Picture a rugged storyteller galloping through the Wild West, pen in hand, spinning tales of vengeance and valor—meet Frank Leslie! This pseudonym belongs to Peter Brandvold, a North Dakota-born author who’s penned over seventy action-packed western novels. With a knack for gritty characters and heart-pounding plots, Leslie’s stories, especially the thrilling 'Revenger' series, have lassoed readers worldwide for over a decade.
Brandvold’s love for the American West runs deep, fueled by childhood days riding horses and devouring cowboy tales. Under the Frank Leslie name, he crafts stories that feel like a dusty saloon brawl—fast, fierce, and unforgettable. Let’s saddle up and explore the life, works, and legacy of this western wordsmith!
The Making of Frank Leslie
Born and raised in North Dakota, Peter Brandvold grew up in the 1960s and ‘70s, a golden era for TV westerns and paperback cowboy novels. He spent his youth herding cows, wandering prairies, and sneaking puffs from a corncob pipe under train bridges. This rural upbringing, paired with a passion for storytelling, set the stage for his career. After earning a B.A. in English from the University of North Dakota and studying at the University of Arizona, Brandvold wrote for western magazines before diving into novels in 1995.
Choosing the pen name Frank Leslie, inspired by a notorious Old West outlaw, Brandvold embraced the freedom of the western genre. He found it a mythical playground where characters could roam wild, unbound by modern constraints. This bold choice marked the birth of a prolific career that’s still blazing today.
Frank Leslie’s Unforgettable Stories
Frank Leslie’s novels are like a six-shooter: quick, powerful, and always hitting the mark. His stories blend gritty action, complex characters, and a touch of romance, making them a hit with both longtime western fans and new readers. The 'Revenger' series, starring Mike Sartain, is a standout. In 'A Bullet for Sartain,' Sartain, a Cajun-turned-vigilante, hunts justice after personal tragedy, delivering white-hot revenge in a lawless frontier.
Other gems include 'The Lonely Breed,' the first of the Yakima Henry series, where a half-Indian drifter battles prejudice and outlaws with an Arkansas toothpick. 'Death and the Saloon Girl,' another 'Revenger' tale, pulls readers into a trap-laden adventure with gunfights and cunning femmes fatales. Leslie’s style—vivid, sensory, and relentless—paints the West as a place where survival demands both brains and brawn.
With over forty novels as Frank Leslie, plus contributions to series like 'Longarm' and 'Trailsman,' Brandvold’s output is staggering. His knack for crafting believable characters, from vengeful heroes to scheming villains, keeps readers flipping pages late into the night.
Why Frank Leslie Matters
Frank Leslie’s work keeps the western genre alive, proving there’s still a hunger for tales of dusty trails and moral showdowns. His global fanbase, with translations in Italian and Norwegian, shows the universal appeal of his stories. Women and men alike devour his novels, drawn to the rich imagery and emotional depth that elevate his work beyond typical shoot-’em-ups.
Through Mean Pete Publishing, Brandvold champions fast-paced western e-books, ensuring the genre evolves with the digital age. His influence extends to Hollywood, with film scripts in development, hinting at a future where Mike Sartain might ride across the big screen. Leslie’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of a good yarn, told with heart and grit.
- Born: North Dakota, USA
- Key Works: 'A Bullet for Sartain,' 'The Lonely Breed,' 'Death and the Saloon Girl'
- Pen Name Origin: Inspired by Old West outlaw 'Buckskin' Frank Leslie
- Publishing: Head of Mean Pete Publishing
Ready to ride into the sunset? Snag 'A Bullet for Sartain' and dive into Frank Leslie’s thrilling Wild West!