I've only read a handful of Ray Hogan's novels, but as it so happens I've incredibly enjoyed all of the ones that I've read so far. And, with nearly two-hundred books accredited to this particular author, I think I'll have plenty more novels to recommend in the future.
Border Bandit tells the story of Poe Harper, an American rancher running a property in Mexico. The ranch was inherited from his father who was a trusted friend of the Mexican government. That friendship is tested when the Mexican federal authorities approach Poe to hunt down his own brother who has stolen a fortune in gold from the government.
Poe is forced to cross the border into the United States and locate his brother and his gang of fellow thieves. He is given a deadline to return to Mexico with the outlaws and the stolen gold, or he will lose his ranch.
On the surface Border Bandit appears to be a fairly simple chase story, but it engages the reader on a sightly deeper level with questions about the importance of brotherly loyalty, and honorable duty. The novel features colorful, well written, and memorable characters. It is fast-paced and genuinely exciting. I'd call it an entertaining read to say the least.
Although not quite on a level equal to Louis L'Amour or Zane Grey, Ray Hogan was one of the better authors of the western genre, and I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.
-W. Jay Pinto
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