Unwanted: Dead or Alive

Buck and Dobie #1

by Gene Shelton

Framed for cattle rustling and horse theft by the corrupt banker who foreclosed on their employer's ranch, Buck and Dobie find themselves out of work, out of cash, and out of luck. So, they decided to try and live up to their reputation as wanted men—an idea easier said than done.

Buck Hawkins and Dobie Garrett are a pair of cowboys in the Texas Panhandle. They’re unlikely outlaws—until their ranch is stolen and the two cowhands framed for rustling and horse theft by a crooked banker.

Now with a price on their heads and hunted by the law, the two cowboys decide that if they have to ride the outlaw trail, they might as well be the best holdup artists in Texas. Problem is, they aren't all that good at the trade.

Just when they thought it couldn't get worse ...

During a botched stage holdup, they meet Marylou Kowalski, who demands at the point of a derringer that Buck and Dobie kidnap her; she's bored with her life and looking for excitement on the outlaw trail. Marylou convinces the two fugitives that the three of them can score the ultimate in revenge—holding up the crooked banker who posted reward flyers on the two cowboys.

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unwanted: Dead or Alive
Buck and Dobie, Book 1
By: Gene Shelton
Narrated by: Jon Wilkins
This is not a book I would normally read, neither of the main characters are paranormal or supernatural beings, lol. I thought I would try something out of my comfort zone, I tried. It was a good story. These two guys just can't get a break. They get accused of everything illegal and get drafted into doing things worse to get out that trouble. It just continues to snowball! They have the worse luck!
I didn't find the audible very clear at times, a bit scratchy sounding at times. The narrator has a deep but not clear voice. A gruff and gravelly voice a at times it was hard to understand. I can understand why they wanted the old cowboy-type voice but with the recording not clear all the time, it made it difficult to hear words clearly.
I did enjoy the story regardless even if no one turned into a werewolf! Lol

[Charles van Buren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining story of a pair of down-on-their-luck partners, October 24, 2016

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This review is from: Unwanted: Dead or Alive (Buck and Dobie Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

This novel is a mildly humorous story of two down on their luck cowboys who feel forced by circumstances to ride the owl hoot trail. They are far from successful in their new endeavor. They aquire a third partner who analyzes their problem as outlaws. Neither of them has a larcenous or dishonest bone in their bodies. They are just too nice to be outlaws.

As I read I kept thinking of the partners played by Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart in the Cheyenne Social Club. A pair such as that playing the roles would make a pretty good movie. Probably funnier than the book itself which, while humorous, is not laugh out loud funny for most of the story. There are serious close runs, gun fights and similar things which balance the humor with adventure and even romance.

Among other things, Mr. Shelton also wrote MANHUNTER: The Life and Times of Frank Hamer, a fine biographical novel about the legendary Texas Ranger.

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

A wonderful western story with good characters and great scenery descriptions. I highly recommend this book to everyone. You will not be sorry.

[Lyndon]

Abandoned at 20%.

Found this free on Amazon. Hadn't read a buddy western so thought it might be fun. Opening almost had me close it for good - too much exposition about the blizzard and then it focused on the dead cattle and horses frozen by the storm! Not the best way to endear a reader!!

Skimmed all that and finally by chapter 3 or 4 the plot began, only to go off the rails when one of the hapless duo accidently kills a man and they have to run from the law. I could see where this was heading - one mishap after the next as Dumb and Dumber got deeper in trouble. The writing wasn't that engaging for me to stick with their travails.

[Shaun Putaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic characters, terrific story!

Wow, did I ever enjoy this book. The author does an absolutely wonderful job in developing characters that are entertaining, authentic, and endearing. The story is fun, fast paced, with a good dose of humor and excitement thrown in. I really enjoyed the authors writing style, it felt a bit reminiscent of Elmer Kelton.

The book could have used one more proof read and edit, there were a few editing mistakes but they were rare enough that it didn't interrupt the reading flow.

I'll certainly be reading more of this authors books.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot recall ever reading this particular western author before. However, I've missed out! Shelton writes a rousing good comedic western. He uses cowboy slang and phrasing. He understands equestrian activity and demonstrates a strong knowledge of ranch work. Buck and Dobie are great characters, even if not great outlaws. When their boss' ranch is foreclosed on and the two are fired by the banker, they decide they owe their boss enough to make them want to help him get his ranch back. When the banker falsely accuses them of rustling cattle they decide that they might as well be outlaws. The problem? They lack the aptitude for the outlaw life and whatever could go wrong-does. Soon, they are on the run and having no luck whatsoever. And when they are joined by a feisty woman who outdoes them at just about everything-- well-- comedy-- good comedy ensues. I think the funniest moments came when they decided to rob a train and refused to listen to the woman-- only to wind up completely and totally humiliated. Funny stuff.

The dialogue is western. The two cowboys are as crusty as they come. I could easily see Tom Selleck playing either one of these guys. Selleck has the comedic chops and does a fine of playing a realistic cowboy.

I know I'll be looking for the others, because this appears to be part of a series featuring Buck and Dobie and they are worth following.

[Steve W · Rating 2 out of 5]

The description of the book sounded interesting, but the first 75% of the book was kind of boring and silly. So I get that the two cowboys that lost their livelihoods tried to be outlaws and were lousy at it. But it seemed to go on so long without much progress in the story. Once they teamed up with Marylou, it got more interesting and enjoyable. But for the most part, it was a slog, and not a story that I looked forward to returning to read each evening. I only finished it because I was a bit curious (incredulous that it could really be such a non-story all the way through) and because I try to avoid abandoning books.

It certainly didn't leave me hungry for the next book in the series. I'm moving on down the trail!

[Joe Santoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this to read on the kindle for a road trip a while back (pre-COVID), and has a nighttime car trip for the first time since to finish it.

Fun book if you're a western fan.. Buck and Dobie are cowboys that get framed for a crime and decide to (massively unsuccessfully) walk the 'owlhoot' trial. They fail at a variety of crimes until they mean a girl that is alot better at it than they are.

Massively predictible, but then most westerns are... definitely a good, light read for a car ride.

[Elsbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny story about good cowboys who have some bad luck.

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure fun

It's not Louis L'Amour, but if you want a western with a sense of humor and a whole lot of heart, you couldn't do better

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas Panhandle. Singletree 2-man bunkhouse. Buck Hawkins (25), & Dobie Garrett (35+) griped about the winter conditions & having to take care of the herd/other chores.
W.C. Milhouse (widower, rancher/cattlemen) invited the fellas in.
He introduced them to Delbert Finsterwald III (Mercantile Bank VP), & Nate Cassidy.

The property had been foreclosed on.
The 3 of them had till tomorrow to vacate the premises.
Buck, & Dobie helped W.C. load up his wagon with the personal belongings.
Delbert III arrived with a whole bunch of PPL.
1 of them was U. S. Marshal John Piersall.
Why did Buck, & Dobie have to leave Tug Tyler (6-H corral owner) place in a hurry?
Jacksboro.
Slattery’s Livery & Feed. The 2 had another confrontation with Emil Slattery (horse trader).
T-Anchor corral (Pecos, NM). Harve Turcotte former outlaw) greeted Buck, & Dobie.
Quantrill (bucking horse) was sold.

What did Marylou Kowalski (28) have to say to the 2 outlaws?
Where will Buck, & Dobie’s adventure take them to next?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written western book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great western movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Pecos Press First Edition; Jove Publishing, Berkley Publishing Group; DailyFreeBooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Andrea]

When our book club voted on a book for our next meeting I was happy this one was the winner. The setting was a time period and location that I've never read much about, but it was about MEN. Over the past couple of weeks I've listened to and read too many books with women as central characters, and I needed a break!

All went well for about 40% of the book, and then... enter the FEMALE. And of course, she was the "perfect" woman. She was smarter and more skilled at everything from riding a horse to making logical plans. She could shoot, she could cook what she shot, she could bat her eyes and get the other men they met to do her bidding... Honestly, I almost threw my kindle across the room!

It's a good thing my book club has only been reading free books during this covid-19 crisis, because if I'd paid for this one I'd want a refund.

Seriously, zero stars.

[Joe Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light, fun western. A buddy story of two hardluck, and hapless, cowboys that I found more entertaining when the female character entered the story. I thought the story got better after Marylou was introduced. The author's writing kept the story moving at a quick pace, and there were parts that made me laugh out loud. As Marylou takes over I couldn't resist reading some parts out loud and laugh. Not a complex story, it is one that I think would make a good comedic western (presuming the storyline was followed).

[Richard Gaunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually only read fantasy, sci-fi, and medieval/Ancient historical fiction, so this was a broadening of my horizons.

I've always seen advise to 'read out of your comfort zone' so I thought I'd read this. I mean, I've watched the classic cowboy films, as well as Deadwood, so I decided to give the cowboy genre a good go.

With my limited knowledge of the typical Western, I found this to be quite enjoyable. Of course, it follows the generic stereotypes of the Westerns that I know, but the story flows from the page, and was an easy read for me. The dialogue was believable, with the necessary colloquialisms and cowboy wit needed.

I believe it to be the fun beginning of the story of a solid friendship between Buck and Dobie: the good-cowboy-bad-cowboy duo.

PS: is the title a joke at Bon Jovi's 'Dead or Alive'?!

I must admit that one scene, where Buck attempts to rob a "half-Mex, half-Injun" woman, who beats him away with nothing more than a heavy strap, which actually made me laugh out loud. Plus, another time where Buck is shot in the buttock, and overreacts into a self-pitying wreck.

[Blue Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who,what?

This book had a promising premise in an interesting setting but the setting was never fully described to appreciate, and, for some frustrating reason, the author could not choose what to call the two main characters. Every other sentence, and sometimes in the same sentence he would switch from their first names to their last names, which made keeping track of the action a headache, which meant I couldn't finish this. Also, half way through there is a Mary Sue named Mary Lou and she is not likable at all.

[Trebor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as it "rekindled"(my new kindle fire) my fondness of western novels and non fiction. This is done in a classic western style, great cowboy jargon and dialogue. Accurate description of period firearms and bunk house humor. Vivid range and town descriptions bring the reader right into the action. It kind of reminded me of a Jack London style narrative. A tale to envision the latter days of the wild west!

[laverne beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlucky heros

I almost gave up on this book, but I can't not finish a story already started. Story was hilarious at times and brought Red Skelton to mind. Kind of slapstick and sorrowful at the same time. If you kind of like westerns and decide to give it a try you won't be disappointed. I'm going on to read the next book and hope its just as surprisingly funny and refreshing. Buck and Dobie are special and really likeable guys you will not
want to miss.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book club read. All in all not a bad book. I felt the author was a bit too wording in his descriptions, but the storyline itself was good. There was a lot humor in that, the 2 main characters were like the keystone cops in their ability to hold up a stage coach. About some of the worst run of bad luck I've ever read about. LOL Not a book I normally would have picked, but that is what is so great about a book club, I get to read things I would normally pass on by.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't generally read westerns (except McMurtry). But, this came up as a suggested read and the description sounded like it was supposed to be humorous. It ended up having witty writing & dialog, with a pair of ridiculously incompetent characters who finally meet a character who knows what she's doing. And the author clearly knows horses, always a plus.

I plan to read the sequel, although I gather it's only the two good-natured bumblers.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot itself was relatively straight forward, and I really enjoyed all of the one-liners that were scattered throughout the book.
The version I had (kobo) also had some formatting issues for the quotation marks quite often, and took away from the experience.
I also really like that all of the characters seemed like real people that one might have been able to meet.
Overall, an enjoyable read, but I do not think I will get the sequel.

[Michael Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well crafted!

This author has written a surprise twist on the typical Western. Surprises continued throughout the plot as the characters even surprised themselves as they took swings at the curve balls pitched at them by the author's literary machinations. Too often, humor takes a back seat in Western literature. Gene Shelton has made it the cornerstone of the story, making reading an absolute page turning joy!!!

Michael Nix

[Fitzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok, there was a lot of colorful western diction that I did struggle with at first, but the book does pick up when you get into the story line of Dobie and Buck, two of he most unlucky and accident prone cowboys in the west. The book does get you interested quickly and gets you curios about how these two can screw up next or will their luck change for the better. If you’re looking for a fast fun book about the old west, you may like this one.

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the freebie downloads. Some pretty funny stuff, and not totally predictable. I actually found the second book in this series and tagged it for later follow up.

* Couldn't finish
** I had nothing else to do
*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans
**** Everyone could enjoy this book
***** Everyone should read this book, I'll read it again

[Jennice Mckillop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. I'm not a Western fan and was simply drawn to the book bc of the title and it was free. But it's worth a great lot. Two totally clueless "outlaws" and their many mishaps. Lots of laugh out loud incidents; picturesque language, and surprising outcomes. It stated a bit slow for about 2 chapters then fell into it's own.
I would recommend this to all.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to complete a reading challenge (read a book in a genre that you don't usually read). It was fine but I think there is a reason I don't read usually read Westerns. The "outlaws" botched capers were somewhat funny but the characters were shallow and I never really felt invested in their fate.

[Mrs. Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to complete a reading challenge (read a book in a genre that you don't usually read). It was fine but I think there is a reason I don't read usually read Westerns. The "outlaws" botched capers were somewhat funny but the characters were shallow and I never really felt invested in their fate.

[Daniel Mazenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few twists and turns.

A little way into the book i thought it was going to be very predictable, cookie cutter western fare. Then there was a bit of a twist followed by a turn in the plot all leading to a satisfying ending. So a book that I thought was going to be trite and a chore to finish ended up holding my attention to the end.

[barbara conroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny story and character s

This was a book club choice. Although not a genre I would have chosen it was an ok read. Funny characters, crazy happenings and a little love story thrown in. The authors style I found to be too wordy. Most of the time I found a myself thinking just get to the point already.

[Doris Kuehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giggling

I chose the five star rating because I enjoyed every page of this DIFFERENT western story! This book has so many twists and turns I couldn't quit reading. I couldn't imagine what was going to happen from one page to the next. This western book had me giggling many, many times! I recommend this book t everyone who enjoys a bit of fun reading.

[Woody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unwanted: Dead or Alive

Pleasant enjoyable read. Atmospheric writing, I keep pulling my blanket higher to ward off the freezing cold. Different, amusing western. Storyline kept me hooked to see what happened to the hapless pair. Would definitely buy another book in this series.