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A Rambling Man: A Classic Western Adventure
Bestselling author Robert Vaughan is back with another riveting adventure in this 2024 Independent Press Award Winner—sure to please fans of all ages.
Captured in the last year of the Civil War, Lucas Cain is a POW in the infamous Andersonville prison. There, he learns how to survive the cruelty of the Confederate guards and the perfidy of others who are prisoners themselves.
When the war ends, he and almost 1,500 others crowd aboard the riverboat Sultana, which has a capacity of just under 400 passengers. When tragedy strikes, Lucas finds himself further adrift. Returning home to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he becomes a police officer, where he finds an unexpected love interest in a journalist who works for the Cape Girardeau newspaper.
But as Lucas finds himself no longer able to remain in Cape Girardeau, he begins a western drift. Rambling without a specific destination and becoming a bounty hunter, he ventures into the untamed West…where the call of the open road just may lead him to wander forever.
Captured in the last year of the Civil War, Lucas Cain is a POW in the infamous Andersonville prison. There, he learns how to survive the cruelty of the Confederate guards and the perfidy of others who are prisoners themselves.
When the war ends, he and almost 1,500 others crowd aboard the riverboat Sultana, which has a capacity of just under 400 passengers. When tragedy strikes, Lucas finds himself further adrift. Returning home to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he becomes a police officer, where he finds an unexpected love interest in a journalist who works for the Cape Girardeau newspaper.
But as Lucas finds himself no longer able to remain in Cape Girardeau, he begins a western drift. Rambling without a specific destination and becoming a bounty hunter, he ventures into the untamed West…where the call of the open road just may lead him to wander forever.
- GenresWesterns
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2023
631 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Robert Vaughan
441 books131 followers Robert Vaughan is an American writer. He has also written a series of contemporary and historical romance novels under several pseudonyms including "Paula Moore" and "Paula Fairman". His father served in the military and Robert followed him in the 1950s, entering army aviation. He served until the Vietnam War and won numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with several oak-leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several other medals.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 25, 2023
Just OK
Not enough depth in terms of the story line and character development. Also, somewhat predictable with a very hollow ending.
Not enough depth in terms of the story line and character development. Also, somewhat predictable with a very hollow ending.
March 21, 2023
This book is like a Steven Seagal movie. The protagonist is perfect and never gets hit while the character development is nonexistant.
May 28, 2024
Embarking on a Journey with Lucas Cain: A Review of Robert Vaughan's "A Rambling Man"
Robert Vaughan's "A Rambling Man" marks the beginning of the Lucas Cain series, a narrative that captures the essence of the classic Western adventure with a modern twist. Vaughan, was a prolific author with over 500 books to his name, brings his expertise to the table, weaving a tale that is both riveting and reflective of the tumultuous times of the Civil War and its aftermath. The story begins with Lucas Cain, a prisoner of war in the notorious Andersonville prison, where survival is a daily struggle against not only the Confederate guards but also the treachery of fellow prisoners. Vaughan's depiction of Andersonville is raw and unflinching, providing a stark backdrop to Cain's journey. The end of the war does not bring peace for Cain; instead, it marks the start of a new set of challenges as he finds himself aboard the overcrowded riverboat Sultana, setting the stage for tragedy and a life forever changed.
Upon returning to his hometown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Cain attempts to settle into a semblance of normalcy as a police officer. Here, Vaughan introduces a love interest, a journalist who not only captures Cain's heart but also symbolizes the potential for a new beginning. However, the tranquility is short-lived, and Cain's restless spirit propels him westward. Vaughan excels in portraying the internal conflict within Cain, a man torn between his duties and the call of the open road. As a bounty hunter in the untamed West, Cain's adventures are as much about the physical journey as they are about his personal quest for meaning and purpose. Vaughan's narrative is a testament to the enduring allure of the Western genre, offering readers a character who is both a product of his time and a timeless wanderer. The open road is both Cain's escape and his destiny, a theme that resonates throughout the book. In "A Rambling Man," Vaughan has crafted a character in Lucas Cain who is complex, relatable, and undeniably human. The book is a celebration of the Western tradition while also serving as a commentary on the human condition. It is a story of survival, love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of one's path. For fans of Robert Vaughan and newcomers alike, "A Rambling Man" is a journey worth taking, so don't miss out; pick up your copy today.
• ASIN: B0BRL825PZ
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/24/2023
• File Size: 4502 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Western Fiction Classics - Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
Robert Vaughan's "A Rambling Man" marks the beginning of the Lucas Cain series, a narrative that captures the essence of the classic Western adventure with a modern twist. Vaughan, was a prolific author with over 500 books to his name, brings his expertise to the table, weaving a tale that is both riveting and reflective of the tumultuous times of the Civil War and its aftermath. The story begins with Lucas Cain, a prisoner of war in the notorious Andersonville prison, where survival is a daily struggle against not only the Confederate guards but also the treachery of fellow prisoners. Vaughan's depiction of Andersonville is raw and unflinching, providing a stark backdrop to Cain's journey. The end of the war does not bring peace for Cain; instead, it marks the start of a new set of challenges as he finds himself aboard the overcrowded riverboat Sultana, setting the stage for tragedy and a life forever changed.
Upon returning to his hometown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Cain attempts to settle into a semblance of normalcy as a police officer. Here, Vaughan introduces a love interest, a journalist who not only captures Cain's heart but also symbolizes the potential for a new beginning. However, the tranquility is short-lived, and Cain's restless spirit propels him westward. Vaughan excels in portraying the internal conflict within Cain, a man torn between his duties and the call of the open road. As a bounty hunter in the untamed West, Cain's adventures are as much about the physical journey as they are about his personal quest for meaning and purpose. Vaughan's narrative is a testament to the enduring allure of the Western genre, offering readers a character who is both a product of his time and a timeless wanderer. The open road is both Cain's escape and his destiny, a theme that resonates throughout the book. In "A Rambling Man," Vaughan has crafted a character in Lucas Cain who is complex, relatable, and undeniably human. The book is a celebration of the Western tradition while also serving as a commentary on the human condition. It is a story of survival, love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of one's path. For fans of Robert Vaughan and newcomers alike, "A Rambling Man" is a journey worth taking, so don't miss out; pick up your copy today.
• ASIN: B0BRL825PZ
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/24/2023
• File Size: 4502 KB
• Print Length: 288 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Western Fiction Classics - Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
September 11, 2025
I found this just really comfortable to read. It is a Western in the Traditional vein (even though its publication date is fairly recently), competently executed. It also seems to have already spawned a number of sequels.
Not much to fault here if you generally enjoy Westerns, especially the "Old School" style of authors like Louis L'Amour (although A Rambling Man does not feature quite as much description of nature and the environment at large).
It feels slightly episodic on occasion, as the protagonist moves from place to place and makes his way West. I really enjoyed it though, and will certainly be picking up the sequel soon (A Heap of Killing: A Classic Western Adventure).
Not much to fault here if you generally enjoy Westerns, especially the "Old School" style of authors like Louis L'Amour (although A Rambling Man does not feature quite as much description of nature and the environment at large).
It feels slightly episodic on occasion, as the protagonist moves from place to place and makes his way West. I really enjoyed it though, and will certainly be picking up the sequel soon (A Heap of Killing: A Classic Western Adventure).
May 26, 2023
Great start to a story Series with Lucas Cain
Cain’s back story begins in the horrid conditions of the Confederate Andersonville Prison and once released, launches Lucas as a Rambling man working odd jobs as an unpaid Deputy Sheriff who earns his living in various frontier towns as a successful Bounty Hunter. With the dual personality traits of fairness and helping the downtrodden, when he stops in Higton, he is swept into a local dispute over land rights for a railroad extension. That’s when an honest Sheriff, a widow and her beautiful daughter join with Lucas to solve the threats to local land owners. A page turner you cannot put down.
Cain’s back story begins in the horrid conditions of the Confederate Andersonville Prison and once released, launches Lucas as a Rambling man working odd jobs as an unpaid Deputy Sheriff who earns his living in various frontier towns as a successful Bounty Hunter. With the dual personality traits of fairness and helping the downtrodden, when he stops in Higton, he is swept into a local dispute over land rights for a railroad extension. That’s when an honest Sheriff, a widow and her beautiful daughter join with Lucas to solve the threats to local land owners. A page turner you cannot put down.
June 14, 2023
Lucas Caine, a rambling man.
The first half of the book rated 5 stars. I was a little disappointed in the second half and it turned into 4 stars. I was very captivated in the beginning. The Andersonville prison life, escaping the boat explosion, and the many adventures of Lucas Cain getting the bad guy. At the end I didn’t like the idea that they had a court, judge, and jury, when Lucas Cain was not guilty, and there was plenty of evidence that he wasn’t. The sheriff investigated and found him innocent. Was this just “book filler?” That part of the story wasted time and wasn’t going anywhere. Too bad he left Sue Ellen and didn’t find love. Maybe in the next book.
The first half of the book rated 5 stars. I was a little disappointed in the second half and it turned into 4 stars. I was very captivated in the beginning. The Andersonville prison life, escaping the boat explosion, and the many adventures of Lucas Cain getting the bad guy. At the end I didn’t like the idea that they had a court, judge, and jury, when Lucas Cain was not guilty, and there was plenty of evidence that he wasn’t. The sheriff investigated and found him innocent. Was this just “book filler?” That part of the story wasted time and wasn’t going anywhere. Too bad he left Sue Ellen and didn’t find love. Maybe in the next book.
July 16, 2024
Paying It Forward🐺💪🗡🔫🐎
ADULT Historical Western Adventure🐺💪🗡🔫🐎.
Lucas Cain's Life is shaped by the horrors of the civil war and his incarceration in the infamous Andersonville Prison In Georgia.
Trying for a normal life, He marries, but his wife and Baby die in childbirth. And that Is the last straw.
He moves ever westward from town to town, Working as a deputy Who Is paid by bounties On the Criminals he arrests or kills🔫.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
ADULT Historical Western Adventure🐺💪🗡🔫🐎.
Lucas Cain's Life is shaped by the horrors of the civil war and his incarceration in the infamous Andersonville Prison In Georgia.
Trying for a normal life, He marries, but his wife and Baby die in childbirth. And that Is the last straw.
He moves ever westward from town to town, Working as a deputy Who Is paid by bounties On the Criminals he arrests or kills🔫.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
March 10, 2024
Rambling Man: Lucas Cain Book 1
This was an extraordinary storyline of this Rambling Man constantly heading West and all the adventures going from town to town. I could not put this Book down from page 1. Lots of adventure and action. Lucas is a very interesting Western Cowboy.
This was an extraordinary storyline of this Rambling Man constantly heading West and all the adventures going from town to town. I could not put this Book down from page 1. Lots of adventure and action. Lucas is a very interesting Western Cowboy.
June 15, 2024
Lots of layers in a satisfying read
I liked the many layers in this story and look forward to the next installment. One sour note was that much was made of one of the romantic relationships Lucas Cain had. I was surprised by how the author handled it. On the positive side the author did a great job of weaving important characters from early in the story back in along the way.
I liked the many layers in this story and look forward to the next installment. One sour note was that much was made of one of the romantic relationships Lucas Cain had. I was surprised by how the author handled it. On the positive side the author did a great job of weaving important characters from early in the story back in along the way.
January 2, 2025
Another Great Hit For Me
Another great hit for me to read from Mr Robert Vaughan. As I have found his stories to be; so is this one. This story has no 'beating-around-the-bush' to maintain suspense and neither lack of interesting or exciting actions. I find it a well thought out and a well written story, easy to read, and like.
Another great hit for me to read from Mr Robert Vaughan. As I have found his stories to be; so is this one. This story has no 'beating-around-the-bush' to maintain suspense and neither lack of interesting or exciting actions. I find it a well thought out and a well written story, easy to read, and like.
January 26, 2023
great story
As always this author has not disappointed the reader. Good solid character with lots of action and supporting character. This could have some sequels to it. Would love to read more about the main character
As always this author has not disappointed the reader. Good solid character with lots of action and supporting character. This could have some sequels to it. Would love to read more about the main character
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May 19, 2023Lucas
Good book. Lucas is still rambling. When he was going to the next small town he rescued a older lady that two men had stopped and killed her mule, set fire to her wagon and had a gun pointed at her. Robert Vaughan continues to write great books.
Good book. Lucas is still rambling. When he was going to the next small town he rescued a older lady that two men had stopped and killed her mule, set fire to her wagon and had a gun pointed at her. Robert Vaughan continues to write great books.
June 26, 2023
Solid Entertainment 3.5🌟
This is a fairly typical novel in the western genre, but it was well written with a good plot and a number of interesting characters. Nothing special, but a solid entertaining read.
This is a fairly typical novel in the western genre, but it was well written with a good plot and a number of interesting characters. Nothing special, but a solid entertaining read.
August 17, 2023
good story
I enjoyed this story. It wasn’t much like what I have read but it was good. The plot was clear and they did solve the mystery but it was silly in the end. I was disappointed in its ending.
I enjoyed this story. It wasn’t much like what I have read but it was good. The plot was clear and they did solve the mystery but it was silly in the end. I was disappointed in its ending.
January 3, 2024
Traumatic events followed by a surprisingly shallow story. Followed by shallow character development. Couldn't seem to work my way through the very dull ending. A dnf. Pity because it had good bones.
February 7, 2024
Got to keep fixing trouble and moving on
So much heartache at first,, makes him have to keep moving away from the memories. Excellent story of strife and friendship. Highly recommended for all readers.
So much heartache at first,, makes him have to keep moving away from the memories. Excellent story of strife and friendship. Highly recommended for all readers.
March 24, 2024
Great book!
Great book, especially for the readers of westerns and civil war books! I would recommend it to all who read these genre. I couldn't put it down and had to find the entire series and read them one after the other!
Great book, especially for the readers of westerns and civil war books! I would recommend it to all who read these genre. I couldn't put it down and had to find the entire series and read them one after the other!
September 12, 2024
good western read
Well Lucas Cane is the Superman of the Wild West! The author writes an interesting narrative about a man who wanders the West doing good deeds wherever he goes. It's an enjoyable story.
Well Lucas Cane is the Superman of the Wild West! The author writes an interesting narrative about a man who wanders the West doing good deeds wherever he goes. It's an enjoyable story.
August 17, 2025
This author believes in telling you and not showing you. There are no character descriptions, no environmental descriptions, the characters just are as he says they are, there is no growth. Just bleh. Its akin to reading a middle school essay instead of an the immersive story it’s supposed to be.
January 27, 2023
great reading
A Rambling Man was such a pleasure to read I didn’t want it to end. We need another book to continue this story about a rambling man. Please
A Rambling Man was such a pleasure to read I didn’t want it to end. We need another book to continue this story about a rambling man. Please
January 30, 2023
a Great Old West Story
An enjoyable read, following the exploits of Lucas Cain! There are highs and lows throughout and it was hard to put this book down. It was my good fortune to find this Kindle book. Read it, you won’t be sorry!
An enjoyable read, following the exploits of Lucas Cain! There are highs and lows throughout and it was hard to put this book down. It was my good fortune to find this Kindle book. Read it, you won’t be sorry!
February 2, 2023
Sad beginning
War is he'll. Life is tougher. Friends help lots of action in hub tv very good reading unusual
Outcome. Let's rife west
War is he'll. Life is tougher. Friends help lots of action in hub tv very good reading unusual
Outcome. Let's rife west
February 12, 2023
Same old nonsense
The hero rides off into the sunset dumb will not read this author again! Why do certain western writers always leave the girl behind. Dumb !
The hero rides off into the sunset dumb will not read this author again! Why do certain western writers always leave the girl behind. Dumb !
February 13, 2023
Enjoyed it very much!
February 18, 2023
Excellent western book. I really enjoyed the Lucas Cain book. Tuff man, good man.
February 23, 2023
Just a great, and different western story. For sure this worth reading. Hated to come to the end.
February 28, 2023
a rambling man
The author wrote a very could book a lot of action the man done his Jo and move on I could not put the book down thank you tommy a.
The author wrote a very could book a lot of action the man done his Jo and move on I could not put the book down thank you tommy a.
March 3, 2023
Great
The story ended too soon; but in a way my eyes were getting very tired and I couldn't quit reading till I got to the end.
The story ended too soon; but in a way my eyes were getting very tired and I couldn't quit reading till I got to the end.
March 9, 2023
Great story line!
Fine adventure cowboy, western story. Great character. Lucas has and does it all. Enjoyed every page. Hope Robert Vaughn writes more about this lead character.
Fine adventure cowboy, western story. Great character. Lucas has and does it all. Enjoyed every page. Hope Robert Vaughn writes more about this lead character.
April 19, 2023
ramblin man
A great mystery adventure. Try reading in one setting. Never would guess who the hold out was or why. Great story
A great mystery adventure. Try reading in one setting. Never would guess who the hold out was or why. Great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews