Saddle up for a wild ride through the sun-soaked streets of Gusher City, Texas, where the Rockabye County series by J.T. Edson delivers a thrilling blend of Western grit and modern policing! This 11-book saga follows Deputy Sheriff Brad Counter and Sheriff Jack Tragg as they tackle high-stakes crimes with quick-draw shootouts, sharp wits, and a touch of cowboy charm. Perfect for fans of action-packed police procedurals with a Lone Star twist, Rockabye County is a hidden gem that brings the Old West into the 20th century.
From bank heists to serial killers, the series captures the pulse-pounding reality of law enforcement in a fictional Texas county, weaving timeless Western themes into a modern setting. Whether you’re drawn to the camaraderie of a tight-knit sheriff’s department or the adrenaline of a standoff, Rockabye County promises a page-turning adventure.
How Rockabye County Began
J.T. Edson, a prolific English author with over 130 Western novels, created Rockabye County in the late 1960s, branching out from his traditional Westerns like The Floating Outfit. Inspired by his love for cowboy films and a fascination with the mechanics of gunfights, Edson crafted a series that modernized the Western genre. Published by Corgi Books, Rockabye County allowed Edson to explore police procedurals, blending his signature action with contemporary law enforcement tactics. The series, starting with The Professional Killers in 1968, quickly gained a cult following for its fast-paced storytelling and vivid characters.
The Heart of Rockabye County
The series kicks off with The Sixteen-Dollar Shooter (1974), where Brad Counter, a skilled deputy and great-grandson of Western hero Mark Counter, faces professional killers in a deadly gunfight. The Lawmen of Rockabye County (1982) sees Sheriff Jack Tragg thwarting terrorists holding hostages in Gusher City. The Owlhoot (1970) introduces a masked bandit whose crimes escalate to murder, challenging Brad and his partner, Alice Fayde. The final book, Texas Teamwork (1997), pits Brad and Alice against a gang plotting a massive bank heist, showcasing their strategic brilliance.
Rockabye County thrives on themes of justice, loyalty, and courage, set against a backdrop of modern Texas with a Western soul. Edson’s characters, like the towering, gun-savvy Brad and the brainy Alice, embody the spirit of classic Western heroes but wield modern tools—think helicopters and high-tech police cars alongside revolvers. The series’ style is crisp and action-driven, with at least a dozen fights per book, reflecting Edson’s love for B-movie thrills. Gusher City feels alive, its streets buzzing with danger and camaraderie, making every story a cinematic escape.
Why Rockabye County Resonates
Rockabye County stands out for bridging the gap between Westerns and police procedurals, appealing to readers who crave action with a modern twist. Its cult status endures through fans who cherish Edson’s idealized “West That Never Was,” where heroes are steadfast and justice prevails. Though less known than Edson’s Floating Outfit series, Rockabye County’s influence lies in its innovative genre blend, inspiring niche Western-crime hybrids. Recent reviews on platforms like Amazon praise its “damn good yarn” quality, with readers hooked on the series’ relentless pace and nostalgic charm.
- Publication Years: 1968–1997
- Number of Books: 11
- Main Characters: Brad Counter, Jack Tragg, Alice Fayde
- Setting: Gusher City, Rockabye County, Texas
Ready to ride into Gusher City? Grab The Sixteen-Dollar Shooter and dive into Rockabye County’s thrilling world of Texas-sized justice!