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Buck and Dobie #2
How the West Was Lost
Fearless gunslingers. Defenders of justice. Not exactly.
To hear campfire tales and newspaper accounts, you’d think Buck Hawkins and Dobie Garrett were a pair of Old West legends. In truth, the hapless cowpokes would rather run than fight. Guns make them really nervous. But their quiet days punching cattle on the Singletree Ranch are about to come to a dangerous end.
Faced with an offer they can’t refuse, Buck and Dobie hire on as special marshals for a cattle association plagued by rustlers, cow thieves and killings—with a range war just a gunshot away.
The town of Necesario is near the Texas-New Mexico line, a hundred miles from civilization and a foot and a half from hell. Buck and Dobie are probably the two men least qualified to solve the town’s recent spate of murders. Even if they could shoot straight, Buck and Dobie would be headed for big-time trouble …
Gene Shelton's rollicking story of two hard-luck outlaws trying to make it as U.S. Marshals in the baddest border town in the West. This book continues the adventures of Buck Hawkins and Dobie Garrett from Unwanted: Dead or Alive.
To hear campfire tales and newspaper accounts, you’d think Buck Hawkins and Dobie Garrett were a pair of Old West legends. In truth, the hapless cowpokes would rather run than fight. Guns make them really nervous. But their quiet days punching cattle on the Singletree Ranch are about to come to a dangerous end.
Faced with an offer they can’t refuse, Buck and Dobie hire on as special marshals for a cattle association plagued by rustlers, cow thieves and killings—with a range war just a gunshot away.
The town of Necesario is near the Texas-New Mexico line, a hundred miles from civilization and a foot and a half from hell. Buck and Dobie are probably the two men least qualified to solve the town’s recent spate of murders. Even if they could shoot straight, Buck and Dobie would be headed for big-time trouble …
Gene Shelton's rollicking story of two hard-luck outlaws trying to make it as U.S. Marshals in the baddest border town in the West. This book continues the adventures of Buck Hawkins and Dobie Garrett from Unwanted: Dead or Alive.
- GenresWesterns
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2016
144 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 8, 2022
Fun and exciting, if improbable, adventure in the old west.
This review is from: How the West Was Lost (Buck and Dobie Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
The adventures of cowboy partners Buck and Dobie from UNWANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE, continue. They have given up the owl hoot trail having proven to be completely inept outlaws, partially because they "don't have a dishonest bone in their bodies," as their third partner put it. Having stumbled into a considerable amount of reward money for killing and capturing outlaws while trying to be outlaws, Buck and Dobie use a major portion of that money to help their old employer get his ranch back. Voluntary silent partners in the ranch, they settle down to cowboying again.
However two things tempt them back into life threatening adventure. One is the reputation as cold eyed, fearless, honest and remarkably capable gunmen which they inadvertently aquired while trying to be outlaws. This reputation leads to a very lucrative offer to become marshals for a town and stockman's association. Knowing their lack of real ability as gun fighters or even gun shooters, they sensibly decide to turn down the offer. Then the second thing happens. The dying owner of an adjoining ranch offers them an incredibly good deal on buying his ranch. In addition to being a chance in a lifetime deal, owning the ranch would further Buck's plan to marry their third partner and settle down. Oh. I didn't mention did I that the third partner is just about the scrappiest, toughest, most competent, adventurous and smartest female character you are likely to encounter in a western or most other genres as well. She appears mostly in the background in this outing but her presence is felt throughout. For the tone of this book think SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF and CHEYENNE SOCIAL CLUB rather than HIGH NOON.
So Buck and Dobie are off again. On a more respectable venture this time. I was really sorry when this book ended because it apparently wraps up their story. I hope that Mr. Shelton can conceive at least one more adventure for them.
This review is from: How the West Was Lost (Buck and Dobie Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
The adventures of cowboy partners Buck and Dobie from UNWANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE, continue. They have given up the owl hoot trail having proven to be completely inept outlaws, partially because they "don't have a dishonest bone in their bodies," as their third partner put it. Having stumbled into a considerable amount of reward money for killing and capturing outlaws while trying to be outlaws, Buck and Dobie use a major portion of that money to help their old employer get his ranch back. Voluntary silent partners in the ranch, they settle down to cowboying again.
However two things tempt them back into life threatening adventure. One is the reputation as cold eyed, fearless, honest and remarkably capable gunmen which they inadvertently aquired while trying to be outlaws. This reputation leads to a very lucrative offer to become marshals for a town and stockman's association. Knowing their lack of real ability as gun fighters or even gun shooters, they sensibly decide to turn down the offer. Then the second thing happens. The dying owner of an adjoining ranch offers them an incredibly good deal on buying his ranch. In addition to being a chance in a lifetime deal, owning the ranch would further Buck's plan to marry their third partner and settle down. Oh. I didn't mention did I that the third partner is just about the scrappiest, toughest, most competent, adventurous and smartest female character you are likely to encounter in a western or most other genres as well. She appears mostly in the background in this outing but her presence is felt throughout. For the tone of this book think SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF and CHEYENNE SOCIAL CLUB rather than HIGH NOON.
So Buck and Dobie are off again. On a more respectable venture this time. I was really sorry when this book ended because it apparently wraps up their story. I hope that Mr. Shelton can conceive at least one more adventure for them.
February 1, 2021
Buck and Dobie stumbled along the way when they tried to ride the outlaw trail. If it hadn't been for the beautiful Mary Lou they would have ended in misery. Instead, they ended up with a greatly inflated reputation as gunmen and heroes. Now, back at the ranch, Buck and Dobie are approached with a sweet offer from a cattleman's association to serve as special marshals. With the money from the deal they will be able to buy their own spread.
Their unearned reputation precedes them and they enter a town where everyone fears slighting them. With bluff and bluster they begin to work on the mystery of the cattle rustling and restore law and order to the local town. A little bit of luck builds their reputation even further. Meanwhile, they decide they better find someone to give them some sorely needed shooting lessons.
This is a very refreshing western novel. Shelton gets all of the details right. Whether he is dealing with guns, riding herd, western dialogue, or simply riding horseback, Shelton gets them all right. This includes making his heroes believable. Buck and Dobie are far removed from the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Shelton has created two very crusty cowboys and the reader is cheering for them to succeed in the face of what seems to be imminent failure.
Shelton is a great writer. His descriptions of the country and the period never miss. The dialogue is a clever mixture of comedy and drama and often very colorful. The plot is well developed and never takes second place to the characters. It is both exciting and fun. This series is almost a must-read for western readers.
Their unearned reputation precedes them and they enter a town where everyone fears slighting them. With bluff and bluster they begin to work on the mystery of the cattle rustling and restore law and order to the local town. A little bit of luck builds their reputation even further. Meanwhile, they decide they better find someone to give them some sorely needed shooting lessons.
This is a very refreshing western novel. Shelton gets all of the details right. Whether he is dealing with guns, riding herd, western dialogue, or simply riding horseback, Shelton gets them all right. This includes making his heroes believable. Buck and Dobie are far removed from the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Shelton has created two very crusty cowboys and the reader is cheering for them to succeed in the face of what seems to be imminent failure.
Shelton is a great writer. His descriptions of the country and the period never miss. The dialogue is a clever mixture of comedy and drama and often very colorful. The plot is well developed and never takes second place to the characters. It is both exciting and fun. This series is almost a must-read for western readers.
February 1, 2018
First but not last
I'm thrilled to meet Gene Shelton violence this tale. Two top hand cowboys are tempted into a job as totally inept lawman who nimble their way through a very likely range war while under the watchful eye of a dime novel writer. Somehow they begin to get things more or less right. It all leads to a lot of humor, action and a touch of suspense.
I'm thrilled to meet Gene Shelton violence this tale. Two top hand cowboys are tempted into a job as totally inept lawman who nimble their way through a very likely range war while under the watchful eye of a dime novel writer. Somehow they begin to get things more or less right. It all leads to a lot of humor, action and a touch of suspense.
April 10, 2021
The old west could have not been this much fun!
Gene Sheldon is on a level with mastery of the old west. If you liked Lonesome Dove you will enjoy Buck and Dobie in their second installment of its better to be lucky instead of talented. Great characters, plenty of action, and more than just a little humor.
Gene Sheldon is on a level with mastery of the old west. If you liked Lonesome Dove you will enjoy Buck and Dobie in their second installment of its better to be lucky instead of talented. Great characters, plenty of action, and more than just a little humor.
October 31, 2022
Amen!
New chapters in the lives of previously deve!oped characters are very well crafted into a refreshing look at the humility expressed by many people confronted by difficulties and opportunities in ever developing lives. Personal growth experienced by Gene Sheldon's characters is part of the continuing engagement with the reader. Amen!
Michael Nix
New chapters in the lives of previously deve!oped characters are very well crafted into a refreshing look at the humility expressed by many people confronted by difficulties and opportunities in ever developing lives. Personal growth experienced by Gene Sheldon's characters is part of the continuing engagement with the reader. Amen!
Michael Nix
February 18, 2020
So much fun
These two cowboys are my favorite characters. This is a fun read with some new insights on fair gun fights that I quite enjoyed. The story is humorous and fast paced with well rounded characters. Can't wait for the next one.
These two cowboys are my favorite characters. This is a fun read with some new insights on fair gun fights that I quite enjoyed. The story is humorous and fast paced with well rounded characters. Can't wait for the next one.
February 28, 2017
Great read
One of the best westerns out there. Great characters that sucks you into the story. I loved the first book and really hope for continuing adventures.
One of the best westerns out there. Great characters that sucks you into the story. I loved the first book and really hope for continuing adventures.
December 23, 2017
Another Good Yarn
A real trip back to the wild West with characters that remind the reader of the cast of Lonesome Dove. Another Great read by Shelton.
A real trip back to the wild West with characters that remind the reader of the cast of Lonesome Dove. Another Great read by Shelton.
July 2, 2018
Good read
The hero's are human and less than perfect. Just normal folks with a bit of luck and a sense of honor and duty
The hero's are human and less than perfect. Just normal folks with a bit of luck and a sense of honor and duty
April 1, 2019
Good yarns
Two cow pokes tried to become outlaws but returned to.the other side becoming lawmen instead. And a couple of fillies roped them in.
Two cow pokes tried to become outlaws but returned to.the other side becoming lawmen instead. And a couple of fillies roped them in.
September 14, 2021
Seriously funny
The banter back and forth, the way things are said, makes this book a pleasure to read. Enjoyed every bit of it. He'll I'd read it again. Be worth it.
Rock on
The banter back and forth, the way things are said, makes this book a pleasure to read. Enjoyed every bit of it. He'll I'd read it again. Be worth it.
Rock on
December 9, 2021
Great Western
Making me a fan of Western fiction. The characters were great . The story was exciting. I cannot wait to read another by this author..
Making me a fan of Western fiction. The characters were great . The story was exciting. I cannot wait to read another by this author..
December 8, 2016
Wonderful story...
The author has done a great job of telling his story. Mr. Shelton did a great job of putting together a adventure, romance, and mystery of the old west.
The author has done a great job of telling his story. Mr. Shelton did a great job of putting together a adventure, romance, and mystery of the old west.
March 27, 2017
Gut buster!!
I thought the first book was funny. Unwanted dead or alive. I was laughing so hard l had tears in my eyes. These two must have had a posse of guardian angels watching over them. I advise reading both books and hope for more adventures of Buck and Dobie!
I thought the first book was funny. Unwanted dead or alive. I was laughing so hard l had tears in my eyes. These two must have had a posse of guardian angels watching over them. I advise reading both books and hope for more adventures of Buck and Dobie!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews