Jackson Cole is an alias utilized by multiple Western authors, primarily associated with the publishing house Better Publications (later Standard Magazines). This pseudonym was notably employed for works featuring characters such as Walt Slade and Jim Hatfield. The true identities behind these narratives include A. Leslie Scott, Peter B. Germano, and Tom Curry, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the Western genre under this collective name.
Walt Lee wants to be an Arizona Ranger, but Captain Tom McDonough has a challenge for him to complete first. Rancher Bruce "Wolf" Felton has long been suspected of rustling, but the Rangers were never able to prove anything. Since Walt worked on the neighboring Lazy B, Captain Tom wanted him to get the proof they needed. If he were successful, there would be a Ranger badge waiting for him.
Danger threatened Texas, such danger as she had not known since the dark days of '48.
The story follows Hatfield, a weary traveler who has been riding for an extended period, desperately in need of rest and sustenance. As he spots the Rafter B line camp in the distance, he feels a wave of relief wash over him, signaling the end of his exhausting journey. The narrative captures the tension between his fatigue and the hope of finding comfort at the camp, setting the stage for potential challenges that may arise.
In a gritty setting, Ranger Jim Hatfield navigates the dangers of Rubyville while concealing his identity as he investigates a series of violent crimes. Surrounded by suspicious and rough characters in the local saloon, he seeks to uncover the culprits responsible for land grabs and cattle rustling. As tensions rise, Hatfield prepares for inevitable confrontations, knowing he may have to face the chaos alone.
Haunted by the death of his best friend Shelly, Jonathan grapples with overwhelming grief and visions of those he's lost, including an ex-girlfriend and a former prostitute. As he navigates a blurred reality filled with memories and illusions, his mental state deteriorates over the course of a tumultuous day. With the support of his younger sister Maggie, Jonathan seeks to uncover meaning in his chaotic mind, confronting the darkness that threatens to consume him.
Set against a backdrop of escalating violence, a series of brutal killings targeting ranchers and sodbusters raises tensions between the Lipan Indian tribe and the local settlers. Ranger Jim Hatfield enters the fray, believing the true culprits lie elsewhere, but faces the challenge of preventing further bloodshed as animosity mounts. The narrative explores themes of prejudice and justice in a time of conflict, all within the context of a gripping Western tale. "The Red Marauders" was penned by Tom Curry for the Texas Rangers pulp magazine in 1944.