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The Brothers O'Brien #2
Shadow of the Hangman
Johnstone, William W., Johnstone, J.A.
- GenresWesterns
394 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
235 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,055 books1,412 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 2, 2017
My first western book in a very long time. I really enjoyed it.
October 20, 2021
Some of the characters I truly enjoy, but these stories are so weird. There are parts that are weird good, but these always take really dark turns which I don't enjoy. They don't stick to normal paths, which is good, but not sure how many of these I'll end up reading. Acting was spot on as always. It's ruined regularly read westerns at this point.
November 13, 2024
This one was, well not my favorite to say the least. good main plot point of revenge. Classic "you killed my pa!" However...Pa was a Satanist. His kids are also satanists. They are angry at the Catholics down by the valley for hanging Pa for a hanging offense. then people are frames. lots of raping and murdering. Cultist rituals, mystic Catholic Monks, and a lot of out of place moments (think of Dora and Jacob in the cave). I really still can't tell if i like the O'Briens or if they are the lesser of the evils in their area. the moral high ground is often tough to fine. This felt more like Dean Koontz tried to write a bad horror western. I needed to finish this, but i don't think i will revisit the O'Brien tales. I have been liking just about every other storyline in the Johnstone western mythos.So much like Bob Seger I will turn the page again and read something else
September 27, 2017
EVIL IS AS EVIL WAS
Satanic worshippers with HELL as their main focus. Lots of twists and turns with evil as the main course of action. The O'Brien Clan lead by the father Shamus O'Brien who owns Dromore, his family ranch. Reading this adventure you would never think the plot would be about Satanism. This is a real head Turner, keeps you in suspended throughout the adventure.
I'm sure we will read more about the O'Brien Clan. Each son can hold their own, they are a power to reckon with. Let NOTHING surprise you as you join the clan on their journey to fight the
EVIL that's trying to destroy them and Dromore.
.........This author brings it to the table.........
Satanic worshippers with HELL as their main focus. Lots of twists and turns with evil as the main course of action. The O'Brien Clan lead by the father Shamus O'Brien who owns Dromore, his family ranch. Reading this adventure you would never think the plot would be about Satanism. This is a real head Turner, keeps you in suspended throughout the adventure.
I'm sure we will read more about the O'Brien Clan. Each son can hold their own, they are a power to reckon with. Let NOTHING surprise you as you join the clan on their journey to fight the
EVIL that's trying to destroy them and Dromore.
.........This author brings it to the table.........
November 18, 2019
Typical western, but with a twist
I've read a lot of westerns and while the fighting, shootouts and language are pretty familiar, the storyline is not. This one has the intrepid O'Brien clan fighting against pure evil. A brother and sister hellbent on revenge for the hanging of their rustler father ten years earlier have called up dark powers to help them ruin the O'Briens. A good story, but quite graphic.
I've read a lot of westerns and while the fighting, shootouts and language are pretty familiar, the storyline is not. This one has the intrepid O'Brien clan fighting against pure evil. A brother and sister hellbent on revenge for the hanging of their rustler father ten years earlier have called up dark powers to help them ruin the O'Briens. A good story, but quite graphic.
July 8, 2019
Classic Western Story Telling!!!
Once again the amazing master of action/adventure/western story telling delivers absolute perfection. This story delivers a bit of a macabre twist along with the amazing western story telling that we are use to from the amazingly talented William W. Johnstone.
Once again the amazing master of action/adventure/western story telling delivers absolute perfection. This story delivers a bit of a macabre twist along with the amazing western story telling that we are use to from the amazingly talented William W. Johnstone.
October 28, 2017
WOW!
I think this series is my favorite so far. I am disappointed 😞 that book 3 is not available in a kindle edition. Guess I will go on to book 4. Love these characters and their complexity.
I think this series is my favorite so far. I am disappointed 😞 that book 3 is not available in a kindle edition. Guess I will go on to book 4. Love these characters and their complexity.
September 14, 2017
Good read
Good character development; interesting story line but easy to follow . Somewhat mystical but interesting. Easy reading and can be completed in 1-2 sit downs.
Good character development; interesting story line but easy to follow . Somewhat mystical but interesting. Easy reading and can be completed in 1-2 sit downs.
September 19, 2017
Unusually Good
This book was a great read from the very beginning. And a very unusual western read. I can't say enough about this great read. You have to read this one.
This book was a great read from the very beginning. And a very unusual western read. I can't say enough about this great read. You have to read this one.
January 12, 2018
Outstanding!
This is a fine tale of Western lore, of good winning over evil. It is written and edited well and is exciting and interesting all the way through.
This is a fine tale of Western lore, of good winning over evil. It is written and edited well and is exciting and interesting all the way through.
February 7, 2018
Excellent read
Good, hard to put down read. I recommend it highly with all its twists and turns. More than the typical western shoot em up.
Good, hard to put down read. I recommend it highly with all its twists and turns. More than the typical western shoot em up.
May 2, 2018
Good read
My first William Johnstone and I enjoyed it. The writing puts you in the moment and carries you through the story..
My first William Johnstone and I enjoyed it. The writing puts you in the moment and carries you through the story..
July 26, 2019
Liked it!
A bit slow at times but the storyline came together and made for an excellent western fable. Would love to see a follow up to see how Jake fares in hisnew life
A bit slow at times but the storyline came together and made for an excellent western fable. Would love to see a follow up to see how Jake fares in hisnew life
August 22, 2019
Wow
Unlike any western I have ever read Bravo Mr. Johnstone. You kept me turning pages past my bedtime. Keep up the good work.
Unlike any western I have ever read Bravo Mr. Johnstone. You kept me turning pages past my bedtime. Keep up the good work.
March 12, 2022
Not into the occult.
May 19, 2023
An Action-filled, first rate western. Caution on the violence and devil-worship scenes.
June 18, 2025
really enjoyed this book
Took awhile but had me glued plenty of action and blood good story though ,now to look for something as good as
Took awhile but had me glued plenty of action and blood good story though ,now to look for something as good as
August 13, 2021
Surrounded by black poison air, Nemesis lovely Dora, crippled brother Josh, burned face Lum, fast gun Luke, all serve Master Devil, want good lady Lorena abused.
May 20, 2012
From The Spur & Lock Mercantile (http://spurandlock.blogspot.com/2012/...
One can easily argue that every one of the various WWJ series is in some way or other a family saga. One of the two newest WWJ series has its feet firmly planted in the family saga mold, that of The Brothers O'Brien. The opening book of the series describes the establishing of the O'Brien clan's ranch, Dromore, by Shamus, his wife Saraid, and his segundo Luther Ironside. Four boys are born to the O'Briens before the death of the missus, and this band of gritty men face off any threats to their independence or the well-being of Dromore.
In both of the series' first two novels, the villains are truly evil. In the first novel, a scheming daughter of a Mexican landowner brings about the death of her own father as she schemes to bring the wealth of the O'Briens under her control. In the second, honest-to-goodness Satan worshippers plot revenge on the O'Briens for the hanging of family member after caught rustling ten years earlier. One wonders if this O'Briens-against-the-forces-of-Hell's-evils will be a continuing theme for the series. The writing styles for the two books differ, suggesting two ghost-writers are behind the books, but the characterizations are consistent, and J.A. Johnstone or someone has done a good job checking continuity. The various members of the cast are engaging and entertaining to follow in their interactions with one another and with other characters. Like other WWJ series, this one likely will go long and far.
One can easily argue that every one of the various WWJ series is in some way or other a family saga. One of the two newest WWJ series has its feet firmly planted in the family saga mold, that of The Brothers O'Brien. The opening book of the series describes the establishing of the O'Brien clan's ranch, Dromore, by Shamus, his wife Saraid, and his segundo Luther Ironside. Four boys are born to the O'Briens before the death of the missus, and this band of gritty men face off any threats to their independence or the well-being of Dromore.
In both of the series' first two novels, the villains are truly evil. In the first novel, a scheming daughter of a Mexican landowner brings about the death of her own father as she schemes to bring the wealth of the O'Briens under her control. In the second, honest-to-goodness Satan worshippers plot revenge on the O'Briens for the hanging of family member after caught rustling ten years earlier. One wonders if this O'Briens-against-the-forces-of-Hell's-evils will be a continuing theme for the series. The writing styles for the two books differ, suggesting two ghost-writers are behind the books, but the characterizations are consistent, and J.A. Johnstone or someone has done a good job checking continuity. The various members of the cast are engaging and entertaining to follow in their interactions with one another and with other characters. Like other WWJ series, this one likely will go long and far.
April 25, 2016
I've read quite a few Johnstone westerns (or at least westerns by several people named Johnstone, as it seems to be a family effort). They are enjoyable enough pulpy romances (not romantic content but romanticized versions of history and people). This is the best of the ones I have read.
The heroes in this book are the O'Brian family, but they aren't glowing lantern-jawed saints who never miss and are only winged by a shot once in a while. They're big ranchers, with a father who is a bit harsh in his treatment of others, having hanged many rustlers and who dominates the territory. In fact, the bad guys stand out from the O'Brian family more by being so incredibly evil than by the heroes being so saintly.
The main characters are more human than previous Johnstone books, and some of them go through some pretty rough situations.
Of particular enjoyment were the minor side characters who in a paragraph or two are fascinating and memorable without being caricatures or comedy relief. Some of the dialog truly sparkled and left me with a grin.
There were some unambiguious supernatural moments in the story which might make some uncomfortable or annoyed, but which fit the times and the characters well in my opinion.
The heroes in this book are the O'Brian family, but they aren't glowing lantern-jawed saints who never miss and are only winged by a shot once in a while. They're big ranchers, with a father who is a bit harsh in his treatment of others, having hanged many rustlers and who dominates the territory. In fact, the bad guys stand out from the O'Brian family more by being so incredibly evil than by the heroes being so saintly.
The main characters are more human than previous Johnstone books, and some of them go through some pretty rough situations.
Of particular enjoyment were the minor side characters who in a paragraph or two are fascinating and memorable without being caricatures or comedy relief. Some of the dialog truly sparkled and left me with a grin.
There were some unambiguious supernatural moments in the story which might make some uncomfortable or annoyed, but which fit the times and the characters well in my opinion.
June 29, 2012
A farmer's wife is murdered viciously after being raped and a poker left sticking from her and three witnesses, one of them the bible-thumping husband of the dead woman, claimed to have seen Patrick O'Brien, the refined, book-loving brother of the clan racing from the barn. He claimed to have found the body, going their to give the woman a reading lesson, and found her. Jacob was tried and convicted by the Georgetown Vigilance Committee and scheduled to hang in a week.
The Colonel, old Shamus O'Brien, had vowed from his wheelchair that the town would burn before he would allow his innocent son to hang. Shawn and Samuel were with their father and the wandering brother Jacob had been sent for.
The family lawyer claims to have found something that would clear Patrick but needed to make sure before he told them. He was found murdered in his office, his throat cut.
Also, a gang of gunmen had showed up in town and were pressing. Dromore, the O'Brien ranch was under assault by a vicious woman and her brother, all part of a revenge plot.
It's up to the O'Brien clan to clear it all up before the hanging can happen.
The Colonel, old Shamus O'Brien, had vowed from his wheelchair that the town would burn before he would allow his innocent son to hang. Shawn and Samuel were with their father and the wandering brother Jacob had been sent for.
The family lawyer claims to have found something that would clear Patrick but needed to make sure before he told them. He was found murdered in his office, his throat cut.
Also, a gang of gunmen had showed up in town and were pressing. Dromore, the O'Brien ranch was under assault by a vicious woman and her brother, all part of a revenge plot.
It's up to the O'Brien clan to clear it all up before the hanging can happen.
December 29, 2015
A good addition to the O'Brien saga, we're introduced to a slight supernatural/otherworldly element that is handled very well, it doesn't intrude or take the reader out of the old west or realistic setting, but makes one wonder. We get more insight to the characters we were introduced to in the first book as well as a few new additions. I really like the banter between Jacob and Shawn and enjoy all their scenes together. The story was interesting, action filled and mysterious - a good combination.
June 19, 2014
I m enjoying this series so far and finding the period in America quite interesting. I've not read anything of this nature before and don't know much about American history etc and haven't read much American western literature either.
November 25, 2014
I have quite a few of Johnstone's books, both book and audiobook. This is one of the best I have read in a while. The element of evil and the final result of what revenge and hate can do. A touch of supernatural was perfect.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews