Taking the High Road Series by Morris Fenris

Need to track down an outlaw? Bring a desperado to justice? Catch a pickpocket or a rustler or a crook? Then John Yancey is the man to hire. John Yancey, Pinkerton agent. Right now John has been hired by Noah Harper to locate a thieving half-sister. According to Noah, Cecelia Powell made off with part of his inheritance after their father died unexpectedly in a carriage accident, and Noah wants it back... moreNeed to track down an outlaw? Bring a desperado to justice? Catch a pickpocket or a rustler or a crook? Then John Yancey is the man to hire. John Yancey, Pinkerton agent. Right now John has been hired by Noah Harper to locate a thieving half-sister. According to Noah, Cecelia Powell made off with part of his inheritance after their father died unexpectedly in a carriage accident, and Noah wants it back. John’s acceptance of the case takes him from her connection with an exclusive boarding school in Switzerland to a Boston madam’s bawdy house to the 1860 gold fields of California. San Francisco, to be exact. But all is not as it seems. For one thing, pretty Miss Powell doesn’t fit anyone’s image of a criminal. For another, she is apparently living far too respectable a life, as owner and headmistress of an Academy for Girls. Just how much of what Noah has claimed is actually true? Still, delving into the young woman’s background reveals that she was, indeed, born in a bordello; and she has become the owner, whether legally or not, of controlling interest in a gold mining conglomerate. Further investigation finds that she is sharing residence with an older man, Gabriel Finnegan, while at the same time becoming betrothed to one of the city’s pillars of society, insipid and ineffectual Josiah Kingsley. Josiah is neither too insipid nor ineffectual, however, to demand complete financial and emotional control over his vacillating bride-to-be upon their marriage. The lady herself is proving to be an enigma. Finished with what he can, John sends his report, per arrangement, to Noah Harper via Pony Express. San Francisco’s attractions beckon, and he is able to explore the area, getting acquainted with townspeople and businesses. Nice enough, he decides. Maybe he’ll relocate here, settle down, start his own agency. Meanwhile, he has dealt with any complications arising from the Powell case and considers it closed. Until Noah Harper unexpectedly shows up, armed with all of John’s information and spoiling for a fight. That’s when the complications really begin. ***** Taking the High Road is a series of 10 books detailing the adventures and exploits of the Yancey Brothers. less

As the child of a Mexican father and a Cherokee mother, Goldenstar Mendoza has known the stigma of being called “Half-breed” since childhood. As an adult, selling her parents’ stock of homemade commodities in 1861 San Francisco, she has dealt with being shunned by women; and with being intimidated and harassed by men. This is very apparent with Franklin Bower, a wealthy rancher who has set his sights on installing Star at his Condor Ranch. He wants her, and he doesn’t care how he gets her... moreAs the child of a Mexican father and a Cherokee mother, Goldenstar Mendoza has known the stigma of being called “Half-breed” since childhood. As an adult, selling her parents’ stock of homemade commodities in 1861 San Francisco, she has dealt with being shunned by women; and with being intimidated and harassed by men. This is very apparent with Franklin Bower, a wealthy rancher who has set his sights on installing Star at his Condor Ranch. He wants her, and he doesn’t care how he gets her. While Star has detractors, she also has defenders: close friend Frances Goddard, and her brother, William, sheriff of San Francisco. Also a new friend, Sarah Coleman, governess for five-year-old Rob Yancey and housekeeper for his widowed father, Matthew. Recently, Texas Ranger Matt and his son had arrived in San Francisco to attend the wedding of his brother, John, and stayed on at the request of Sheriff Goddard. Matt can’t help being attracted to beautiful Star, and she to him. Their dinner together with the Goddards and a walk home afterward results in a setback to their fledgling relationship, however, when Matt overplays his hand. A quick good-night kiss turns into serious lovemaking. Stunned by her own response, agitated by his advances—as if, given her background, she were just one more floozy to be taken advantage of—she flees inside and refuses to hear his apologies. Eventually, defeated, frustrated, he heads for home. Tomorrow, when both have cooled down, he will try again. Tomorrow sets up a whole different mix of problems. At mid-morning, Franklin Bower arrives. By revealing that he holds a secret about Adsila Mendoza, Star’s mother, and will use it to have her jailed, he blackmails the girl into leaving with him for the Condor. There, he forces his former bedmate, Raquel, to tend his new lady. Despite the servant’s resentment, she and Star bond when she eventually reveals that she, too, has been blackmailed; her brother, Benito, was taken as a slave to work in Bower’s silver mine. Star allows him to drag her back to the bedroom. Just as he is ready for his seduction, she whips the hunting knife out and slashes him, twice. Roaring, bleeding, he starts toward her, only to collapse on the floor: Raquel has cracked him over the head. While they are able to escape, Bower comes back to life far sooner than they had expected; he and his cowboys hunt them down. No more messing around. This time, Star will be sold to Suarez, a bandito leader. Meanwhile, Matt and Frances, all unknowing of the danger Star is in, have paid a visit to her mother, finding out the facts of Adsila’s past and Star’s disappearance. Back in town, Matt loads up his horse and heads south, tracking the bandito leader to his lair. He is able to rescue Star, and they flee, but the gang follows. The pair is forced to hole up in a shack and battle it out, guns blazing. During one quiet interim, Matt admits his love for her, and she for him. In the middle of another barrage, help arrives: Sheriff Goddard and his posse. Loose ends are tied up on the scene; others later on, with a side trip to the Condor to rescue Raquel and find that Bower had been killed by his outlaw compatriot. Another longer trip, with more lawmen, to the Sierra Nevada silver mine, frees the slaves and reunites Benito with his sister. Matt returns wounded, but not too badly to wed his bride a few weeks later, in a ceremony for which all the Yancey brothers have gathered. less

The War Between the States had dragged on far too long, leaving behind a welter of broken bodies and broken men. One of these is James Yancey, Lt. Colonel, CSA. Captured by the Union Army after the Battle of the Wilderness, he was sent to the officers’ prison camp at Johnson’s Island in Sandusky Bay, Ohio. Having been forced to abandon his men is a tribulation that eats at him; that does, in fact, color his whole existence with self-blame... moreThe War Between the States had dragged on far too long, leaving behind a welter of broken bodies and broken men. One of these is James Yancey, Lt. Colonel, CSA. Captured by the Union Army after the Battle of the Wilderness, he was sent to the officers’ prison camp at Johnson’s Island in Sandusky Bay, Ohio. Having been forced to abandon his men is a tribulation that eats at him; that does, in fact, color his whole existence with self-blame. Even after he is released, at war’s end, James is haunted by memories of what he considers his own disgrace. With the South going through Reconstruction, his best option seems to be a move west, to join his two brothers already situated in California. During a brief stop in Charleston, his former home, he locates a girl from childhood plantation days, Emma Palmer, and seeks her hand in marriage. Emma’s parents had died during the war. Having escaped its deprivations by touring Europe, she has recently returned to live with an aunt. Careless and giddy, she is so overwhelmed by the excitement of the prospect that she accepts. Once James is settled, he will send for her to join him. In San Francisco, James reconnects with his brothers and buys the Condor Ranch. Meanwhile, Emma packs all her personal belongings and heads west, accompanied by her traveling companion, Molly Buchanan. While Emma dithers and complains about every small annoyance, Molly, an orphan forced to make her own way, embraces each new adventure with a can-do spirit. The contrast between these two young ladies couldn’t be greater, as James and his brother, Matthew, discover. James’ sense of unease, almost of entrapment, increases the more time he spends with his betrothed. From their friends’ home through travel to the ranch to scrutiny of the hacienda itself, Emma is a non-stop complainer of magnitude. James is beginning to worry that he’s made a big mistake. Especially since he is more drawn to Molly and her quiet competence than he is to the girl he invited to journey across country. James is nothing if not an honorable man. Still haunted by the specter of his troops fighting and dying far away from his command, he knows that sole responsibility for Emma rests on his shoulders. Yet he wants only to be with Molly. To complicate matters further, Rosa Alfaro, the ranch housemaid and resident troublemaker, has decided she wants James. And nothing is going to stand in her way. ***** less

Elizabeth Drayton, daughter of a prominent and powerful Arizona rancher, has been kidnapped. Calling upon all his resources, including President Andrew Johnson, Augustus Drayton enlists the aid of twin brothers Thomas and Travis Yancey, newly appointed U.S. Marshals, to head up the search. Elizabeth’s half-brother, Cochinay, son of Gus and his Apache housekeeper, serves as guide across grassland, desert sand, and up into the Pinaleño Mountains... moreElizabeth Drayton, daughter of a prominent and powerful Arizona rancher, has been kidnapped. Calling upon all his resources, including President Andrew Johnson, Augustus Drayton enlists the aid of twin brothers Thomas and Travis Yancey, newly appointed U.S. Marshals, to head up the search. Elizabeth’s half-brother, Cochinay, son of Gus and his Apache housekeeper, serves as guide across grassland, desert sand, and up into the Pinaleño Mountains. At first Cochinay (Yellow Thunder) is able to find clues here and there that Liz has left behind; later on, the trail runs cold. The kidnapper is Baldwin Carpenter, a former sheriff turned outlaw. When Liz was just a baby, her mother had also been stolen away as revenge for her father’s wrong, and Gus had sent the sheriff out to recover her. The plan failed, and Amelia Drayton died. Moreover, Gus reneged on paying what he promised. Now, Win wants his money, and he is willing to go to great lengths to get it. A strange thing happens during their trek to Win’s mountain hideaway, however. The two become friends. Liz puts together willow bark tea to ease Win’s suffering caused by rheumatism, and she takes on some of the heavier chores to spare him further pain. Meanwhile, the search party is intercepted by a hostile Apache named Itza-chu. The meeting is cool, but Cochinay senses danger in the man’s presence. Eventually both Yanceys and their guide stumble across the cabin where Liz has been stashed. Surprisingly, she behaves more like a good friend than a captive, and the Marshals are taken aback by her congenial attitude toward the outlaw. Thomas is also handily smitten with the beauteous and quite capable Elizabeth Drayton. Plans are made to return her to her home, and Win Carpenter to the nearest authorities, when a crisis intercedes and circumstances change. Thomas’ plans are thrown completely out of kilter. Battles and bloodshed and a welter of human emotion lead up the mountain and back down again. less

Travis Yancey, newly installed U.S. Marshal, has been asked by President Andrew Johnson to take on a special assignment. One of the president’s friends and campaign contributors has recently died, under suspicious circumstances, and Travis is called upon to investigate what might be a murder. There is no time to sightsee around Washington, D.C. Travis returns to the small town of Chico, in Arizona Territory, scene of a family wedding... moreTravis Yancey, newly installed U.S. Marshal, has been asked by President Andrew Johnson to take on a special assignment. One of the president’s friends and campaign contributors has recently died, under suspicious circumstances, and Travis is called upon to investigate what might be a murder. There is no time to sightsee around Washington, D.C. Travis returns to the small town of Chico, in Arizona Territory, scene of a family wedding. Working under presidential authority, he hires a crew to accompany him on this mission: twin brother Thomas, also a U.S. Marshal, and his new wife, Elizabeth; brother John, former Pinkerton Man; brother Matthew, a deputy sheriff from San Francisco; and Cochinay, native tracker and Elizabeth’s half-brother. With everyone prepared and their necessities gathered together, they set off on the trek to Rancho Riata, near San Juan Capistrano in Southern California. Martha Waring, second wife and now widow of Henry, and her two stepdaughters, Rosamond and Olivia, welcome the posse to their ranch. However, Henry’s lawyer, Richard Hotchkiss, is not so welcoming. In fact, by the next morning, when Travis is ready to begin his inquiries, the lawyer has inexplicably decamped, along with Henry’s secretary, Reuben Harwood, and his ranch manager, Bentley Lawton. The hunt is on, to find not only these three Waring employees, but also the mysterious “Chief,” who exists somewhere in the background and may have been involved in Henry Waring’s death. Travis is aided in the investigation by his own posse and by Rosamond Waring, a spunky sassy girl wearing wire-framed spectacles. Travis, confirmed bachelor and vehement opponent of marriage, finds himself falling hard for Rose. All the more so when, on her own, she deliberately enters the lion’s den, leaving him torn between apprehending a gang of desperadoes and rescuing the woman he loves. less

50% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! Nathaniel Yancey just wants a little peace and quiet. Born into a wealthy Charleston, South Carolina, family, he much prefers a simple, tranquil retreat to the adventurous life chosen by so many of his nine rambunctious brothers. His profession? A clergyman, destined to serve the Lord. Having just graduated from The Fold of the Faithful Seminary in St... more50% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! Nathaniel Yancey just wants a little peace and quiet. Born into a wealthy Charleston, South Carolina, family, he much prefers a simple, tranquil retreat to the adventurous life chosen by so many of his nine rambunctious brothers. His profession? A clergyman, destined to serve the Lord. Having just graduated from The Fold of the Faithful Seminary in St. Louis, he has been assigned to a church in Virginia City, Nevada, whose pastor was recently killed in an accident. The place is supposed to be peaceful. It’s supposed to be quiet. He looks forward to sharing his residence with a housekeeper, doing charitable work, ministering to his flock, and reading the Good Book. Upon arrival, however, he is shocked and stunned to discover that, contrary to his expectations, the parsonage is swamped by females: the six daughters of Reverend Winthrop—three adult women and three young children aged four, five, and six—and an extraordinary “do all/be all” former lady of the evening, who runs the place. Even the cat is female, and chaos rules. Nathaniel feels overwhelmed. And a trifle resentful. Why wasn’t he warned in advance of this situation? What about his dream of a restful, retiring life in the mountains of a mining town? He would like nothing more than to pack up the whole kit and caboodle and ship them off somewhere. However, after a long and enlightening talk with Delilah, the housekeeper, he realizes that evidently he is stuck here, and everyone will have to adjust to the new arrangements. One small crisis involving the “littlers” follows another, but somehow he copes, resolving each problem as it arises. Soon, he has accepted what must be, settling in and endearing himself to his foster family and his congregation. The fly in the ointment lives next door, and her name is Parris Porter. A spinster, and likely to remain so, she has eyes for the handsome pastor, and is not shy about letting him know. Meanwhile, the handsome pastor has eyes of his own for Miss Caroline Winthrop, eldest daughter of The Little Chapel’s former minister. Except that she has been keeping company with a well-to-do banker, and is well on her way to a formal engagement. All seems fair in love and war, and Nathaniel is resigned to losing the love of his life. Then baby Hollie goes missing. And Nathaniel finds out that he is meant to be here, after all, doing what he does best. ‘Nathaniel Yancey’ is the sixth western romance book in a series of ten detailing the adventures and exploits of the Yancey Brothers. Look out for Book 7 “Taking the High Road / Book Seven: Dr. Benton Yancey” which is expected to be released by mid-April. ***** less

50% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! After he is nearly destroyed by a professional tragedy, Dr. Benton Yancey and his handyman/friend, Adam Zantner, join a wagon train heading overland west to reach their destination of Whitfield, California, where Ben had been invited to serve as town physician. It is an idyllic setting, in an idyllic countryside. Ben is summoned to meet with the power behind the throne, Charles Holcomb, a man apparently wealthy beyond measure... more50% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! After he is nearly destroyed by a professional tragedy, Dr. Benton Yancey and his handyman/friend, Adam Zantner, join a wagon train heading overland west to reach their destination of Whitfield, California, where Ben had been invited to serve as town physician. It is an idyllic setting, in an idyllic countryside. Ben is summoned to meet with the power behind the throne, Charles Holcomb, a man apparently wealthy beyond measure. The new doctor easily settles into a comfortable routine of meeting various Whitfield officials and caring for his patients. Patient care extends to weekly visits at the local orphanage, managed by a compassionate lady named Madonna Bellini. While attending to various curious injuries to the resident children, Ben meets Mrs. Bellini’s assistant and an orphan herself, Jessamine Lassiter. Being a Yancey, for whom every event moves at a faster speed than for the average human being, Ben is captivated by the lovely young lady. Intelligent and charming, she seems to return his interest. Until outside affairs interfere. One of the orphanage’s young girls almost dies of a self-inflicted abortion; some of the boys have acquired surprising bruises and fractures; another twelve-year-old suffers a scalded hand. Too many secrets lie buried beneath the town’s shiny utopian exterior, secrets that threaten Ben’s future and the safety of the girl he has come to love. To find out exactly who is the serpent in this Garden of Eden, and the reason for it, Ben must call in the troops: his Pinkerton Man brother, John, and twin U.S. Marshals, Thomas and Travis. Once again the Yancey clan is doing what they do best, at the forefront of crime and passion. ***** Taking the High Road is a series of 10 western romance and western mystery books detailing the adventures and exploits of the Yancey Brothers. ***** less

Paul Yancey is not what you’d call a professional anything. After leaving Belle Clare Plantation, he’d drifted from city to city, from job to job, without ever really finding himself or his niche in life. Until the fateful hunting trip on which he’d accompanied his brother Matthew, a former Texas Ranger. Their time together out in the Texas hill country was supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating. Instead, they’d happened across Arliss Helms, cattle thief and stagecoach robber... morePaul Yancey is not what you’d call a professional anything. After leaving Belle Clare Plantation, he’d drifted from city to city, from job to job, without ever really finding himself or his niche in life. Until the fateful hunting trip on which he’d accompanied his brother Matthew, a former Texas Ranger. Their time together out in the Texas hill country was supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating. Instead, they’d happened across Arliss Helms, cattle thief and stagecoach robber. Later, Paul writes the story of their meeting and apprehension and sells it to a newspaper chain. From there, he’s off and running in his new career. A respectable one, no less. Other outlaws and gunslingers cross his path; other stories follow. Now comes one that will be the biggest to hit print. If he can secure it. Catamount Clemens is holed up in some hideaway near Mount Whitney. Not only must Paul track him down, but he must do it before other forces interfere. With speed and proficiency in mind, Paul hires the Fergusons, a guide duo from Carson City. Father and son, Ezra and Teddy. Or is it? Too late, Paul discovers that Teddy is actually Theodosia, a girl with a mystery of her own. How quickly they can reach Paul’s quarry depends on too many unpredictable factors. Not the least of which is his growing attraction to the capable and efficient Miss Ferguson. ***** Taking the High Road is a series of 10 western romance and western mystery books detailing the adventures and exploits of the Yancey Brothers. ***** less

50% OFF FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! If you’re given the choice between taking a swift and easy route from East to West in 1869 via transcontinental railroad, or one much lengthier, more difficult, and fraught with peril, you would choose the easier one, correct? Wrong. If you’re Cole Yancey, you go for the challenge, the adventure, the chance to test your might, your mettle, and your muscles... more50% OFF FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! If you’re given the choice between taking a swift and easy route from East to West in 1869 via transcontinental railroad, or one much lengthier, more difficult, and fraught with peril, you would choose the easier one, correct? Wrong. If you’re Cole Yancey, you go for the challenge, the adventure, the chance to test your might, your mettle, and your muscles. Especially if you’re requested to serve as wagon train scout by your childhood friend, Jordan Butler. Emigrants are gathering in St. Louis with their wagons, their teams, six months’ worth of provisions, and pocketfuls of high hopes and gilded dreams. Everyone has their own reason to trek all the way to that distant land of California. For some, it’s a better life; for others, it’s to seek fortune; for others, yet, it’s to join relatives already arrived and settled. For one, in particular, it’s an escape. Two damaged souls are driving the McCain schooner: Oliver, who has contracted tuberculosis; and his daughter, Janetta, who has contracted a pregnancy. In late January she had been attacked and assaulted. Now, four months later, she has managed to conceal her condition and has concocted a story about it. A widow, making a fresh start, will be more acceptable to rigid moralists. Especially the Reverend Ross, who, they discover, has decided to join the train. The former pastor at the McCains’ former church, his appearance completely trashes the idea of any background cover-up. Now, Janetta must face the consequences, as the sanctimonious Ross reviles her and threatens her with harm. Cole Yancey provides a buffer. He has stumbled upon the fact that Janetta’s cooking is far superior to the camp cook. Also, he enjoys Oliver’s company. As often as he returns from far-ranging trips to the daily camp site, he joins the McCains for supper. Eventually, however, after a mob action incited by the most un-reverend Reverend, Jordy Butler urges the McCains to separate themselves from the main caravan, out of danger’s way. And he asks Cole to accompany them. As Oliver’s frail health declines even more, as Janetta’s pregnancy advances in clumsiness and bulk, Cole is burdened by worrisome responsibility. Chief of which is to get this little band safely to California, which will demand every ounce of expertise and courage. ***** Taking the High Road is a series of 10 western romance and western mystery books detailing the adventures and exploits of the Yancey Brothers. ***** less

50% OFF FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! As the eldest member of the Yancey clan’s second generation, Rob has graduated from Columbia University in New York and returned to his family’s San Francisco homestead. There, after a party celebrated by everyone within hollering distance and a short breathing space, he joins Yancey Holdings as a consultant. The position has not just been handed over... more50% OFF FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! As the eldest member of the Yancey clan’s second generation, Rob has graduated from Columbia University in New York and returned to his family’s San Francisco homestead. There, after a party celebrated by everyone within hollering distance and a short breathing space, he joins Yancey Holdings as a consultant. The position has not just been handed over. Since boyhood, Rob has worked his way up in the hotel chain, learning the business and handling more and more responsibility. Now he is ready for the big time: wading through the corporate books to discover why four of their luxurious, once-grand hotels are now in such sorry shape, from basement to roof. His family is at risk of losing both money and reputation, thanks to the double-dealing of someone at work behind the scenes. Rob’s first order of business is to find the identity of that someone, bring him to justice, and turn around the Holdings’ slow decline. It seems the dream job, traveling from San Francisco to San Jose, with the certainty of future trips to Sacramento, San Juan Capistrano, and more. Since he, too, like his uncles before him, has vowed that marriage is out of the picture, he will be able to devote all his time and energy to attaining his professional goals. Easy enough. Until Fiona Brennan steps into his life. Her goal matches his: she doesn’t want to get married, either. Especially not to him. Ferreting out the corporate embezzler, while trying to deal with a prickly young lady who’d prefer not to be seen in his company, means sending out an SOS for assistance. In this case, his mother. ***** Taking the High Road is a series of 10 western romance and western mystery books detailing the adventures and exploits of the Yancey Brothers. ***** less