Description

Book Synopsis
From legendary Western author Max Brand comes a tale of covert espionage, gold, and a mysterious figure on horseback.

In this dramatic and strange story, Lefty Bill Ranger, an Alaskan mail carrier, travels to Circle City through a terrific snowstorm. There he meets Menneval—a man who is widely feared throughout the territory—and is offered a job. He is to go to Tuckerville, California, and from there to the mountain fastness where Peter Crosson and his son, Oliver, live in total isolation. Menneval wants Ranger to watch and report what he sees for a period of six months. The pay for this espionage will be $6,000 in gold. Ranger, attracted by the money, accepts the assignment.

In the Sierra Mountains, Ranger sets up his camp and, pretending to be a trapper, keeps the Crosson ranch under surveillance. One day, Ranger is amazed to witness a gigantic mountain lion being pursued by a pack of wolves and followed by a bronzed youth on horseback. The wolf pack seems to be under the guidance of the youth, who carries only a hunting knife. Later, two hardcases fully armed with rifles and revolvers attempt to enter the Crosson range, intent on rustling Crosson cattle. They disappear, and, when Ranger next sees them, the men are afoot, covered with wounds, their clothes in tatters, fleeing in terror for their very lives. It is here that Lefty Bill Ranger will experience, for the first time, what is called the lightning of gold.

Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction that takes place in the old West. Westerns—books about outlaws, sheriffs, chiefs and warriors, cowboys and Indians—are a genre in which we publish regularly. Our list includes international bestselling authors like Zane Gray and Louis L’Amour, and many more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Trade Review
“Brand practices his art to something like perfection.” —The New York Times

“Max Brand is the Shakespeare of the Western range.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Brand's stories are just as exciting today as they were yesterday.” —Publishers Weekly
“Brand practices his art to something like perfection.” —The New York Times

“Max Brand is the Shakespeare of the Western range.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Brand's stories are just as exciting today as they were yesterday.” —Publishers Weekly

Lightning of Gold: A Western Story

    Product form

    £10.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 6 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Max Brand

    Out of stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Lightning of Gold: A Western Story by Max Brand

      Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
      Publication Date: 29/10/2015
      ISBN13: 9781634504300, 978-1634504300
      ISBN10: 1634504305

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      From legendary Western author Max Brand comes a tale of covert espionage, gold, and a mysterious figure on horseback.

      In this dramatic and strange story, Lefty Bill Ranger, an Alaskan mail carrier, travels to Circle City through a terrific snowstorm. There he meets Menneval—a man who is widely feared throughout the territory—and is offered a job. He is to go to Tuckerville, California, and from there to the mountain fastness where Peter Crosson and his son, Oliver, live in total isolation. Menneval wants Ranger to watch and report what he sees for a period of six months. The pay for this espionage will be $6,000 in gold. Ranger, attracted by the money, accepts the assignment.

      In the Sierra Mountains, Ranger sets up his camp and, pretending to be a trapper, keeps the Crosson ranch under surveillance. One day, Ranger is amazed to witness a gigantic mountain lion being pursued by a pack of wolves and followed by a bronzed youth on horseback. The wolf pack seems to be under the guidance of the youth, who carries only a hunting knife. Later, two hardcases fully armed with rifles and revolvers attempt to enter the Crosson range, intent on rustling Crosson cattle. They disappear, and, when Ranger next sees them, the men are afoot, covered with wounds, their clothes in tatters, fleeing in terror for their very lives. It is here that Lefty Bill Ranger will experience, for the first time, what is called the lightning of gold.

      Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction that takes place in the old West. Westerns—books about outlaws, sheriffs, chiefs and warriors, cowboys and Indians—are a genre in which we publish regularly. Our list includes international bestselling authors like Zane Gray and Louis L’Amour, and many more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

      Trade Review
      “Brand practices his art to something like perfection.” —The New York Times

      “Max Brand is the Shakespeare of the Western range.” —Kirkus Reviews

      “Brand's stories are just as exciting today as they were yesterday.” —Publishers Weekly
      “Brand practices his art to something like perfection.” —The New York Times

      “Max Brand is the Shakespeare of the Western range.” —Kirkus Reviews

      “Brand's stories are just as exciting today as they were yesterday.” —Publishers Weekly

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account