Rio Hondo
(Book)

"In the aftermath of the "Big Killing," which culminated in the Lincoln County War, rancher Wes Bracken must rebuild life for himself and his family amid the lingering animosities from the deadly feud. The conflagration has destroyed his livelihood, strained his family, and turned both sides against him as he steered a neutral path between the warring factions. His vengeful brother-in-law vows to kill him, the economic kingpin of Lincoln County seeks revenge, and the despicable outlaw Jesse Evans, who violated Bracken's wife, intends to murder Bracken and his young family. Two promises complicate Bracken's chances for survival: a pledge not to kill his wife's brother and a commitment to help William H. Bonney earn a governor's pardon for his crimes during the turmoil. With only his Henry rifle-toting partner to depend on, Bracken must fight a corrupt legal system, a duplicitous governor, a ubiquitous political ring, and an evil Jesse Evans if he is to fulfill his dream of a peaceful life in 1880s New Mexico Territory. If Bracken keeps his promises to his wife and Billy the Kid, he risks an early grave in the same soil that holds so many dead from the Lincoln County War. If he doesn't live up to those pledges, he will dishonor the good name he hopes to build his future upon"--