Step into the dusty trails of the Prohibition era with the Cap Fog series, where Texas Rangers, bootleggers, and a legendary legacy collide in a whirlwind of western adventure! Penned by John Thomas Edson, this historical fiction saga follows Alvin Dustine 'Cap' Fog, the spirited grandson of the iconic Dusty Fog, as he leads Company Z—a rogue unit of elite lawmen tackling crime in a lawless time. With its blend of heart-pounding action, vivid characters, and a touch of Texas swagger, Cap Fog is a must-read for fans of westerns and historical thrillers.
How Cap Fog Began
Born from the prolific imagination of J.T. Edson, a British author with a passion for the American West, the Cap Fog series debuted in 1977 with Cap Fog, Texas Ranger, Meet Mr. J.G. Reeder. Edson, a former soldier turned novelist, was already a household name for his Floating Outfit series, which introduced Dusty Fog. Inspired by classic cowboy films and his love for weaving real and fictional characters, Edson crafted Cap Fog as a spin-off, placing Dusty’s grandson in the gritty 1920s Texas landscape. His goal? To capture the Wild West’s fading spirit amid Prohibition’s chaos, complete with gangsters and moonshine runners.
The Heart of Cap Fog
The series, spanning six books, kicks off with You’re a Texas Ranger, Alvin Fog (1979), where Alvin, the sole non-Ranger in Company Z, must prove his mettle despite his grandfather’s towering legacy. In Rapido Clint (1980), Alvin faces off against a deadly outlaw duo hiding in a Mexican hacienda, showcasing Edson’s knack for high-stakes showdowns. The Justice of Company Z (1980) pits the team against crime lords, while The Return of Rapido Clint and Mr. J.G. Reeder (1984) blends Edson’s originals with Edgar Wallace’s detective characters for a crossover thrill.
Cap Fog’s themes revolve around honor, grit, and unconventional justice. Set in the Prohibition era, the series paints Texas as a battleground of law versus lawlessness, with Company Z bending rules to catch crooks who slip through legal loopholes. Edson’s crisp, action-packed style—think B-movie flair with twelve fights per book—brings the era to life, from dusty saloons to border chases. Fans love the mix of historical detail, like Texas Ranger tactics, and fictional flair, including cameos from figures like Wyatt Earp.
Why Cap Fog Resonates
Though less known than Edson’s Floating Outfit, Cap Fog holds a special place in western fiction for its bold take on the Prohibition era. Its blend of historical grit and escapist adventure appeals to readers craving a romanticized 'West That Never Was.' Edson’s ability to weave legacy characters like Alvin Fog with fresh faces keeps the series accessible yet nostalgic, cementing its cult status among western enthusiasts. Its influence lingers in how modern authors approach historical westerns with a dash of pulp excitement.
- Publication Years: 1977–1990
- Number of Books: 6
- Key Character: Alvin Dustine 'Cap' Fog
- Genre: Western, Historical Fiction
Ready to ride into the Prohibition-era West? Grab You’re a Texas Ranger, Alvin Fog and join Cap Fog’s thrilling world of Texas Rangers and outlaw showdowns!