Texas Rangers, gunfighter King Fisher, and Billy the Kid’s last meal

Aug 21, 2025 5:01 pm

August '25

Howdy pard,

Take a moment and come and take a seat by the fire. It’s been a long day and I’ve got the coffee boilin’.

I’ve barely had a spare moment since we last spoke. I love my western and I’ve found a pile of them to share with you – take as many as you’d like. I’ve got the story of Chief Touch the Clouds, a relative of Crazy Horse. I can tell you about Old West serial killers, as well as Texas Ranger Ira Aten. I’ve also got one of those movin’ picture shows about gunfighter Sheriff King Fisher. As a special treat I’ve got the recipe for Billy the Kid’s last meal – and how to make it.

Oh, and I’m including yet another entirely new exclusive taste of the next Sheriff Sol Redding western – the book is coming together nicely. You’re going to love this adventure when it’s finished.

Shut my mouth, your coffee mug is empty. Here have some more. As my ol’ grandpa used to say, ‘Don’t corner something meaner than you’.

Free stories of the Old West

Westerns, westerns, westerns! You’ve been asking for them, and here they are. This collection of free Old West fiction will take you back to the American Frontier and the characters and adventures that forged a nation. Don’t forget, help yourself – they are all free!

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

The Reckoning, by Carena McGregor
Wrangler, by Curtis Long
Vigilante and Other Stories, by Tommie Wendall
Blood Justice, by RJ Sloane

Click here to get your free books!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/newsfrommywildwest/lv4a5k1cep

A new August exclusive sneak peek at my next Sixgun Drifter western

I’m deep into editing the fourth draft of my next western, the second in the ‘Sheriff Sol Redding’ series. It’s a big rollicking adventure with lots of action, double crosses, bad hombres and gun play – and as my treasured newsletter family I’m proud to give you all an exclusive snippet of the story (as it stands) as my way of saying thank you. This excerpt is from the current draft of the book as it stands today - it may change a little (or a lot!) by the time I publish. Depending on how quickly I can edit, it should be out soon. I just couldn’t wait to give you a taste of what's coming...

The scene: Sol and Jasper track down an outlaw to a local whiskey haunt- the Double Aught saloon. Sol wants to go in alone, but Jasper’s dog has other ideas, leading to disaster…

https://nickbrumbywesterns.com/august-2025-exclusive-subscriber-only-preview-of-the-next-sheriff-sol-redding-western/

Chief Touch the Clouds

He was 6’9”, weighed 280 pounds, and was first cousin to Native American warrior legend Crazy Horse. Yet Minneconjou Teton Lakota Chief Touch the Clouds was also a legend in his own right, known not only for his huge stature, but also for his bravery and skill in battle, physical strength and diplomatic engagements with the US government.

Find out more about Chief Touch the Clouds here: https://nickbrumbywesterns.com/chief-touch-the-clouds/

‘Dust and gunpowder’

Thank you to everyone who has picked themselves up a copy of Redding’s Fandango – the reviews have been great:

“I have to say Redding's Fandango doesn't just tell a Western, it throws you headlong into a dust-and-gunpowder storm of vengeance and survival. The grit of the cattle trail, the corruption closing in, and the fight to clear his name make it a story that hits like a well-aimed shot.”

The book is also now available on major ebook retailers - or check out the extra-special edition containing exclusive content and a story epilogue not available from other retailers, delivered by Bookfunnel, and readable on any device.

You can find it here:

https://nickbrumbywesterns.com/reddings-fandango/

Western fiction

There’s nothing like a good western, and these quality stories of the Old West are just waiting for you to open page one! Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

The Railroad Magnate, by Karen Baney
The Gunslinger, by Sarah Lamb
Three Brands, by Tommie Wendall
Northern Wolf, by Daniel Greene

Click here to get your books!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/newsfrommywildwest2/gjshke6mbd

Exploring the past

The past is a perfect setting for a good story, and these free quality historical fiction titles are just waiting for you to start page one! Pick one, pick them all – it’s up to you. But don’t wait – they won’t last long!

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

His Greatest Regret, by Amy Crooks
Falcon Dagger, by Azelea Dabill
Curse of the Elfs, by Anna Del C Dye
Anticipated, by Ida Smith

Click here to get your books!

https://storyoriginapp.com/to/NYzY1jP

Did you know?

When we think about violence in the Wild West, gunfights or shootouts (like the infamous O.K. Corral) tend to come to mind. Yet the frontier also had its share of serial killers, who used the isolation of the West to carry out their bloody deeds unhindered. Perhaps the most famous are the so-called “Bloody Benders,” a bloodthirsty family of serial killers who operated an inn and general store near Cherryvale, Kansas. There are also less-well-known killers like Charles Kennedy, who may have slain more than 14 people—possibly including his own son—in his home in New Mexico before he himself was killed by a vigilante mob.

More great reading

There’s nothing like a great story, and these free quality titles are just waiting for you to start page one! Pick one, pick them all – it’s up to you. But don’t wait – just like fireworks and apple pie, they are perfect for summer!

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

Fault Line Terror, by John G Tanner
Peril at Parsley Place, by Samantha Noble
Whispers of the Bay, by Nicollette Carr
Shrouded in Mystery, by Willard B Graves

Click here to get your free books!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/mysterysuspensethrilleronlyaugust/wehm5q85o1

Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense

A good book is a treasure – and these free quality titles promise untold riches! Pick one, pick them all – it’s up to you. But don’t wait –they won’t last long.

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

A Taste for Murder, by Daisy Bell
How to Catch a Killer, by Savanah Rainn
The Fractured Man, by KC Sivils
A Shepherd of Wolves, by RJ King

Click here to get your free books!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/thrillingfreebies-aug/1sucz43sze

Documentary: Texas gunfighter Sheriff King Fisher

King Fisher was no ordinary Texas gunfighter. He once killed a circus tiger just so he could make a pair of chaps from its hide. He boasted of killing 37 men, and at the height of his power, commanded over 100 armed bandits, ruling South Texas like his own personal kingdom. Known for his gold-embroidered jackets, rattlesnake hatbands, bells on his spurs, and those infamous tiger-skin chaps, Fisher was equal parts deadly and flamboyant. Who was King Fisher?

Find out more about Texas Sheriff King Fisher in this great documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNuAqnydgvM

More great reading

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest:

Incognito in Colorado, by Casey Cline
Dream in Shackles, by SA Spencer
The Balance of Fear, by Steven Nimocks
Hospital Havoc, by Nelly Stein

Click here to get your free books!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/augustcozymysterysalesevent/7g6o6s9bxf

Did you know?

Texas Ranger Ira Aten is probably best known for his involvement in what has become known as the "Fence-Cutting Wars." When barbed wire was first introduced on the range, many people began cutting fences, especially on the larger ranches. In some cases, these fence cutters resorted to violence and sometimes murder. In 1888 Aten placed dynamite bombs along some of the fences that had been cut several times. According to his memoirs: "I fixed the bombs so that when the fence was cut between the posts it would jerk a small wire laid under the grass to the cap and explode the bombs." Aten was ordered to remove the bombs. Instead, he exploded several. Even though no more bombs were present, word spread that the bombs were planted on all of the fences in Navarro County, effectively stopping the fence cutters in that area.

Scipio the Sciapod

I’m proud to recommend some great historical fantasy that came across my desk – Scipio the Sciapod: In the Shade of a Foot, by Axel Kamne.

Here’s the story (spoiler-free!):

“Scipio the Sciapod is very fair, for he detests every Roman equally, including himself. That’s why he became an assassin, and why he’s stayed in the business for 339 years. (It helps that he’s a slave—quitting isn’t exactly in his job description.) But one night, a mission reignites his doubts. Scipio must decide: continue his grim work or risk everything for a chance at freedom."

Get your free book here:

https://storyoriginapp.com/swaps/4345cd50-5fda-11f0-b2e9-5bea4492de63

Billy the Kid’s last meal

In the New Mexico territory mid-19th century, Mexican flavors were incorporated into almost every meal. For good reason – they’re delicious and grew abundantly in the area. It’s no surprise then that William H Bonney, or Billy the Kid’s last meal was New Mexico’s famous and delicious enchiladas. Let Cowboy chef Kent Rollins show you how to make Billy the Kid’s last meal for yourself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBc3i1FV58

More great reading

Mayhem and motives – the ingredients of any great story. You’ll find plenty of both here, and these quality titles won’t disappoint! Pick one, pick them all – it’s up to you. But don’t wait – time is ticking!

Here’s a couple of titles to whet your interest: