Forty Grains of Black Powder begins the Cordero saga with a son's quest for revenge and freedom. Growing up surrounded by finery and lies, Ramón Cordero discovers a secret that will change his life, and that of generations to come. Forty Grains of Black Powder began with a trio of coincidences: a magazine from the past which contained 2 unrelated articles that became the basis for plot points that included murder and motive; a chance statement from a man dressed in black which gave me the title; and, inside my head, the image and voice of a greedy hacendado who hired a gunman to kill a young man he called "Trouble." This is Book 1 in what eventually became The Cordero Saga, a story of Mexico in 9 novels. Sonora Mexico in the 19th century was a beautiful yet dangerous land. Only the strong survived. When aristocratic Marieta discovers her bandit husband's grim secret, no one is safe. Growing up in a household filled with mystery and hate, young Ramón sets out of a quest for revenge and freedom. TIERRA DEL ORO - one story...one family...one continuing adventure My first western short story "Tyler" was published in FAR WEST magazine Vol 1, No 2.