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The Range Detectives #1
The Range Detectives
Johnstone Country. The Good Die Young. The Bad Die Younger.
From the bestselling masters of western fiction comes two tough frontier detectives who solve the bloodiest crimes with bravado, brains, and bullets blazing . . .
HOMICIDE ON THE RANGE
A killer is on the loose in the Arizona Territory. One by one, Tonto Basin ranchers are being murdered for their livestock--and the Cattle Raisers Association has hired two range detectives to catch the culprit. From the looks of them, Stovepipe Stewart and Wilbur Coleman are just another pair of high plains drifters. But with their razor-sharp detective skills and rare talent for trouble, they're the last remaining hope for one young cowboy who's been arrested for the murders. Stovepipe and Wilbur believe the boy is innocent. In short order the trail of clues leads to a secret canyon hideout, and the duo find themselves in the middle of an all-out range war--with the dirtiest gang of cutthroats, thieves, and outlaws the West has ever known . . .
There's just one mystery left to solve: How will they get out of this alive?
From the bestselling masters of western fiction comes two tough frontier detectives who solve the bloodiest crimes with bravado, brains, and bullets blazing . . .
HOMICIDE ON THE RANGE
A killer is on the loose in the Arizona Territory. One by one, Tonto Basin ranchers are being murdered for their livestock--and the Cattle Raisers Association has hired two range detectives to catch the culprit. From the looks of them, Stovepipe Stewart and Wilbur Coleman are just another pair of high plains drifters. But with their razor-sharp detective skills and rare talent for trouble, they're the last remaining hope for one young cowboy who's been arrested for the murders. Stovepipe and Wilbur believe the boy is innocent. In short order the trail of clues leads to a secret canyon hideout, and the duo find themselves in the middle of an all-out range war--with the dirtiest gang of cutthroats, thieves, and outlaws the West has ever known . . .
There's just one mystery left to solve: How will they get out of this alive?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
384 people are currently reading
893 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,043 books1,372 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 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 30, 2023
One of the Best Johnstone books I’ve ever read!! Mystery, humor and the best friendship and working chemistry 2 pardners could ever have!
The audiobook was a huge bonus. John McLain does a fantastic range of voices. Superb! Love this one - can’t wait to read next in series!
The audiobook was a huge bonus. John McLain does a fantastic range of voices. Superb! Love this one - can’t wait to read next in series!
July 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book alot. It is a different genre than I usually read (western), but it was a mystery as well. I was pulled right in and carried quickly to the end, just like I like my books to be.
May 17, 2016
This is a Walmart exclusive read, you won't find it any where else till April 2017 new and the other option is finding it previously read at your local Used Bookstore.
The sad thing with, 'the Range Detectives' is that it's written by a ghost writer, and unlike with the now defunct Ralph Compton Western books. These are written under the William W. Johnstone with J.A. Johnstone banner, the actual author's name doesn't appear on it.
With any new series that they publish, it's either real good or it's garbage. I usually just wait for reviews, before I will purchase them. I even started to do this with some of the older series as the quality of those are getting bad.
Two of my favorite niches in the Western genre are Range Detective or range Cowboy themed ones and that was the only reason I purchased this one.
With the Range Detectives, it's set in Arizona Territory in the Tonto Basin, were ranchers are being murdered and cattle livestock is being rustled.
The Cattle Raisers Association dispatches two range detectives too investigate and catch the culprits. Stovepipe Stewart and Wilbur Coleman are two likable range detectives, they camouflage themselves as two high plains drifters and have a knack for finding trouble.
Both Stovepipe and Wilbur have developed razor-sharp detectives skills, from years of drifting all over the range for the agency and miss nothing when looking for clues.
With this one they are the only hope for a young Cowboy, who's been framed by the rustlers and who the law believes is guilty of killing two ranchers.
I won't spoil it for you. You'll just have too purchase 'the Range Detectives', it's surprisingly quite a good read. I hope this is the first in a new series verse being just a standalone.
The sad thing with, 'the Range Detectives' is that it's written by a ghost writer, and unlike with the now defunct Ralph Compton Western books. These are written under the William W. Johnstone with J.A. Johnstone banner, the actual author's name doesn't appear on it.
With any new series that they publish, it's either real good or it's garbage. I usually just wait for reviews, before I will purchase them. I even started to do this with some of the older series as the quality of those are getting bad.
Two of my favorite niches in the Western genre are Range Detective or range Cowboy themed ones and that was the only reason I purchased this one.
With the Range Detectives, it's set in Arizona Territory in the Tonto Basin, were ranchers are being murdered and cattle livestock is being rustled.
The Cattle Raisers Association dispatches two range detectives too investigate and catch the culprits. Stovepipe Stewart and Wilbur Coleman are two likable range detectives, they camouflage themselves as two high plains drifters and have a knack for finding trouble.
Both Stovepipe and Wilbur have developed razor-sharp detectives skills, from years of drifting all over the range for the agency and miss nothing when looking for clues.
With this one they are the only hope for a young Cowboy, who's been framed by the rustlers and who the law believes is guilty of killing two ranchers.
I won't spoil it for you. You'll just have too purchase 'the Range Detectives', it's surprisingly quite a good read. I hope this is the first in a new series verse being just a standalone.
November 9, 2020
After playing a Western game I decided to try reading a “cowboy” book. I don’t know what pushed me to grab this random one off the shelf at the nearest Indigo but I am so happy I did.
Out of all the books I’ve read this is my favourite. The writing style is amazing, raw and makes you feel like you have time travelled back to the old west, however the slang is still understandable. The story line is amazing and makes it into a book you cannot put down. With a fast paced story there are no dips that leave you bored or waiting for a new event. I would give this book 6/5 if possible.
Out of all the books I’ve read this is my favourite. The writing style is amazing, raw and makes you feel like you have time travelled back to the old west, however the slang is still understandable. The story line is amazing and makes it into a book you cannot put down. With a fast paced story there are no dips that leave you bored or waiting for a new event. I would give this book 6/5 if possible.
August 6, 2021
Начитавшись Залера, решил попробовать экзотический поджанр ковбойского детектива, но Range Detectives как будто сгенерирована нейросетью: банальщина в качестве истории, унылые персонажи,
никакого натурализма или экзотики, которые могли бы сделать все намного приятнее. Даже места, просящие неоднозначности вычищены до такой нравственной чистоты, что аж зубы сводит.
Если бы то написали в начале века, то можно было бы пожать плечами, но это, мать его, 2016-ый. Теперь таким можно увлечь разве что младшеклассника
никакого натурализма или экзотики, которые могли бы сделать все намного приятнее. Даже места, просящие неоднозначности вычищены до такой нравственной чистоты, что аж зубы сводит.
Если бы то написали в начале века, то можно было бы пожать плечами, но это, мать его, 2016-ый. Теперь таким можно увлечь разве что младшеклассника
June 10, 2022
The Range Detectives
I have been on the lookout for a good western mystery that was not full of "typical" western things. This book looked it could fit the bill. It started out a bit slow, as it seemed the author wanted us to meet all the characters. I figured out the two characters were more than they seemed but liked how the author played this out. The action was good, the story well developed, and the ending threw a curve at you. It was easy reading and kept me interested. I will be reading the next in the series. A 4.1 out of 5 rating.
I have been on the lookout for a good western mystery that was not full of "typical" western things. This book looked it could fit the bill. It started out a bit slow, as it seemed the author wanted us to meet all the characters. I figured out the two characters were more than they seemed but liked how the author played this out. The action was good, the story well developed, and the ending threw a curve at you. It was easy reading and kept me interested. I will be reading the next in the series. A 4.1 out of 5 rating.
March 17, 2022
Having grown up in the era of "cowboy" shows being on TV almost every night, I like this kind of story. There have only been a couple of western writers that I have read much of their stuff (Louis L'amour and Donald Robertson). I would still prefer any of their stuff, but this wasn't bad. If Audible offers any more of these included in my membership, I would probably get another one.
January 21, 2019
Not a bad book - think 1940's B Western aka 3 misketeers. Only 2 of them.
Honestly, I think I Saw this movie once.
Undercover detectives come to the aid of a young man
who is accused of murder.
Predictable, but entertaining
Honestly, I think I Saw this movie once.
Undercover detectives come to the aid of a young man
who is accused of murder.
Predictable, but entertaining
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
Again I like westerns which are written in a colorful wild west background. This one is one that leads a couple of problem solvers into the path of marauding bandits who are running ruff shod over area ranchers, stealing and killing along the way.
August 9, 2019
Enjoyable reading
A couple of interesting characters and situations make this an enjoyable story for any fan of western stories. The action is non-stop from beginning to end. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good western.
A couple of interesting characters and situations make this an enjoyable story for any fan of western stories. The action is non-stop from beginning to end. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good western.
October 30, 2020
A good old fashioned western. A bit corny in places. The dated dialogue reminded me of the 50s and 60s western movies and television shows.
Quite refreshing after all the heavy hitting mysteries and true to life drama we have so much of.
Quite refreshing after all the heavy hitting mysteries and true to life drama we have so much of.
December 10, 2020
I've only heard these two in another book, but their banter and going about is great fun. This kept me guessing till about half way through, but it was a fun read for sure. Great start, which GraphicAudio had more than 2.
December 25, 2021
What a incredibly good storyline!
I loved this one, so much going on, a real romance, action plus twists and turns that give you a incredibly great ending! I tried solving the mystery of who was behind the whole set up but this one surprised me!
I loved this one, so much going on, a real romance, action plus twists and turns that give you a incredibly great ending! I tried solving the mystery of who was behind the whole set up but this one surprised me!
March 22, 2019
Very good western book with an unexpected twist at the end.
April 7, 2019
I enjoyed this book by an author I was not familiar with and plan to read more of his/their work. This was written posthumously from notes and manuscripts.
February 3, 2020
Not a bad break to take when reading this book. I enjoyed the character of Wilber and Stove Pipe. I like my Westerns but everything is easily expected with this author.
April 21, 2021
Another great storyline and characters- always a good read
May 6, 2021
Audible Audiobook 3.5 Stars
October 13, 2021
overly simplistic characters and story. and very predictable
March 19, 2022
Another great western series by Willaim Johnstone.
April 22, 2022
The range detectives are great characters. A new author for me, but I expect to read more as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Read
May 29, 2023Good western.
July 6, 2024
A good read.
October 9, 2024
It was cute. Listened to the graphic audio version which I love! I’d recommend
October 20, 2025
I enjoyed this; a mix of the western and mystery genres. The ah-shucks banter between the two main characters was a bit much at times, but overall I enjoyed it nonetheless.
October 3, 2016
Most fans are aware that new Johnstone titles are written by ghost writers; some are written really well, others.. not so much. I was very, very pleased to find The Range Detectives to be included in the well written category.
The story is intriguing, a great plot with well rounded characters. It keeps you engaged but keeps you guessing. It is a longer book that never gets windy or boring. The two main characters are great, personable and well presented. This is a story about people you feel actually exist, in a story that could have happened one day out west.
I recommend it to old school Johnstone fans who are looking for reads similar to the tried and true style.
The story is intriguing, a great plot with well rounded characters. It keeps you engaged but keeps you guessing. It is a longer book that never gets windy or boring. The two main characters are great, personable and well presented. This is a story about people you feel actually exist, in a story that could have happened one day out west.
I recommend it to old school Johnstone fans who are looking for reads similar to the tried and true style.
December 4, 2019
Good book
Another fine read by William w. Johnstone. Looking forward to the next book. 7 more words required. 3 more required.
Another fine read by William w. Johnstone. Looking forward to the next book. 7 more words required. 3 more required.
June 8, 2016
One of the best I've read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews