Tabor Evans Books In Order

Publication Order of Longarm Giant Books

Publication Order of Longarm Books

About Tabor Evans
Writing under the pseudonym of Tabor Evans, the popular American novelist Lou Cameron was well regarded for his many Western titles. Producing a score of them over the course of his career, Cameron would use the name of Tabor Evans to largely focus on his much loved ‘Longarm’ series. Over the years there’s been over 430 of these titles, and he was well known for producing many of them, although it would become a house name for Jove Books.

Whilst Cameron would start the series, establishing both the character of Custis Long and the world, a collection of writers would go on to assume the pen-name. Taking up the name of Tabor Evans became an honor for many, as it allowed the authors to infuse their own personalities on the assumed identity. In time the name has now gone on to become an institution in its own right, with it being well known by many throughout the industry.
Early and Personal Life:
The pseudonym of Tabor Evans would begin in the 1970s when Lou Cameron established it for the Jove Books publishing label. Born in San Francisco, 1924, himself, Cameron would set this up as the house name for the publishing outlet, as it focused on the character of Longarm. It was planned to reinvent the Western novel, making it a lot tougher and grittier for the mass-market crowd at the time.

Many writers would come to use the title of Tabor Evans, as it was a moniker that came to be associated with a certain brand of Western. The books were set to be a gritty interpretation of the genre, with violence being a key feature, as it wouldn’t shy away from the tougher aspects of the period. This would give them a more sensationalist image, as large quantities of the titles would be released over a long period using the name.

One of many names that Lou Cameron, Tabor Evans would perhaps become one of his most enduring pseudonyms. Still in use, many writers continue to assume the title, allowing it and the ‘Longarm’ series to carry on regularly. Writing approximately fifty-two books in the series himself, he’d also ensure that there’d be a lot to work with in the years to follow.

Often releasing around a book a month, the title is one of the most prolific house names within the literary industry. Setting the standard for the Western genre for years to come, it’s a name that lives on, being the benchmark for a certain strain of hard-boiled action. This isn’t finishing any time soon either, as there’s a lot more to come in the future, as the brand and legacy carry on.

Writing Career:
In 1978 the first Longarm novel would come out, and it went under the same name, being the debut of the series. Establishing both the publishing house name of Tabor Evans and the franchise, it would set-up the series for a long time to come. Introducing Custis Long as its chief protagonist, it would also set the mood of the Western world it would be taking place in.

The Longarm series itself would be based on the premise of being an ‘adult western’ collection of novels, featuring a more grittier take on the genre. This meant that there was a lot more sex and violence happening throughout, as it would attempt to create a more realistic portrayal. It would also seek to be entertaining as well, keeping the reader hooked with its straightforward escapist approach to Western novel.

Along with Lou Cameron writing a lot of the series, there would also be a collection of other notable authors going under the Evans moniker. These would include Harry Whittington, James Reasoner, and Peter Brandvold, to name just a few who took it up. Lending some weight to the name and series, they’d all manage to create a long lasting and much loved collection of titles.

Set in the 1880s, the series itself is a fun and entertaining take on the period, with plenty of action and excitement throughout. Many have come to see the name of Tabor Evans as being at the forefront of this, firmly cementing it in the mind’s of readers around the world. With the series carrying on indefinitely, Tabor Evans is going to continue being a powerful brand for Jove Books for a long time yet.

Longarm
Originally released in 1978 on the 1st of October, this would be the first in the ongoing series of Longarm novels. Establishing the character for the very first time, this would introduce Custis Long, setting up both him and his world. It would also pave the way for a large number of books to follow on afterwards, as it would be written by Lou Cameron himself under the name of Tabor Evans.

Assigned with travelling to Crooked Lance and picking up Cotton Younger, the cousin of the killer Jesse James, Custis ‘Longarm’ Long has his work cut out for him. Tasked with bringing him to trial, it should’ve been a routine trip, had it not been for the fact that Deputy Kincaid has already attempted it going missing in the process. There’s many at Crooked Lance that don’t want to see the job done, and Custis has his work cut out for him if he aims to see it through. Can he complete the task and ensure justice is done? Will he be able to find the missing Deputy if it’s not too late? What will become of Longarm?

Longarm and Shotgun Sallie
Number three hundred and seventy-eight of the Longarm series, the franchise was pretty much well under way at this point. Whilst it may be somewhat difficult to keep up with all of them, it’s an easy series to pick-up and read casually, with an entirely self-contained narrative. Published in 2010 on the 27th of April, this was now a regular release for the franchise, with the brand of Tabor Evans continuing strong.

Whilst spending time with a lover, a group of hooded men turn up and kill the woman in the process of targeting the Deputy U.S. Marshal, leaving Longarm vowing revenge. That’s when he teams up with her sister Shotgun Sallie, and the two of them work together in order to find those responsible. Turning over his badge, Longarm will do whatever it takes to gain vengeance, even if it means getting his hands dirty. Will he be able to find those responsible before it’s too late? Can he get his revenge? What will become of Longarm and Shotgun Sallie?

2 Responses to “Tabor Evans”

1. Louis Macchia: 4 years ago

   Never read this series but after reading the double 1 and 2 I’m hooked. Great characters, plots and settings only criticism is small print since im over 65 i find it hard even with my glasses. Keep up the good work

   Reply
2. Ray Commander: 4 years ago

   I have enjoyed reading longarm novels for quite a few years and have number one (1) thru four hundred & thirty-six (436) but cannot find any past that number! was that the last one published? If you can please reply. Thank you.

   Reply