Ray Hogan: Skull Gold

Skull Gold is the last of the westerns that I have written by Ray Hogan and illustrated by Allan Kass. This book was published by Signet in July 1973 and was #13 in the Shawn Starbuck series. This story revolves around Starbuck's brother, Ben, missing gold, and a beautiful girl!

Allan Kass paints a different pose for this cover with our hero almost close up in view. We see a stagecoach right behind him that it looks like he is trying to intercept or guard. It's a treat seeing the western terrain on these covers and fun to discover that Allan did some other covers than just the historical romances!

Ray Hogan: Passage to Dodge City

Passage to Dodge City was published by Signet in September 1972. Starbuck is on another cattle drive but this one is fraught by peril from a mysterious bushwhacker along with the terrain. #10 in the Starbuck series by Ray Hogan.

Allan Kass shows our hero as he chases after the bad guys. We don't get a good look at his face, but he looks like a force to be reckoned with. Note Allan's signature just below the horse's nose.

Ray Hogan: The Guns of Stingaree

The Guns of Stingaree is a rare Western illustrated by Allan Kass. This book was published in April 1973 by Signet and written by Ray Hogan. Mallory owned Stingaree and most of the Gila Valley, except for Arrowhead Ranch, which he coveted. He hires Starbuck to lead his band of raiders and he refuses but still gets caught up in the violence.

Allan Kass creates a dramatic cover of our hero about to leap into the saddle and rush away from a fire in the background. It's amazing to see the motion of the horse and man. I like the use of color; it creates a stark scene where our hero is prominently displayed.