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The Last Mountain Man #45
Venom of the Mountain Man
Johnstone Justice. What America Needs Now.
A TRAIN RIDE TO HELL
When Smoke Jensen sees a gang of outlaws holding up a stagecoach, his gunfighter instincts take over and he storms in with guns blazing. He kills one of the gunmen, the rest scatter like the rats they are. Another notch on the sharpshooter's weathered grip. But the dead man is the brother of the notorious outlaw Gabe Briggs, and Briggs will want revenge . . .
Tired of the savagery of the lawless countryside, Smoke's wife Sally heads back east for a spell, only to find the big city choking in filth, violence, and corruption. Before Sally can head back home, though, she's snatched right off the street.
When Smoke gets word that Sally's been kidnapped, he hops the first train east. But Gabe Briggs and his ruthless bandof bad men are along for the ride. Unless Smoke can punch their ticket to hell first, they'll blow this train sky high . . .
A TRAIN RIDE TO HELL
When Smoke Jensen sees a gang of outlaws holding up a stagecoach, his gunfighter instincts take over and he storms in with guns blazing. He kills one of the gunmen, the rest scatter like the rats they are. Another notch on the sharpshooter's weathered grip. But the dead man is the brother of the notorious outlaw Gabe Briggs, and Briggs will want revenge . . .
Tired of the savagery of the lawless countryside, Smoke's wife Sally heads back east for a spell, only to find the big city choking in filth, violence, and corruption. Before Sally can head back home, though, she's snatched right off the street.
When Smoke gets word that Sally's been kidnapped, he hops the first train east. But Gabe Briggs and his ruthless bandof bad men are along for the ride. Unless Smoke can punch their ticket to hell first, they'll blow this train sky high . . .
353 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 28, 2017
290 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,041 books1,392 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 12, 2018
Another well-crafted tale of Smoke Jensen and his cohort. This one takes an interesting trip east to New York during the early days of the Irish Mafia. The action takes place out west while simultaneously happening a few days away by train.
I continue to be impressed with Johnstone's story-telling. Here he manages to weave in the two different scenes so that it seems effortless to read.
Fortunately for me, there are dozens of more Johnstone stories still to be read.
I continue to be impressed with Johnstone's story-telling. Here he manages to weave in the two different scenes so that it seems effortless to read.
Fortunately for me, there are dozens of more Johnstone stories still to be read.
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February 21, 2018The dust cover description is not wholly accurate. however it was still a fun read.
it was an adventure on two fronts, Smoke and Pearly are having their Adventure in the West, meanwhile Cal and Sally are in New York.
bad guys in the West
bad guys in the east
and of course Smoke comes out on top
it was an adventure on two fronts, Smoke and Pearly are having their Adventure in the West, meanwhile Cal and Sally are in New York.
bad guys in the West
bad guys in the east
and of course Smoke comes out on top
March 25, 2019
This ghost writer of the Johnstone Clan I've read in other Johnstone books and is the worse. The narrative is driven with endless questions from all of the characters. Throughout the book characters act or react with a question. Worse, many answers are also questions. Sheesh! Of course, the only way to do this is to have little understanding of the characters and write most all of them the same way. In that the greatest strength of the Johnstone Clan series are distinct characters, this under mines the possibility of a good book.
The poor handling of characters are the worse part of the book. The star of the series is entirely botched in the writing. The inconsistencies are too many to note. The death of a character important to Smoke is written in an off-handed way. Other Mountain Man books, especially one with involvement of Johnstone himself, have been written with a fierce reaction from Smoke. Here he nearly breaks into tears. The greatest failing is when Smoke is told where kidnapped individuals are and then does nothing to get them until much later.
There's a very surreal turn in which characters are quoting Shakespeare, Longfellow and various other classic writers and playwrights. Others suddenly change character and become brilliant at strategy and negotiation in dialogue not matching insecure dialogue earlier and later in the book.
And what on earth was the writer thinking with just about ever character at some point "chuckling"? Do 14 year olds "chuckle"?
Then there is the obvious plot. The bad guy is known from the start but is written as if a giant surprise occurs at the end. And what a Horrible ending. Over 300 pages wrapped in a few sentences.
There's a decent story here. It's recycled from other Johnstone books where it has been done far, far better.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 3 out of 10 points.
The poor handling of characters are the worse part of the book. The star of the series is entirely botched in the writing. The inconsistencies are too many to note. The death of a character important to Smoke is written in an off-handed way. Other Mountain Man books, especially one with involvement of Johnstone himself, have been written with a fierce reaction from Smoke. Here he nearly breaks into tears. The greatest failing is when Smoke is told where kidnapped individuals are and then does nothing to get them until much later.
There's a very surreal turn in which characters are quoting Shakespeare, Longfellow and various other classic writers and playwrights. Others suddenly change character and become brilliant at strategy and negotiation in dialogue not matching insecure dialogue earlier and later in the book.
And what on earth was the writer thinking with just about ever character at some point "chuckling"? Do 14 year olds "chuckle"?
Then there is the obvious plot. The bad guy is known from the start but is written as if a giant surprise occurs at the end. And what a Horrible ending. Over 300 pages wrapped in a few sentences.
There's a decent story here. It's recycled from other Johnstone books where it has been done far, far better.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book. 3 out of 10 points.
May 14, 2019
If you have enjoyed the Mountain Man series to this point, you'll enjoy this book, too. There's not a lot of new ground that gets broken in the Smoke Jensen story, but this one did seem to use him as more of a supporting character, with most of the story focusing on his wife Sally, Cal, and some kidnapped kids. The story summary on the back of the book is a bit misleading. It references a band of outlaws trying to keep Smoke's train from getting to New York, but that never happened. As a matter of fact, the train ride to New York happens in the last 3-4 chapters and is largely uneventful except for how quickly the journey is completed. All in all, another adventure for the Last Mountain Man completed and everyone home safely with the bad guys planted on Boot Hill.
December 8, 2017
DON'T MESS WITH SMOKE JENSEN
Another adventure with Smoke, Sally and Pearlie..oh can't forget Cal. Lots of action, debauchery carried out a transplanted Irish gang banger, named Kennedy..remember the Gangs of New York...this has a taste of the workings of gang LIFE in the east, and when it got to hot in New York City, they headed west t hoping to continue their gangster ways.
Well they kidnapped Sally, Smoke's wife, that was a very very dangerous thing to do. In the end this gang found out about Smoke Jensen, and it wasn't from the dime novels about him....SMOKE JENSEN..yeeha..yeeha..🍀
Another adventure with Smoke, Sally and Pearlie..oh can't forget Cal. Lots of action, debauchery carried out a transplanted Irish gang banger, named Kennedy..remember the Gangs of New York...this has a taste of the workings of gang LIFE in the east, and when it got to hot in New York City, they headed west t hoping to continue their gangster ways.
Well they kidnapped Sally, Smoke's wife, that was a very very dangerous thing to do. In the end this gang found out about Smoke Jensen, and it wasn't from the dime novels about him....SMOKE JENSEN..yeeha..yeeha..🍀
May 31, 2018
The start of the book went really fast, important setup scenes were done in a page and a half, and there were several. People, places and ideas were thrown out and a bit under developed. I kept reading, figuring it would eventually hit its stride and it did get better. Westerns are an exciting genre, but establishment is still important.
Smoke seemed a bit too trusting at times, Preacher would bonk him upside the head if he had seen it. Always love Cal and Pearlie.
Stick with it past the rushed intro and you will have an enjoyable read.
Smoke seemed a bit too trusting at times, Preacher would bonk him upside the head if he had seen it. Always love Cal and Pearlie.
Stick with it past the rushed intro and you will have an enjoyable read.
March 5, 2019
A Western, one of many in a series. The main protagonist is Smoke Jensen. He is by far the fastest, toughest, most successful rancher in Colorado. Anyone who is on the wrong side of the law or tries to cross his path will absolutely be pushing up daises on boot hill. He shoots at least a dozen desperadoes in this book without blinking as eye. He is a super hero western gun slinging protector of all folks on the righteous path. With his sidekicks he makes for a classic western with all the frills and chills and a happy ending. Nice diversion for a quick flight of male fantasy.
December 4, 2017
Smoke Jensen
As always a really great read. Love these books on Smoke. Always looking forward to the next one. Smoke is one tough man. But he is a gentle man, and loves his family. Looking forward to the next Johnstone books. Thank you for a awesome read.
As always a really great read. Love these books on Smoke. Always looking forward to the next one. Smoke is one tough man. But he is a gentle man, and loves his family. Looking forward to the next Johnstone books. Thank you for a awesome read.
December 20, 2017
Good book! That Smoke is very fast on the draw,and accurate as hell.I would like to read about his first quick draw fight!
This was a good book, easy reading.That Smoke is really quick on the draw and very accurate!I have read a lot of your books and will read more.
This was a good book, easy reading.That Smoke is really quick on the draw and very accurate!I have read a lot of your books and will read more.
January 3, 2018
Excellent read
Set in the old west a wonderful tale of adventure and life as it was back then. Read one and you will seek the rest. Smoke Jensen and the Mountains man series well worth the read
Set in the old west a wonderful tale of adventure and life as it was back then. Read one and you will seek the rest. Smoke Jensen and the Mountains man series well worth the read
February 21, 2018
Best western I've read in years!!
Many subplots,held my interest.this book would have made a great movie!!enjoyed the many characters. Reminded me of the old western i read as a kid.some heroes i could look up to!!
Many subplots,held my interest.this book would have made a great movie!!enjoyed the many characters. Reminded me of the old western i read as a kid.some heroes i could look up to!!
October 10, 2018
I know these books are Ghost Written, but this one was fantastic. A great story with interesting characters you cared about and nice pacing. I always enjoy this series but this one really stood out. Read it now !
January 18, 2021
A very entertaining read. Lots of nasty people and Smoke needs to straighten everyone out or be killed in a shot out. It always better to listen to Smoke and leave else you end up dead.
A trip to New York takes a nasty twist requiring more western justice to straighten things out.
A trip to New York takes a nasty twist requiring more western justice to straighten things out.
February 6, 2024
Kids being kidnapped, Sally being Kidnapped, Pearlie made a peace officer in New York, Smoke buffaloed by one who he thought was a friend. This makes for one of the most exciting books in this series.
May 5, 2024
Not good
This was by far the worst Smoke Jensen book by far. The wording was awkward, the story obvious but manly it was a poor excuse of a book. I have read all.of the series to this point but if the next is this bad, I'm done. I should ask for a refund
This was by far the worst Smoke Jensen book by far. The wording was awkward, the story obvious but manly it was a poor excuse of a book. I have read all.of the series to this point but if the next is this bad, I'm done. I should ask for a refund
January 2, 2018
Excellent!
Another wonderful tale by the Master writer of Western lore! A well written and edited book with good winning again.
Another wonderful tale by the Master writer of Western lore! A well written and edited book with good winning again.
May 19, 2018
A good fast read. Lots of excitement. All the characters were sufficiently developed.
May 19, 2018
The best ever
These books of the mounta son man Smoke Jensen are great reads, this is about the third or fourth time I've read them, and I will be reading them again.
These books of the mounta son man Smoke Jensen are great reads, this is about the third or fourth time I've read them, and I will be reading them again.
January 16, 2019
Good
Good book to read exciting and well written. Will continue to read this series for as long as they print them.
Good book to read exciting and well written. Will continue to read this series for as long as they print them.
May 30, 2019
The writing and story were engaging, but these are some of the stupidest characters I've ever encountered.
July 28, 2019
Enjoy the 45th book. Sally’s in the middle again.
August 16, 2025
A dnf. Too stupid.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews