Here is the complete list of books published by William Johnstone, an American author best known for his various novels with genres ranging from Western fiction, suspense, thriller, survivalist, science fiction and more. 

Johnstone achieved fame through his great diversity in writing and storytelling, having written over two hundred books throughout his life. He remains to be one of the most popular western authors of all time, his characters known to set a standard for Western adventure.

Who Is William Johnstone?

Wiliam W. Johnstone, a prolific American author of action-packed Western fiction, survivalist, and thriller novels, was born in 1938 in Southern Missouri. He was the youngest of four children; his father, a Methodist minister, raised them with moral values, and his mother, a school teacher, guided them with their education.

At age 15, he decided to quit school, joining the carnival soon after getting kicked out of the French Foreign Legion (FFL) for being underage. He still valued education, so he returned home to finish high school in 1957. After graduating, Johnstone went on to work briefly as a deputy sheriff before joining the army. Released from service, he began a career in radio broadcasting, working his verbal and storytelling skills in the industry for sixteen years.

Johnstone began his writing journey in 1970, eventually becoming a full-time writer a year after publishing his work, “The Devil’s Kiss,” in late 1979. Since then, he wrote close to 200 books in various genres, including action, suspense, science fiction, horror, and thriller. Widely known for his Western adventure, much of his knowledge about the frontier life started from listening to family experiences shared by his grandparents. Johnstone also developed a fondness for animals and became an avid gun and knife collector, both noticeable in many of his writings. His favorite novel was “The Last of the Dog Team,” and his best-sellers include the “Ashes” and “Mountain Man” series, “Eagle,” and “Last Gunfighter.” He also wrote two of his books, “Eagle Down” and “Dagger,” under the pseudonym “William Mason.”

Aside from writing Western novels, he was also a visionary writer—his prophetic stories and science fiction novels, living ahead of their time by predicting the Gulf War and the political climate we experience today.

Johnstone lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, for many years before he died in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2004 at age 65.

William Johnstone Booklist & Summary

Here is William Johnstone’s list of works along with a short summary:

William Johnstone Books # 1) Smoke Jensen, The Beginning (A Smoke Jensen Novel of the West Book 1)

Book Summary: An epic account of a boy born into a struggle for survival on the harsh and unforgiving American frontier from the greatest Western writer of the century. On the eve of the Civil War, Kirby Jensen is the youngest of three children living on a hardscrabble ranch in Southwestern Missouri. But in 1861, shots are fired in Charleston harbor, and Kirby’s father and brother go to war. Smoke Jensen: The Beginning follows the Jensen clan during these volatile years, from Civil War battles to border state raids to the kind of frontier justice achieved only by bullets and blood.   William W. Johnstone chronicles the early years of Kirby Jensen—soon to be nicknamed Smoke—as he journeys from boyhood innocence into a manhood shaped by violence and a young man’s thirst for justice. Filled with actual historical events and legendary characters, the story of Smoke Jensen’s early years is a powerful, brutal and amazing American saga—the crowning achievement of America’s most popular living Western writer.   Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “For most fans of the Western genre, there isn’t a bet much surer than a book bearing the name Johnstone.”—True West   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: I got ahead of myself reading some of the Smoke Jensen novels and I was really happy to find this and get to start back at the beginning. It makes the ones I’ve read more complete in my mind. This is a good one.

A Critical Review: This book is a sad attempt to continue the series using ghost writers. It doesn’t portray the title character, Smoke Jensen, in the manner that we are accustomed. For example, Smoke has always fiercely protected his family. In this book Sally and Smoke are attacked. They fight off the attackers but Smoke just sits back and waits for something else to happen. In another instance Smoke is unprepared for several gunfights. He has never placed himself in that situation before. I can overlook this book this time but if we have another book with this much off character actions, I.ll just retire on the ones I already have and stop reading the newer ones.

William Johnstone Books # 2) This Violent Land (A Smoke Jensen Novel of the West Book 2)

Book Summary: Deputy U.S. Marshal Smoke Jensen rides into legend in this powerful frontier adventure from the greatest Western writer of the century.    Kirby—later Smoke—Jensen has just earned his first paying job as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Colorado Territory and is sent to the lawless town of Las Animas. There, he finds a sheriff too cowardly to face the outlaw leader Cole Dawson, whose six-gun has left a lot of good men dead. Young Smoke feels no such fear. He takes Dawson down fast. Then the real fight begins.   It turns out Dawson is only a cog in a crooked plot hatched by someone hiding behind the law. For a young deputy marshal, going up against the powerful and corrupt is almost certainly a fool’s mission, but doing nothing is not a choice. When Smoke strikes, he’s in all the bloody way, and what follows will become the stuff of legend. Braving bullets, blood, and treachery to face down the most dangerous outlaw in Colorado Territory, Smoke will earn a reputation for justice and the rule of law in a wild, violent frontier.  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “For most fans of the Western genre, there isn’t a bet much surer than a book bearing the name Johnstone.”—True West   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: I enjoyed reading about the early years of Smoke, Sally, and Preacher. These are 3 iconic characters who have provided many years of western enjoyment reading. I suggest if your new to these stories that this would be a great place to start the series and you will probably end up reading them all. I hope that Smoke’s sister reappears in a future book as I would like to have this loose end cleared-up.

A Critical Review: I’m not sure what the purpose of this book is but it’s probably an attempt to make money off of William W. Johnstone’s legacy. I’ve been a William W. Johnstone fan for nearly 30 years. This book tries to rewrite Smoke Jensen’s life and it doesn’t resemble the original in any way. I feel that his William Johnstone’s son has dishonored his father with this book in an effort to feed off his father’s popularity just to make a few dollars. I would caution people not to buy this book as it is completely worthless. I had to give it one star because Amazon wouldn’t let me give it none. If J A Johnstone is going to continue to use his father’s name and using his father’s notes to complete books then he should at least try reading his father’s books in order to get his information correct. It’s obvious that either he or some ghost writer he hired has not taken the time to research earlier books in order for the books to follow chains of events and biographical information to try and keep to William Johnstone’s original story lines.

William Johnstone Books # 3) Outlaw Country (A Smoke Jensen Novel of the West Book 3)

Book Summary: Set in the early days of the Jensen family saga, this gunblazing adventure follows Smoke and Sally from their first year of marriage to the founding of the legendary Sugarloaf Ranch . . . JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHEN SMOKE MET SALLY.  For most couples, the marriage vows end with “‘Til death do us part.” But when Smoke Jensen takes Sally Reynolds as his lawfully wedded wife, it’s just the beginning. The tragic deaths of Smoke’s first wife and child weigh heavily on his heart. Thankfully, Sally is there to give him the support he needs when they return to Colorado, where it all happened. She’s ready to embrace her husband’s past—for better or worse—and to welcome his friend Preacher into the family. But when outlaws make an attempt to kidnap a local girl, Sally is forced to use the gun skills she had learned from Smoke to save both of their lives, learning the hard way what it means to be married to a Jensen . . .  Live Free. Read Hard.    

A 5-Star Review: This was a good continuing story of Smoke Jensen. Quite a few chapters retell some of the events in Smokes past as he relates it to a writer and passenger on their trip on the boat to Paris. The book is filled with action, although Smoke was not seeking trouble having lived peacefully with his new wife Sarah on their beautiful ranch. A neighbor rancher who owned thousands of acres and half the town was trying to take over Smokes ranch first by trying to buy him out and then by crooked means. It makes for an interesting story and pits the good guy against the bad and his hired gun slingers.

A Critical Review: This is the same book as This Violent Land. Meets first wife, family killed, meets 2nd wife and moves to ranch. Odd to have 2 books in a series using the exact wording chapter after chapter from book 2 to book 3.

William Johnstone Books # 4) The Legend of Perley Gates (A Perley Gates Western Book 1)

Book Summary: From the national bestselling authors, the fiery saga introducing Perley Gates, a legend born out of the brutality and violence of the American West… He’s the son of a cattle rancher. A restless young dreamer who, under normal circumstances, would follow in his father’s footsteps. Normal, however, is not his style. Like his famous grandfather and namesake Perley Gates—a hell-raising mountain man with a heavenly name—young Perley wants adventure, excitement, and freedom. And like his grandfather before him, he will find his dream—in the untamed wilds of a lawless frontier. That dream, though, might just become a nightmare . . . After his father’s death, Perley strikes out on his own. His first order of business is to track down the grandfather whose name he shares. When he crosses into Oklahoma Territory, young Perley discovers that the trail is full of dead ends—and near-death encounters. Hostile Indians, wanted outlaws, and bloodthirsty killers are just a few of the dangers waiting for him. And the closer he gets to finding the original Perley Gates, the closer he comes to meeting his Maker at the fabled gates they’re named for . . .

A 5-Star Review: After many ugly war stories I had to return to the peace and quiet of the old west and there was Perley and his 2 married brothers enjoying a beer when lonesome dove Liz decides to make some money by giving them a ride and the 2 brothers told her to Get and young Perley didn’t understand but accepted her offer of a piece of pie in her room later. So later he knocked on the wrong door and Huge naked man suffering with Coitus Interruptus tries to take Perley s head off. Luckily he survived to start his trip to find his lost grandpa with the same name. From then on its an exciting story with him staying one step of killers And cute girlies trying to bed him. So at this point I will leave it for future readers to experience.

A Critical Review: I threw this book away without finishing it because of bad language and immorality. Where is the moral, honorable cowboy found in Louis Lamour`s books?

William Johnstone Books # 5) A Reason to Die (A Perley Gates Western Book 2)

Book Summary: A cowboy is hunting a fortune in buried gold—but he may have to fight off every bad man in the Black Hills first: “A masterful storyteller.”—Publishers Weekly   Restless cowpoke Perley Gates wanted nothing more than to track down the grandfather who abandoned his family years ago. What he found was the crazy old sidewinder barely hanging on after a Sioux massacre. The old man’s dying wish was to make things right for deserting his kin—by giving his strong-willed grandson Perley clues to the whereabouts of a buried fortune in gold.   Finding his grandfather’s legacy will set up his family for life. But it won’t be easy. The discovery of raw gold in the Black Hills has lured hordes of ruthless lowlifes into Deadwood and Custer City—kill-crazy prairie rats, gunfighters, outlaws, and Indians—armed with a thousand glittering reasons to put Perley six feet under. All Perley wants is what was left to him, what he’s owed. But with so many brigands on his backside, finding his grandfather’s treasure is going to land Perley Gates between the promise of heaven and the blood-soaked battlefields of hell . . .

A 5-Star Review: This is the second ‘Perley’ book I have read and I must rate this series right hip there with the Mountain Man series. I think I have read about every Smoke, May and Preacher book Mr Johnstone has written. Keep ‘am common Bill, you have a true fan here!

A Critical Review: Honestly, I got tired of reading about a guy who never seems to learn from his mistakes and comes across as totally clueless. The whole plots for the books has much to be desired.

William Johnstone Books # 6) Bullets Don’t Argue (A Perley Gates Western Book 3)

Book Summary: A new kind of hero in the Old West tradition, Perley Gates is as honest and good as his heavenly name. But don’t make him mad. Because when Perley Gates gets mad, people get hurt.   Once every year, Perley Gates and his brothers lead the Triple-G crew on its annual cattle drive. It’s a treacherous journey along the Great Western Trail, with a herd of two-thousand cows on one side and many opportunities for trouble on the other. This year, trouble shows up in the form of a beautiful young woman, her little baby, and her bizarre traveling companion—a colorful old cuss who goes by the name of Possom Smith. They’re heading to a settlement called Butcher Bottom, and risking their necks to get there. Perley—being the gentleman he is—offers to escort the trio to their destination. But there are a few minor details they “forgot” to tell Perley . . . The woman is a widow whose husband had enemies. The old man is hiding a small fortune that might get them killed. And Perley is stuck in the middle trying to decide who’s good, who’s bad—and who deserves to die first . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: Killers on the loose, a kidnapping rich rancher who hates his daughter-in-law, fast guns for hire, and a crazed cult leader bring color and action to remote Texas where Sam Colt’s peacemaker does bring quiet and solves problems. Perley Gates is just trying to help and soon finds himself defending the innocent and protecting the helpless. A fascinating tale and well worth the time

A Critical Review: a different twist on the usual western quite entertaining with several directions to follow. but out come ignored the stolen bank money.

William Johnstone Books # 7) Shot to Hell (A Perley Gates Western Book 4)

Book Summary: Johnstone country. Patriots welcome. The Johnstone hero with the heavenly name—and the hellish task of living up to it—Perley Gates—takes on a gang of cold-blooded killers to save the soul of a small Western town . . . They say that home is where the heart is. And no one knows that better than Perley Gates. After helping the lovely Miss Emma Slocum reunite with her sister’s family in Bison Gap, Perley can’t wait to rejoin his own kin at the Triple-G Ranch. No sooner does Perley settle in when he receives an alarming telegram from Bison Gap. Emma’s brother-in-law has been murdered. Her sister wants justice. And Perley is their only hope to get it . . . Perley can’t refuse a family in need. So he saddles up with his salty cowhand Possum Smith and heads to Bison Gap. He notices that the town’s new sheriff is acting suspicious—and likely in cahoots with the local gang of deadly outlaws. In no time at all there’s a target on Perley’s back—and the vicious gang leader is calling all the shots. Justice may be hard to find in a town this wicked. But vengeance is swift—straight out of the Gates . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: We’re almost halfway through the novel as I read them to my husband and we have both enjoyed the action, the “down time” of meeting the characters and getting to know them and how it is true that Perley really does step in “cow pies” when he’s helping people. Love it so far!!!

A Critical Review: not the best of all the johntone books i have read. It took too long to tell nothing. As one reviewer said we had to eat every meal for a week. And how coulda town keepa sheriff that had sold them out for a few pieces of silver.

William Johnstone Books # 8) Red River Vengeance (A Perley Gates Western Book 5)

Book Summary: JOHNSTONE COUNTRY.  VENGEANCE IS HERE. A good man like Perley Gates knows that when you race with the devil, you’d better cross the finish line first—or you won’t finish at all . . .  They rode into town like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Four armed outlaws bringing their own brand of hell to Paris, Texas. First they rob the First National Bank. Then they take a woman hostage as insurance. When Perley Gates learns that local waitress Becky Morris is in the hands of these tough customers, he rides alone to get her back. Problem is, the outlaws are heading toward the Red River—straight into Indian Territory. That’s where the ranch hands draw the line. But Perley won’t give up. He manages to rescue the girl, but not before killing the gang’s leader. Now he’s incurred the wrath of the other three . . .  The race is on. Come hell or high water, Perley has to get Becky across the Red River—before three vengeful devils make it flow with their blood . . .  Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: If you enjoy an excellently written western yarn with plenty of action this is the series you should read. As a lover of good westerns this series and especially this story is well worthy of reading. The author’s talent is obvious throughout.

A Critical Review: I haven’t read any other book in this series, so it was hard understanding all the other components in this book. but I love a good western and mystery. I just reviewed Red River Vengeance by William W. Johnstone; J.A. Johnstone. #RedRiverVengeance #NetGalley

William Johnstone Books # 9) Texarkana (A Perley Gates Western Book 6)

Book Summary: JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. RUSTLERS’ PARADISE. An unholy trio of cutthroat rustlers turn a routine horse drive into an epic showdown between good and evil—with a little divine justice from gunfighting legend Perley Gates . . .  At first, the job sounds easy: lead a small herd of horses across the Arkansas–Texas border to the Double-D ranch near Texarkana. No problem—at least not for a man like Perley Gates. In fact, he’s looking forward to the 150-mile journey with his old sidekick Possum Smith and young Sonny Rice, and doesn’t expect any trouble along the way. Unfortunately, trouble has a way of finding Perley Gates. This time, it’s a trigger-happy trio of horse thieves who take one look at old Possum, young Sonny, and the low-key Perley, and decide they’re three very easy targets. But in the Old West, nothing comes easy. Except death . . .   So begins one hell of a showdown. On one side are the forces of evil itself, with notorious gunslinger Spade Devlin gunning for blood. On the other side are a few good men, a town under seige—and a merciless angel of vengeance named Perley Gates. . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

William Johnstone Books # 10) Go West, Young Man: A Riveting Western Novel of the American Frontier

Book Summary: Join an epic cross-country journey on the Oregon Trail  set just before the start of the Civil War. Two brave, pioneering families will head West and confront hardships and triumph, in this spellbinding saga from the legendary bestselling authors… Missouri, 1860. Rumors of war between the North and South are spreading across the land. In rural Green County, many of the farmers are already choosing sides. But not John Zachary. His loyalties lie with his family first—and his heart is telling him to go west. Hoping to build a new life in the fertile valleys of Oregon, he convinces his best friend, Emmett Braxton, to pack up their families and join him on a wagon train across the Oregon Trail. The journey will be long and hard. The physical hardships and grueling mental challenges will bring out the best in some—and the worst in others. But with the guidance of an experienced wagon master and scout, they are determined to reach their destiny, no matter how high the cost . . .  Twenty-seven wagons. Twenty-seven different hopes and dreams. This sprawling epic novel from a master storyteller captures the beauty and danger of the American West—and the pioneer spirit of those who tamed it . . .

A 5-Star Review: William Johnston’s really has a knack for weaving a good story. He had to do a lot of research to identify the many stops, landmarks and first along the Oregon Trail. He crafted a wonderful story about the many different personalities heading west to forge a new life. The hardships encountered with weather, river crossings, hostile Indians and the rough trail were a constant challenge. An excellent book!

A Critical Review: I have read Go West, Young Man by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone and have #Kensington #Pinnacle and #Netgalley to thank for that. I don’t know if this will be a series or if it’s a standalone book, either way it was a pleasant read with the traditional wagon train set for Oregon with all kinds of troubles along the way. Maybe to nice and easy but still a good western.

William Johnstone Books # 11) The Jensen Brand

Book Summary: In this western series opener by two bestselling authors, a brother and sister team up to save their family and take down cattle rustlers.

JENSEN PROUD. JENSEN TOUGH.   It’s the dawn of a new century. But on the vast Sugarloaf Ranch not much has changed since legendary gunfighter Smoke Jensen and his wife Sally tamed the land two decades ago. Raising cattle is still a dangerous business—and just as deadly as ever. When Smoke is injured swapping bullets with some cow thieves, Sally puts out a call for help to Matt, Ace, and the rest of the Jensen clan. But time is running out. The bloodthirsty rustlers are ready to strike again—and there are lots more of them. And the Sugarloaf’s last defense is Smoke and Sally’s next of kin…   Enter the Jensen twins. Denise and her brother Louis have just returned home from their schooling in Europe. Louis is studying to be a lawyer and is too sickly to defend the ranch. But Denise is to the manor born—she can ride like a man, shoot like her daddy, and face down the deadliest outlaws like nobody’s business. And there’ll be plenty opportunity to prove she’s got Jensen blood in her veins—cold, deadly, and playing for keeps…

A 5-Star Review: Great read…the apple of Smoke’s eye does not fall far from his tree. An the Jenson brand lives on. Rustlers pick the wrong ranch to raid while their gimpy boss bears a loco rage and grudge against Smoke. The Sugarloaf Ranch is in real danger when Smoke is shot and near death in a botched ambush by the rustlers. As he lies on the ground,in the dark night, he is seen by a family member who rushes to his side, gets him patched up by plugging the bullet hole, and loading him on a horse. They ride hard for the ranch house and race against time to save his life. Once there, Sally struggles to keep him alive . Meanwhile, the Jensen blood boils in his kin to protect him and the family ranch, as only a true Jenson can, by having a keen mind and a fast draw,damn the pitfalls of their wild scheme. The deadly hunt begins.

A Critical Review: I have read almost all of the Jensen and Preacher books and this one doesn’t come close to any of them. Smokes is wounded with the promise that Matt and the nephews wold come to help. Instead his daughter takes after the bad guys with no experience and not much happens until the next to last chapter that when Matt and boy stand on the porch and stop the attack on the house about three pages. If the next book is this bad I will not be buying anymore

William Johnstone Books # 12) Too Soon to Die (The Jensen Brand Book 2)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. Stay awhile. With their acclaimed novels of the Jensen family, bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone have captured the pioneering spirit of America itself. Now a new generation of Jensens prepares to take the reins—and live the dream their ancestors fought for . . . A JENSEN CELEBRATION. A JENSEN RECKONING. There’s nothing like a wedding to bring families together. And there’s no place like the Sugarloaf Ranch to throw a foot-stomping hoedown—even if it turns into a gun-blazing showdown. Smoke and Sally Jensen are delighted that their son Louis is marrying the lovely widow he met during a perilous stagecoach journey through the Donner Pass. The whole family welcomes the bride and her young son with open arms. In fact, everyone is invited to the party—even the handsome stranger who rescued Louis’s twin sister Denise from a runaway mustang. Who is this mysterious hero? No one knows. But there’s going to be a lot of gunshots along with the wedding bells when this stranger makes his deadly moves. Once more, the Jensens band together to fight for what’s theirs. And it just might be till death do they part . . .Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: I like the character, just pushing a little hard when she could be smarter and show how smart she is. Needs to be more to her, she seems just to be a hair-brained young girl going all out to show off. Give her some insight, investigative ability., Too much about the Count, he is not important, he is a weak character She needs to fall for someone, how about all the crazy stuff and him saving her. US Marshall is a strong character and needs more. Looking forward to the next book, like the series.

A Critical Review: I recently finished Too Soon To Die second book in the Jensen Brand series by William W. Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone. Where there is a Jensen there’s usually Smoke. This western is set in the beginning of 1900s. Bu it’s still a good traditional western. Some good guys and some bad guys. I love series where you follow families through time and this is one of those. Not the best and not the worst I have read but enjoyable.

William Johnstone Books # 13) Rising Fire (The Jensen Brand Book 3)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. Home at Last. When the Jensen family sends a new generation out into the world, they always keep the homefires burning—and rifles loaded—just in case they bring trouble back with them . . .  SHOT THROUGH THE HEART   Smoke Jensen’s daughter Denny can outride, outrope, and outshoot any man who gets in her way. But being a pretty woman, Denny sometimes attracts the attention of unsavory suitors. Like the lecherous Count Malatesta. Denny met the seductive Sicilian on her trip to Europe—and almost fell head over heels for the swindler. What’s he doing in America? Seems the heartbreaking hustler has huge gambling debts to pay off—and a deadly scheme to scam money out of the Jensens. But Denny’s got a plan, too—to shake off this silver-tongued stalker no matter what it takes, from a ghost town shootout to a blood-soaked showdown at the Sugarloaf Ranch. Alert: Where there’s Smoke, there’s gunfire . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: Love the interaction between Bruce and Denny. Dennis not stupid and thinks for herself but has trouble recognize her own heart but seems to follow her head. Good plot and story line.

A Critical Review: I hope Bill Johnstone isn’t aware that his family’s “selected author” wasted pages covering things in Europe and NYC. I didn’t feel any strange vibrations, so I assume he isn’t spinning in his grave… again! A pretty good Western and I should have rated it 3 stars, but at least 25% was boring and wasted reading. I wouldn’t mind a followup Western with Denny and Brice!

William Johnstone Books # 14) Gold Mine Massacre (The Jensen Brand Book 4)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. Family First. For generations, the Jensens have struggled to build their home, their land, and their dreams. But now the family is forced to fight fire with fire, bullet by bullet, blood for blood . . .  GOLD MINE MASSACRE  For Smoke and his daughter Denny, life on the Sugarloaf Ranch is more valuable than all the gold in the world. Which works out fine, since all the gold mines in Big Rock were squeezed dry years ago. Even so, that won’t stop a pair of businessmen from the East from trying to squeeze out a little more. One of them has developed a newfangled method for extracting gold—something called “hydraulics” and they’ve bought up all the old mines to do it. The other is the son of legendary gunfighter Frank Morgan, and Denny thinks he’s awfully handsome. Smoke isn’t sure what to think of these would-be gold diggers. Especially when the handsome one triggers a rivalry with Denny’s off-and-on beau, a deputy U.S. marshal. And then they hires a small army of gunfighters to protect their mines from sabotage . . .   The Jensons can smell trouble brewing from a mile away. And when it involves gold, guns, and love, it’s more than just trouble. It’s a massacre waiting to happen . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: One of the best of the many, many books have read from the Johnstone series. An absolutely amazing writer. I particularly love the Smoke Jensen and the Preacher series. He makes the characters appear so real and I must admit that at at my age I fell in love with Smoke and the latest main character, the son of the Frank Morgan in the Gold Mine Massacre, that’s how real they appeared. Would definitely recommend buying books in the Smoke Jensen and the Preacher (a nickname given to the character) series. Am pretty sure you can’t go wrong with any of William Johnstone books although havn’t read any others yet.

William Johnstone Books # 15) Flintlock

Book Summary: He’s a man with a flintlock rifle in his holster and justice in his blood. First in the series from the USA Today bestselling author. He is brave, tough as leather, and has left behind a trail of deadly enemies—outlaws he’s hunted down or killed with the cold heart of a man used to violence. A feared bounty hunter and the scourge of bad men everywhere, Flintlock carries an ancient Hawken muzzle-loader, handed down to him from the mountain man who raised him. He stands as the towering hero of a new Johnstone saga. Blood Quest Busted out of prison by an outlaw friend, Flintlock joins a hunt for a fortune—a golden bell hanging in a remote monastery. But between the smoldering ruin of his former jail cell and a treasure in the Arizona mountains there will be blood at a U.S. Army fort, a horrifying brush with Apache warriors, and a dozen bloody showdowns with the schemers, shootists, madmen, and lost women who find their way to Flintlock’s side. From a vicious, superstitious owlhoot to the great Geronimo himself, Flintlock meets the frontier’s most murderous hardcases—many who he must find a way to kill . . .  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: Once again William W. Johnstone does not disappoint when it comes to the realm of action/western entertainment. Anyone who enjoys action packed western literature will love this amazing example of western story telling from the number one author of the genre.

A Critical Review: I was really looking forward to reading this book as the “Blurb” read well. So much for hype “Author/Publisher Hype”…Instead of my expectations for a “fantastically good book” I instead received a “mediocre” read. “Filler Reading”!

No, in all honesty, I cannot recommend this book as I did not find it all that enjoyable, and therefore if I did not enjoy it then why in the world would I recommend it?

That said, I will attempt “two more books”, in the series in the hope that it improves, and I will not begin reading them with the same level of anticipation and expectation that I did this one.

William Johnstone Books # 16) Gut-Shot (Flintlock Book 2)

Book Summary: The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st CenturyThey called him Flintlock. A bounty hunter with an ancient Hawken muzzle loader and his own way of doing business on the frontier. A loner who has brought down the most vicious killers in the West, Flintlock is a towering, daring hero in William and J.A. Johnstone’s electrifying new saga. Drawn To A Killing Ground. . .$10,000. That’s bounty on the head of the most hated man in Texas–the man that Flintlock has been hired to guard. The crime was the brutal murder of a young school-teacher. The verdict was not guilty for lack of evidence. And the suspected killer’s first guard was murdered by a shotgun blast. What makes Flintlock believe in this man’s innocence? Call it a gut instinct. Or call maybe just a hankering for a fight. Because Flintlock knows that some very powerful and dangerous people are trying to make a man look guilty as sin. The only way for Flintlock to get the truth now is to go gunning for it–on a bad man’s blood-soaked killing ground. . .

A 5-Star Review: Clinton and his grandfather who’s a ghost rivet the reader. Second book on Flintlock and I was enraptured with both.

A Critical Review: Not one of my favorites from the Johnstones, It reads like someone else wrote it, rather than JA. But, if you like westerns like I do, it’s worth buying.

William Johnstone Books # 17) Kill or Die (Flintlock Book 3)

Book Summary: The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st CenturyOne man. One rifle. One way to take on the most vicious outlaws on the frontier… In the acclaimed new series by William and J.A. Johnstone, the bounty hunter known as Flintlock brings his trusty muzzleloader and a motherlode of courage into the most bitter and vicious battle he’s ever had to fight. Blood In The Bayou Brewster Ritter had a warning for Flintlock: Do not cross the Sabine River. Ritter, the so-called Baron of the Bayou, is a vicious crime king still seething because Flintlock killed one of his gunmen in a Texas dustup. But Flintlock has his own powerful reasons for crossing into the nightmarish swamp country from East Texas. Now in an eerie land of mysterious mists, haunting cypress trees, snakes, gators, and black-hearted, trigger-happy war hogs, Ritter is waiting for Flintlock with enough men and guns to kill him ten times over. Flintlock knows what he’s getting into, though, and losing is not an option. Because what’s at stake is not just lives, or Ritter’s criminal kingdom, but the future of a the very soul and survival of this land.

A 5-Star Review: A good writer. Plenty of action. His descriptions tend to be on the gross side. A bit unnecessary for the story but then that is the style of this author.

A Critical Review: This book started out fairly well, but as the story went further it didn’t keep the interest up as things mostly got predictable. I was disappointed in that the end the author thought it necessary to kill the crocodile just because it might one day kill a main character in the book, which really was pretty lame and then sustain enough injuries to stay in a town for 6 weeks which made no sense whatsoever. Then in the next chapter they are suddenly way away from there and entering some other town and get involved in trouble without really laying that foundation either. Did you just get a writer’s block and just throw together some ignorant ending and introduce a lame beginning for for the next book because you are trying to kick out too many books per month? Slow down your volume of books and make the stories richer…please!

William Johnstone Books # 18) A Time for Vultures (Flintlock Book 4)

Book Summary: THE GREATEST WESTERN WRITERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY Across the West, bad men know his name. The deadliest bounty hunter on the frontier, Flintlock is armed with his grandfather’s ancient Hawken muzzleloader, ready to put the blast on the face of injustice. As William and J.A. Johnstone’s acclaimed saga continues, Flintlock will discover an evil too terrifying and deadly to even name. WHEN A MAN SAYS HE’S GOING TO KILL YOU, BELIEVE HIMThe stench of death hangs over Happyville. When Flintlock rides into town, he sees windows caked in dust, food rotting on tables, and a forgotten corpse hanging at the gallows. The citizens of Happyville are dead in their beds, taken down by a deadly scourge, and Flintlock must stay put, or risk spreading the killer disease. His quarantine is broken by Cage Kingfisher, a mad clergyman who preaches the gospel of death. He orders his followers to round up the survivors of Happyville and bring them home to face the very plague they fled. To save them, Flintlock must send Kingfisher to Hell. But the deadly deacon has a clockwork arm that can draw a pistol faster than the eye can blink. It will take the devil to bring him down. Or the frontier legend they call Flintlock.

A 5-Star Review: Flintlock and O’hare have another great adventure. This one is way beyond belief, but who cares, I read Flintlock for fun, not for truth. Great characters, humor and adventure. Still no closer to finding his Ma, but Flintlock is getting closer to Arizona where Barnabus says she’ll be. Maybe next time! I can hardly wait.

A Critical Review: I like Flintlock. However the descent into fantasy regarding mechanized humans,etc was disappointing. Stick to the western genre which is why I buy your books. It already enough to swallow the whole Barnabas yarn.

William Johnstone Books # 19) Hell’s Gate (Flintlock Book 5)

Book Summary: A bounty hunter finds himself in the ultimate kill-or-be-killed showdown—from the national bestselling Western authors of A Time for Vultures.   Raised in the wild. Armed to the teeth. Sam Flintlock is no ordinary bounty hunter. But sometimes even a man who sets traps for a living can step right into one. Sometimes the hunter becomes the hunted . . .  One Week in Hell   After crossing the dry Arizona desert—and missing six meals in a row—Sam Flintlock is flat-out desperate. For food. For work. For lodgings. Luckily he finds all three in the high timber country east of the Mogollon River. A very young and pretty heiress, Lucy Cullen, has an unusual proposition for the bounty hunter. She will pay him cold, hard cash to spend one full week in the gothic mansion of her murdered uncle. What’s the catch? The place is haunted . . .   Flintlock ain’t afraid of the dead. It’s the living he’s more worried about—namely Hogan Forde, the murderous Texas gunslinger who just happens to be skulking around town. Toss in a few unfriendly locals and a missing treasure map, and you’ve got all the makings of a pretty terrifying campfire story. The difference is, these restless spirits are very much among the living, and they’ve got Flintlock slated for his own afterlife . . .  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: As always, Flintlock entertains. One reviewer said it is science fiction. It is not! This is just another good story where Sam and his side kick find themselves out of money and find a job protecting an eastern woman from ghosts. On the side they also have to deal with cannibals, and of course, a few unruly folks who can’t leave well enough alone. There is a ghost, as always, the demonic figure of Barnabus, Sam’s dead grandfather. Hell’s Gate is a fun read with well developed characters. Can’t wait for the next one.

A Critical Review: The plot was below Johnstone’s standard. Easy to read, difficult to track. M

William Johnstone Books # 20) Pitchfork Pass (Flintlock Book 6)

Book Summary: No man can escape the righteous wrath of a wronged bounty hunter. Flintlock returns in a thrilling Western adventure from the bestselling authors.  Vengeance Is Coming.   Flintlock takes no pleasure in killing. But when his pal O’Hara gets bullwhipped by a trio of lowdown prairie rats, Flintlock finds sanctuary for his wounded friend at the cabin of a kindly miner and his lovely daughter. Flintlock heads out to hunt down some food. But there’s more than just deer lurking in these woods. A bloodthirsty band of eight savage raiders—led by a half-mad gunslinger called The Old Man of the Mountain—wage a full-scale attack on the miner’s cabin. By the time Flintlock returns, O’Hara’s been beaten, the miner’s been shot, and the daughter’s been kidnapped . . .   It gets worse. The Old Man plans to make the young beauty his bride. But Flintlock has a plan, too. It’s not just a rescue mission. It’s a vengeance ride—leading to one bloody showdown that’ll go down in history . . .  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “For most fans of the Western genre, there isn’t a bet much surer than a book bearing the name Johnstone.”—True West   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: I don’t usually read western but my friend was reading this and wanted me to read it with him. I have to say that it was very well written and keep me wanting to read it. So much so that I have ordered more books.

A Critical Review: This book was way below Wm. Johnstone’s great westerns. I skipped much of the
over & over boring attempts to make this a book to read a 2nd time.

William Johnstone Books # 21) Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man

Book Summary: The New York Times bestselling Western author continues his Mountain Man series as a new generation takes the reigns.

William W. Johnstone’s Mountain Man series featuring sharpshooter Smoke Jensen set the standard for Western adventure. Now a new saga begins as Jensen’s adopted son takes his place on the unforgiving American frontier. Matt Cavanaugh was nine years old when a band of outlaws slaughtered his family. . .Now Matt is 18, honed by hardship, steeped in survival and carrying the last name of the man who raised him: Smoke Jensen. With Smoke’s wisdom, his own courage and just enough money to start a life, Matt Jensen begins a relentless hunt for the outlaws who murdered his family. Winston Pugh, their coldblooded leader, won’t be hard to find; his scarred face gives him away. But Matt soon learns that there’s more to vengeance than hunting a man down. And he soon discovers that true justice is waiting just beyond a town called Perdition.

A 5-Star Review: I had read all the series of Matt Jensen: The Last Mountain Man years ago. I decided to order and read them on my Kindle. I was not disappointed and have enjoyed re-reading them again. My only complaint with the series is the number of typos throughout each of the books. Whoever typed them for the Kindle version certainly did not pay attention to detail.

A Critical Review: I have read every single Johnstone book written period. I love his style and insight. I had high hopes after his passing that the legacy would continue. It has not. This book is slow and tired picking up on a story we all know.

William Johnstone Books # 22) Deadly Trail (Matt Jensen/The Last Mountain Man Book 2)

Book Summary: An Old West vigilante goes after kidnappers in this action-packed adventure by the bestselling authors of Matt Jensen: The Last Mountain Man.

William W. Johnstone’s breathtaking Mountain Man series set the standard for Western adventure. Now, a new saga begins, as Matt Jensen, the adopted son of Smoke Jensen, blazes a name for himself on the lawless frontier…The Way Of The Gun

He’d done the old man proud. By leaping into the path of danger, Matt Jensen foiled a train robbery in Colorado, and the governor himself presented him with a public reward. But what started on the rails has stayed on the rails—and taken on a life of its own. Now, a frustrated outlaw and his murderous posse have struck again—this time kidnapping the governor’s niece. With the power of the law behind him, Matt Jensen, the last mountain man, is riding toward a town called Braggadocio. That’s where Matt will learn how to put a bad man down—and to make sure he stays that way…

A 5-Star Review: Matt Jenkins going somewhere but no where in particular ends up on a train headed for Denver. Of course, the dumb dumbs decided to rob the train..not a good idea..Matt foiled the robbery and saved the passengers and one of the passengers was the nieve of the Governor of Colorado.
Action Action, kidnapping, ambushes you know the typical life of settlers, pioneers, town folks.
Fast you get to meet the characters and they are your typical psychotic disorders, fueled by rock gut alcohol or sometimes called “rattlesnake poison” all typical accepted life in the west.
Besides it’s Matt Jensen and you know those
Jensen Boys, they don’t play, you pull a gun on them that’ll be your last, next time you’ll wake under a “dirt blanket.”
Adios Amigos

A Critical Review: Please employ an editor! So many misspellings, missing, wrong words or double words that the overall story was ruined. Too sad. The story was good.

William Johnstone Books # 23) Purgatory (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 3)

Book Summary: The last mountain man is on the run for from the law—and out for justice—in this action western by the New York Times bestselling author of Deadly Trail.   Legendary gunslinger Smoke Jensen passed many things on to his adopted son Matt, including his sharpshooting skills and his unforgiving sense of justice. That usually means trouble for anyone who crosses him. But after an unavoidable gunfight in Purgatory, Arizona, Matt’s the one in trouble—sentenced to hang at Yuma Prison.   When the train from Purgatory to Yuma is violently derailed, Matt is set free amidst the carnage—and suddenly has a choice to make. He can run for his life and live like an outlaw or take a chance with the determined U.S. Marshall charged with hunting him down. As both he and his pursuer tangle with a vicious band of outlaws, they find themselves caught on the same bloody trail. . one that leads straight back to Purgatory.

A 5-Star Review: I had read all the series of Matt Jensen: The Last Mountain Man years ago. I decided to order and read them on my Kindle. I was not disappointed and have enjoyed re-reading them again. My only complaint with the series is the number of typos throughout each of the books. Whoever typed them for the Kindle version certainly did not pay attention to detail.

A Critical Review: Another novel from the Johnstone literary factory — it keeps grinding them out on almost a monthly basis, or so it seems. But you do find out a bit of historical trivia reading these westerns. For example, to quote:
“The tune was “Buffalo Gals,” and one of the girls who was a buffalo gal stood alongside, swaying to the music. Kyle was once told that this song was often sung by the most genteel ladies. The Easterners had no idea that the term buffalo gal referred to doxies who, during the rapid expansion of the railroad, had to ply their trade on buffalo robes thrown out on the ground. This was because there were few beds and fewer buildings.” Who’d have thought? Another series using the Jensen name — this time Matt Jensen. How many does that make. Let’s see, there’s Smoke Jensen, Luke Jensen, Matt Jensen and the twins Ace and Chance Jensen, nephews of Smoke. Oh, just added, this year, Smoke’s twin son and daughter, Denise and Louis Jensen.

Oh, by using direct quotes, I’m padding my reviews. Just like in the Johnstone novels, there is a lot of padding, i call it lazy writing, with big chunks from previous novels inserted into the narrative of a current novel. After all, you want your money’s worth of pages. lol

William Johnstone Books # 24) Savage Territory (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 4)

Book Summary: In this adventure by the bestselling authors of Purgatory, duty to a fallen comrade may send an Old West vigilante to an early grave.

William W. Johnstone’s Mountain Man saga catapulted him to the top ranks of Western writers. In the launch of a breathtaking new series, the adopted son of Smoke Jensen makes his way across a dangerous, shifting American frontier…Savage Territory It was a duty to a dead man. Matt Jensen had promised his friend, slain by an outlaw named Pogue Willis, that he would deliver money to his brother in St. Louis. But Matt’s search leads him from St. Louis to Arizona Territory, and into the company of a rich Easterner and his beautiful young wife. For Matt, the schemes of some citified land prospectors don’t mean much, until the young woman is seized by renegade Apaches and it’s up to Matt to save her life from brutal death… Soon, Matt Jensen is learning a lesson in courage, betrayal, and fate—the fate that brought this woman to his side—and is bringing a killer named Pogue Willis all the way to a savage territory…with more killing on his mind.

A 5-Star Review: I had read all the series of Matt Jensen: The Last Mountain Man years ago. I decided to order and read them on my Kindle. I was not disappointed and have enjoyed re-reading them again. My only complaint with the series is the number of typos throughout each of the books. Whoever typed them for the Kindle version certainly did not pay attention to detail.

A Critical Review: Keep them coming. I will probably read them all until I take the long dirt nap. This is the type of book that makes the brain run smoothly.

William Johnstone Books # 25) Snake River Slaughter (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 5)

Book Summary: Matt Jensen is the adopted son of mountain man Smoke Jensen: his soul was forged by violence and hardship, his calling the sound of a gun. . .Snake River MassacreMatt Jensen didn’t want to kill two murderers in Wyoming but he had no choice. Now, his fame has reached into Idaho Territory where a woman Matt knew as a child in an orphanage is being hunted by predators. . . Kitty Wellington inherited her uncle’s 20,000-acre ranch–and a mortgage–on the Snake River. She plans to pay her debt by selling thoroughbreds to the U.S. Army. But a relative is trying to steal it all. . .until Matt enters a fight whose most dangerous combatants have yet to show their hand.Behind one man’s evil plot is a small army of vicious killers masquerading as peace officers in Boise. For men who are used to getting their way, the odds in this fight look pretty good. . .until they meet Matt Jensen. The real battle is about to begin.

A 5-Star Review: I am a Westerner at heart, this is why I try to read all of William Johnston’s books. The characters are lively, spirited, and humorous. I find Preacher, Smoke, Matt, and Duff some of the best men that the West had to offer us as readers. You will never be disappointed, I would recommended these series of books to everyone who wishes they had lived while the Western states were being “Tamed!”

A Critical Review: I’ve read some good Johnstone westerns, and several middle-of-the-road ones. This is neither of those. So mundane, bland, and trite. It reads like a screenplay outline with very little depth and no feeling. I’m 7% of the way through, and I doubt I can force myself to read more. Maybe if I run completely out of other books, the internet isn’t working, and my blu-ray player dies I might return to this limp rag of a story.

William Johnstone Books # 26) Dakota Ambush (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 6)

Book Summary: The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st CenturyThe adopted son of mountain man Smoke Jensen, he has carved out his destiny in the rugged American frontier. His name is Matt Jensen. He lives by the gun–and surrenders to no one. . . Dakota AmbushTwelve years ago, newspaperman John Bryce saved an innocent man from the hangman’s noose. That man was Matt Jensen. In gratitude, Matt gave Bryce four gold nuggets and told him, “If there’s ever anything I can do, just let me know.” Now, that day has come. As editor of the Fullerton Defender, Bryce has become the target of a powerful–and ruthless–English lord. A feared master duelist, his aim is fixed on the Dakota Territories. His weapons are intimidation and violence. And his hired guns are the most sadistic and deadliest prairie rats Matt Jensen has ever known. . .

A 5-Star Review: The mountain series beggining with the first mountain man, was what brought me to william W. Johnstone. I read as many of these as I could find. I then read as many of the Smoke jensen, the last mountain man, books I could find. Then went ot Matt Jensen. All of these intermigle with the characters developed by bringing in Preacher to help develope Smoke Jensen, then bringing Smoke Jensen in to help develope Matt Jensen. All these books have been wonderful reading.

A Critical Review: The lack of logic in this book, in terms of determining who the culprit might be was staggering. Hard to imagine smart people who limit their search in scope the way these do.
Having said that, outside the frustration of the missing logic, this was a fun book. Typical book from this author, non stop action, comic book like action and a larger than life hero who is generally extremely likeable. Overall a fun read.

William Johnstone Books # 27) Massacre at Powder River (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 7)

Book Summary: In this adventure by the bestselling authors of Dakota Ambush, an Old West vigilante must rescue a British boy from a gang of Wyoming outlaws.

The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st Century In the harsh, unforgiving American frontier, in the vast wilderness that is Wyoming, a ruthless gang of cutthroats is ripping a bloody swath of death and destruction through the territory. No one can stop them…no one, that is, except for a legendary mountain man named Matt Jensen.Massacre at Powder River The year is 1884. A 10-year-old British boy has come to visit his uncle’s Wyoming spread, just as the vicious Yellow Kerchief Gang has the ranch under siege. Outgunned and outmatched, a British rancher is willing to pay $5,000 for help. That is more than enough money to bring Matt Jenson into the fray. A huge, bloody gunfight, fueled by betrayal, erupts at the Powder River. But Matt must shoot carefully. The Yellow Kerchief Gang has a hostage—the British lad named Winnie. And Matt has history on his hands, because Winnie Churchill must survive. Fifty years later Winston Churchill will fight a war of his own—carrying a Matt Jenson .44 shell in his pocket and a gunfighter’s spirit in his soul.

A 5-Star Review: This is a very good Book, it keeps you interested from the start to the finish, if you like reading Westerns, then you will love reading this book. If I thought that this was a crummy book, I would have said that, I’m sure you will like this book also.

A Critical Review: I found the story line very good but they need to find new proof readers – a lot of miss spelled words

William Johnstone Books # 28) The Eyes of Texas (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 8)

Book Summary: In this adventure from the bestselling authors of Massacre at Powder River, an Old West mountain man must survive Texas’s most dangerous town.Big War In Shady Rest Shady Rest, Texas, has the dubious reputation for being the deadliest town in America. Getting yourself killed is as easy as blinking and twice as quick. Sure enough, Matt Jensen hasn’t swallowed his whisky before the town’s marshal is gunned down before his eyes. Matt defends himself by putting two bullets in the shooter’s chest, unaware that he’s in line for a $5,000 bounty—if he stays in Shady Rest to collect it. And staying gets even more tempting when a red-haired beauty decides to be the next town marshal… Annabel O’Callahan is a dressmaker with a secret weapon—no hard case or gunslinger worth his salt will gun down a lady. Almost overnight, Shady Rest becomes a model of law and order. But the man Matt killed has a whole passel of friends and family—the killing kind, man or woman—headed to Shady Rest for revenge. Now the dressmaker and the mountain man must join forces. Two against a small army. And the deadliest shootout Shady Rest has ever seen.

A 5-Star Review: The mountain series beggining with the first mountain man, was what brought me to william W. Johnstone. I read as many of these as I could find. I then read as many of the Smoke jensen, the last mountain man, books I could find. Then went ot Matt Jensen. All of these intermigle with the characters developed by bringing in Preacher to help develope Smoke Jensen, then bringing Smoke Jensen in to help develope Matt Jensen. All these books have been wonderful reading.

A Critical Review: Fun to read but if you’ve read any previous books in the Mountain Man series this is a story line that has been rehashed many times. Not the best work I’ve read of his.

William Johnstone Books # 29) Torture Town (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 9)

Book Summary: In this adventure by the bestselling authors of The Eyes of Texas, an Old West mountain man plays peacemaker in a lethal family feud.

Reared by adventurer Smoke Jensen in the pristine Western wilderness, he has no home, no destination. Matt Jensen is William W. Johnstone’s legendary creation—a man with survival and justice in his blood.More Vicious Than The Hatfields And The McCoys… In the town of Thirty-Four Corners, Colorado, Matt Jensen rides into a savage blood feud. Thirty years ago, two friends came West and built a thriving cattle business. Now, their families have become kill-crazy enemies and the town is awash in a frenzy of murder. Add in hired gunmen on both sides of the fight, and two lovers crossing the dividing line, and the terror will never end. Eager to put as many miles between himself and Thirty-Four Corners, Matt Jensen just can’t bring himself to leave without trying to stop the bloodshed. But it’s going to take a lot more bullets, just as many bodies, and the steely courage of an intrepid frontiersman to let this ravaged town live again…

A 5-Star Review: William Johnstone is one of the best western writers tha at I enjoy reading. I have read Louis Lamour as well as many other western writers, and I believe that William Johnstone can weave a wonderful tale, one that keeps the readers Interest, I will keep these books, and others that he has written, and re-read them again, and again.

A Critical Review: how many stories can have a poke ,muley and bordain as the bad guys .
and the story line with star-crossed lovers from feuding ranches that keep them apart and end in tragedy
the story seems to be used in other books with minor changes .

William Johnstone Books # 30) The Great Train Massacre (Matt Jensen, The Last Mountain Man Book 10)

Book Summary: In this western by the bestselling authors of Torture Town, a legendary mountain man becomes a bodyguard on a deadly cross-country train trip.

After surviving a brilliantly plotted murder attempt, the richest man in San Francisco is looking to hire the best protection money can buy. Enter Matt Jensen, who, for the princely sum of $5,000, agrees to escort millionaire John Gillespie and his very fetching daughter on a railway journey from Frisco to Chicago. There’s just one catch: the world’s deadliest killers are coming along for the ride…

In Provo, Utah, a knife-wielding assassin leads Jensen on a life-or-death chase across the top of the train. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, a ruthless pair of hired guns climb on board, ready to kill anyone who gets in their way. And in Omaha, Nebraska, three more cutthroats join the party. It doesn’t take Matt Jensen long to realize this is no ordinary job. It’s a one-way ticket to hell…

A 5-Star Review: The books about The last mountain man are in every way exciting and very informative about what went on when the west was being settled. I have enjoyed reading these books, both about Smoke Jensen and Matt Jensen.

A Critical Review: hae to agree with some other reviews we knew all that was
happening in first100 pages . then it was bad,kill bad guy,
another bad group,kill same. over and over. even matt cant be that good, to kill about12 bad guys

William Johnstone Books # 31) Die with the Outlaws (Matt Jensen/The Last Mountain Man Book 11)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. Cross at Your Own Risk. On the lawless frontiers of the American West, there is one rule every outlaw should remember: Never cross a mountain man like Matt Jensen. Not if you want to keep breathing.  DIE WITH THE OUTLAWS   No gun. No horse. No water or food. And worse yet: No idea how he ended up in the middle of a desert with a bullet in his leg and a bump on his head. That’s the sorry situation Matt Jensen wakes up to—dazed and confused—until he slowly pieces together what happened. The last thing he remembers: He agreed to help out a friend of Duff MacCallister’s. A pretty lady and her husband at a horse ranch. He also recalls their cross-country trip through hell to deliver the horses safely to market. That’s when the outlaws showed up. That’s when the shooting began. That’s when everything went dark . . .   But now Matt Jensen is alive and well and living for revenge. No time to lose. No holding back. And before it’s all over, no trigger-happy horsethief left standing . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.www.williamjohnstone.net   Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com  

A 5-Star Review: This novel was another good Matt Jensen western, but there is a serious disconnect between the description on the page for the book and the actual story. Yes, Matt went to the aid of a husband and wife besieged by rustlers under the guise of Regulators. However, the rest of the story was nothing like the description on the website.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story and am glad that another Matt Jensen novel has been produced since the last one was quite a while ago. Smoke and Matt Jensen are my two favorite characters and any new novel featuring either one is great news to fans.

A Critical Review: Another average Western story from the “selected” author. Actually it was a pretty good plot with good characters and lots of action. Probably would have been much better if it were under 200 pages: too much filler adding nothing to the story. The annoying thing about serial characters? They never get the girl!

William Johnstone Books # 32) By the Neck (A Stoneface Finnegan Western Book 1)

Book Summary: Introducing a new western hero in the grand Johnstone tradition: a mining town saloonkeeper who serves up justice like a shot of liquor—150-proof.  JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. BOOMTOWN JUSTICE.  Rollie Finnegan is a man of few words. As a Pinkerton agent with two decades of experience under his belt, he uses his stony silence to break down suspects and squeeze out confessions. Hence the nickname Stoneface. Over the years, he’s locked up plenty of killers. Now he’s ready to make a killing—for himself . . .  There’s gold in the mountains of Idaho Territory. And the town of Boar Gulch is a golden opportunity for a tough guy like Finnegan. But when he arrives, the local saloon owner is gunned down in cold blood—and Finnegan makes a cold calculation of his own. Instead of working in a mine, he’ll buy the saloon. Instead of gold, he’ll mine the miners. And instead of getting dirty, he’ll clean up this grimy little boomtown once and for all—with his own brand of Stoneface justice . . .    

A 5-Star Review: Great characters, excellent plot with plenty of action combine to provide excitement, fun along with a great yarn! Great start to a new series!

A Critical Review: This just wasn’t my cup of tea as it dragged on for pretty much the whole book. The mc wasn’t very interesting or compelling in any way. Not recommended. These books by the Johnstones are either feast or famine; this left me wanting a better story.

William Johnstone Books # 33) The Devil You Know (A Stoneface Finnegan Western Book 2)

Book Summary: JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. LOOKING FOR TROUBLE? THEN LOOK NO FURTHER.As a Pinkerton agent, Stoneface Finnegan faced the deadliest killers in the West. But now that he runs a saloon, he serves them hard liquor—with a shot of  harder justice . . .THE DEVIL WALKS INTO A BAR Stoneface Finnegan and his new partner are busy renovating The Last Drop Saloon when a very unusual stranger comes to town. He’s nothing like the prairie rat drifters, world-weary miners, and would-be outlaws who normally pass through Boar Gulch. No, he’s a big handsome devil from San Francisco, Giacomo Valucci. Valucci fancies himself an actor, but his all-too-dramatic arrival is no act. He’s come to kill Stoneface Finnegan . . . Finnegan’s gut tells him that someone’s put a price on his head. Maybe one of his cutthroat enemies from his Pinkerton days. Or maybe not. Giacomo Valucci seems more interested in playing the role of Jack the Ripper. He’s carving a path of mayhem and murder across the American West—and saving Stoneface Finnegan for the last act . . . and the final curtain.Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: By the neck was my first ever book I read of this author, I just had to read the second , and I was not let down.
Cannot wait to read another of W.W. Johnstone books.

William Johnstone Books # 34) North of Laramie (A Buck Trammel Western Book 1)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. A New Legend in the Making. The bestselling Johnstones kick off their blazing new western series with a real bang—a fatal, fateful shootout that sends a man named Buck Trammel on the ride of his life . . .  WHEN WYATT EARP TELLS YOU TO RUN, YOU RUN.   Once upon a time in the Old West, Buck Trammel was a Pinkerton agent with a promising future. But after a tragic incident in a case gone wrong, he struck out for the wide-open spaces of Wichita, Kansas. Working as a bouncer at The Gilded Lily Saloon, he hopes to stay out of trouble. But soon enough, his gun skills are put to the test. The Bowman gang shows up, turning a friendly card game with a Wyoming cattleman into a killer-takes-all shooting match. Buck saves the cattleman’s life, but at the cost of Bowman’s two sons. That’s when Deputy Wyatt Earp arrives. He warns Buck that he’d better get out of town, pronto, and take the cattle baron with him. The rest is history—if he lives long enough to tell it . . .   This is the story of Buck Trammel. Hunted by outlaws. Fighting for justice. Marked for death. This is how legends are born . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: Another great western! Both hubby and I love this genre’ and look forward to good historical western stories. This book did not disappoint as it was fast guns, fast talk and fast horses. It was former Pinkerton, eastern educated, working as a bouncer in saloons and being big enough to handle anything coming his way. Buck Trammel was not a man to have as an enemy but you had to be strong enough to have him as a friend. In this book, Hagen tries to be that person and the story-line is the hard life they lived. I loved Doc Emily and I think Buck did too.

A Critical Review: I have read more than a bunch of books by both Johnstone’s that being said, this particular book is not up to the usual standards of either of them. The ending was horrible and the story line was a stretch. The only good thing about this read was it was free

William Johnstone Books # 35) Bury the Hatchet (A Buck Trammel Western Book 2)

Book Summary: Former Pinkerton agent Buck Trammel has made quite a name for himself in the Old West. Now he’s got to live up to his own legend—or get gutshot trying . . .Johnstone Country. The Bullets Stop Here.IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ’EM, SHOOT ’EM There are two things a man can never escape: his past and his destiny. For Buck Trammel, that past includes a fatal mistake that ended his career as a Pinkerton—and a deadly shootout with the Bower gang in a Witchita saloon. Call it luck or call it fate, but the famous Deputy Wyatt Earp was there to give Buck some advice: Run for your life. Maybe it was Earp’s warning that saved him from the gang’s wrath. Maybe it was destiny that brought him to the town of Blackstone, Wyoming, where his biggest problem is a father-son brewing war. But Trammel’s luck is about to run dry. . . The gang’s ruthless boss, Old Man Bower, knows where Trammel lives. He’s assembled a small army of gunslingers. He’s hired a Pinkerton with a grudge against Trammel. And he’s coming to town to bury the hatchet . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: The second Buck Trammel book is even better than the first. Buck continues to be underestimated by some people who shouldn’t do that. He gets the upper hand through brute force, sticking to his guns, and sheer logic. Best of all, Buck has found his lady love—and she’s brilliant, fearsome, and a delight. This one is filled with bad guys, nefarious goings on, and some keen gunfights. Very entertaining read.

A Critical Review: I didn’t enjoy this story much, although the writing was good with a few good characters. The plot didn’t amount to much with bad guys all over the place and a family that was at odds over something. But putting Pinkertons in a bad light was terrible fiction. And throwing in the “wisdom” of Wyatt Earp was amusing! I rate it very average as to individuals and plot; so I don’t look forward to the next Buck Trammel Western. But I will buy it! Only Westerns on the market these days are the Johnstone Family stories and the much better ones by Chuck West!

William Johnstone Books # 36) The Intruders (A Buck Trammel Western Book 3)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. Draw Quick, Aim True. Pinkerton. Sheriff. Lawman. Buck Trammel has spent his life fighting for justice. Now, he must defend a town against corrupt businessmen and scurrilous outlaws from turning it into a bloody battleground.  FAMILY FEUD  Blackstone, Wyoming, belongs to “King” Charles Hagen. The rancher bought land, built businesses, and employed most of the townsfolk. Unfortunately Sheriff Buck Trammel is not on His Majesty’s payroll. The lawdog won’t be tamed or trained to accept the king’s position as master of the territory, but neither will he threaten his empire.  Adam Hagen, the king’s oldest son, is vying to take control of his father’s violent empire in Blackstone. Sidling up with the notorious criminal Lucien Clay, Adam is adding professional hired guns who perform his dirty deeds without question. But moving against his father means crossing paths with his former friend Buck—the man who once saved Adam’s life.  A civil war is coming to Blackstone. And when the gunsmoke clears, Buck Trammel is determined to be the last man standing . . . Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: Steve “Buck” Trammel is a former police officer in New York and a former Pinkerton agent in Chicago. Now he is a sheriff in Blackstone where he finds himself trying to put out trouble brewing in the town from many directions. With all his attention captured by trying to stop people from revenge or starting an uprising, the last thing Buck needs is his past to catch up to him now, but that is exactly what happens.
Buck cannot help himself when he knows there is going to be trouble, or he hears guns going off; he is one to run to trouble not away. Because of that quality of standing up to troublemakers, his former love interest, Dr. Emily Downs, has left him. If Buck isn’t careful, history may repeat itself but with another woman.
In town, Buck’s former friend, Adam Hagen, is bent on taking over his father’s empire by hook or by crook. With Buck in the middle, Adam is waging war with his father. He utilizes any and all means in the story to get the power he craves. Adam forms a partnership with a man named Clay as both men want power, but neither can really trust the other. Readers then meet a man who appears as a crusader to clean up Blackstone from the vices of whiskey, women and opium. But is he really trying to clean things up, or is there more to him than what he lets the townsfolk see?
The first two books in the series are worth enjoying to understand the character development and overall story that carries throughout the series. The titles are North of Laramie and Bury the Hatchet written by the same authors. While each book has action, there is an overarching plot developing. I have enjoyed each novel and can’t wait to see what will happen in the next book.

William Johnstone Books # 37) MacCallister: The Eagles Legacy (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 1)

Book Summary: From bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone comes a blazing new saga of Duff MacAllister. One man, forging a destiny. One legacy, sworn to justice. One name, branded in the heart of America. . . The Legend Lives! The Scottish Highlands, 1885. Two men, brandishing knives, attack a young woman outside a pub. Duff MacAllister steps in and saves her–killing one of the assailants. Big mistake. The attacker was the sheriff’s son, and now MacAllister is marked for death. His only hope: America. Here, in the sprawling land of dreams, Duff hopes to start a new life with his American cousins. Unfortunately, the sheriff’s deputies are tracking him down–with nine of the deadliest cutthroats money can buy. Blazing a trail of blood and bullets all the way to the Rockies, Duff has to kill his enemies one by one–or die trying. But this time, Duff is not alone. He has a new ally by his side. A living legend of frontier justice. His cousin, the gunslinger known as Falcon MacAllister. . .  

A 5-Star Review: Well Dip Me In Some Haggis and call me Rob Roy!!! Who would have imagined a western involving some fine Scottish lads could be so fun and entertaining. I definitely recommend this book to any and all fans of western/action adventures or any fans of the amazing Johnstone lads.

A Critical Review: Love theses stories, a little lazy with the plot some times, sometimes to super human but like when the good guys win.

William Johnstone Books # 38) The Killing (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 2)

Book Summary: The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st CenturyA family of Scottish warriors. A stranger in a new land. . .. From the bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, the blazing saga of Duff MacCallister, heir to a legacy of courage. A Killing Too FarDuff MacCallister fled the Scottish Highlands for a new world in Wyoming Territory. Betrothed to a good woman, Duff has the bad luck to be standing in the Chugwater Bank when a violent robbery explodes around him. With one man dead by Duff’s gun, and another under arrest, a team of bandits swarms outside of town. As witnesses, Duff, a banker, and a beautiful barmaid are whisked into the town’s hotel for safe-keeping as the outlaws threaten the defenseless town with a bloodbath if their fellow bandit isn’t set free. Except no MacCallister has ever run from trouble. With a scoped Creedmoor rifle he goes after the Taylor gang, one bad guy at a time. . ..But Duff doesn’t know that fate–and a little twist of frontier justice–will give the Taylor Gang one last chance for a shocking, treacherous act of revenge. . .First Time In Print!

A 5-Star Review: I like the fact that the Johnstone authors are able to weave a full cast of characters into their writing. Sometimes it’s only a
short reference to another character, but if one has read the full like of Johnstone westerns, the names are always familiar.
This was another exciting Johnstone saga.

A Critical Review: Just a couple pages in and Elmer’s son is supposedly alive somewhere. In the previous book he lived 6 or 7 years with Indians and had a wife and baby who died. Now, it’s told that he only lived 2 years with them and the baby survived to be 10. The author should read the previous book before writing the next and get the facts straight. I enjoy most of the Johnstone series books, but that is sloppy.

Edit: Few pages later, Duff talks about how he raised Black Angus cattle in Scotland. They were Highland cattle in the previous book. Give me a break.

William Johnstone Books # 39) Dry Gulch Ambush (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 3)

Book Summary: The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st CenturyDuff MacCallister is heir to a fierce family of fighting Scotsmen. In a new land, in the extraordinary new saga by bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, Duff gives new meaning to the words without mercy. Cut Off The Head–The Beast Will Die.The Indians around Fort Laramie, Wyoming are peaceful. Or so it has seemed–until killers ambush a detail of U.S. soldiers and an officer’s wife. One man, an ambitious cavalry officer, flees the carnage and lives to tell the story–his own story, an outright lie. When Duff MacCallister and a few brave men go after the attackers, they discover the officer’s wife is very much alive and at the cold merciless hands of the sadistic warrior Yellow Hawk. To free the woman, Duff touches off a fierce battle. And when he finds himself surrounded by the blood-crazed renegades, MacCallister knows there is only one way out–by going after Yellow Hawk himself. . . First Time In Print!

A 5-Star Review: This was another very good book with this Character MacCallister, once you start reading it, you will have a hard time putting it down, and if you are like me, after you get down reading this book, you will look up in Amazon and buy some more of these books.

A Critical Review: The believability factor, with regard to the Colonel of the fort giving the idiot lieutenant so much latitude, suggests the Colonel was an not qualified to be in charge of an outhouse, much less an Army Fort during perilous times in the old west.. Being a career Calvary soldier and retired from the Army, I simply cannot believe that part of the equation.

William Johnstone Books # 40) Kill Crazy (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 4)

Book Summary: A Wyoming rancher takes on a bloodthirsty bank robber in a novel from the USA Today-bestselling author and “masterful storyteller” (Publishers Weekly).Born to a family of hard-fighting Scotsmen. Sworn to a legacy of blood and honor. Duff MaCallister brings his own brand of justice to the new American frontier—in this explosive western saga from bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone.Shooting Is The Only Way Out In a town like Chugwater, Wyoming, you know who your friends are, who your enemies are, and who your kill-crazy maniacs are. For Duff MacCallister, the last category belongs to Johnny Taylor and his gang. Duff has wrestled with this polecat before, and knows that his bite is worse than his smell. But when Taylor’s gang tries to rob a bank–and Duff manages to shoot one and arrest Taylor’s brother–the outraged outlaw raises a stink straight out of hell. First, he begins to randomly slaughter innocent townsfolk one by one. Then, he leaves a note on the bodies warning: “We will kill more of your citizens if you do not let my brother go.” Now, he’s kidnapped a woman as bait–lighting a fuse under Duff MacCallister that’s bound to ignite the biggest, bloodiest showdown in Chugwater history. . .

A 5-Star Review: A good series. It is great that you can start at the beginning and follow the hero through several books. sometimes the author copies an experience such as a memory for one of the characters from book to book, so that when you are reading the series you get more than just a reminder of the characters history.

A Critical Review: I have read a lot of books by this author and really enjoyed them — this wasn’t one of his best. I think he should write them by himself – you can tell the caliber of the writing went down hill after his son started writing with him. Sorry but true. The style just isnt the same and the flavor of the books changed substantially.

William Johnstone Books # 41) Kingdom Come (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 5)

Book Summary: USA Today-Bestselling Author:When a family member falls victim to a cutthroat gang in Texas, a Wyoming rancher hits the road ready for war…Standing for family, honor, and a way of life, the MacCallisters have carved out a hard-won corner of the Wyoming frontier. In the thrilling new novel from the bestselling Western writers, Duff MacCallister faces his most treacherous and deadly fight yet.Kingdom Come Like a murderous plague, a band of cutthroats and criminals, led by prison escapees from New Mexico, rages through West Texas. They’re slaughtering everyone in their path: men, women and children. They struck at Saragosa. Now they’ve taken over the town of Boracho. The Dallas newspapers call them the Kingdom Come Gang. In Chugwater, Wyoming, Duff McCallister calls them his enemy. Because one of their victims was family.Now it’s personal Riding to Texas, Duff gathers every man he can to make an assault on Boracho, even using a hardcase recruited from behind bars. Facing a brutal, merciless enemy, with innocent hostages caught in between, Duff is soon in a full blast war, with guns, knives, and dynamite exploding on dirt streets soaked in blood. And it won’t be over until a hero makes a final stand.

A 5-Star Review: This was a very good Book, it kept me interested all the way thru the Book, I was glad that I had bought this book, a Person always likes to read a book that has a good story behind it, and this book is just that, you won’t be sorry if you buy this book.

A Critical Review: I have read a boatload of books by this author. I’ve never been disappointed… until “Kingdom Come.”. The story was fragmented, but readable so I kept going. The new character, Wang, was interesting, but his character development was mediocre at best. Maybe he gets better in future stories. There seemed to be an unusual amount of cruelty in this story, and yet, the final “showdown/shootout” was so abrupt and so quick, I had to turn back a couple of pages to make sure I hadn’t skipped over anything.
Also, the Kindle edition was poorly edited. If this is the best that J. A. Johnstone can do, I’ll be looking for a different Western writer. And that’s too bad because I really liked all the older works by William W. Johnstone.

William Johnstone Books # 42) Ten Guns from Texas (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 6)

Book Summary: USA Today-Bestselling Author: A rancher treks from Wyoming to Texas to deliver his cattle—but first he’ll have to deliver justice to a band of kidnappers…The MacCallister family is legendary in the American frontier. And wherever a MacCallister travels, the legend–and the guns–follow.Fight Like The Devil When Duff MacCallister journeys to Texas to deliver 100 head of Angus cattle, he finds a land on fire. Unruly, lawless teams of fence cutters, branded Blue Devils by the locals, are rampaging across grazing land and cutting fences in the name of an eastern land company. The ranchers are fighting back, and Duff joins the fray. But the fight leads to Austin, and into an even deadlier mission. The governor’s daughter has been kidnapped by Blue Devils. Duff and his partner Elmer are willing to go after her, but they’re going to need more men and a lot more firepower. The best the governor can do is three outlaws who once served honorably in war. Now Duff MacCallister is going up again a fanatical, highly trained enemy, riding with gunmen he cannot fully trust. Once the shooting starts, there is no turning back–because Duff and his posse are heading straight into the bloody depths of hell. “A masterful storyteller.”—Publishers Weekly

A 5-Star Review: I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been reading one from each series. Duff MacCallister is more of a rancher than a gunfighter. However, when he does shoot, it is with deadly accuracy. His loyal associates are Elmer and Wang. They set off on a train ride to deliver Angus cattle (didn’t know they came from Scotland-same as Duff). They get entangled with the Fence Busters who cut rancher’s fences in the name of freedom of public land, but really rustling cattle. The gunfights and Wang’s martial art moves are full of action. The dialogue is humorous. A very entertaining read.

A Critical Review: another book with poke,muley and jug as bad guys and a damsel in distress
andseems that the heros allways face a gang of forty to fifty
bad guys and still win out unharmed.

William Johnstone Books # 43) Day of Reckoning (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 7)

Book Summary: A rancher chases two killers through Wyoming—with help from an unlikely heroine—in this action-packed Western from the national bestselling authors. The legendary MacCallister clan brought 500 years of Highlander tradition, honor, and fighting courage to the American frontier. In an astounding new novel from the national bestselling Johnstones, Duff MacCallister rides into the Colorado mountains with a young girl at his side—and a gang of stone-cold killers eagerly waiting for them . . . DAY OF RECKONING  When Duff MacCallister sees smoke rising from his neighbor’s ranch, he knows that something is very wrong. But he isn’t prepared for what he finds: smoldering buildings, a rancher and his wife brutally slaughtered, and a fourteen-year-old survivor who could not save her parents. Now, Duff is going after the killers—and his only companion is the headstrong girl who refuses to be left behind.   Duff and his new companion head into the towering Gore Range. Up ahead are two convicted murderers who were about to be hung in Cheyenne, and the killers who broke them lose. Duff doesn’t have a plan—or a prayer. But the girl will be more help than he can know, and when the day of reckoning comes, bullets and blood will prove who is the bravest and fiercest fighter of all . . .

A 5-Star Review: I have read others of this series and enjoyed them all. Good strong leading characters with some ladies added to the mix to make it interesting. These ladies are of fine character and add a lot to the story. The plot flows well and keeps you guessing even though you know the good guys win in the end.

A Critical Review: Lots of info that was repetitive from other books made for a boring read. Could have been a shorter read.

William Johnstone Books # 44) The Stalking Death (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 8)

Book Summary: A rich rancher is terrorizing Laramie County—but one man is about to fight back—in this thrilling tale of the Old West by the national bestselling authors…  Descended from Scottish Highlanders and blood kin to Falcon and Jamie Ian, Duff MacCallister forged a bold new life on the American frontier. But he will always stay true to his clan’s fighting spirit—when it comes to justice . . .  THE STALKING DEATH   There’s something rotten in Wyoming, and it’s not just the smell of cow pies—the first whiff is coming off the Laramie County Cattlemen. Right off the bat, Duff notices something odd: no small-time ranchers allowed. It’s big-leaguers only. And none are bigger than Brad Houser, owner of the sprawling Twin Peaks ranch. He’s up in arms over the small-timers claiming the unbranded mavericks who escape their herds. Which is perfectly legal. No brand, free cow.   Houser has a plan to stop these former cowboys from taking their runaways. For $1000, Houser will make the small ranchers go away—six feet under. That makes Duff MacCallister madder than a wet hen . . . and his guns will do the screaming.

A 5-Star Review: I love the MacCalister series. I have one more then I’ll have to wait until March. I don’t usually read westerns, but my son got me hooked on your books. Keep writing your wonderful books. Thank you

A Critical Review: This is the worst johnstone book I’ve read. The plot was obvious and the main character McAllister was mostly absent, unusually slow paced. Little action. His books are usually action packed but this one had many, many useless dialogues. Obvious sub plots. Wang is cool but too little of him. Wouldn’t recommend.

William Johnstone Books # 45) Stranglehold (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 9)

Book Summary: A rancher aims to take down a mining-town tyrant in this fast-paced Western from the national bestselling authors…Descended from a long line of fighters, lovers, and dreamers, the MacCallister clan are legends in their homeland of Scotland. But when Duff MacCallister came to America, it seems he brought the legend—and the war—along with him . . . STRANGLEHOLD   Here in America, life is full of surprises. Duff never expected to hear from his old friend Charles McGregor, his battalion commander from the Black Watch Regiment of Her Majesty’s army. Turns out McGregor lives in New Mexico now. And he needs Duff’s help. He’s started a new life as the mayor of Antelope Wells—a mining town that’s being targeted by power-hungry madman Ebenezer Schofield, who wants to declare the whole area an independent principality—and himself as king. He’s already squeezing taxes out of the local businesses and citizens. But no one has the guts to stop him. Because Schofield’s got his own private army of fifty uniformed men, six Mexican revolution cannons—and a traitor working on his side in the heart of Antelope Wells . . .   This is more than just a favor for a friend. This is justice. This is payback. This is war. And this is Duff MacCallister.

A 5-Star Review: Johnstone County, where others fear to tread! I love this! Johnstone books always leave the reader feeling as if they have watched a terrific movie and want more. Good guys and bad guys fight it out over justice. The good guys always come out on top, a little more worn and a whole lot wiser than they started. This story line finds our hero fighting to free a small town from the grips of a man who would be king. Our hero must use everything in his arsenal to free the innocent while keeping some of the worse bad guys we’ve met from taking control and using the town’s resources against them. Along the way, the reader finds themselves holding their breath while the fight gets ugly. , love, love these books!

A Critical Review: It’s a good book to read. There is always and plenty of action throughout the entire book. I would recommend this book to everyone knowing they will enjoy reading it

William Johnstone Books # 46) Killer Take All (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 10)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. A Home Worth Fighting For.Scotsman-turned-cowboy Duff MacCallister traveled far and worked hard to start a new life in America. And anyone who tries to mess with his dream is in for some serious Highland justice . . . KILLER TAKE ALL The cattle town of Chugwater may not look like much to outsiders. But for Duff MacCallister and the determined settlers who’ve staked their futures here, it’s a land of opportunity. That’s why the whole town is fired up by the latest news. Young railroad developer Jacob Freemantle wants to run a rail line through Chugwater, making it easier to transport cattle. Everyone is on board with the plan—at first. Duff begins to suspect that Freemantle is only after the most valuable land, and he’s using strongarm tactics to force reluctant ranchers to sell. Things only get worse when Freemantle’s hired guns show up—and the  violence really begins . . .But Duff’s got a plan of his own. With a little help from some well-armed friends, he’s going to flush this phony out of Chugwater—and run his  hired killers out of town on a rail . . .Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: Awesome, it has been awhile since I read a MacCallister western they are always good. I love ❤️ reading these 📚 books by the Johnstone’s.Thank you so much for the awesome 📚 books.

A Critical Review: This one is going on auto. I find that the stories about Duff is more and more the same almost. I like a good western but it can be to trivial sometimes. Still it has what it needs regarding good guys and bad guys and some gunslinging. I have to thank Netgalley and Kensington for letting me read this.

William Johnstone Books # 47) Savage Sunday (A Duff MacCallister Western Book 11)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. Shoot Straight or Die. Scottish cattleman Duff MacCallister staked a claim for his life in America—and reserves a righteous anger for those who break the law in this smoking six-gun shootout from National Bestselling Authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone . . .  Thanks to a new line, the railroad has come to Chugwater, Wyoming, bridging the gap between the small town and the larger city of Cheyenne. Now Duff MacCallister can transport his 250 Black Angus cattle herd with ease by Iron Horse instead of enduring a two-day traildrive. But the day after depositing $15,000 in his Cheyenne account, Duff learns that bank president Jeremy Brinks embezzled every cent—totalling $65,000—and then guilt-ridden, committed suicide.   Jeremy wasn’t just Duff’s banker, but his longtime friend. The widow Brinks doesn’t believe her husband was a thief or that he killed himself. Duff agrees. And after getting an appointment as Territorial Marshal, he’s aiming his barrel at putting every double-crossing lawman, red-handed outlaw, and corrupt businessmen he can rustle up behind bars—or six feet under . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: I just read savage Sunday and it was a great store.I have read just about all your books and they are great stories .Savage Sunday was a great book thank you can’t wait till the next book comes out.Pleaselet me know when the next book comes out.thank you very much. Phil

William Johnstone Books # 48) Blood, Guts, and Glory: Smoke Jensen: American Legend (Mountain Man)

Book Summary: One of the greatest characters in Western fiction. Two of the wildest tales of frontier vengeance from William Johnstone’s classic bestselling saga. This is how Smoke Jensen became a legend. REVENGE OF THE MOUNTAIN MAN They came in the dead of night like a pack of wolves. They invaded Smoke Jensen’s ranch. They destroyed Smoke Jensen’s dream. Then they finished the job by putting three bullets in Smoke Jensen’s wife. By the time Smoke arrived on the scene, it was too late to save her. Now he lives for revenge. Ruthless, righteous, merciless revenge. . . . VENGEANCE OF THE MOUNTAIN MAN With his darkest days behind him, Smoke Jensen hopes to return to a normal life. Unfortunately, he can’t escape his past. A vicious young gunfighter named Sundance holds an all-consuming grudge against the mountain man. He’s got backup from Mexico, bullets to spare, and bloodlust in his eyes. Tonight, the past is coming for Smoke Jensen. With a vengeance. . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: My oh my, another five star story. I really enjoyed this one too. So much excitement and amazing story twist. I could hardly but it down.

A Critical Review: Given the publication date and new title, this appeared to be a new book, but it is merely a repackaging of two old books. Very disappointing and a bit dishonest on the part of the publisher. If books are being re-issued under new names, this should be made clear to the customer.

William Johnstone Books # 49) Frontier America (A Preacher & MacCallister Western Book 1)

Book Summary: PREACHER + MacCALLISTER = DOUBLE THE MAYHEM  Two of the Johnstones’ most legendary heroes—the rugged mountain man known as Preacher and the Scottish clan rancher Jamie Ian MacCallister, here together for the first time—are forced to choose sides in a blood-soaked battle for the heart and soul of a nation divided . . .  FRONTIER AMERICA As the father of a young Crow tribesman, Preacher would like nothing more than to see the long-time natives and newly arrived settlers live together in peace. Then the killing starts . . . As a family man and frontiersman, Jamie Ian MacCallister is more than happy to help the officers at Fort Kearny negotiate a peace treaty with the Crow nation. Until it all goes to hell . . . This is not the American dream they were looking for. This is a nightmare. A brutal, blood-drenched frontier war that two heroic men must fight and win—or one struggling nation will never come together. For liberty and justice for all . . . Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: This has to be one of the best book Johnstone has written. It was great. There was plenty of action. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen each time I turned the page. I think everyone will enjoy reading this book. I would recommend this book to everyone.

A Critical Review: You are pricing your audience out of your purview. I have all of your Dad’s books and love Smoke, Preacher, Matt and others. Just too expensive.

William Johnstone Books # 50) They Came to Kill (A Preacher & MacCallister Western Book 2)

Book Summary: Johnstone Justice. Double Barreled.  When a legendary frontiersman teams up with a legendary mountain man, the wild west will never be the same. But first they’ve got to live up to their legends—or die trying . . .  THEY CAME TO KILL   There are some things in this world that can’t be stopped. Like progress, a moving train, and the American Dream. When the bigwigs in Washington decide to build a transcontinental railroad to the west coast, they need a man who’s just as unstoppable to clear a path through Mexican territory. That man is Jamie MacCallister.  Jamie knows it’s a tough job. The territory is overrun with Apaches. The Apaches are gunning for a fight. And the first patrol sent in by the President has already been ambushed, kidnapped, and most likely killed. Jamie knows he can’t take on the whole Apache nation by himself. He needs help. He needs back-up.   He needs a non-stop force of mountain-man fury who goes by the name of Preacher . . .  Live Free. Read Hard. www.williamjohnstone.net   Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com  

A 5-Star Review: This was a really different crazy story of mountain men who had helped tame the old west going after Apaches who were preying on ranchers and farmers on both sides of the American and Mexican border. A really action packed book with a few extra diversions to create more action and intrigue to keep the reader glued to the pages. William Johnstone really knows how to craft an interesting story.

A Critical Review: I don’t know why I continue to read these stories, but I keep expecting better from a book with Bill Johnstone’s name on it. If building the transcontinental RR on the Mexican border was the plot, it never happened. And a few good guys and a girl battle four nasty relatives and the entire Apache Indian Nation… and win! There were some good characters and some good events, but it hardly justified nearly 400 pages. But I’m still buying these books new, thinking good thoughts about all the Johnstone books I’ve read before he passed in 2004!

William Johnstone Books # 51) When All Hell Broke Loose (A Preacher & MacCallister Western Book 3)

Book Summary: Johnstone Men on a Mission. A Hunting Party Massacre.  Two legends of the American West, Preacher and MacCallister have always fought for justice. Even when all parties were guilty. When all hope was lost. And when all the killing started . . .  WHEN ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE  It’s one of the great mysteries of the Old West. The unexplained disappearance of a hunting party of Prussian nobles who entered the American wilderness—and never returned. Now, years later, the Prussian government demands an explanation. In response, the U.S. Army hires Preacher and Jamie MacCallister to join their search party—along with a band of Prussian soldiers led by the sinister Baron Adalwolf von Kuhner. Some believe it’s a hopeless mission, that the original party was slaughtered by the Blackfeet. Others think there may be survivors, most likely women held captive as slaves. But it doesn’t take Preacher and MacCallister long to learn the horrible truth . . .   This is no rescue mission. It’s a massacre in the making. And when the hunters become the hunted, all hell breaks loose . . .  Live Free. Read Hard.

William Johnstone Books # 52) Firestick (A Firestick Western Book 1)

Book Summary: Johnstone Justice. What America Needs Now.  In this exciting new series, bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone pay homage to America’s trail-hardened backwoodsmen who, like a fine grain whiskey, only get better with age . . .  REAL MEN DON’T RIDE INTO THE SUNSET   In his mountain-man days, Elwood “Firestick” McQueen was practically a living legend. His hunting, tracking, and trapping skills were known far and wide. But it was his deadly accuracy with a rifle that earned him the Indian name “Firestick.” His two best buddies are Malachi “Beartooth” Skinner—whose knife was as fatal as a grizzly’s chompers—and Jim “Moosejaw” Hendricks, who once wielded the jawbone of a moose to crush his enemies in the heat of battle.  Of course, things are different nowadays. The trio have finally settled down, running a horse ranch in West Texas—and spending quality time with their lady friends. But if you think these old boys are ready for lives of leisure, think again . . .   Firestick is the town marshal. Beartooth and Moosejaw are his deputies. And when a hired gunman shows up with bullets blazing, these three hard-cases are ready to prove they aren’t getting older.   They’re getting deadlier . . .  Live Free. Read Hard. www.williamjohnstone.net   Also available in Audio   Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com

A 5-Star Review: I enjoyed reading this book. Plenty of action and humor. Could hardly put it down. I think other readers will enjoy reading this book. I would recommend this book to everyone

A Critical Review: There were elements of interest and story lines that developed but the dialogues were too wordy and therefore tedious. Ok, not great.

William Johnstone Books # 53) Blood and Bullets (A Firestick Western Book 2)

Book Summary: Johnstone Justice. Where it’s never quiet on the Western Front. REVENGE ENDS THE DAY WELL   As sleepy as Buffalo Peak’s been, legendary marshal, Elwood “Firestick” McQueen, and his deputies “Beartooth” Skinner and “Moosejaw” Hendricks never expected a couple of drifters to wake it up—by kidnapping two lovely ladies in town.   Hardly the sharpest quills on a cactus, these dim drifters call it courtin’. Firestick doesn’t see it that way. Now the woman snatchers are heading for West Texas with their reluctant brides-to-be—and unwittingly plunging trackers Firestick and Moosejaw headlong into a rescue. With only Beartooth keeping the peace back home, Buffalo Peak’s wide open for an outlaw ambush.   Sure as dirt, a gang of owlhoots clean out the bank, grab a hostage, and flee, spurring Beartooth on a deadly chase. In one lousy day a lot of people have gotten on Firestick’s bad side. And with rifle cocked, and vengeance burning, Elwood “Firestick” McQueen is going to prove just how unforgiving his bad side can be.   Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: Another great deal. Would purchase more from this seller.

William Johnstone Books # 54) Dead for a Dollar (A Firestick Western Book 3)

Book Summary: Johnstone Justice. Making the West wild again.   Keeping the peace in a West Texas town like Buffalo Peak should be easy for a legendary frontiersman like Marshal Elwood “Firestick” McQueen. He’s got his longtime buddies “Beartooth” Skinner and “Moosejaw” Hendricks as his deputies—not to mention the famous rifle that earned him his nickname. But when Firestick learns that their ornery old friend “Rip” Ripley just rode into town, all bets are off. It’s darn near impossible to keep the peace when Rip’s specialty is disturbing it. Firestick finds a decade-old wanted poster for Rip—the reward is one dollar.   Firestick uses it to toss Rip into the clink till he decides to leave town. But Ripley’s still up to his old tricks—he has a new gang of cutthroats coming to Buffalo Peak to steal a king’s ransom in gold in the town bank. Firestick, Beartooth, and Moosejaw become pawns in what just might be the heist of the century. Because Rip’s kill-crazy pals will have to bust him out of jail first . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.  

William Johnstone Books # 55) The Chuckwagon Trail (A Chuckwagon Trail Western Book 1)

Book Summary: A heroic chuckwagon cook knows just what to do when cowboys get hungry—for revenge:“A masterful storyteller.”—Publishers Weekly   Framed for murder, Dewey “Mac” McKenzie is running for his life. Though Mac’s never even made a pot of coffee, he talks his way onto a cattle drive heading west—as a chuckwagon cook. Turns out he has a natural talent for turning salt pork and dried beans into culinary gold. He’s as good with a pot and pan as he is with a gun—which comes in handy on a dangerous trail drive beset with rustlers, hostile Indians, ornery weather, and deadly stampedes. Mac can hold his own with any cowboy twice his age. At least until the real showdown begins. . . .   Trail hand Deke Northrup is one mean spit in the eye. Before long, he’s made enemies of all his men. When Mac learns that Northrup is planning to double-cross the herd’s owner, he stands up to the trail boss and his henchman. He might be outgunned and outnumbered, but Mac’s ready to serve up some blazing frontier justice—with a healthy helping of vengeance…

A 5-Star Review: From a misbegotten love, murder and on the run from the law in New Orleans. This adventure of a man on the run from a shady wealthy French family who have a shipping business, and the daughter of a wealth New Orleans banker who are about to unite in a marriage which will guarantee more wealth..
A young man utilizes his skill as cook to get a job cooking for a cattle drive going to Abilene, Texas.
Lots of action, thrills and the ugly head of greed all stirred into a tasty pot of beans.
You will be also enjoy the recipes at the end of the book. Especially the biscuits and the beans.
The recipe for a “Cowboys Breakfast,” we’ve all prepared many times, as dinner or lunch with a tossed salad as a side add a nice steak..delicious.

A Critical Review: After all the Johnstone books I have purchased this is the most disappointing book. When you are use to Preacher, Smoke, and other action characters this book will leave you disappointed. The only reason I’m giving two stars is it did have a good story line.

William Johnstone Books # 56) Die by the Gun (A Chuckwagon Trail Western Book 2)

Book Summary: An innocent fugitive joins a cattle drive in New Mexico Territory—but a herd of trouble is one step behind him… In this thrilling frontier saga, bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone celebrate an unsung hero of the American West: a humble chuckwagon cook searching for justice—and fighting for his life . . . DIE BY THE GUN Dewey “Mac” McKenzie is wanted for a killing he didn’t commit. He saved his hide once by signing on as a cattle drive chuckwagon cook and bolting the territories. Turned out Mac was as good at fixing vittles as he was at dodging bullets. But Mac’s enemies are hungry for more—and they’ve hired a gang of ruthless killers to turn up the heat . . . Mac’s only hope is to join another cattle drive on the Goodnight-Loving Trail, deep in New Mexico Territory. The journey ahead is even deadlier than the hired guns behind him. His trail boss is an ornery cuss. His crewmate is the owner’s spoiled son. And the route is overrun with kill-crazy rustlers and bloodthirsty Comanche. Worse, Mac’s would-be killers are closing in fast. But when the cattle owner’s son is kidnapped, the courageous young cook has no choice but to jump out of the frying pan—and into the fire . . .

A 5-Star Review: Another fine Western story depicting how it must have been. It is great to read about swift justice. It’s well written and edited just as all books by this fine author

A Critical Review: It is not often that we get to read about the cook on the trail but in this series we get to follow the work with a chuckwagon a little. That the cook is quick with his smokewagon is only a bonus. Where the good guys are good and the bad guys are slow slapping leather is always nice. I love a good western, if there is a little humor it’s even better.

William Johnstone Books # 57) A Hill of Beans (A Chuckwagon Trail Western Book 3)

Book Summary: Johnstone Country. Come and Get It. Mac is back. Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, Dewey “Mac” Mackenzie is a wanted man on a cattle drive heading west—as a chuckwagon cook. Though he’s never even boiled an egg, Mackenzie has a natural gift for cobbling together good trail drive grub. Now, with two trail drives under his belt, Mackenzie has proven to be more than a good chuckwagon cook. He’s good at serving up justice, too—with a side of hot lead . . .A HILL OF BEANS Mac Mackenzie has enough problems on his plate. He’s got bounty hunters on his tail, no one on his side, and no place to hide. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he hears the rumbling of a cattle stampede—heading straight for his camp.  Mac’s got two choices: Get trampled like a weed or saddle up and help get the herd under control. At first, the traildrivers ain’t too pleased to have a stranger help them out. But once they realize Mac’s not a rustler, they ask him to join the team. Mac takes them up on the offer—especially after he meets the cowgirl Colleen—and quickly impresses everyone with his cooking skills. There’s just a few more problems: Mac’s new employers might be the real rustlers. And Mac’s stepped out of the frying pan into the fire . . .  

A 5-Star Review: Just like all the books written by this Author, i can not find any fault with it. It is an interesting and exciting book.

A Critical Review: I just finished the latest adventure with trail cook Dewey “Mac” Mckenzie by William W. Johnstone; J.A. Johnstone. Thanks to Netgalley, Pinnacle and Kensington Books for letting me have these few hours of entertaining western reading. I think this is the most innovating in the genre for many years. Great fun for lovers of westerns. Our hero stumbles upon one cattle drive after another trying to get away from the wanted posters. If you love westerns like I do then this is one for you.

William Johnstone Books # 58) Biscuits and Gravy (A Chuckwagon Trail Western Book 4)

Book Summary: Johnstone Justice. Get It While It’s Hot.  Dewey “Mac” MacKenzie is no ordinary chuckwagon cook. He’s a marked man on the run who works cattle drives to stay one step ahead of his enemies. If these hired killers catch up to him, he’ll be slinging guns instead of hash—with a side order of revenge that’s best served cold . . .HOT BISCUITS. COLD GRAVES.  A hot meal, a hard drink, and maybe a friendly hand of poker is all Mac MacKenzie wants when he drifts into the small town of Harcourt City, Montana. When he defends a saloon girl from the unwanted advances of some local toughs, he earns the wrath of the town’s powerful namesake, Oscar Harcourt. Harcourt rules this place with an iron fist, ugly greed, and an even uglier gang of thugs. Now he has his eyes on a ranch belonging to the saloon girl’s brother—a ranch they won’t give up without a fight. To raise funds, the siblings arrange a cattle drive to Rattlesnake Creek, and they want Mac to join them. But with so many devils ridng on their tails, Mac is ready to turn up the heat—and send them back to hell . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.  

William Johnstone Books # 59) Riding Shotgun (A Red Ryan Western Book 1)

Book Summary: JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHERE DEATH RIDES FASTER THAN THE WIND. A blazing new series takes you back to the lawless frontier where every stagecoach was a moving target. Where every passenger needed protection. And where every hired gun who rides along better be fast on the draw—or be dead on arrival . . .RIDING SHOTGUN If anyone knows the road to purgatory, it’s Red Ryan. As a stagecoach guard, he’s faced holdups, ambushes, and all-out attacks from every kill-crazy outlaw, Indian, and prairie rat. But even he’s a bit reluctant to take on his next job: riding shotgun with his driver Buttons Muldoon on a stage bound from Fort Concho, Texas, to Fort Bliss. Word has it, the Apaches are on the warpath. They’re being led by the vicious war chief Ilesh, which means “Lord of the Earth.” And this lord means business, as in slaughtering every Texan from here to El Paso. Red wants to postpone the stage. But an army major’s beautiful but stubborn wife insists they leave—or she’ll go it alone. So Red has no choice . . .Thus begins a nightmare journey into 400 miles of harsh, unforgiving terrain, blood-drunk killers, and one scheming devil who plans to paint the town of El Paso red—starting with Red’s blood . . .Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: This is my first book by this author. I really, really enjoyed the pace of this book. Unlike many book ‘heroes’ Red Ryan is not the fastest gun in the west, but he has the ability to think quickly, and probably has the help of a little bit of luck. He and his stagecoach partner Buttons Muldoon team up to fight off renegade Indians, highwaymen, horse thieves, gunslingers, and still find time to investigate murder. I will be reading more by this author.

A Critical Review: A new series involving a stagecoach guard named Red Ryan. His job to protect his passengers whether they be from Indians, outlaws or nuisances. He is a great shot and does a great job, but also doesn’t like to see the law broken. I really wanted to enjoy this western, but the characters are one-dimensional and not developed enough. I couldn’t care less what happens to them or how the story ends. Sorry, this one wasn’t for me.

William Johnstone Books # 60) The Backstabbers (A Red Ryan Western Book 2)

Book Summary: FIRST RULE OF JOHNSTONE COUNTRY: TRUST NO ONE No one knows the dangers of driving a stagecoach better than Red Ryan. Especially when the passenger’s a dead man, the payoff’s a gold mine, and the last stop is death . . .SECOND RULE: WATCH YOUR BACK Red Ryan should’ve known this job would be trouble. The first stop is a ghost town—in a thunder storm—and the cargo is a coffin. But things start to look a little brighter when Red and his stage guard Buttons Muldoon deliver the corpse to a ranch run by the beautiful Luna Talbot—and her gorgeous crew of former saloon girls. Luna asks the boys to help them find the Lucky Cuss Gold Mine, using a map tucked inside the dead man’s pocket. Buttons can’t refuse a pretty lady—or the lure of gold. But Red has a feeling they’re playing with fire. Especially when the map leads them straight into crossfire of a ferocious range war, a 400-pound load of pure evil known as Papa Mace Rathmore—and his backwoods clan of sadistic, kill-crazy hillbillies . . . Live Free. Read Hard.  

A 5-Star Review: Once again the amazingly talented writing duo of William W. Johnstone and his nephew J.A. Johnstone delivers absolute perfection in the genre of western/action/adventure fiction. If you’re a fan of the Johnstone writing team you’re guaranteed to love this story involving the always entertaining Red Ryan!!!

A Critical Review: i could not finish this book as i found the story slow and boring, i gave the book away.

William Johnstone Books # 61) Bullet for a Stranger (A Red Ryan Western Book 3)

Book Summary: JOHNSTONE COUNTRY—WATCH YOUR BACK.   Red Ryan is one of the fastest guns in the West. But this time, he’s in for the longest, hardest ride of his life. Where danger lurks around every turn—and all roads lead to hell . . .   700 MILES OF MAYHEM   Gold. Silver. Cold hard cash. Stagecoach guard Red Ryan and his driver Buttons Muldoon have ridden shotgun on some pretty valuable cargo in their day. But they’re about to learn—the hard way—that the most dangerous cargo of all is human. They’ve been hired to escort a cowardly traitor facing an army court martial in New Orleans. Every hired killer in Texas wants him dead, including gun-handy Hannah Huckabee, a woman with a mysterious past and an agenda of her own. But she’s just one of the dangers they’ll face along the way. There are cutthroat gangs bent on slaughtering anything on two legs. And 700 miles of the deadliest terrain Red Ryan has ever had to shoot his way out of . . .     Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: Once again we’re treated to the adventures of the highly entertaining greener packing stagecoach guard Red Ryan. William W. Johnstone and his nephew J.A. Johnstone once again deliver the absolute best in western/action fiction.

A Critical Review: This was a story that seemed to have several plots and separate stories and lots of people. However, maybe I should have rated it 3-Stars because I did read it from start to finish without a pause. But I prefer the old-style Western story (think Bill Johnstone) where the characters are identified, the plot explained, and it goes straight to work solving the problem. This was more rambling than entertaining, but it certainly had a lot of characters to hold my interest… for a few pages. And a good guy didn’t get a girl! My apologies to Jo Ann, I bought this book used; a change from my policy for over 25 years of buying the books new in honor of Bill’s wonderful writing!

William Johnstone Books # 62) A Quiet, Little Town (A Red Ryan Western Book 4)

Book Summary: JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. ONE WILD RIDE.  Stagecoach guard Red Ryan has managed to survive every dirty, danger-filled trail in Texas. But this time, the journey is hell on four wheels. And the next stop could be his last . . .  BIG TROUBLE IN A SMALL TOWN   It starts with an unusual request: “On this trip there will be no cussing, no drinking, no gambling, and no loose women.” No problem. Or so Red Ryan thinks—until he meets the passengers. They include four holy and silent monks, one beautiful lady tutor, and a drunken, washed-up gunfighter. Even worse, they’re crossing the wild Texas hill country where bloodthirsty Apaches are on the loose and a mad-dog killer is on the prowl. But that can’t compare to what’s waiting for them at Fredericksburg. In this quiet little town, every man, woman, and monk will reveal their true colors. Green for greed. Yellow for cowardice. Black for pure unadulterated evil. Which leaves Red—gunning for his life . . .    Live Free. Read Hard.    

A 5-Star Review: I enjoyed reading this book. Lots of action, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I really like the foot notes at the ending of the book. I would recommend this book to everyone.

A Critical Review: I have enjoyed a number of the Johnstone westerns, but not this one. It was too long and too cut up, and filled with WAY too much banter and “cutesy” dialogue. Honestly, I don’t think there was a single memorable character in this one, and I won’t be reading any more of this particular series…

William Johnstone Books # 63) Last Stage to El Paso (A Red Ryan Western Book 5)

Book Summary: JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHERE LEGENDS DIE HARD.Riding shotgun, Red Ryan leads a doomed stagecoach of the damned on the longest, deadliest journey of his life . . .5 PASSENGERS. 400 MILES. 1,000 WAYS TO DIE. According to local legend, the stagecoach known as the Gray Ghost is either haunted, cursed, or just plain unlucky. Each of its last three drivers and three more riding shotgun came to a violent, bloody end. And now it’s Red Ryan’s turn to guard five foolhardy passengers on the stage’s next—and possibly last—trip. The travelers are a small troupe of performers with dark histories of their own: a song-and-dance man with a drinking problem, a juggler with a secret, a knife thrower with a past, and a beautiful fan dancer who’s on the run from a one-eyed, vengeance-seeking outlaw . . .   Red’s not the superstitious type. But with Apaches on the warpath with bloodlust—and a one-eyed cutthroat killer on his trail—this 400 mile journey is like something straight out of his worst nightmare. And all the roads lead straight to hell . . . Live Free. Read Hard.  

William Johnstone Books # 64) The Jackals

Book Summary: Three vigilantes are trapped like rats in this action-packed Western series opener by the authors of the New York Times–bestselling Smoke Jensen series.Fate brought them together.It may also send them straight to hell. With Apaches on the prod, ex-cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan, bounty hunter Jed Breen, and ex-Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch take shelter in a West Texas way station—along with a hot-as-a-pistol female bound for the gallows, a spiteful newspaper editor, and a coward with $50,000 who promises them five grand if they’ll deliver his blood-soaked stash to his wife. Turns out, Indians might be the least of the problems for the trio, soon to be known as the Jackals. The loot’s stolen property of the vengeful Hawkin gang, and these prairie rats are merciless, stone-cold killers. And the brother of the man the woman killed wants to butcher her himself rather than watch her swing. McCulloch, Keegan, and Breen are ready for a showdown—but the Jackals may not live to spend that $5,000.Perfect for fans of The Hateful Eight.

A 5-Star Review: Heads up if you want a suspense filled, action packed gut wrenching book to read. William W. Johnston does not disappoint with this raw, action filled book that holds the reader from page to page not wanting to put it down. The jackals are so called for their efficiency in killing outlaws or hostile Indians attacking ranchers or settlements. A chapter on each one gives the reader the background behind each persona and one can see where shear survival has sharpened their instincts and reflexes under adverse conditions. An excellent book!

A Critical Review: This was a good story but not as good as it would have been if W. W. Johnstone was still alive Nd writing. It was a little slow and not as smooth and flowing as I was use to from a Johntone book. BUT IT HAD A little twist in the end that was good reading

William Johnstone Books # 65) Stand Up and Die (The Jackals Book 2)

Book Summary: The wild bunch known as the Jackals returns for another round of justice served cold, hard, and with as many bullets as it takes. National bestselling authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone are at it again . . . Johnstone. Making the West wilder.  Some say bad luck comes in threes. And if you’re a bandit, bank robber, or bloodthirsty killer, that bad luck comes in the form of three hard justice-seekers known as the Jackals. Each of the Jackals has his own path to follow: Former Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch is trying to protect a young Commanche from scalphunters. Retired cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan is dodging bullets in a prison breakout planned by the notorious Benteen brothers. And bounty hunter Jed Breen is bringing in one of the bank-robbing Kruger twins—while the other one’s out for his blood . . .  Three Jackals. Three roads to justice. But when their paths cross near Arizona’s Dead River, they’ve got to join forces and face all of their enemies come hell or high water. They don’t call it Dead River for nothing . . .   Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: I would love to say these three men, the Jackals, had no heart, but Keegan, MacCulloch, and Breen showed that their hearts weren’t as cold as they projected. It was a harsh place, but I liked how things turned out for Charlotte, and I cannot forget that little buzz of attraction between her and MacCulloch. This book ended as it began, pretty darn entertaining, exciting, and exhilarating.

A Critical Review: I surely would like to know the name of the author who wrote this lousy story. Nearly half the book was about individual Jackals before getting to the main story. And it turned into a terrible mess of good guys, bad guys, and confused Indians. The only nice thing was the last page which described the wicked poisoning woman who turned out to be pretty good after all!

William Johnstone Books # 66) Every Mother’s Son (The Jackals Book 3)

Book Summary: Three men of honor. One impossible mission. No turning back. The Jackals ride again—in the Johnstones’ gunblazing chronicle of the wild and lawless West . . . JOHNSTONE JUSTICE. RELEASE THE JACKALS.  In Texas’s Big Bend country, every man has a price. For crime lord Harry Holland and his ruthless gang of cutthroats, that price is $20,000—a ransom demand for the kidnapped daughter of a retired Army colonel. So far, neither the Army, the Rangers, nor bounty hunters have been able to penetrate Holland’s guarded fortress. In desperation, the colonel turns to the Jackals. As a longtime friend, retired cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan is determined to bring the man’s daughter back alive—with or without the ransom money—but first he needs to convince his partners, former Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch and bounty hunter Jed Breen. This is no ordinary job. There’s a very good chance it’s suicide. . .  When word gets out that the Jackals are on the case, all hell breaks loose. They’re up against trigger-happy mercenaries, marauding Apaches, and one final, jaw-dropping surprise—a kidnapping victim who doesn’t want to be rescued. This time, the Jackals have no one to save . . . but themselves.  Live Free. Read Hard.

A 5-Star Review: Excellent writer with good sense of subject that keeps the reader fully engrossed in the book

A Critical Review: I thought the book was rather stupid. I don’t know who wrote this book but , I could not even finish it. It was very boring. I normally read William Johnstone books but????? 

William Johnstone Books # 67) Dead River (The Jackals Book 4)

Book Summary: On the wild western frontier, the three men known as the Jackals stand between the law and the lawless—delivering their own brand of justice with a fast draw, dead aim, and enough bullets to populate Boot Hill. Johnstone Territory. Where DeathRides Hard.   Apache renegade Bloody Hand plays a role in each of the Jackals’ lives. To bounty hunter Jed Breen, he is man with a price on his head. To retired cavalry segeant Sean Keegan, he is a cellmate after a drunken brawl. And to former Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch, he is the key to a mystery that has long haunted him.   When McCulloch breaks Bloody Hand out of jail, his fellow Jackals follow them into Mexico. Now, all four are wanted men. The U.S. Army and bounty hunters cross the Rio Grande in pursuit. Awaiting them south of the border are Mexican rurales led by Confederate expatriate Major Block Frazer seeking revenge against Bloody Hand.   But nothing will stop McCulloch from completing his mission—to save his daughter from the Apache band that abducted her years before. Outnumbered and outgunned, the Jackals will stand together to free McCulloch’s daughter—or end up hung, drawn, and quartered.    Live Free. Read Hard.  

William Johnstone Books # 68) Sawbones

Book Summary: Johnstone Justice. What America Needs Now.   Bestselling authors William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone give the classic American hero a real shot in the arm—in this epic story of a Rebel doctor fighting for justice in the aftermath of the Civil War . . .   VENGEANCE WITH A SCALPEL   On the blood-stained battlefields of a divided nation, Dr. Samuel Knight used his surgical skills to treat wounded Confederate soldiers. In the brutal prison camps of the Union Army, he offered his healing services to fellow captives who’d given up hope. But now, with the war over and the South in ruins, the good doctor faces his hardest challenge yet: to save himself . . .   Penniless and hungry, Knight has to beg, borrow, and steal to survive in a post-war hell that used to be his country. By the time he reaches his home in East Texas, it’s been taken over. Ruthless Union soldiers rule over the town with an iron fist. A Yankee carpetbagger is living in his old house—and the jackal has forced Knight’s wife to marry him. A normal man might give up, but Dr. Samuel Knight is going to take back what belongs to him. With a heartfull of grit and a hunger for revenge and with swift, surgical precision, he’ll stick a bullet in every dead man walking . . .

A 5-Star Review: I ‘ve enjoyed western for years and I’ll stack this author’s work right beside Louis L’Amour’s work any day. Johnston’s writing allows me to feel the saddle under me and enjoy the feel of the hot Texas sun burning the back of my neck.

A Critical Review: Cannot find much about Sawbones that I liked. The basic storyline would have worked but the author completely lost control of his characters and plot. It really became almost nonsensical in delivery and verbage. I have enjoyed some other works by this author, and while never a favorite they were at least readable. Not this one. I don’t normally give bad reviews, but this book inspired me to speak out. Sorry man, but you can do better

William Johnstone Books # 69) Never Seen Deader

Book Summary: When the war ended, Dr. Samuel Knight went home to Texas – but the life he expected was in ruins, his wife married to a carpetbagger. Trying to defend what’s left of his previous existence, the good doctor is branded an outlaw and driven from Texas. Now he’s laying low in New Mexico, with his image on wanted posters everywhere. But when the town explodes in violence, Knight will risk his neck to save innocent lives. After a cave-in injures a team of miners, Knight throws his cover aside to tend to their wounds. He catches the eye of Helena “Hellfire” Bonham, the mine’s owner, who’s wrapped up in a murderous dispute with her ex-husband over control of the land. She thinks he was responsible for the cave-in, and wants Knight to prove it. She’s chosen well, because if Dr. Samuel knight is quick with a scalpel, he’s even faster with a gun.

A 5-Star Review: This book by johnstone, never seen deader, so boring. Who really wrote this, needs to find a different job! I spent money on this! This is my review, not worth my time, or money.

William Johnstone Books # 70) The First Mountain Man (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 1)

Book Summary: Only one man can mete out justice on the unforgiving frontier. First in the Preacher series from the New York Times bestselling western author.   He’s known from the Northwest to the deserts of the Southwest as Preacher, though he’s as far from being a man of the cloth as you can get. But when he was a young greenhorn, he was caught by a marauding tribe and set to be burned alive, until he just started preaching and never stopped. Figuring he was as crazy as a lizard, his captors turned him loose.    Now with years of survival under his belt, Preacher is the only man who can lead a wagon train through the last leg of the Oregon Trail. He knows they’re headed into renegade outlaws and bloodthirsty Indians, yet somehow he has to get these pilgrims through safely—if he doesn’t want to be buried along the trail with the rest of them . . .   Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: Great novel about the hazards faced by all of the first people headed West by wagon train. Those without the help of a person like The First Mountain Man stood little chance of reaching their destination. The reader can always count on a well written novel from this author. I highly recommend his novels.

A Critical Review: Very disappointed with this book. I’d swear it was not written by an Johnson surely there must have been very interesting things involved in leading a large wagon train Rather than spending so much time killingothers

William Johnstone Books # 71) Blood on the Divide (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 2)

Book Summary: Preacher returns in this classic Western adventure from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The First Mountain Man.   This second book in William W. Johnstone’s Preacher series finds the legendary mountain man leading a wagon train of settlers into the Rockies—and through dangerous territory. Trapped on the Continental Divide by a blinding snowstorm, Preacher must fend off the gunfire of the wicked Pardee gang, and a band of marauding Utes.  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: Preacher had enough. The wholesale savage rape and murder went beyond anything he has seen and the outlaw gangs seemed to be organized to know when and where to hit innocent migrant trains filled with people seeking the promise of a better life. After leading a very small group of survivors to safety, Preacher is merciless with those intent on doing wholesale evil….renegade whites and outcast Indians. Page-turning action in this two-volume start with plenty of twists and turns. An excellent grasp of this historic era and well worth the time.

A Critical Review: I have read 4 Preacher books. One was the story of him running away from home as a child and his journey west. The other three were the same exact story. He finds a wagon train in need. He leads the wagon train which is beset by Indians and bands of robbers that have it in for preacher. The most beautiful woman on the wagon train falls for Preacher, but he keeps her at arms length and eventually kisses her goodbye. He kills somewhere between 30 and 60 bad guys. The end. This is the last one for me.

William Johnstone Books # 72) Absaroka Ambush (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 3)

Book Summary: Preacher brings his own brand of justice to a gang of grifters in this classic Western from the New York Timesbestselling author of Blood on the Divide.   The Price of Gold A wagon train winding through the remote reaches of the Rocky Mountain high country can attract plenty of scavengers—some of them human—like Vic Bedell and his gang of cutthroats. All he wants is the women, who can be traded for gold mine supplies . . . or used for whatever else he has in mind. But he didn’t count on Preacher leading that train.The Color of Blood Bedell’s first mistake is leaving the First Mountain Man for dead. His second mistake is underestimating Preacher’s strength . . . and cunning. And Preacher needs all he can get to lead a hundred and fifty helpless ladies out of captivity through fifteen hundred miles of unforgiving territory filled with hostile Indians—and the deadliest threat of all: Bedell and his wild avengers . . .   Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: I thought all of the First Mountain Man books have been very good except for the one about the Romans in the mountains. That one stretched a western novel too far for my taste. This one sure covered the West quite well and aptly covered the hardships that our western pioneers had to face. I don’t know how Johnstone can keep coming up with new storylines like he does but he does it very well

A Critical Review: Language could be better and not hurt the story line.

William Johnstone Books # 73) Forty Guns West (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 4)

Book Summary: Preacher is a wanted man in this straight-shooting Western adventure from the New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author of Absaroka Ambush.  A Friendly Place . . . During a trip back east for a family reunion, Preacher learns that even the civilized Midwest can attract a motherlode of trouble . . . especially when a gang of local bully boys decides to pick a fight. Now, wealthy landowner Elam Parks lies dead—and there’s a $5,000 reward on the head of the man accused: the first mountain man.. . . To Die The fortune in blood money has dispatched a small army of bounty hunters after Preacher. Now, back in his once-peaceful homestead in the High Lonesome, as he sights down the barrel of his ’33 Hall North breechloader, Preacher is ready for target practice. And he can’t think of a more scenic place to pick off the bloodthirsty manhunters, one by one . . .  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: Fantastic! Maybe as close to Louis L’Amour as I have read. Preacher is a mountain man who goes back to visit his folks in Ohio. While there, he is forced to kill an “important” person who was abusing a sickly 7 year old boy. Fair or not, a warrant is out for his arrest and he takes the boy and heads back to the Rockies. A couple of large groups, spurred by a huge reward, are determined to kill him. But they do not know the mountains like he does. If you like seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance, you get that in spades in this book! It is like watching the Keystone Cops as they stumble around. This is my first read by this author and it is #4 in the series, so I will definitely be reading more.

A Critical Review: The story is fantastic and the protagonist and the other characters are caricatures, equally unreal. This is almost a tall tale, rather than a plausible adventure. The writing style is puerile and shallow. Even so, it was good enough to finish reading, but not to want another in the series

William Johnstone Books # 74) Cheyenne Challenge (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 5)

Book Summary: It’s the final showdown between Preacher his longtime nemesis in a rip-roaring adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of Forty Guns West. Mountain men are skilled at survival. Preacher, the greatest of all those warriors of the forest, will kill anything—beast or man—that threatens his existence. Ten years ago, he taught this violent lesson to gun-crazed Ezra Pease when he ran the outlaw out of town. But Pease and his trail-scum gang are back—shooting up trouble and crossing the Big Empty to nail Preacher’s hide to a tree. So Preacher’s riding out to teach Pease one final lesson. But it could be too late because Pease’s vicious dealings have fired up an all-out Indian war. Now, with hard-riding death on both sides, Preacher and some old friends called Beartooth, Dupre, and Nighthawk are heading straight into lead-flying, scalp-slashing hell . . .   Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: Preacher had enough. The wholesale savage rape and murder went beyond anything he has seen and the outlaw gangs seemed to be organized to know when and where to hit innocent migrant trains filled with people seeking the promise of a better life. After leading a very small group of survivors to safety, Preacher is merciless with those intent on doing wholesale evil….renegade whites and outcast Indians. Page-turning action in this two-volume start with plenty of twists and turns. An excellent grasp of this historic era and well worth the time.

A Critical Review: I have read 4 Preacher books. One was the story of him running away from home as a child and his journey west. The other three were the same exact story. He finds a wagon train in need. He leads the wagon train which is beset by Indians and bands of robbers that have it in for preacher. The most beautiful woman on the wagon train falls for Preacher, but he keeps her at arms length and eventually kisses her goodbye. He kills somewhere between 30 and 60 bad guys. The end. This is the last one for me.

William Johnstone Books # 75) Preacher and the Mountain Caesar (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 6)

Book Summary: Preacher isn’t going down without a fight in this classic Western novel from the New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author of Cheyenne Challenge.  One Man And . . .  No one remembered when he’d come to the mountains—it seemed that Preacher had always been there. He’d seen a great deal in the unmapped hills and forests of the grand North American frontier. In fact, he’d just told a friend that he wasn’t surprised by anything anymore. But Preacher hadn’t seen Nova Roma yet . . .  . . . A Deadly Dream of Glory Suddenly, Preacher is faced with the strangest, most dangerous army the High Lonesome has ever seen. Its leader is a blood-mad fanatic right out of the ancient history books. All Preacher’s got on his side are his brother mountain men: tough as hardtack good old boys like Philadelphia Braddock and Frenchie Dupree; the Arapaho warrior Bold Pony; and his surefire Walker Colt . . .  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: I had read all the series of Preacher: The First Mountain Man years ago. I decided to order and read them on my Kindle. I was not disappointed and have enjoyed re-reading them again. My only complaint with the series is the number of typos throughout each of the books. Whoever typed them for the Kindle version certainly did not pay attention to detail.

A Critical Review: This review is for Preacher and the Mountain Caesar, Cheyenne Challenge, and Blackfoot Messiah. These books, on their own would be 2 or 3 star reads at best, but lose as many stars as possible for defrauding readers into think these are a continuation of Johnstone’s Preacher stories. The character called Preacher here, bears some superficial resemblance to Johnstone’s Preacher, but must have been written by someone who had little idea of the previously written stories. Preacher, here, is a pale imitation of the one we know. Do not waste you money like I did.

William Johnstone Books # 76) Blackfoot Messiah (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 7)

Book Summary: In the seventh book in his bestselling Preacher series, William W. Johnstone gives his millions of avid fans exactly the kind of gritty, action-packed Western novel they look for from this prolific and hugely popular writer.”A Messiah Shall Lead Them…”.In the Wyoming wild, Blackfoot warriors prepare for battle, their bloodlust stirred by a legendary prophet promising victory in a war that will forever rid the plains of the white man. To legendary mountain man Preacher, it isn’t a promise – it’s a threat. But being out-numbered in a savage frontier means justice will be as hard-earned and uncertain as…survival.”…To An Early Grave”.With a loyal Cheyenne as his guide, and a spirited Dragoon squadron for cover, Preacher forges up the treacherous Sante Fe trail. But the only way to win this war is to unmask the hell-raising Messiah whose godforsaken message is leading a desperate people into certain massacre…

A 5-Star Review: I bought a large number of these titles for my husband (fiance’ at the time) as a gift because he mentioned being a fan of this author’s original series of books. He has verbalized that he thoroughly enjoyed all of the titles in the series so I will pretty much copy/paste this review on all of the titles. He fully recommends all the ones written by the actual author. He does not feel the same about the ones apparently written by the heirs of his publishing projects, but all books we will be commenting on, he enjoyed and thinks any fan of western literature would enjoy them as well.

A Critical Review: Not quite as good as other Johnstone books i have read.

William Johnstone Books # 77) Preacher (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 8)

Book Summary: He will Become a Legend…Before the legend of Preacher there was a man, and before the man there was a boy. In this thrilling new novel, William W. Johnstone tells the story of a young man filled with wanderlust and raw courage—who will someday become a hero.…If He SurvivesOn nothing more than a lark, he leaves his family and begins a journey from Ohio westward. Along the way, he runs up against badlands and bad men, loses his freedom, gains his freedom, and learns the first rule of the frontier: do whatever it takes to survive.PreacherWith ruthless enemies after him—both white men and Indians—he’ll head for a place as brutal as it is beautiful—the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. Two years later, he will come back down from the mountaintop with new skills, and a new future as one of the most feared and admired men of his time…a man called Preacher.

A 5-Star Review: We live in the mountains of Colorado near long lost towns like Whiskey Joe’s and a mountain named after a dance hall girl named Silver Hills. Most of the town’s came after gold was discovered. After Art’s time but still old west. The book describes the way life was during that time. Whiskey, whores and shelter were the three main interest that the tough and hard men were looking for. Killing a man for doing wrong to others was a way of life. This story painted a picture as it was in our part of the world in the 1800. Great read and I was looking for a book like Lee Child’s character Richer and I have found it in W.W.Johnstone’ s series.

William Johnstone Books # 78) Preacher’s Peace (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 9)

Book Summary: Long before there was a mountain man called Preacher, a young adventurer set off with a team of fur traders from St. Louis for the time of his life. On a wild frontier, he sought a fortune. Instead, he found blood, betrayal, and the beginning of a legend. Armed only with a knife, surrounded by a fierce Blackfoot war party, the young man was forced to kill a warrior chief in an act of audacious courage. But when a grizzly bear attack left him half-dead, he could no longer protect himself. By the time the Blackfeet found him again, he had been abandoned and doublecrossed, with only one last trick up his sleeve: the ability to talk himself out of an impossible situation — and into a battle for his life.So began William Johnstone’s masterful saga of the courageous loner who would become known as Preacher. Because when he was alone and desperate, he drew on a preacher’s skills — and a mountain man’s cunning — to give his enemies hell.

A 5-Star Review: When you read these exciting adventures of Art, better know as “PREACHER” from this point on. A bit of insight of how he was labeled with his new name. We are introduced to Jennie, the slave from New Orleans whose freedom was bought with sharp shooting match which the Preacher won. We also find out how “DOG” becomes a trusted and devoted partner as he accompanies Preacher on his many trips in the mountains and occasional trading post for supplies. This is fast moving chronicle of the Preacher’s life and the many friends/acquaintances he will have for a lifetime. But sadly these mountain men die from this harsh life they have chosen. So keep your coffee hot and watch your back..

A Critical Review: I have read this series and enjoyed them up until this book. Now, instead of merely mentioning something that happened in a previous book, an entire chapter repeats what was already covered in the last book. It’s irritating and detracts from the story line.

William Johnstone Books # 79) Preacher’s Justice (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 10)

Book Summary: He Fought For His FreedomIn a land of towering mountains and howling winds, a man has found a home–away from other men and away from memories of the past. A trapper by trade, a fighter at heart, he has earned the name “Preacher,” and a legend of his own.He Fought For His LifeIn the wilds, Preacher has learned the rules of survival, and he has killed in order to live. But now something is forcing him out of his Rocky Mountain range for the so-called “civilized” world. It is the memory of a woman. It is her blood calling out for revenge. . .Now, He’ll Fight For The TruthIn St. Louis, a girl from Preacher’s past has been murdered. For the man whose heart she once touched, the time has come to leave the high wild country–for truth, justice and a new reason to kill. . .

A 5-Star Review: Love the realism. Weapons seem to fit well as does the geography. Great stories with good history. The author understands that as civilization spreads, laws are made, people forget “Evil triumphs when good men do nothing.”

A Critical Review: This book has a lot of errors. CARLA is referred to as Clara and also Cara. It is the same character but the author and editor didn’t catch it. Also the woman Jennie was killed in St. Lewis and at one point it was said New York. Nothing else in the book even mentioned New York. There are also several places when things are being recalled that the author just used the text from the previous book word for word. I have enjoyed most of the series but those things were very distracting. I have purchased 2 more of the series so I will see if they are done better.

William Johnstone Books # 80) Preacher’s Journey (The First Mountain Man Book 11)

Book Summary: Nothing is as it seems on the snowy frontier. Preacher returns in a hoof-pounding adventure by the New York Timesbestselling author of Preacher’s Justice. Before he became a legend, Preacher was a trapper peacefully plying his trade in the Rocky Mountains. But people needed a hero . . . and Preacher was the only one around.  Now a wagon train of pioneers is struggling westward toward Oregon through the howling winter—and a band of Arikara warriors are hot on their trail. Little do the Arikaras suspect that they’re about to come face-to-face—and gun-to-gun—with a ferocious fight they never expected . . . courtesy of a wily mountain man. As Preacher struggles to bring the settlers to safety, he learns the real reason they were attacked—and begins to suspect that the secrets they’ve been keeping equal a worse kind of danger. With treachery in the air, more Arikaras on the warpath, and a deadly deep freeze bearing down, trust is a thing of the past—and survival is all that matters.  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: A real action tale. Deception and fury in a blistering winter. Secrets that Preacher dug out of green men unfamiliar with the frontier. Tracked by vengeance filled indians, terrible death awaits those unprepared. A strong tale by an excellent author, this book will become one to enjoy again later.

A Critical Review: I have not read this book yet. I bought it to partially complete a story series. I have three other books to read, in sequence, before this. You should an another answer option with your FIVE stars. My top suggestion would be: OTHER. Some other could be: Not Applicable, later, not now, trc. Maybe you could come up with a better choice.

William Johnstone Books # 81) Preacher’s Fortune (The Preacher Book 12)

Book Summary: There’s gold in them thar hills—and Preacher’s making sure it gets where it belongs. From the New York Timesbestselling author of Preacher’s Journey.   They call him Preacher. And they call him when they need help. Now, a Mexican brother and sister have asked the legendary frontiersman to accompany them into the Sangre de Cristo mountains—to find a missing family fortune of gold and silver.   But another man has been lured by the promise of wealth—a treasure hunter whose only motive is pure greed. He’s hired a posse of killers to ride by his side. Preacher has never shrunk from a fight, and the hills will echo with the blast of gunfire before they give up their bounty.    Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: Preacher does what Preacher always does and saves the day. In this book he’s also charged with finding and saving some lost gold. It’s a fight to the finish from beginning to end.

A Critical Review: Interesting story, too many typos. But fun to read just the same.

William Johnstone Books # 82) Preacher’s Quest (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 13)

Book Summary: This mountain man has the Good Book—and a fast draw—on his side. From the New York Time bestselling author of Preacher’s Fortune.    The harsh, unforgiving frontier is no place for innocents. And when an old friend of the Preacher’s asks him to guide a gaggle of wide-eyed Easterners through the Rockies, Preacher responds with a polite: “Hell no.” But the pilgrims are pursued by a gang of outlaws—and then ambushed by angry Indians. With his friend caught up in the melee, Preacher has no choice but to try to rescue him—and anyone else who happens to be within reach. Suddenly a battle turns into an all-out war as one of the Easterners has an explosive secret that could get them all killed. Add some stone-cold cutthroats with a chilling plan, and this man of God will have a devil of a time saving some souls—and sending others to meet their Maker . . .   Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: This Johnstone book was about as good as it gets. I don’t know how he is able to come up with so many different scenarios. I think this was one of his best. Indians, soldiers, several groups of bad people…he got them all in, plus a love story st the end.

A Critical Review: Not one of the best in the series. There were too many unrealistic fights and I didn’t care for the secondary characters.

William Johnstone Books # 83) Preacher’s Showdown (Preacher/The First Mountain Man Book 14)

Book Summary: Save your prayers for those who dare to cross the Preacher. Rip-snortin’ Western adventure from the national bestselling authors of the Jensen Brand books.  On a Journey for Dreamers In the bustling streets of St. Louis, two cousins have a dream: to travel west with a wagon train of supplies and make a fortune in trade. Since a rugged mountain man called the Preacher saved their bacon once before, they turn to him again . . .In a Land Full of Danger Preacher needs a job and is heading west anyway. But he doesn’t bargain on the beautiful woman who sneaks her way into the wagon train and the trouble she brings on board. Then, before he can wash his hands of the whole bunch, he’s suddenly in a fight for his life.All Roads Lead to the Preacher . . .  Sensing easy prey, outlaws in a lawless land have swooped down on the band of pilgrims already bitterly divided by secrets, passions, and hatred. And for that, they will all answer to the Preacher . . .  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: This was an interesting read in William W. Johnstone’s long series about Preacher. This story begins in St. Louis and involves Preacher guiding a wagon containing trade goods that two cousins plan to use to start a trading post. There a lot action involving Preacher, the cousins and their associates. Another well written book by W. W. Johnstone that kept my interest throughout. Strongly recommend for fans of western history and W. W. Johnstone.

A Critical Review: Not at all up to the standard of previous novels about this character.

William Johnstone Books # 84) Preacher’s Pursuit (The First Mountain Man Book 15)

Book Summary: The chase is on in this wild ride of a Western adventure from the bestselling authors of Preacher’s Showdown.  Dreams of Gold and Power The mountains are brimming with the lure of fortunes—from gold to a booming fur trade. A man at home in this once pristine wilderness, Preacher knows there’s no turning back civilization now. What he doesn’t know is that beyond the plans of some men is a deadly enemy with far more dangerous designs . . . Schemes of Blood and Betrayal  With vengeance-hungry criminals shadowing his every move, Preacher meets a beautiful woman working to bring a rail line to a remote settlement. And while Preacher is distracted by both the beauty and by beastly outlaws, Indians attack the outpost—and settlers fight furiously back for their survival. One Man’s Fight for the Future of a Land . . .  When the smoke clears and blood dries, Preacher realizes that he’s in a war more deadly and complex than any he’s known. Agents of a foreign government ignited the Indian attack. And they’ve got far bigger plans—and only Preacher stands in their way . . .  Praise for the novels of William W. Johnstone   “[A] rousing, two-fisted saga of the growing American frontier.”—Publishers Weekly on Eyes of Eagles   “There’s plenty of gunplay and fast-paced action as this old-time hero proves again that a steady eye and quick reflexes are the keys to survival on the Western frontier.”—Curled Up with a Good Book on Dead Before Sundown

A 5-Star Review: Preacher has a STALKER unknown to him. The settlement will be attacked by Blackfeet Indians who have been supplied free guns by English spies who are trying to start an Indian uprising so that England can retake the land west of the Big Muddy. Preacher is taken by the beauty of english
spy, Laura Mallory who he thought had been taken captive with her brother Clyde Mallory said by the Blackfeet. Poor Preacher had his suspicion about the whole incident. Lots of treachery, backstabbing, spies, kidnapping and possible rapes. What a cornucopia of events; we almost Dog and PREACHER, the men sent from St. Louis captured Preacher and were planning on burning him alive by tossing him into a pit of fire…hot🔥 mess….you all should read this adventure….you won’t put your KINDLE down…🐾🐾

A Critical Review: I have read many of. Johnstone’s books and have loved every one. I also loved this book, but I almost put it down in the first chapter. This is the worst edited book I have read in along time. You start reading and it jumps letters, whole sentences, and paragraphs. Once past the first chapter the errors stop and the book changes from a 3 star to 4.5 star book. I will continue buying and reading books by William Johnstone as long as he writes them.

William Johnstone Books # 85) Preacher’s Fire (The First Mountain Man Book 16)

Book Summary: A Mountain Man In DisguiseA big city like St. Louis is the last place where a mountain man like Preacher would pick a fight. But how else will he get at the ruthless power broker who is using fear and bloodshed to take over the Western fur trade? A Killer In ControlShaving his beard, posing as a greedy hayseed from Ohio, the Preacher comes face-to-face with Shad Beaumont–who is leaving St. Louis with an army of hired gunmen. . .with the Preacher on his tail.And A Fire That’s Just Begun To EruptThe odds couldn’t be worse and the battleground couldn’t be better. For the wild frontier is no place for fancy plots or poor disguises–but a fine spot for a killing ground. . .

A 5-Star Review: Another great moving action filled western with our friends from the Rockies, Preacher, Uncle Dan Sullivan, Dog and Horse. Everyone on their way to St. Loos(Louis), to locate a devious thug named “Shad Beaumont.” A man killer who had caused the death of Uncle Dan’s nephew Pete. Now Beaumont had the nerve to put a “BOUNTY”
on Preacher, because Preacher slayed all the thugs Beaumont had sent to take over the fur business of the Hudson Bay Fur Company. It’s what we call a syndicate today extending out west…you know wealth..and no law to hinder your extortion…,but there was a blockade called
“PREACHER.”
Everyone will ENJOY this adventure series of
“THE FIRST MOUNTAIN MAN, PREACHER.”

A Critical Review: A little different from some of the other First Mountain Man series books. There’s a little wagon train fight scene as you would expect; but most of the book will have you waiting in suspense for something to happen while Preacher tries to make his move on Shad Beaumont in town. Overall not a bad book at all; but may have you wishing Preacher would quit beating around the bush to get his job done.

William Johnstone Books # 86) Preacher’s Assault (The First Mountain Man Book 17)

Book Summary: The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st CenturyOn A Trail Blazed With BloodThe Sante Fe Trail stretches from the Mississippi River to New Mexico Territory through the West’s most savage lands. That’s why a wealthy trader hires the mountain man called Preacher to keeps his trade goods safe–and hopefully deliver a flock of pilgrims to a Promised Land.One Man Knows His WayA young prostitute. The spoiled son of the wagon train owner–these are a few of the souls Preacher must protect. But then a rifle goes off at the wrong moment. A towering grizzly bear attacks. And both outlaws and Comanches ambush the wagon train. . .Behind The Barrel Of A GunNow, the travelers are surrounded by predators of every shape and stripe. For Preacher, there is only one way to go–straight into the heart of danger, to blaze a killing trail of his own. . .

A 5-Star Review: Hey Hey Preacher and friends are on their way back to Santa Fe, with friends who rescued. Their names are Lorenzo a freed slave and Casey whose an escapee from a house of Ill repute. During this trip to St. Louis he also was asked to guide a freight train to Santa Fe, you’ll know Preacher doesn’t like those types of jobs, he finds the responsibility a lot, especially the dangers that these pilgrims are going to meet. This is also a trip that Preacher faces his reality of death. Oh, he knew the type life he lived, DEATH was always there waiting. He fought a bear and received horrible wounds, attacked by Indians, bushwackers just escorting these freight wagons.
His life was always on edge..I will say while reading Preacher’s adventures, he’s a man, who accepts people regardless of the ethnicity, he’s a respectful of Mother Earth, he only takes what he needs. He may not be college educated, but he has a lot of Mother Sense along with Common Sense. He’s the kind of man you want protecting your back, a protector…PREACHER PREACHER🙌

A Critical Review: I enjoy the books about the mountain men, but the action needs to be more fluid. Too much is not well planned.

Conclusion

With close to two hundred books written throughout his life, William Johnstone continues to be a best-selling author loved and admired for his writing talents. If you love action-packed western fiction, then we encourage you to check out our list of similar western authors here. And if you are looking for a book you can read for free, check out this month’s free read.