When the general manager of the ranch shows up dead after a stampede and everyone believes it an accident despite some suspicious circumstances, Old Red uses his new skills to see that there is more to it than what appears.

As the mystery gets deeper and the bodies start to mount, the brothers learn that there is more to solving crimes then simply following the clues - there are also bullets to dodge.

Holmes on the Range received starred reviews from Booklist[2] and Publishers Weekly, who wrote, "Sherlockians, western fans and mystery lovers who enjoy their whodunits leavened with humor should all be delighted by Hockensmith's captivating debut".

They further indicated that "the melding of genres will remind some of the late Bill DeAndrea's western Nero Wolfe pastiches, while the skillful plotting and characterization augur well for the sequel".

[3] Kirkus Reviews called the novel "a winning twist on a proven franchise," noting that the "playful chapter titles add authenticity and flavor".