Saddle up and step into the dusty trails of the Ben Blue series, where the post-Civil War American West comes alive with grit, honor, and heart-pounding adventure! Created by Lou Bradshaw, this Western saga follows Ben Blue, a young hero forged in hardship, as he navigates a lawless frontier as a rancher and Special Deputy U.S. Marshal. With vivid storytelling and a knack for blending action with moral depth, Bradshaw’s series is a hidden gem for fans of classic Westerns.
From the first page, Ben’s journey hooks you with its raw authenticity and timeless themes. Whether he’s chasing cattle rustlers or wrestling with his own past, Ben Blue is the kind of hero you’ll root for—a man who stands tall for justice, even when the odds are stacked against him.
How Ben Blue Began
Lou Bradshaw, a former graphic artist turned storyteller, crafted the Ben Blue series from his lifelong love of Western lore. A dyslexic child who struggled in school, Bradshaw found solace in weaving tales to escape stress. What started as notes in binders became the Ben Blue saga, with the first book, Hickory Jack, published in 2013. Inspired by the rugged individualism and moral complexities of the post-Civil War era, Bradshaw created Ben as a hero who embodies resilience and compassion, shaped by a childhood marked by violence and loss.
The Heart of Ben Blue
The series kicks off with Hickory Jack, where a young Ben Blue, aged 12, and his friend Andy Moore face the brutal aftermath of the Civil War. Orphaned by outlaws, Ben grows into a man who values justice over vengeance, setting the stage for his adventures. In Blue, the second book, Ben settles as a rancher but is drawn back into action when his friend Linda Tucker is kidnapped by rustlers. Blue Norther, book four, sees Ben battling outlaws and harsh weather to protect his herd, while Along the Way, book 13, follows his quest to deliver prized Appaloosa horses, forging new friendships.
Bradshaw’s storytelling shines through vivid descriptions of the Western landscape, from the plains of Texas to the rugged trails of New Mexico. Themes of redemption, loyalty, and the cost of violence weave through each book, grounded in Ben’s Christian upbringing and moral code. Fans praise the series for its clean prose—no profanity here—and its balance of heartwarming moments with saloon brawls and shootouts. The historical setting feels alive, with detailed portrayals of ranch life, Native American interactions, and the challenges of a fractured nation rebuilding itself.
Why Ben Blue Resonates
The Ben Blue series has carved a niche among Western enthusiasts, earning glowing reviews for its compelling characters and fast-paced plots. Readers compare Bradshaw to legends like Louis L’Amour, noting his ability to craft heroes you’d want as family. The series’ emphasis on compassion and justice resonates in a world craving moral clarity, while its action-packed escapades offer pure entertainment. With 18 books and counting, Ben Blue’s adventures continue to captivate, proving that even lesser-known series can leave a lasting mark.
- First Book: Hickory Jack (2013)
- Total Books: 18
- Setting: Post-Civil War American West
- Notable Trait: Clean, profanity-free storytelling
Ready to ride into the sunset? Grab Hickory Jack and dive into Ben Blue’s thrilling Western world today!