The Old Man (by DJK)
Summary: Hoss and Little Joe Cartwright started calling their elder brother “the old man” shortly after their father died and Adam took over the running of the Ponderosa as well as helping his stepmother raise his brothers. Marie decides that Adam has lost too much of his youth and decides he needs a little romance in his life to make him feel young again.
rating: T/PG13 word count: 46,771
Double Trouble (by JC)
Summary: A glimpse into the future with grandchildren on the Ponderosa. Ben gets more than he bargained for when he offers to keep Joe’s twins while their parents are away. (Part of the Jacob’s Ladder series, links below.)
Rating: G WC: 520
Hoss and the Rabbit Business (by CareBear)
Summary: After Ben sold the rabbits to Barlow and Clyde, he believed the Ponderosa had seen the last of them.
Rating: G Word Count: 1154
Harm’s Way (by Wrangler)
Summary: Two opposites collide, a serial killer targeting young men and 17 year old Little Joe whose cavalier attitude puts him in harm’s way.
Rating: T Word Count: 31,000
The Journey Home (by Tavia42)
Summary: On a trip away from the Ponderosa, the Cartwright boys encounter some old friends and one old foe. Even though he has a grudge against Hoss, Joe becomes the target in his scheme for revenge. A What Happened (Much) Later for “The Ape,” featuring Leonard Nimoy as Freddy, and a What Happened (Long) Before for the “Quaker Girl” episode of Gunsmoke, featuring William Shatner as Fred Bateman. No knowledge of Gunsmoke is necessary to read this story.
Rating: PG | Word Count: 22,322
Memoir (by Wrangler)
Summary: When Joe tries to break a black stallion he learns that he should’ve listened to his Pa as the cost proves to be too high..
Rating T WC 11,120
When You Remember Me (by Wrangler)
Summary: After a serious head injury wipes out part of Pa’s memory, Doctor Martin is unsure if Ben will ever remember one of his sons.
Rating T WC 24,300
Forgiveness (by bonanzagirl)
Summary: Joe rides out with some cowboys to fix fences, but by evening, he is gone.
Rating: PG Word Count: 9200
I’m FINE! (by Pat D in PA)
SUMMARY: Adam’s heart is set on attending a performance by actor Edwin Booth at a production of Hamlet at San Francisco’s Adelphi Theatre. As his departure date nears, he can feel himself coming down with a cold. He knows the moment he sneezes, Ben and Hop Sing will have him confined to bed. Can he manage to hold his illness at bay long enough to not miss something he wants so very, very badly to experience? And how much is he willing to risk in order to do so? (17,156 words)
Almost Caught (by LillianMontane)
Summary: Little Joe is almost caught in a brothel when he is 17.
Rating: M Word count: 1476
Junction (by JC)
Summary: After an extended absence, Adam Cartwright is returning home to the Ponderosa, but an overnight stop in a California town leads to an unforeseeable delay.
Rating: T Word Count: 17967
The Appaloosa
Summary: To gain new experiences, Joe leaves the ranch for one summer.
Rating: PG Word count: 18500
Fools and Wisemen (by AH83)
Summary: Young Hoss and Adam learn some lessons about wisdom.
Rating: K, Word Count: 1016
The Best Medicine #3 – Coup De Grace (by Wrangler)
Summary: Joe pays the ultimate price when he seeks vengeance on evil Dr Hale who maimed his leg and got off scot-free. Rating T-13, WC 43,800 Family,Drama,Hurt/Comfort Best Medicine Series: Best Medicine Malice Aforethought Coup De Grace
Adam’s Journal — She Walks in Beauty (by JC)
Summary: Adam’s version of events surrounding the unforgettable Ragan Miller. Written for the 2025 Pernell Roberts Birthday Literary Challenge.
Rating: T Word Count 574