Marlow (“Circle C Adventures,” “Circle C Beginnings”) begins a new western series for readers ages 8-14 with “Goldtown Adventures.” First book Badge of Honor sees 12-year-old Jem Coulter hoping to strike it rich as the Gold Rush comes to an end. When Jem’s father becomes sheriff of Goldtown, Calif., Jem must take on the running of their broken-down ranch. But then his old prospector friend, Strike, suddenly disappears, and Jem is determined to find out why.