What do you think?
Rate this book
A Nick Williams Mystery #29
The Redemptive Rifleman
Wednesday, November 24, 1965
It's the day before Thanksgiving and Nick and Carter have been in Paris for nearly a month when an early-morning call brings the news they've both been dreading for three years: Louis Jones Richardson, Carter's mother, has passed away in her sleep. The funeral will be on Monday in her hometown of Albany, Georgia.
With that, Nick is determined to find a way to get into Georgia since, in 1953, he and Carter signed an agreement they wouldn't enter the state without permission. And, in spite of the sad circumstances, neither the District Attorney in Albany nor the state's Attorney General are inclined to let them in.
Help comes in the form of two of their operatives: Tom Jarrell and Ronnie Grisham.
Meeting up in Miami on Thanksgiving Day, the four of them make the trek north and surreptitiously cross the Georgia-Florida state line in the early morning hours of Friday.
At Belle Terre, a plantation-style house nestled between cotton fields and the banks of the Flint River south of Albany, Nick and Carter begin to play hosts to friends and family who come by to pay their respects, since neither man will be able to safely show their faces on the day of the funeral.
But then something unexpected happens that turns a time for grieving into a devastating tragedy...
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2019
16 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Frank W. Butterfield
123 books106 followersFrank W. Butterfield, not an assumed name, loves old movies, wise-cracking smart guys with hearts of gold, and writing for fun.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 7, 2019
The Redemptive Rifleman (Nick and Carter #29)
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author, 2019
Five stars
I’m not giving this five stars because it’s better than any of the other books. I’m doing it because I continue to be astounded at the emotional punch this ongoing saga has for me. The plot of this book makes little sense outside the context of the rest of the series – the accumulated narrative that has turned Nick and Carter’s life into an epic Netflix series (at some six seasons now, I’ve calculated). Some of this has to do with the fact that it stirs up memories of my childhood at this point, since I was ten years old when the action in this book takes place. Mostly, however, it is simply Butterfield’s knack for putting his finger on the key points.
Toward the end of the book, Carter quotes the abolitionist Theodore Parker:
“I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; […] I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.”
It’s a quotation that I’ve read twice this week, and it always moves me to tears with its tender faith in the basic goodness of humankind.
Once again, the author takes us on a rollercoaster ride, first to sadness in the darkest heart of American racism, and thence to the heights of love and compassion. There is sorrow, and joy, and danger, and humor, and always the essential necessity of Nick and Carter’s increasingly wide network of gay men and women – a family who act as a kind of queer “iron shield” against the injustice and bigotry that seems to rule the world.
Nick has to face some hard facts about the truth of the life he and Carter have chosen to live – good truth and bad truth. The author reminds us that Nick and Carter are fantasy figures – a vastly rich gay couple so well known that Hollywood celebrities go out of their way to introduce themselves (such a delightful moment). As always, Butterfield has fun mixing up fact and fiction, but the biggest fiction is that a couple like these two simply could not have existed in this period; because if they had, the world would have changed faster than it ultimately did.
Kudos to the author for being so sensitive in matters of race and ethnicity here. He shows a delicate touch that many authors, even high-minded ones, lose sight of in their desire to paint their heroes in a positive light. Some of the toughest passages in the narrative just made me love Nick and Carter more.
Interesting to note that Nick and Carter both use the term “gay” without thinking. As it should be. We’re only four years before Stonewall, and ten years before I met my husband.
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author, 2019
Five stars
I’m not giving this five stars because it’s better than any of the other books. I’m doing it because I continue to be astounded at the emotional punch this ongoing saga has for me. The plot of this book makes little sense outside the context of the rest of the series – the accumulated narrative that has turned Nick and Carter’s life into an epic Netflix series (at some six seasons now, I’ve calculated). Some of this has to do with the fact that it stirs up memories of my childhood at this point, since I was ten years old when the action in this book takes place. Mostly, however, it is simply Butterfield’s knack for putting his finger on the key points.
Toward the end of the book, Carter quotes the abolitionist Theodore Parker:
“I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; […] I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.”
It’s a quotation that I’ve read twice this week, and it always moves me to tears with its tender faith in the basic goodness of humankind.
Once again, the author takes us on a rollercoaster ride, first to sadness in the darkest heart of American racism, and thence to the heights of love and compassion. There is sorrow, and joy, and danger, and humor, and always the essential necessity of Nick and Carter’s increasingly wide network of gay men and women – a family who act as a kind of queer “iron shield” against the injustice and bigotry that seems to rule the world.
Nick has to face some hard facts about the truth of the life he and Carter have chosen to live – good truth and bad truth. The author reminds us that Nick and Carter are fantasy figures – a vastly rich gay couple so well known that Hollywood celebrities go out of their way to introduce themselves (such a delightful moment). As always, Butterfield has fun mixing up fact and fiction, but the biggest fiction is that a couple like these two simply could not have existed in this period; because if they had, the world would have changed faster than it ultimately did.
Kudos to the author for being so sensitive in matters of race and ethnicity here. He shows a delicate touch that many authors, even high-minded ones, lose sight of in their desire to paint their heroes in a positive light. Some of the toughest passages in the narrative just made me love Nick and Carter more.
Interesting to note that Nick and Carter both use the term “gay” without thinking. As it should be. We’re only four years before Stonewall, and ten years before I met my husband.
April 19, 2019
epub; 202 pages
Not quite as clear-cut and optimistic as some in the series - and not all that is due to the death of Carter's mother. Nick decides that they have to return to Georgia, despite the problems that entails; they stay at Belle Terre, which Nick discovers he now owns and which Mike had had converted into a safe house. One or two unpleasantnesses occur - but eventually all is well and our heroes end up in Hawaii for some well-earned rest and sun, having acquired a new recruit along the way...
As usual the period detail feels right - and I realise I'm getting to a time I can remember.
Not quite as clear-cut and optimistic as some in the series - and not all that is due to the death of Carter's mother. Nick decides that they have to return to Georgia, despite the problems that entails; they stay at Belle Terre, which Nick discovers he now owns and which Mike had had converted into a safe house. One or two unpleasantnesses occur - but eventually all is well and our heroes end up in Hawaii for some well-earned rest and sun, having acquired a new recruit along the way...
As usual the period detail feels right - and I realise I'm getting to a time I can remember.
February 27, 2019
Another Incredible Story
This is one more fantastic installment in this amazing series. I love how each book adds more depth to each character while relating the history that was unfolding at the time. While at its core this series is a love story we still get mystery and suspense and action and tragedy and comedy...all intertwined with well researched history and events.
This is one more fantastic installment in this amazing series. I love how each book adds more depth to each character while relating the history that was unfolding at the time. While at its core this series is a love story we still get mystery and suspense and action and tragedy and comedy...all intertwined with well researched history and events.
February 22, 2019
This series continues to deliver, book after book after book. Way to go!
November 28, 2024
Once again I jumped ahead as I was in search of Turkey Day stories(and there aren't many of them in any genre but especially LGBTQ) and this time the jump was about 10 years or so. I wasn't lost by any means but there were a few characters and a few tidbits of info that had occurred in Nick and Carter's universe that I had not discovered yet but there was a scene where some backstory was given to a new-to-me couple who had not been aware of all the little facts that transpired over the years relating to Georgia. It was this scene that helped fill in a few blanks as well as refresh my mind on a few things I had experienced but overall it made me hungry to learn those missing years in 2025, always nice to have something to look forward to.
Onto The Redemptive Riflemen.
I would say(of those I've read) this one had less on the mystery front but it wasn't lacking in moments of danger for the men and their found family. I don't want to give anything away so this review will be shorter than most. Nick and Carter are just as in love as ever and their circle continues to grow but it has also lost a member as they are trying to find a way to give Carter's mom a proper goodbye when they aren't allowed back in Georgia. Never fear, their found family pulls together and finds a way, though not quite as involved as I'm sure the men would like to be in the final send off but sometimes being close and surrounded by loved ones is all that's needed. Just so much love all around that it can't help but make your heart warm and what better holiday than Thanksgiving to help them, and the reader, feel the love and thankfulness.
One little personal sidenote: As with the other entries(the one's I've read anyways) involving Carter's Georgia history, there is mention of the Klan. It made me think of how this spring after watching something on TV my dad mentioned how he remembers his dad telling stories of the Klan being around when he was younger. This is not in the South, we're Wisconsinites and have been for several generations so it really struck me how far reaching hatred and bigotry reached even in my grandparents generation. With Frank W Butterfield's Nick and Carter universe he helps to show just how far we've come, granted we have a long way to go(and unfortunately in this country recent events have shown we may be in for a bit of setback in the coming 4 years) but as heart-hurting as N&C's experiences are they do give one hope by showing the contrast of yesteryear to today, and more specifically how far we had come just within the timeframe of their journey. This may not have been something the author set out to do and not every reader may find it but Nick and Carter's journey brings a layer of comfort to me and for that I have to say a huge "thank you" to Mr. Butterfield.
Onto The Redemptive Riflemen.
I would say(of those I've read) this one had less on the mystery front but it wasn't lacking in moments of danger for the men and their found family. I don't want to give anything away so this review will be shorter than most. Nick and Carter are just as in love as ever and their circle continues to grow but it has also lost a member as they are trying to find a way to give Carter's mom a proper goodbye when they aren't allowed back in Georgia. Never fear, their found family pulls together and finds a way, though not quite as involved as I'm sure the men would like to be in the final send off but sometimes being close and surrounded by loved ones is all that's needed. Just so much love all around that it can't help but make your heart warm and what better holiday than Thanksgiving to help them, and the reader, feel the love and thankfulness.
One little personal sidenote: As with the other entries(the one's I've read anyways) involving Carter's Georgia history, there is mention of the Klan. It made me think of how this spring after watching something on TV my dad mentioned how he remembers his dad telling stories of the Klan being around when he was younger. This is not in the South, we're Wisconsinites and have been for several generations so it really struck me how far reaching hatred and bigotry reached even in my grandparents generation. With Frank W Butterfield's Nick and Carter universe he helps to show just how far we've come, granted we have a long way to go(and unfortunately in this country recent events have shown we may be in for a bit of setback in the coming 4 years) but as heart-hurting as N&C's experiences are they do give one hope by showing the contrast of yesteryear to today, and more specifically how far we had come just within the timeframe of their journey. This may not have been something the author set out to do and not every reader may find it but Nick and Carter's journey brings a layer of comfort to me and for that I have to say a huge "thank you" to Mr. Butterfield.
May 25, 2020
Another winner
I love this series and I love love love Nick and Carter. This book takes them to Georgia for a funeral. They stay in a safe house that Nick doesn’t know he owns until after they’re under the roof. This causes a major shake up in their corporation. So along with the grief that brings them to Georgia, a myriad of events unfolds that had me reaching for the the tissues.
This author continues to write amazing stories of Nick and Carter. Woven through each book are bits of American history that work seamlessly with the plot. If you want to read a series that gives you a feel of what life was like during the 50s and 60s warts and all, plus a huge dose of romance between two of my fave guys(be still my heart), then this is the series for you. I can’t get enough!
I love this series and I love love love Nick and Carter. This book takes them to Georgia for a funeral. They stay in a safe house that Nick doesn’t know he owns until after they’re under the roof. This causes a major shake up in their corporation. So along with the grief that brings them to Georgia, a myriad of events unfolds that had me reaching for the the tissues.
This author continues to write amazing stories of Nick and Carter. Woven through each book are bits of American history that work seamlessly with the plot. If you want to read a series that gives you a feel of what life was like during the 50s and 60s warts and all, plus a huge dose of romance between two of my fave guys(be still my heart), then this is the series for you. I can’t get enough!
March 17, 2019
This one was more of a book that brought you up to date if you’ve not read from book 1 ..... so it was more stating facts than anything else.... I’m so confused because why in the world would you want to start reading from book #29 and miss book 1-28 which were sooooo awesome - also, I’ve not warmed up to Kermit yet, especially after he asked to move in....??
February 13, 2019
A Bit Painful
There are details in this book which, while real enough, remain a reminder of the painful past in the United States. The rest of the story was balanced and enjoyable and the painful parts were gracefully closed by the end of the book.
There are details in this book which, while real enough, remain a reminder of the painful past in the United States. The rest of the story was balanced and enjoyable and the painful parts were gracefully closed by the end of the book.
May 17, 2019
As always, the characters are wonderful.
April 3, 2019
Great Story
I loved this story, enjoyed the characters Nick, and Carter. This story was well written,and had a great storyline, I loved it.
I loved this story, enjoyed the characters Nick, and Carter. This story was well written,and had a great storyline, I loved it.
May 27, 2019
I sure love Nick, Cater and all the gang. Awesome story. Well written with kick ass characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews