover, when I was young I had horses & small ranch u could say, never forgot the eternal love I had for them, so I know his feelings for Traveler, starting on #2 . I am beginning my 8th book now. Just found out about this series if they are as good as this I will read them all. YES, I would recommend it, keep up the good work…
Tweety 🦜🦜
Love a-great Texas cowboy especially a U S Marshal . Tough, hot blooded 🩸& sounds like all man. I can’t wait to read more. Not to keen on his wife , she doesn’t appeal to me at all. It’s like she is missing something?? She don’t help him do nothing, cooking and sex that’s about it, hard as he works he deserves more than that. My vote is still out on her. Love his relationship with his horses. I’m a big horse lover, when I was young I had horses & small ranch u could say, never forgot the eternal love I had for them, so I know his feelings for Traveler, starting on #2 . I am beginning my 8th book now. Just found out about this series if they are as good as this I will read them all. YES, I would recommend it, keep up the good work…
Tweety 🦜🦜
July 16, 2018
Will Fain and Virginia
Well written western novel with interesting characters. Will Fain is a former Union officer who joins Ulysses Grant's staff as a member of the Secret Service. First He protects Grant and then hunts counterfeiters. Grant asks him to become a US Marshal in Texas. Grant arranges for him to have the best horses and equipment so he can do his job. He meets Virginia a widow with two small children Joshua six and Annabelle four. He falls in love with the small family and marries them. He buys a ranch and hires retired Buffalo Soldier Isum Wood and Black Seminole Alfa Teewee to work for him. I love the inclusion of Black characters in the story.
Well written western novel with interesting characters. Will Fain is a former Union officer who joins Ulysses Grant's staff as a member of the Secret Service. First He protects Grant and then hunts counterfeiters. Grant asks him to become a US Marshal in Texas. Grant arranges for him to have the best horses and equipment so he can do his job. He meets Virginia a widow with two small children Joshua six and Annabelle four. He falls in love with the small family and marries them. He buys a ranch and hires retired Buffalo Soldier Isum Wood and Black Seminole Alfa Teewee to work for him. I love the inclusion of Black characters in the story.
January 29, 2020
After the Civil War, Will worked for President Grant. When he wanted to move west the president commissioned him to be US Marshall. Setting off well armed he took thorough bred horses for a future ranch. Arriving in West Texas he meets Virginia who is a widow with two small children whom he marries right away. He established a large ranch and included Isum, a former Buffalo Soldier as a deputy marshal. There are outlaws and criminal throughout the west and gun play throughout. Will maintains his honor and his determination to bring law and order to a lawless land.
The characters are realistic and are a rich part of this story. Will is able to pursue criminals and support his young family. R O Lane has done a masterful job in introducing a US Marshal who we well continue to love and support during his adventures to come.
The characters are realistic and are a rich part of this story. Will is able to pursue criminals and support his young family. R O Lane has done a masterful job in introducing a US Marshal who we well continue to love and support during his adventures to come.
April 12, 2018
A U.S. Marshal West Texas Western/San Angelo to El Paso
TOM has penned a western about an ex Secret Service Agent assign to U.S. Marshal in West Texas. Marshal Gain is assigned in perpetuity odor as long as President Grant is in office. Upon arrival in Texas he immediately sets up a home area and begins to chase the worse if the outlaws. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
TOM has penned a western about an ex Secret Service Agent assign to U.S. Marshal in West Texas. Marshal Gain is assigned in perpetuity odor as long as President Grant is in office. Upon arrival in Texas he immediately sets up a home area and begins to chase the worse if the outlaws. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
November 8, 2020
The end west...
...Where men were men and women were women, and nobody was confused as to how that worked. I am truly enjoying the works by R. O. Lane. He writes an easy story that keeps you entertained, isn't boring, and generally has a love story woven in the overarching plots of the series. Western are not necessarily everyone 's cup of tea, but I think Mr. Lane's books are worth a look see.
...Where men were men and women were women, and nobody was confused as to how that worked. I am truly enjoying the works by R. O. Lane. He writes an easy story that keeps you entertained, isn't boring, and generally has a love story woven in the overarching plots of the series. Western are not necessarily everyone 's cup of tea, but I think Mr. Lane's books are worth a look see.
August 5, 2022
This is the 1st book in the Will Fain series, which is good news, because that means there are more to read, US Marshal Will Fain heads west and settles in a particularly rough Texas town. He buys a ranch to raise thoroughbreds, meets and marries Virginia, a widow with two kids. Just like that, he is a family man. It is a very interesting group of friends and employees they accumulate. He is quick to help those that need it and quick to bury any murdering outlaws that try to outdraw him.
December 16, 2022
Presidential Appointments Are Rare
This first book in the story of Will Fain moving from the early Secret Service after the Civil War to a U.S. Marshall through a special Presidential Appointment is unique and gives him a lot of latitude to beginning to tame the great southwest area of Texas. The pace of this story races from one event to another as Will dispenses Justice to those who are overlooked by local law enforcement. Great read.
This first book in the story of Will Fain moving from the early Secret Service after the Civil War to a U.S. Marshall through a special Presidential Appointment is unique and gives him a lot of latitude to beginning to tame the great southwest area of Texas. The pace of this story races from one event to another as Will dispenses Justice to those who are overlooked by local law enforcement. Great read.
October 24, 2023
Fast action, fast read
Sometimes it helps to know the right people. Will Fain's appointment by the President carries a lot of weight and he definitely takes advantage of it. It seems as though each day brings a new adventure as Will is determined to make his part of Texas safe. The warm fuzzy in this story is how Will befriends and employs people who don't look like him. Some good western hero adventures with lots of action... enjoyable read.
Sometimes it helps to know the right people. Will Fain's appointment by the President carries a lot of weight and he definitely takes advantage of it. It seems as though each day brings a new adventure as Will is determined to make his part of Texas safe. The warm fuzzy in this story is how Will befriends and employs people who don't look like him. Some good western hero adventures with lots of action... enjoyable read.
December 5, 2023
Will Fain, U.S. Marshal, Book 1
This was a other great Book by this famous Author and once again a five Star rating. This was filled with lots of action and suspense and read most of yesterday staying up until 3:00 a.m. because I just could not put down and go to sleep. Love all the books by this fantastic Author and highly recommend them to all Western Romance readers seeking to read the very best books available!!
This was a other great Book by this famous Author and once again a five Star rating. This was filled with lots of action and suspense and read most of yesterday staying up until 3:00 a.m. because I just could not put down and go to sleep. Love all the books by this fantastic Author and highly recommend them to all Western Romance readers seeking to read the very best books available!!
January 12, 2024
Good storyline
Good clean western with a lot of action, romance and wholesome characters to balance the perpetrators of evil. Mr. Lanes style reminds me of one of my favorite authors, C.J. Petit… developing his hero and making him as a kind, compassionate and quick to mete out justice type of man who lives by the code of the west. This series is starting out very well and I highly recommend it.
Good clean western with a lot of action, romance and wholesome characters to balance the perpetrators of evil. Mr. Lanes style reminds me of one of my favorite authors, C.J. Petit… developing his hero and making him as a kind, compassionate and quick to mete out justice type of man who lives by the code of the west. This series is starting out very well and I highly recommend it.
March 29, 2024
Will Fain US Marshall
This was a fun and straight shooting story. Pun intended. Will Fain has established himself as a good man, friendly to those that are true and not so to those that are law breakers, bullies, power hungry and devious. Too bad there are more of them than the law abiding but just as POTUS told him, it was going to take awhile to clean up the riff raffles and make this corner of Texas safe for the law abiding citizens.
This was a fun and straight shooting story. Pun intended. Will Fain has established himself as a good man, friendly to those that are true and not so to those that are law breakers, bullies, power hungry and devious. Too bad there are more of them than the law abiding but just as POTUS told him, it was going to take awhile to clean up the riff raffles and make this corner of Texas safe for the law abiding citizens.
March 24, 2018
Will Fain, U.S. Marshall (Will Fain, U.S. Marshall, West Tx. Book 1)
Will Fain can really pack a punch. The story line is tight, written well with great characters that just make you keep coming back for more. I love western's that just keep you guessing about what's coming up next. Love it!!!BRAVO 👏BRAVO 👏
Will Fain can really pack a punch. The story line is tight, written well with great characters that just make you keep coming back for more. I love western's that just keep you guessing about what's coming up next. Love it!!!BRAVO 👏BRAVO 👏
June 9, 2019
If you are looking for a great read, you just found it.
I have been a fan of westerns since taking a western literature course in college. Mr. Lane does the genre proud. He is a terrific storyteller and seamlessly weaves in historical facts. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I have been a fan of westerns since taking a western literature course in college. Mr. Lane does the genre proud. He is a terrific storyteller and seamlessly weaves in historical facts. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 18, 2018
He will take you out!
Don't get in the way of Marshall Will Fain. Don't do anything to his family. Do what you need to do but stay away from the Marshall. He's a good man that won't put up with anything bad. Great read and I'm ready for the next one.
Don't get in the way of Marshall Will Fain. Don't do anything to his family. Do what you need to do but stay away from the Marshall. He's a good man that won't put up with anything bad. Great read and I'm ready for the next one.
August 4, 2018
4 Stars
First book of the series. Lots of the first few chapters consisted of Will buying horses, guns ammo and getting ready for his move to West Texas. Last part of the book was better. I've already purchased the 2nd book.
First book of the series. Lots of the first few chapters consisted of Will buying horses, guns ammo and getting ready for his move to West Texas. Last part of the book was better. I've already purchased the 2nd book.
August 24, 2018
Outlaws don’t win!
Marshals aren’t always well prepared or great with a gun. Fain is and he has a heart for people down on their luck or mistreated and has the means to help. The storyline keeps you turning pages.
Marshals aren’t always well prepared or great with a gun. Fain is and he has a heart for people down on their luck or mistreated and has the means to help. The storyline keeps you turning pages.
September 6, 2018
Great western story about the U.S. Marshals in the old west.
R.O.Lane writes a outstanding story about the old west. He has adventure,romance and compassion in each story. The book is hard to put down so if you start reading expect that you will be busy reading for a while.
R.O.Lane writes a outstanding story about the old west. He has adventure,romance and compassion in each story. The book is hard to put down so if you start reading expect that you will be busy reading for a while.
September 29, 2018
Will Fain ,U.S.Marshal, West Texas
A great read! I love westerns, where the good guy wins, and is an honorable person! I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
A great read! I love westerns, where the good guy wins, and is an honorable person! I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
October 14, 2018
Excellent stories, very well written. Wonderful characters. I've read many westerns and R. O. Lane is as good as any I've read. Really enjoyed the complete series of Will Fain, U.S. Marshal books. All seven of them were great! I'll be reading more from R. O. Lane!
January 29, 2019
Good job.
Another amazing job. I like this series. The author does a real good job telling a story. Maybe he will continue so us old fans off Western stories will have something to read. I hope so.
Another amazing job. I like this series. The author does a real good job telling a story. Maybe he will continue so us old fans off Western stories will have something to read. I hope so.
March 7, 2020
Great western
Another great western from R.O. Lane. The heroes are tough but kind. The villains are as mean as snakes and the women beautiful. The plot moves like a stampede of frightened horses. This guy can write.
Another great western from R.O. Lane. The heroes are tough but kind. The villains are as mean as snakes and the women beautiful. The plot moves like a stampede of frightened horses. This guy can write.
March 22, 2020
Will Fain bk1
I like the character Will Fain. He is straight shooter. He is a fair and just man but he also a no none sense man. He is a loving and devoted family man, that is sensitive to the needs of others and cares about their well being.
I like the character Will Fain. He is straight shooter. He is a fair and just man but he also a no none sense man. He is a loving and devoted family man, that is sensitive to the needs of others and cares about their well being.
July 8, 2020
The first of many great stories
I have read about 10 of R O Land books, so I thought I would start at his first book.Great characters and stories. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I have read about 10 of R O Land books, so I thought I would start at his first book.Great characters and stories. I look forward to the rest of the series.
July 20, 2020
Great western book.
Great read. Mr. R. O. Lane has outdone himself in writing this book. I am never disappointed in reading his western characters and books. Thank again, and keep writing
Great read. Mr. R. O. Lane has outdone himself in writing this book. I am never disappointed in reading his western characters and books. Thank again, and keep writing
Read
June 11, 2021R.O.Lane wove a very good story using Wil! Fain as the hero
WillFain was hired by President Grant to clean up outlaws in Texas.He helped several people along the way.He was working on a way to make Texas a better place.
WillFain was hired by President Grant to clean up outlaws in Texas.He helped several people along the way.He was working on a way to make Texas a better place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews