Louis Masterson ​

Louis Masterson, real name Kjell Hallbing, was a Norwegian author best known for his series of western novels featuring the protagonist Morgan Kane. He wrote under various pseudonyms, but Louis Masterson became his most known and successful pen name.

Quick Facts ​

• Created the popular fictional character "Morgan Kane".
• Morgan Kane series is one of the biggest successes in Norwegian literature.
• The series spanning over 83 books.
• Wins the Comic Art Professional Society's Excellence in Presentation Award.
• His books have been translated into several languages.

Background ​

Masterson was born in 1923 in Sandefjord, Norway. With desire to become an author from a young age, he developed an interest in American Western culture and history, which would come to strongly influence his work. He fought in World War II and after the war, he began writing novels. He is best known for his Morgan Kane series, which have sold millions of copies worldwide. Masterson continued to write until his death in 1985. His real name was Kjell Hallbing but he used Louis Masterson as pen name for his novels.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Masterson's writing style is descriptive, marked by a strong sense of place and time. His work is rich in action and full of characters who, while often rugged and morally complex, are deeply relatable. His work helped to shape the Western genre, providing readers with a stark yet engaging image of the American frontier. His works have been credited with bringing a depth of historical realism and a strong narrative drive to a genre that has often been dismissed as simplistic.

Notable Works ​

• The Day Keene Mystery (1957)
• The Marshall of Kingdom (1959)
• The High Graders (1965)
• Gunman's Song (1971)
• Wild Horse Mesa (1979)
• Hash Knife Outfit (1982)
• Lone Star Ranger (1987)
• Clancy (1992)