Saddle up and ride into the wild, dusty trails of the Lou Prophet series, where bullets fly, hearts race, and a rugged bounty hunter named Lou Prophet carves his legend in the Old West! Penned by Peter Brandvold, this Western saga spans 17 action-packed books, blending gritty adventure, sharp wit, and just a touch of romance. Whether you’re a fan of saloon showdowns or tales of justice on the frontier, Lou Prophet’s world is a thrilling escape.
How Lou Prophet Began
Peter Brandvold, a North Dakota native with a knack for fast-paced Westerns, introduced Lou Prophet in 2002 with The Devil and Lou Prophet. Drawing inspiration from the mythic> Brandvold, having penned over 100 Westerns under his name and pseudonym Frank Leslie, crafted Lou as a former Confederate soldier turned bounty hunter—a flawed yet compelling hero. His love for the untamed West and its larger-than-life characters shaped the series, published by Wolfpack Publishing and others, into a fan-favorite for its relentless pace and vivid storytelling.
The Heart of Lou Prophet
The series kicks off with The Devil and Lou Prophet, where Lou tracks showgirl Lola Diamond, a key witness in a murder trial, dodging deadly foes to bring her to justice. In Blood at Sundown, Lou and his fiery partner, Louisa Bonaventure (aka the Vengeance Queen), chase the Griff Hatchley gang through a brutal Dakota blizzard, splitting up for parallel adventures. Helldorado throws them into a lawless town to escape death, while The Devil’s Ambush slows the pace, focusing on Lou’s care for an injured Louisa after a brutal attack.
Brandvold’s tales weave themes of justice, redemption, and survival, set against the sprawling deserts, rugged mountains, and rowdy saloons of the American frontier. Lou’s a rough-edged hero—tough, witty, and prone to falling for alluring women, yet haunted by his past. The series balances high-octane shootouts with moral complexity, as Lou grapples with the blurred lines between right and wrong. Louisa, his sometime partner and lover, adds fire with her vengeance-driven spirit, making their dynamic a series highlight.
Why Lou Prophet Resonates
The Lou Prophet series has carved a niche in Western fiction, praised for its relentless action and vivid characters. Fans on Goodreads rave about its “full-bodied excitement” and Brandvold’s knack for pulling readers into the West’s gritty heart. Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series’ cult following speaks to its appeal among genre enthusiasts who crave authentic, unpolished heroes. Its blend of humor, heart, and high stakes keeps readers hooked, ensuring Lou’s adventures endure as a testament to the Western’s timeless allure.
- First Book Published: 2002 (The Devil and Lou Prophet)
- Total Books: 17
- Author: Peter Brandvold (also writes as Frank Leslie)
- Genre: Western
Grab The Devil and Lou Prophet and gallop into a world of outlaws, showdowns, and untamed adventure—Lou’s waiting!