Four Stragglers is a thrilling tale centered around a group of four unlikely companions who find themselves thrown together by fate during a tumultuous time in history. The author, Frank L. Packard, excels in building tension and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the characters navigate through dangerous situations and unexpected twists.

What makes Four Stragglers stand out is the development of the characters, each of whom is complex and multidimensional. From the cunning con artist to the hardened outlaw, Packard crafts individuals who are flawed yet relatable, making their struggles and triumphs all the more compelling.

The story is fast-paced and action-packed, with a good balance of intense moments and quieter, introspective scenes that delve into the characters' motivations and inner turmoil. Packard's writing is vivid and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the rugged Western landscape and the challenges faced by those trying to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Overall, Four Stragglers is a gripping and immersive read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and Westerns. Packard's storytelling skills shine in this novel, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating adventure filled with danger, betrayal, and redemption.

Book Description:
This thrilling novel teems with intrigue and unforgettable characters. It opens during WWI with a few allied soldiers lost at night behind German lines. One of them shoots at another in the darkness. Members of a criminal gang before the war, the men resume their unlawful activities when peacetime returns. The gang’s leader receives a letter that results in his leaving London for a small island off the Florida Keys. He is “as clever a scoundrel and as miserable, inhuman and unscrupulous a one as ever blasphemed the image in which God made him… He is without conscience, ruthless, a fiend who would do honour to hell itself."
Frank L. Packard authored many popular novels, several of which were made into movies, including a series in which he originated the idea of a heroic crime fighter with a secret double identity. --Lee Smalley