Saddle up for a wild ride through the untamed American West with U.S. Marshal Shorty Thompson, a pint-sized lawman with a heart as big as the Southwestern sky! Created by Paul L. Thompson, this gripping Western series transports readers to the 1870s–1890s, where justice battles lawlessness in dusty towns and rugged terrains. From cattle rustlers to corrupt generals, Shorty faces them all with grit, honor, and a quick draw.
What makes this series stand out? It’s not just the shootouts or sweeping landscapes—it’s Shorty himself, a hero who proves great things come in small packages. Handpicked by President Rutherford B. Hayes, he brings law to the lawless, making every page a thrilling tribute to the Old West’s hardships and triumphs.
How U.S. Marshal Shorty Thompson Began
Born on a New Mexico ranch, Paul L. Thompson poured his love for the Southwest into the U.S. Marshal Shorty Thompson series. With 15 years of research and a lifetime of horseback rides across the region’s canyons and plains, Thompson crafted a vivid, authentic world. The series kicked off in 2001 with Shorty Thompson: U.S. Marshal, inspired by the real-life challenges of frontier justice and the unsung heroes who tamed the West. His goal? To bring forgotten towns and trails to life, blending history with heart-pounding fiction.
The Heart of U.S. Marshal Shorty Thompson
The series follows M.D. “Shorty” Thompson, a young Texan cowboy turned U.S. Marshal, as he navigates the perilous territories of New Mexico, Arizona, and beyond. In the first book, Shorty Thompson: U.S. Marshal (2001), Shorty tracks stolen cattle to Wyoming, uncovering a web of corruption involving a crooked Army general. Black Range Silver (2003) sees him investigating mine owner deaths and ore fraud, only to survive a near-fatal ambush. Trouble in Tascosa (2003) pairs Shorty with his ranch partner, Buffalo, to hunt rustlers in West Texas, while Malpais (2003) pits him against desperadoes in a lawless land.
Themes of justice, honor, and resilience shine through, wrapped in Thompson’s authentic Southwestern dialect. The series doesn’t shy away from the era’s harsh realities—corrupt officials, exploited Native Americans, and brutal outlaws—but Shorty’s compassion, especially for the downtrodden, sets him apart. The vivid settings, from ghost towns to snow-covered passes, make readers feel the desert heat and bone-chilling cold, while the action-packed plots keep pulses racing.
Why U.S. Marshal Shorty Thompson Resonates
For Western fans, the Shorty Thompson series is a love letter to the genre’s golden age, blending the grit of Louis L’Amour with a fresh, relatable hero. Its niche appeal lies in its authenticity—Thompson’s firsthand knowledge of the Southwest brings every canyon and creek to life. Readers praise Shorty’s moral compass and the series’ accessibility, noting it’s suitable for all ages with minimal editing. With over 120 books and counting, the series has carved a loyal following, proving that even a lesser-known saga can capture hearts with its vivid storytelling and timeless themes.
- First Book Published: 2001
- Number of Books: Over 120 in the Tales of the Old West series, with many featuring Shorty
- Setting: American West, primarily New Mexico and Arizona, 1870s–1890s
Ready to ride into the sunset? Grab Shorty Thompson: U.S. Marshal and join the adventure in Paul L. Thompson’s thrilling Western world!