The year is 1878, and Deputy U.S. Marshal JR Marcus arrives in Pagosa Springs to take on the additional responsibility of Archuleta County sheriff. A former Civil War cavalryman, ranch foreman, cattle-drive ramrod, Texas Ranger with the legendary McNellys, and lawman who solved the Silverton boomtown murders, Marcus has learned to rely on his wits rather than violence to enforce the law.
After pinning on the sheriff's star, Marcus faces train and stagecoach robbers, cattle rustlers driving a stolen herd into New Mexico Territory, and an outlaw gang determined to take over his town. His dual authority as deputy U.S. marshal and sheriff brings him face-to-face with Western legends including Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday, and Clay Allison. He also becomes entangled in the sensational murder trial of a revenge-driven dance hall woman and a violent vigilante riot.
But when his old enemies from Silverton, the Spikes brothers, arrive to rob a gold shipment and kidnap a beautiful woman, Marcus must abandon caution and confront them head-on. This time, his intellect alone may not be enough to keep him alive.
