Ordeal

by William W. Johnstone

Miles from civilization, a hiking party has embarked on a wilderness weekend with little more than their wits and a lust for adventure to guide them. But Montana's Bitterroot Mountains harbor an enemy far more dangerous than the rugged elements of the wild. With cunning patience, a stranger is watching and waiting to exact a nightmare plan. Soon, four friends will be led down a twisting trail to the outer fringes of his dark obsession with only one route of escape.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

William 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.

Reviews

[Erik Winkelman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finish this book. William Johnstone was clearly obsessed by the word Rape. Giving spoilers on almost every page about what the story will be bringing (rape). Introducing around 30 characters in the first few chapters. Different names, but same obsessions (guncontrol, right wing polital views and.. rape.)

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author. This story is brutal.

[Michael Musungu · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked most about the book is how its setting and story line gives a wide berth for a good crime and thriller story. It also had good choice of characters and the overall pacing was decent. However I felt that some of the characters were interchangeable and a scene would take place without really knowing who was being talked about. I would give this book a 6/10 because it was an easy read and I could turn the pages consistently without needing long breaks.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was good, the characters were well written and I enjoyed the book overall. This author was recommended by my 87 year old friend who listens to audio books, so I was quite surprised at the graphic content. I don't know if I will read another because of that.

[Maru · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading at chapter four, I physically couldn’t continue with it. Why is there almost 20 characters at the very start of the book? I’m not going to remember anyone… but the only one I actually DO remember was Andy (the kid that everybody drags on). Only because I feel very bad for him.

[Lisa Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another strong, intense action book from William Johnstone. Really makes one think of what they'd do if they found themselves in these situations.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordeal is the story of a group of campers dealing with a life and death struggle against a group of escaped convicts. As an adventure/survival novel it is above average. What pushes it to even higher levels of interest is the discussions that the characters have about the state of liberalism versus conservativism. This book is not only a call to utilize the death penalty, but to deal out true justice to lawbreakers.

[David Minger · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good I finished it in one day. Literally was unable to put it down. I've said it before but I'll say it again, Mr. Johnstone's ability to create emotion from this reader is unlike any other author I have ever read. Mr. Johnstone You Rock!!!!