Gunfighter

Ralph Compton (1929-2016) was an American Western writer known for his prolific and critically acclaimed novels. Born in Thayer, Missouri, he served in the US Army during the Korean War before embarking on his writing career. Compton's first novel, "The Goodnight Trail," was published in 1954 and established him as a rising star in the Western genre. Over the next six decades, he wrote over 200 novels, including the "Trail Drive" series, the "Mackenzie" series, and the "Gunman" series. His works were praised for their authentic portrayal of the Old West, compelling characters, and action-packed plots. Compton received numerous awards, including the Western Writers of America Spur Award in 1975 and the Western Heritage Award in 1984. His novels continue to be enjoyed by readers worldwide.