John R Erickson Books In Order

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

While investigating a vicious murder on his ranch, Hank finds himself the number one suspect. Resigning in a fit of despair, he heads for the hills to become an outlaw but it’s not as easy as he imagined. USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’ Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike. ‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

The Further Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

Hank has been stricken with ‘Eye crosserosis’! Unless he can find a cure for this dangerous condition, his position as Head of Ranch Security is at stake.

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

It’s a Dog’s Life

While visiting his sister in town, Hank contracts a mysterious case of ‘soap hydrophobia’ and ends up in the dog pound!

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

Murder in the Middle Pasture

There’s been a brutal murder on the ranch, and Hank thinks he knows who the guilty party is. Can he nab the killer before he strikes again?

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

Faded Love

Heading into the wild outback, Hank goes in search of his true love, the charming Miss Beulah. Hank is sure he can win Beulah’s heart but first he’ll need the help of a powerful aphrodisiac.

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Who or what has been killing Sally May’s chickens? Everyone on the ranch is a suspect even Hank! Can he solve the crime and prove his innocence before he’s relieved of his command…
and condemned?

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

The Curse of the Incredible Priceless Corncob

As the proud owner of a Priceless Corncob, Hank knows that being rich can change your life. But does it mean giving up his position as Head of Ranch Security?

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

The Case of the One-eyed Killer Stud Horse

When it comes to dealing with Tuerto, the one eyed stud horse from the next ranch over, Hank’s usual approach is not to approach him at all. But when Tuerto breaks loose and charges Little Alfred and his cousins, it’s up to Hank to save them.

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

The Case of the Halloween Ghost

It’s Halloween, and strange things are happening on the ranch. Can Hank and Drover solve the mystery before they get too spooked?

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

Every Dog Has His Day

It’s time for the big cattle drive, which means big responsibility for Hank. Meanwhile, what’s Benny the cowdog doing on the ranch? Hank’s got to find out quick before he loses his spot as top dog. USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’ Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike. ‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

Lost in the Dark Unchanted Forest

Little Alfred has run away to the Dark Unchanted Forest and he’s being followed by none other than Sinister the Bobcat. Can Hank rescue his master’s son…
before it’s too late?

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

The Case of the Fiddle-Playing Fox

In Hank the Cowdog 12: The Fiddle Playing Fox, Hank meets Frankie the Fox. When Hank discovers that Frankie’s fiddle music charms the ladies, he asks Frankie to help him win the heart of his one true love, Miss Beulah the Collie.

The Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve

Hank is looking forward to a long winter’s nap when duty calls him to accompany Slim into town for a last minute Christmas shopping spree. Along the way, Hank and the gang are struck not only by the meaning of Christmas but also by a twenty five pound buzzard!

Monkey Business

Hank the cowdog, Head of Ranch Security, matches wits with an escaped circus monkey.

The Case of the Missing Cat

Pete the barncat swindles the intrepid cowdog out of his job as Head of Ranch Security.

Lost in the Blinded Blizzard

While battling a ‘blinded’ blizzard to get cough syrup for Baby Mollie, fearless Hank charms Miss Beulah the Collie Dog, saves Slim and Drover from freezing, sings a love song about fleas, and outwits Pete the Barncat.

The Case of the Car-Barkaholic Dog

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Hank the Cowdog is head of Ranch Security in this action packed adventure series that will tickle funny bones of adults and children alike.

The Case of the Hooking Bull

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Unsupervised for the day, Hank the Cowdog and his human friends, Little Alfred and Slim Chance, mind the ranch with humorous results.

The Case of the Midnight Rustler

Hank must survive the wrathful Sally May, the bullying coyote brothers, Rip and Snort, poisoned hot dogs, and long treks over rough terrain to catch a bunch of ‘crinimals’ in the act of rustling cattle on Uncle Johnny’s Canyon Pasture.

The Phantom in the Mirror

Hank the Cowdog investigates reports of a phantom dog on the ranch.

The Case of the Vampire Cat

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Hank the Cowdog, Head of Ranch Security, bravely faces the dangers of Picket Canyon to unravel the mystery surrounding an unusual cat

The Case of the Double Bumblebee Sting

While Slim and Loper are away from the ranch for three days, Hank suffers from is it a double bumblebee sting, or much worse? If falls upon Sally May to nurse the stricken Head of Ranch Security back to health. Her patience and compassion are seriously tested.

Moonlight Madness

In his latest hilarious adventure, Hank meets Eddy the Rac, an orphan raccoon rescued by Slim. Despite the fact that cowdogs and coons don’t make the most natural of buddies, Hank and Eddy must team up and act fast before ‘Moonlight Madness‘ takes over. An entertaining tale with a happy ending. Illustrated.

The Case of the Black-Hooded Hangmans

Eddy the Rac returns with magic tricks that backfire. Hank becomes prime suspect in a felony and Eddy pulls a disappearing act. Further mysteries unfold as the search for Eddy leads Hank, Drover and Little Alfred through a snowstorm to the creepy haunted house. Can Hank save his comrades from the horrible Black Hooded Hangmans?.

The Case of the Swirling Killer Tornado

This newest double volume audio gift set features the famous Head of Ranch Security in two of his adventures, 7: The Case of the Incredible Priceless Corncob and 8: The Case of the One Eyed Killer Stud Horse.

The Case of the Kidnapped Collie

Plato, the bird dog, has come to visit the ranch, delighting everyone with his quail pointing skills and impeccable manners. But Plato’s biggest fan happens to be Hank’s dream girl, Miss Beulah the Collie. Hank’s true test of devotion comes when he must rescue her from the clutches of an unwelcome visitor a ferocious kidnapping cannibal!.

The Case of the Night-Stalking Bone Monster

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. When his juicy T bones disappear before he has a chance to enjoy them, Hank the Cowdog is convinced that a Bone Monster is loose on the ranch and determines to put a stop to its devious activities.

The Mopwater Files

Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security, discovers that drinking a bucket of plant food restores his energy but also gives him a serious case of mopwater poisoning.

The Case of the Vampire Vacuum Sweeper

The head of Ranch Security is again called to duty this time to arrest the marauding trespassers who are threatening to stampede the cattle. Join Hank as he tracks down enemy agent Mysterious Esther, gets a surprise visit from pretty Miss Viola, attempts a daring escape from the relentless Vampire Vacuum Sweeper, almost single handedly reprimands town dog Buster and his gang of thugs and sustains the ranch through another dangerous night.

The Case of the Haystack Kitties

Hank the Cowdog is as tough as they come. But when a raging bull starts threatening a group of helpless kittens, Hank proves that even the Head of Ranch Security has a soft spot. After all, it’s his job to keep the ranch safe for everyone including cats!

The Case of the Vanishing Fishhook

Hank is the star of the hilarious, best selling series that USA Today calls ‘the best family entertainment in years.’ Hank is a West Texan cowdog whose position as Head of Ranch Security consistently lands him in all kinds of hilarious trouble! Even after an exhausting morning at work, Hank has energy to go on a fishing trip. But what starts as a routine expedition turns into a first class crisis when Hank reels in more than he bargained for. Is there hope for Hank, or is it curtains for everyone’s favorite cowdog?

The Case of the Garbage Monster from Outer Space

Someone has been raiding Sally May’s garbage barrels! Hank knows the crime is the work of a notorious gang of raccoons, but in a tragic case of mistaken identity, the Head of Ranch Security is himself forced to take the heat. Even more trouble lies ahead. Rip and Snort, the good-for-nothing coyote brothers, are planning to pull an even bigger job. Not only is Hank powerless to stop them, he’s forced to fight on the side of evil–and must contend with terrifying forces!

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart-alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings-on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair-raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip-roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ —School Library Journal

The Case of the Measled Cowboy

When Sally May and Loper head off to visit the relatives leaving Slim in charge of Little Alfred Hank knows that trouble is sure to come knocking. But not even the Head of Ranch Security could have predicted what would happen next. First, Slim is struck down with the measles. Then a blizzard hits the ranch, trapping them in the house with no heat or electricity. Somehow, Hank’s got to find a way to get them out of this mess…
before they’re snowed in for good!

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series ‘…
the best family entertainment in years.’

Hank is a scruffy, smart alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he’s usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he’s called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank’s hilarious, hair raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

‘Rip roaring fun…
a marvelous situation comedy.’ School Library Journal

Slim’s Good-Bye

‘The best family entertainment in years.’That’s what USA Today has to say about the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series. Hank is a West Texan cowdog whose position as Head of Ranch Security consistently lands him in all kinds of hilarious trouble! When Slim hears the ranch is in trouble, he hits the road in search of a new job. What he doesn’t realize when he takes off in his pickup, is that Hank and his faithful sidekick Drover are hiding in the back thinking that Slim is just heading into town. After a long trip, they come to a stop in an unfamiliar town, and when Slim lands himself a new job there, Hank finds that he’s no longer the Head of Ranch Security, but the Head of Chicken House Security! Hank knows that this life is for the birds…
but will he ever see the ranch again? Illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes 34 in Series

The Case of the Saddle House Robbery

There’s a new dog on the ranch, and Hank is less than thrilled. As Head of Ranch Security, he’s supposed to keep an eye on Jake until his owner shows up. But Jake’s got other plans he’s got to get to Madagascar before someone makes off with his treasure! As if Hank doesn’t have enough to worry about, there’s a saddle thief on the loose. Is Jake in cahoots with the robber? Are there really monkeys and palm trees under the tool shed? Will Jake ever get to Madagascar? These and other questions are answered in this laugh out loud adventure starring everyone’s favorite cowdog.

The Case of the Raging Rottweiler

The ranch is in the grip of a heat wave, and to make matters worse, there’s a raging rottweiler on the loose. It’s up to Hank the Cowdog, Head of Ranch Security, to teach the visiting pooch some manners. It’s rumored that Bruiser is all talk and no action, but when he attacks a defenseless fawn, Hank’s not sure what to think. Has Hank got what it takes to take care of this crazy canine? Or are his dog days numbered?

The Case of the Deadly Ha-Ha Game

Everyone’s favorite cowdog is back in this latest hilarious escapade. When Hank finally gets fed up with Pete the Barncat’s sneaky tricks, he challenges Pete to a round of the dreaded Deadly Ha Ha Game. Winning the game demands iron will and steely determination, and Hank knows that he’s got what it takes to win. But when it comes to facing off against Rip and Snort, the coyote brothers, it’s a whole different story. Suddenly, the Deadly Ha Ha Game is no laughing matter!

The Fling

It’s bad enough when Hank accidentally gets trapped in a cattle trailer and ends up stranded in town. Then he gets picked up by the local dog catcher and locked in a cage. But just when it looks like things couldn’t get any worse, Hank meets up with Dogpound Ralph and the two dogs break free and strike out on the adventure of a lifetime. Suddenly, life just couldn’t be any better. Or could it?’The best family entertainment in years.’ USA Today.

The Secret Laundry Monster Files

Hank the Cowdog is back! This time, things start to heat up when a strange flapping noise leads to a midnight investigation of the ranch. Before he knows it, Hank finds himself caught up with his old friend Eddy the Rac and face to face with one of a dog’s greatest enemies: the dreaded laundry monster. Could it mean the end for everyone’s favorite Head of Ranch Security or is it just Eddy up to his old tricks? One thing’s for sure, Hank will keep readers laughing out loud with this latest installment to the popular series. ‘The best family entertainment in years.’ USA Today

The Case of the Missing Bird Dog

Quail season has just begun, and already there’s trouble on the ranch. When a wayward bird dog goes missing, Hank takes off in search of him and finds himself face to face with an angry mother hog and her litter. If that isn’t bad enough, before Hank knows it, his arch enemies the coyote brothers appear on the scene. Can Hank’s quick wits and supple reflexes help him out of this fix? Or will Hank become hogmeat? Find out in this latest adventure starring everyone’s favorite Head of Ranch Security. Illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes. ‘The best family entertainment in years.’ USA Today

The Case of the Shipwrecked Tree

When pirates are discovered on the ranch, it’s Hank the Cowdog’s job to check the situation out. But Hank has no idea what a run in with pirates can lead to. Before he knows it, he’s up a tree in Little Alfred’s treehouse pirate ship facing imminent disaster as a vicious storm approaches. Can he find a way out of this one? Or is Hank destined to be marooned on the high seas forever? Find out in this latest adventure starring everyone’s favorite Head of Ranch Security. Illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes.

The Case of the Burrowing Robot

It’s been twenty years since the first Hank the Cowdog book was published, and the series has been going strong ever since. Hank has faced every hardship imaginable natural disaster, disease, and all kinds of monsters. But in The Case of the Burrowing Robot, he finds himself up against a creature he’s never seen before and boy is it scary! Someone or something, a bizarre robot with beady eyes and a full suit of armor is digging up the garden. Hank is on the case immediately, but before he can put an end to the armored creature’s antics, he gets blamed for the crime. Can Hank dig his way out of this mess, or has he burrowed too deep? Find out in the latest adventure starring everyone’s favorite Head of Ranch Security.

The Case of the Twisted Kitty

It’s winter in the Texas Panhandle, and the ranch is covered in snow and ice. So when Sally May sets off for town, Hank decides to follow Pete s misguided advice and bravely escorts her car down the slick road. Before Hank realizes what s happening, Sally May s car skids into a snow drift and she is angrier than ever before. And who does she blame but poor Hank! After consulting with his trusty partner, Drover, Hank decides the only way to win back Sally May s affection is to be on his absolute best behavior. Will Hank be able to turn over a new leaf and become the well mannered dog that every owner dreams of?

The Dungeon of Doom

As Head of Ranch Security, Hank knows that it’s his job to clear the ranch of any unwanted visitors&150and that includes gophers. But when his efforts to rid the yard of one such pesky critter causes a stampede in the middle of a roundup, Loper decides that he’s had it. It’s high time Hank learned some manners. Our hero is going to&150gulp!&150obedience school. Hank can just picture it: dank dungeons, torches burning on the walls, and menacing instructors who wield manners like weapons. How will he ever survive?

The Case of the Falling Sky

When Hank hears a rumor that the sky is going to fall from the ranch’s resident rooster, he is naturally a bit skeptical. But when a report from Pete the Barncat and a strange dream seem to support the theory, Hank knows that he’d better take the threat seriously. After all, as Head of Ranch Security, it’s his job to protect the ranch from any and all danger. So Hank decides that he’ll do whatever it takes to prevent the sky from falling on his beloved ranch. Even if it means getting into trouble with Sally May again…
.

The Case of the Tricky Trap

Someone has been getting into the feed in the feed shed, so Slim has put out a trap for the offending party. As Head of Ranch Security, Hank knows it’s his job to check the trap and help Slim nail the culprit. Unfortunately, the trap is a bit trickier than Hank expected, and when he finds himself face to face with none other than his old buddy Eddy the Rac, Hank is suddenly in a compromising position. Will Eddy and Hank be able to work things out, or does the cunning coon have only his own best interests in mind?

The Case of the Tender Cheeping Chickies

When Young Alfred brings home a bunch of adorable baby chicks to raise, he expects Hank, as the Head of Ranch Security, to help keep them safe. But as far as Hank’s concerned, the chicks don t only look cute, they look delicious. Can he put aside his doggie instincts for the sake of a job well done? Or will his overactive appetite get the best of him? Find out in this latest installment to the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series.

The Case of the Monkey Burglar

There’s never a dull moment on the ranch when Hank the Cowdog is around! In the latest installment to this popular series, Hank discovers a tool thief is on the loose. And to complicate matters, the thief uses a monkey to help him do his dirty work. Before long, Hank finds himself face to face with the pilfering primate! Can Hank and his buddies stop the criminals in their tracks, or will the crooks escape and continue their monkey business?

The Case of the Booby Trapped Pick Up

There’s never a dull moment on the ranch when Hank the Cowdog is around. In this next installment to the long running series, Hank gets the ride of his life when Slim s pickup truck breaks down and they end up with a brand new model on loan while the old one gets fixed. But a ranch dog like Hank isn t used to power windows and door locks, and he manages to get himself in a whole heap of trouble with just one push of a button! Will Hank be able to find a way out of this latest mess? The best family entertainment in years. USA Today

The Case of the Most Ancient Bone

Hank the Cowdog Head of ranch security is on the case in his fiftieth mystery! And this is no ordinary, run of the mill ranch intrigue. No sir, this is a real, honest to goodness archaeological adventure! when an old friend of slim’s starts an archaeological dig near the ranch, it doesn t take long before little Alfred gets caught up in the excitement. And once Alfred manages to get himself invited to the dig, it isn t long before Hank follows. once there, Hank finds himself face to face with the most ancient of bones a huge bison bone that Hank just knows has been aged to delicious perfection. Hank should be protecting the bone, but can he keep his doggie instincts at bay and uphold his position? or will the most ancient of bones get the best of him?

The Case of the Blazing Sky

Hank the Cowdog marks twenty five years in print! In this latest installment to the long running series, the weather on Hank’s west Texas ranch is hot and dry. So dry, in fact, that they ve got to be on the lookout for prairie fires. So Hank bravely takes on the role of Head of Fire Safety and gets to work. But patrolling for fires is dull, and it s hard to do on an empty stomach. Despite a minor culinary distraction, though, Hank through grit and determination is able to keep focused on the job. And it s a good thing he does, because sure enough, things on the ranch start to heat up…
.

The Quest for the Great White Quail

The long running Hank the Cowdog series continues with another new installment!

Everyone knows that a dog’s gotta chew what a dog s gotta chew. But when Hank s doggie urges have him chomping on plastic including Little Alfred s toy truck Hank knows he s got to get things under control. Then Beulah the long eared lady dog of his dreams shows up at the ranch, and Hank is thrilled. At last, he thinks, she s finally given up her infatuation with Plato the Bird Dog. But it turns out that Plato is missing, and Beulah wants Hank to help find him. Can he put his doggie dreams aside and do the right thing? And will hunting for Plato help with his chewing problem? It s all in a day s work for everyone s favorite Head of Ranch Security!

Drover’s Secret Life

For twenty five years, readers have enjoyed watching Drover Hank’s trusty sidekick try to finagle himself out of every dangerous situation that arises on the ranch. But what happened before Drover came to the ranch? Well, it s all here from his early days as runt of the litter through his fruitless search for a job to his ultimate position as Hank s right paw man.

The Case of the Dinosaur Birds

It’s scrap day on the ranch a glorious day for Hank, his sidekick, Drover, and Pete the Barncat. But when two very unusual looking creatures fly overhead, the glorious day takes a sudden turn for the worse. Suddenly the scraps have vanished and the Head of Ranch Security finds himself dealing with an invasion by a couple of ancient dinosaur birds! There’s never a dull moment when Hank the Cowdog is around…
.

The Case of the Secret Weapon

Hank the Cowdog is at it again! There’s a burglar on the loose, and he’s robbing houses with the help of a super sneaky, superstinky secret weapon. As Head of Ranch Security, Hank knows it’s his job to protect the ranch and all the buildings on it. So when a suspicious character comes sniffing around Slim’s bachelor shack, Hank heads right into action. But does Hank have what it takes to save the day even after getting caught in the line of fire?

The Case of the Coyote Invasion

Hank’s in trouble again, but when he tries to apologize to Sally May, she just doesn t get the message. Before Hank has a chance to convince her, he learns that the ranch is being targeted for a major invasion from the dreaded coyotes. Does Hank have what it takes to save his reputation and protect the ranch?

The Disappearance of Drover

Hank and Drover are excited when a quick nap in the back of Slim’s pickup turns into a trip to town. But the excitement turns to drama when they find themselves at the livestock show-and Drover decides to take off to visit his mother. Can Hank track down his faithful sidekick before Slim heads back to the ranch? Or is he off on a wild goose chase?

Moonshiner’s Gold

When fourteen year old Riley goes to investigate some strange activity on a remote section of his family’s ranch, he meets up with a group of renegades running a moonshine still. Riley knows that this never would have happened while his father was alive, but ever since his daddy died it’s been a struggle to keep the ranch safe. Fortunately, Riley’s Grampy shows up just in time to help. With Grampy in the lead, the family sets off to find the truth, and gets caught up in a crime ring that extends farther than any of them ever imagined. A compelling mystery, this book combines an intriguing cast of characters with an oft overlooked period in American history.

Cowboys Are Old Enough to Know Better

Rear cover notes: ‘In Cowboys Are Old Enough to Know Better, author John R. Erickson returns to the ground he covered in his previous four cowboy humor books: The Devil in Texas, Cowboys Are Partly Human, Alkali County Tales, and Cowboys Are A Separate Species. He writes of cowboys, horses, cattle, dogs, and kids; pranks, Ace Reid’s tooth, and roping a fiberglass horse in the Library of Congress. Fans of Erickson’s grouchy old rancher, Willie Onthenextranch, will be delighted to know that he has returned in this volume. The five new Willie stories rank with the best, and will bring a smile to every reader. Erickson’s short, humorous pieces are just right for impatient readers and people on the go, and his brand of gentle humor is guaranteed to delight readers of all ages…
.’

Cowboy Fiddler

If you like cowboys, or if you like country fiddling, you ll enjoy this story. If you like both, you re doubly in luck, for McWhorter is an unusual combination: a working cowboy and a working fiddler. Elmer Kelton. A cowboy, a ranch manager, an alumnus of Bob Wills’s Texas Playboys, and the leader of a western swing band, Frankie McWhorter s stories are endlessly entertaining.

Panhandle Cowboy

Panhandle Cowboy is the classic description of cowboy life by master storyteller John Erickson. His observations about the Crown Ranch in particular, and the cowboy lifestyle in general, are filled with humor and pathos as Erickson describes the ranch, individual cowboys, roundups, wild cattle, and horses. Panhandle Cowboy is a treasured addition to the literature, life and lore of the American cowboy. The Midwest Book Review, March 14, 1999. James A. Cox, Editor. ‘Panhandle Cowboy is a sensitive, admirable straight forward book about the texture of modern cowboying in the Oklahoma Panhandle. These truthful and affectionate descriptions of life and work in that severe locale serve to reinforce an old point: that hardship and risk are woven deeply into the appeal of cowboying. Often as not the elements themselves provide all the hardship that anyone could well want. Should the weather happen to be comfortable, animals or the cattle market will contribute the hardship. In this one regard cowboys resemble desert Arabs; their best qualities are forged by extreme conditions. Enrich or suburbanize a Bedouin or a cowboy and taste, vigor, and sense of craft are soon lost. Keep them out where the winds blow, the sands storm, and the animals resist all reasonable effort and they remain superb workmen, alert, humorous, and subtle.’ Larry McMurtry

The Modern Cowboy

‘The American cowboy is a mythical character who refuses to die,’ says author John R. Erickson. On the one hand he is a common man: a laborer, a hired hand who works for wages. Yet in his lonely struggle against nature and animal cunning, he becomes larger than life. Who is this cowboy? Where did he come from and where is he today? Erickson addresses these questions based on firsthand observation and experience in Texas and Oklahoma. And in the process of describing and defining the modern working cowboy his work, his tools and equipment, his horse, his roping technique, his style of dress, his relationships with his wife and his employer Erickson gives a thorough description of modern ranching, the economic milieu in which the cowboy operates. The first edition of this book was published in 1981. For this second edition Erickson has thoroughly revised and expanded the book to discuss recent developments in cowboy culture, making The Modern Cowboy the most up to date source on cowboy and ranch life today. ‘We meet The Modern Cowboy his dress depends on weather, chores, and vanity and follow him through the year: spring roundup, branding and ‘working’ the calves; spotting problem animals and cutting them from the herd; repairing windmills and mending fences; fall roundup, and feeding animals in winter…
. This is a lively portrait, sure to appeal to all Western buffs.’ Publishers Weekly ‘For a straightforward, highly readable account of today’s cowboy, you can’t do better…
. Informative, engaging, and clearly the real thing.’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Erickson has caught the ambience of the working cowboy, what he loves to do, and what he must do to keep a ranch operating day to day and season to season. In doing this, he actually provides an account of how much cowboying has changed in the hundred or so years of its existence.’ Western American Literature

Some Babies Do Grow Up to Be Cowboys

A collection of articles and essays by John R. Erickson, which have been published in ‘Texas Highways’, ‘Oklahoma Today’, ‘The Dallas Morning News’ and more. Many of the pieces are anecdotal, based on Erickson’s experiences and observations on ranches. Others are more historical.

Friends

Here under one cover are the collected writings of John R. Erickson about characters who have entered his life on the High Plains country of the Texas Panhandle. Erickson writes with authority about ranching and cowboying in the modern era, always with an eye for the humor of everyday incidents. Some of his Friends are widely known, such as artist Ace Reid and noted fiddle player Frankie McWhorter. Others are cowboys who work the big ranches between the Canadian and Beaver rivers. They share the stage with some of Erickson’s four legged Friends: the Phantom Cow, Texie, the Incredible Burping Dog, an Arabian horse called Dandy, Callie the cat, and Eddy the raccoon.

Prairie Gothic

‘Prairie Gothic‘ is full of Texas lore. Erickson tells the story of people in the context of a specific place. This place, instrumental in shaping their lives, is the flatland prairie of northwestern Texas that has gone by various names High Plains, South Plains, Staked Plains, and Llano Estacado, as well as the rugged country on its eastern boundary, often referred to as the ‘caprock canyonlands.’ One branch of Erickson’s family arrived in Texas in 1858, settling in Parker County, west of Weatherford. Another branch, sturdy Quaker farmers from Ohio, helped establish the first Anglo settlement on the Llano Estacado in 1881, near present day Lubbock. Erickson’s family interacts with significant historical figures, such as Cynthia Ann Parker, and includes members of the Estacado Quaker colony. There is the story of Martha Sherman, who died at the hands of the Comanche, and the tale of the notorious outlaw Tom Ross. ‘Prairie Gothic‘ also includes Erickson’s encounters with famous Texas writers, such as John Graves and J. Evetts Haley. Burrowing deep into his West Texas roots, Erickson discovered people of substance and strong character, made that way in part by the challenges they faced in a harsh environment. He has created a fascinating blend of family and regional history. Excerpts from journals, letters, and other original sources enrich the narrative.