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Return of the Outlaw
They killed his friends, stole his ranch and took from him the woman he loves. They branded him an outlaw, accusing him of the very crimes they committed. But they're about to learn that taking everything away from him has turned this Civil War veteran into the most dangerous kind of man there is: The kind that has nothing left to lose.
Jeff Havens has a fast gun, a long memory, and he's back.
Jeff Havens has a fast gun, a long memory, and he's back.
364 pages, ebook
First published September 4, 2009
128 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Curtis
15 books10 followersC. M. Curtis brings a background of diverse experience to his writing. He grew up in a small western community in cattle ranching country. His paternal grandfather was a wild horse hunter in his youth and his maternal grandfather is said to have actually met Butch Cassidy. Curtis' first paying job, at twelve years of age, was in a slaughter house. He later became a construction worker, a truck driver, a structural steel welder, a coal miner and a licensed building contractor.
In what he calls his second life, he has been a chiropractic physician, a radio talk show host, a newspaper columnist and, of course, a writer.
In what he calls his second life, he has been a chiropractic physician, a radio talk show host, a newspaper columnist and, of course, a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 25, 2014
Returning from the war, Havens is dealt one blow after another. A smooth talking man, Stewart, from back East stole his family's ranch. The man's crew murdered his friends. He even married the woman Haven's was sweet on. And they framed him for the very crimes that they committed. This Easterner and his riders took away everything that Jeff Haven's had. Now he wants revenge. And Jeff knows that revenge is a dish best served cold.
Over several years, Jeff slowly unravels Stewart's plans to steal the small rancher's lands. He drives off his nemesis' riders, kills his friends and wreaks his revenge, taking away everything the Easterner held dear before ultimately killing him.
The book was OK. Enjoyable and riveting in places and stiff and dull in others. When Havens is being chased by bounty hunters in the mountains using his wits to survive and out maneuver his pursuit, the book was really good. When the book dived into character development, not so much. The deep love between Havens and his sweetheart didn't feel all that genuine to me. Additionally, a few points felt contrived to me. For example, the reason the two didn't come together immediately - the letters weren't getting through - and neither party would just ask one question: "why didn't you write?" Instead, their pride prevented them from getting together years earlier and thus eliminating the need for the entire story!
Three stars out of five. Good but not great.
Over several years, Jeff slowly unravels Stewart's plans to steal the small rancher's lands. He drives off his nemesis' riders, kills his friends and wreaks his revenge, taking away everything the Easterner held dear before ultimately killing him.
The book was OK. Enjoyable and riveting in places and stiff and dull in others. When Havens is being chased by bounty hunters in the mountains using his wits to survive and out maneuver his pursuit, the book was really good. When the book dived into character development, not so much. The deep love between Havens and his sweetheart didn't feel all that genuine to me. Additionally, a few points felt contrived to me. For example, the reason the two didn't come together immediately - the letters weren't getting through - and neither party would just ask one question: "why didn't you write?" Instead, their pride prevented them from getting together years earlier and thus eliminating the need for the entire story!
Three stars out of five. Good but not great.
November 25, 2014
Unreadable nonsense. Filled with glaring and ridiculous contradictions. This story is supposedly set in the desert, however this desert has meadows, pasture land and according to the clueless sheriff's girlfriend, "plenty of water for farming". Later on, Jeff, when confronted with rainy cold nights longs for his dry desert. Rosa, Jeff's nursemaid, escorts him to a cabin where he can recuperate and be safe, of course Rosa never rides and is terrified to be on horseback, she squeezes him so hard she almost re injures his ribs. She drops him off then jumps on the horse and rides away and rides back the next day. Huh? Giles the posse guide complains about the manhunt and says he only hired on to be their guide. On the very next page when instructed to lead them to the next place, he retorts, "I'm not your guide". Jeff returning from the war finds his ranch confiscated by outlaws. he accepts this and goes into hiding from a murder charge he is completely unaware of. He never goes to the sheriff whom he supposedly grew up with and asks whats going on or how this happened. The only clue we get about the origins of the bad guy is , he's from back east. Jeff's love interest rejects one arraigned marriage and then readily accepts another for no apparent reason. She tells her husband that she didn't need him, she was doing just fine and making her own money before he came along. In the old west? Doing what? I could go on and on...Pure drivel.
September 2, 2013
I think this is one of the best western's I read. The details are very realistic and pulls you into the events. Jeff Havens is very likeable, as are his friends. You root for him from beginning to end.
May 23, 2018
Great story!
Don’t read westerns much, but thought I’d give this one a try. Richly rewarded with a highly original story, fantastic characters and great writing. I really wanted to find out what happened next! Highly recommended.
Don’t read westerns much, but thought I’d give this one a try. Richly rewarded with a highly original story, fantastic characters and great writing. I really wanted to find out what happened next! Highly recommended.
June 8, 2022
Fantastic story with a great plot line. Jeff returns from the war to find that his beloved is betrothed to someone else and his ranch has been stolen from him. Falsely accused of murder, he needs to run. It will be years before he gets to set things right.
April 3, 2020
Good story telling.
Well written tale, that held my attention and connected the storyline throughout. Compels me to read more of C.M. Curtis's western novels.
Well written tale, that held my attention and connected the storyline throughout. Compels me to read more of C.M. Curtis's western novels.
February 16, 2017
Very well written
Except dot the respected spell check error of brakes for breaks I find no fault at all with this book. It was engrossing and believable.
Except dot the respected spell check error of brakes for breaks I find no fault at all with this book. It was engrossing and believable.
April 28, 2014
Very good western book, wonderfully action packed so didn't need the bad language or bad sex to mistakenly sell it.
This book kept my attention except for a couple of short times. The struggles that the western settlers had is well portrayed. The Indians, rustlers, outlaws, isolation, and good or bad neighbors all have their place in this story. It also shows how brave men, brave women, bullies and cowards affect everyone around them. The love interest also had an interesting different twist that was thought provoking. There is death, killing, gore, and guns present as there was in all the settlement of this great country.
This book kept my attention except for a couple of short times. The struggles that the western settlers had is well portrayed. The Indians, rustlers, outlaws, isolation, and good or bad neighbors all have their place in this story. It also shows how brave men, brave women, bullies and cowards affect everyone around them. The love interest also had an interesting different twist that was thought provoking. There is death, killing, gore, and guns present as there was in all the settlement of this great country.
August 31, 2014
This was a good book, nothing over the top exceptional, thus I was surprised at all the five star reviews. The main character seemed kind of baffled at all that happened while he was away at war. The descriptions were good, but somewhat drawn out at times. When I got to the part where Jeff was so boldly being taken advantage of I really wanted to stop reading but kept at it to see how it ended. There were some pretty unrealistic scenarios so combined with the slow pace part way through, I gave it three stars.
July 28, 2015
I was really pleased with this book. To be honest, it moved a little slower than it needed to. But, it was worth the wait and the pace because of the character development and the overall story that is being woven throughout the pages of the book.
I really liked Jeff Havens. I don't understand why he reacted the way he did when he came home from war. But, I see how it made sense given the way the plot developed.
This was a very "clean" book. This book can be read by any person who has fragile sensibilities or is easily offended by coarse language.
I really liked Jeff Havens. I don't understand why he reacted the way he did when he came home from war. But, I see how it made sense given the way the plot developed.
This was a very "clean" book. This book can be read by any person who has fragile sensibilities or is easily offended by coarse language.
July 15, 2015
Excellent book.
The story was so very well done. The twists and turns kept coming. I would have given this book a five rating except for wanting a bit more romance in the story. I really like westerns and this one had enough to keep anyone happy. This is the second time I've read this book. I realized this shortly after I restarted. I continued on because it's such a good story.
The story was so very well done. The twists and turns kept coming. I would have given this book a five rating except for wanting a bit more romance in the story. I really like westerns and this one had enough to keep anyone happy. This is the second time I've read this book. I realized this shortly after I restarted. I continued on because it's such a good story.
March 7, 2015
I do not read westerns. Not my type of genre. I read this because I loved another book by this author. WOW is all I can say. This was a can't put down story. I couldn't have guessed how this would end. I gave it to may father to read when visiting and he said it was the best book he has read in a long time. He is an avid reader so that's saying a lot.
April 12, 2015
One of the best
Now this is a real western. The author caught my attention in the first chapter of this book, and held it to the very end. I love, love this book. I was very sad , when amado was killled. To bad Jeff and amado spent so little time together, when Jeff came home. The ending was beautiful , old love letters work every time.
Now this is a real western. The author caught my attention in the first chapter of this book, and held it to the very end. I love, love this book. I was very sad , when amado was killled. To bad Jeff and amado spent so little time together, when Jeff came home. The ending was beautiful , old love letters work every time.
September 14, 2010
My sister let me borrow this book. Her friend is the niece of the author. I never really considered myself a fan of westerns- EVER, but this book persuaded me that I could be. Great story with drama, suspense and romance. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting those things.
July 23, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it tough to put down. It's a good story that flows well and has you rooting for the good guy from the beginning. Especially if you enjoy westerns, I highly recommend this one.
May 20, 2015
A Good Read
This was the first book I've read from this author, but it won't be the last. I found myself wanting to get back to the book after i was forced to put it down for some reason. Like I said...A Good Read!
This was the first book I've read from this author, but it won't be the last. I found myself wanting to get back to the book after i was forced to put it down for some reason. Like I said...A Good Read!
September 27, 2013
This is the only western I have ever read. The author came to our bookclub. Very nice man. Give it a try.
September 4, 2012
Amazingly written. What an adventure!
November 11, 2013
review to follow.
February 15, 2014
Great western with a touch of love story woven in. Perfect ending and great details about western and cowboy life.
May 15, 2014
Good Classic Western
A western story in the tradition of Zane Grey. Keeps your interest if you enjoy western books without the typical Hollywood gunfights.
A western story in the tradition of Zane Grey. Keeps your interest if you enjoy western books without the typical Hollywood gunfights.
May 16, 2014
One of the best westerns I have read in a long time. well written.
July 20, 2014
I could give it more stars if I would! Couldn't put it down! Carried it with me everywhere, including reading in parking lots!
January 3, 2015
Good read
I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Action packed and very readable. Great for anyone looking for a fun diversion.
I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Action packed and very readable. Great for anyone looking for a fun diversion.
March 17, 2015
A hard way to justice.
This is a good story about a man who has a tough fight in war & goes home to a different fight against evil.
This is a good story about a man who has a tough fight in war & goes home to a different fight against evil.
September 4, 2015
A well written western about good and evil. From the outset, there is no doubt about how this conflict will end, but it's the journey and not the resolution that is important.
A fun summer read.
A fun summer read.
April 29, 2016
Great book.
Great story, loved the ending. It was hard to put the book down, it went from one great event to another. Loved it.
Great story, loved the ending. It was hard to put the book down, it went from one great event to another. Loved it.
January 25, 2011
It's hard to get into this book, slow read, but anxious to find out the ending...
March 6, 2014
Good!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews