Established in 1901, the Arizona Rangers have protected and served the citizenry for over 107 years. Though the initial organization was short lived, lasting only until 1909, the company--with an authorized strength of just 26 men--became the scourge of outlaws within the Arizona Territory and along the Mexican border where, like today, criminal activity was prevalent. In 1957, the Arizona Rangers were reestablished, and for the 50 years since, these modern rangers have continued the tradition of service that was established by their territorial predecessors. Today's Arizona Rangers are officially recognized by state legislation as a volunteer civilian law enforcement auxiliary. In keeping with their motto, "Few But Proud Then and Now," they assist numerous law enforcement agencies and help keep the peace within their communities and state.

Joe C. Noriega is a freelance writer who has already published one other book. He has many other stories that he has writt en and waiti ng for the right moment to publish them. Currently, he is residing in El Cajon, California, where he is a sharecrop farmer and plants a small vineyard of red grapes and makes red wine. The inspirati on to write this story came from writi ng of two short one-hundred-word stories about the West during the 1800s. He wrote a story about a wagon train master and a sheriff . These two short stories are currently displayed in the Lakeside County Library, Lakeside, California. This is Joe Noriega's second book. The fi rst book is called 03 Why Me? published by Robertson Publishers.

Owen Jones is one of the last Arizona Rangers; a group of lawman trained to hunt down outlaws in the wilds of Arizona Territory in the first part of the 20th century. After learning of the rape and killing of a woman and her young daughter near the border, Owen swears to bring the murderous gang to justice, despite an aging body and legislators who want to abolish the Rangers. Owen and a rookie ranger are sent to work with the rurales in Mexico to track down the gang, who are wanted by the Sonoran government for cattle rustling and robbery. There they learn about harsh Mexican frontier justice and come up against a mastermind who works in the shadows to control cattle rustling and counterfeit money schemes, using the violent outlaws for his own gain. In Mexico, Owen meets and falls in love with a beautiful, strong-willed widow who derails his uncomplicated view of life. He must confront his weaknesses in deciding on his future—one of comfort or a life outside the law.

SHADOW of the MOGOLLON RIM Being a Texas Ranger had its rewards—though they were few and far between—but after twelve long and lonely years on horseback tracking down and arresting what seemed like an endless number of ruthless, cold-blooded fugitives from justice, Clint Wells had had enough. By the grace of God, he had survived the hardships and dangers of his job. At thirty-seven years of age—and feeling several years older—the time had finally come to hang up his reliable Colt revolver, surrender the tarnished silver badge, and head further west. The Arizona Territory had its own brand of special lawmen, the Arizona Rangers, and they needed Clint's priceless experience. If they got their way, he would not be hanging up his six-shooter anytime soon. The year was 1892; the place was central Arizona—and the wonderful smell of late spring was in the air.