Joanne Fralick’s Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues: Cournoyer Brothers Book 1 is a gripping Western novel that pulls you straight into the rugged landscapes of South Dakota in the late 19th century. The story follows Leon Cournoyer, a half-French Canadian, half-Lakota freighter and rancher, as he navigates the challenges of frontier life. From battling brutal storms to outsmarting cattle rustlers, and facing the slow, creeping grasp of government control over Indigenous lands, the novel doesn’t hold back in immersing readers in a world that is both harsh and beautiful. Family, identity, and survival lie at the heart of the story, as Leon and his sons try to hold onto their Lakota heritage while adapting to an ever-changing frontier.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how Fralick’s writing brings the setting alive. Right from the opening chapter, where Leon trudges home in a relentless rainstorm, drenched and weary after weeks on the trail, I could feel the weight of his exhaustion. The way the environment is described, the sticky, muddy roads, the storm beating against his oilskin, and the smell of woodsmoke promising warmth make the book feel vivid and immersive. The prairie is as much a character as the people, and every description of the land and weather sets the perfect mood for the scenes that unfold.

The characters in this novel stand out as its strongest feature. Leon is a tough, hardworking man, but he’s also a father, and you can feel the deep love he has for his family. One of the most powerful moments for me was when he reassures his son John during Sarah’s childbirth, trying to remain composed even as his own nerves are frayed. The interactions between the brothers, John, Claude, and Philip, are filled with the kind of rough teasing and camaraderie that makes them feel real. Fralick is adept at interweaving deep undercurrents that add a rich layer of complexity to the story.

The action in this book keeps readers on their toes. The cattle roundup scenes, the run-ins with land-hungry settlers, and the tension of frontier justice all build an atmosphere of uncertainty and danger. The anger, the frustration, and the unfairness of some situations made my blood boil. And then there are the quiet but powerful moments. The contrast between action-packed sequences and deeply emotional reflections makes this book a page-turner.

Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues is a fantastic read for anyone who loves Westerns with depth. It’s not just about cowboys and cattle, it’s about family, resilience, and the painful history of Indigenous displacement. Fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in stories that balance action with rich character development, will find a lot to love here. If you enjoy books with strong, morally complex characters and an authentic sense of place, this one’s definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Cournoyer brothers.

Pages: 226 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D96D2B33