Picture a rugged storyteller galloping through the dusty trails of the American frontier, penning gritty tales of justice and adventure—meet Tabor Evans! This isn’t just one author but a legendary pseudonym, crafted in the 1970s by Lou Cameron for Jove Books, behind the iconic Longarm Western series. With over 430 novels, Tabor Evans brought a bold, adult-oriented twist to the classic Western, blending heart-pounding action with steamy romance, all centered on Deputy U.S. Marshal Custis Long, the 'long arm of the law.'
From its 1978 debut, the Longarm series hooked readers with its unapologetic grit and vivid 1880s settings. Let’s saddle up and explore the world of Tabor Evans, the pseudonym that became a Western institution!
The Making of Tabor Evans
The Tabor Evans name was born in the creative mind of Lou Cameron, a San Francisco native and prolific writer who wanted to shake up the Western genre. In the 1970s, Cameron partnered with Jove Books to craft a series that was tougher and more sensational than traditional cowboy tales. He created Custis Long, a rugged marshal navigating the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and the pseudonym Tabor Evans became the banner for this gritty vision. While Cameron laid the foundation, the pseudonym soon became a 'house name,' passed to a talented roster of authors who carried the torch.
Little is known about the personal lives of the many writers behind Tabor Evans, but their collective passion for the Old West shines through. Authors like Melvin Marshall, James Reasoner, and Peter Brandvold infused their unique voices, ensuring the series stayed fresh and thrilling for decades.
Tabor Evans’s Unforgettable Stories
The Longarm series is the beating heart of Tabor Evans’s legacy, with over 430 novels and 29 'Giant' editions—longer, meatier adventures. The first book, Longarm (1978), introduces Custis Long as he tracks a killer in Wyoming, setting the tone with gritty action, sharp dialogue, and a dash of romance. Unlike classic Westerns, these stories embrace explicit violence and steamy encounters, earning the 'adult Western' label.
Standout titles include Longarm on the Border (1978), where Custis tackles cattle rustlers in a lawless Texas-Mexico border town, and Longarm and the Avenging Angels (1978), a tale of vengeance against murderous outlaws. Later, Longarm and the Railroad War (2010) pits Custis against corporate greed, showcasing the series’ ability to evolve. The writing style is fast-paced and escapist, with vivid descriptions of saloons, shootouts, and frontier landscapes, all wrapped in a no-nonsense tone that keeps readers hooked.
The series’ themes—justice, survival, and moral ambiguity—resonate across its sprawling catalog. Each author under the Tabor Evans name adds their flair, from Cameron’s cinematic flair to Brandvold’s raw intensity, creating a rich tapestry of frontier tales.
Why Tabor Evans Matters
Tabor Evans redefined the Western genre, proving it could be bold, sexy, and unapologetically entertaining. The Longarm series carved a niche in the 1970s 'adult Western' boom, appealing to readers craving more mature, realistic portrayals of the Old West. Its massive output—nearly monthly releases through 2015—made it a cultural touchstone for Western fans, even if the genre’s popularity waned.
The pseudonym’s collaborative nature is its secret weapon, allowing fresh voices to keep Custis Long’s adventures vibrant. From inspiring a 1988 TV movie to maintaining a loyal fanbase, Tabor Evans remains a testament to the enduring allure of the frontier. Its influence lingers in modern Westerns that dare to push boundaries.
- Key Works: Longarm (1978), Longarm on the Border (1978), Longarm and the Railroad War (2010)
- First Published: 1978
- Genre: Adult Western
Ready to ride into the wild frontier? Snag Longarm and dive into Tabor Evans’s thrilling world of gunslingers and outlaws!