As ranchers and homesteaders go to war in Wyoming, a new lawman faces a trial by gunfire in the New York Times–bestselling author's Western series debut.

Lawmen don't last long in the town of Doubtful, Wyoming Territory. The last one quit, another ended up in a hangman's noose, and one more was backshot by the hired guns at the Circle L Ranch. But the town of Doubtful has never seen the likes of the man known as Cotton, who aims to take the badge for the next year, save himself a nice chunk of money, and be on his way. At least, that's his plan.

Problem is, Cotton has just stuck his nose in the biggest hornet's nest in the territory. Some of the new homesteaders are stringing wire, and the three large spreads in the area don't like it. Before anyone can blink, a passel of hardcases are filling the air with gunsmoke and hot lead. But Cotton plans to bring law and order to Doubtful no matter what. Because he isn't afraid of dying. And he's not afraid of killing.