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Terrence Corcoran #1
Name's Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran
Terrence Corcoran carried a badge in Virginia City, Nevada until one day, in a drunken stupor, he shot the sheriff. Now he’s returning to the Comstock looking to get his badge back and stumbles into a conspiracy that might put the sheriff, district attorney, and others in jail for a long time. A lovely working girl is brutally murdered, a Hungarian duke wants a Wells Fargo gold shipment, and the sheriff rehires him after first kicking him in a most tender spot.
Corcoran was born on the ship bringing his family to this country, ran away to the frontier at an early age and brings his ideas of the old country and knowledge learned of the west to whatever mess he finds himself in. He’s carried a badge, found himself in jail, and stands four-square for right, honor, and truth. You gotta love the guy.
Corcoran was born on the ship bringing his family to this country, ran away to the frontier at an early age and brings his ideas of the old country and knowledge learned of the west to whatever mess he finds himself in. He’s carried a badge, found himself in jail, and stands four-square for right, honor, and truth. You gotta love the guy.
- GenresWesterns
252 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2017
666 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 8, 2026
The first thing you notice about “Johnny Gunn” is that he sounds like a porn star. The second thing you notice is that he writes a bit like one too. Not quite as good as an author might write. But in the same general neighbourhood.
“Name's Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran” introduces us to a hard-drinking frontier lawman in Virginia City who once shot his own sheriff while drunk and now hopes to get his badge back. Along the way we get a Hungarian duke, a Wells Fargo gold shipment, a murdered prostitute with the inevitable heart of gold and a conspiracy that somehow manages to feel both over-explained and underwritten at the same time. Eighty-five per cent of the book consists of the narrator patiently informing you what is happening, what has happened and what is about to happen next.
It's less storytelling than a running commentary on the idea of storytelling.
Somewhere between the Hungarian duke, the murdered working girl and the hero’s third act of catastrophic incompetence, you realise this book has less plot than the average wanted poster. The prose leans on repetition so heavily that it stops being a technique and turns into a tic. Characters drift in and out like cardboard silhouettes. Even Corcoran himself barely registers as a person. His “Irishness” appears to consist mainly of the label.
Our hero is a curious creation. A supposed lone wolf with a big heart who never seems to sleep, which might explain some of the baffling decisions he makes. At one point, he gets kicked in the balls by his own employer and treats it as a promising career development opportunity. The reader will understand the impulse.
The stylistic habits are just as wearying. It reads like a western assembled from familiar parts rather than inhabited by actual people. At one point, Corcoran proudly stands “four-square for right, honour, and truth”. Three concepts this novel approaches with roughly the same competence he shows in not shooting his superiors.
I read pulpy westerns like this as a palate cleanser between heavier books. After finishing “Name's Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran”, I suspect I might have been better off trying a glass of Draino.
Corcoran shoots his own sheriff. Sadly, no one shoots the author. One and a half stars. And that’s me being polite.
“Name's Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran” introduces us to a hard-drinking frontier lawman in Virginia City who once shot his own sheriff while drunk and now hopes to get his badge back. Along the way we get a Hungarian duke, a Wells Fargo gold shipment, a murdered prostitute with the inevitable heart of gold and a conspiracy that somehow manages to feel both over-explained and underwritten at the same time. Eighty-five per cent of the book consists of the narrator patiently informing you what is happening, what has happened and what is about to happen next.
It's less storytelling than a running commentary on the idea of storytelling.
Somewhere between the Hungarian duke, the murdered working girl and the hero’s third act of catastrophic incompetence, you realise this book has less plot than the average wanted poster. The prose leans on repetition so heavily that it stops being a technique and turns into a tic. Characters drift in and out like cardboard silhouettes. Even Corcoran himself barely registers as a person. His “Irishness” appears to consist mainly of the label.
Our hero is a curious creation. A supposed lone wolf with a big heart who never seems to sleep, which might explain some of the baffling decisions he makes. At one point, he gets kicked in the balls by his own employer and treats it as a promising career development opportunity. The reader will understand the impulse.
The stylistic habits are just as wearying. It reads like a western assembled from familiar parts rather than inhabited by actual people. At one point, Corcoran proudly stands “four-square for right, honour, and truth”. Three concepts this novel approaches with roughly the same competence he shows in not shooting his superiors.
I read pulpy westerns like this as a palate cleanser between heavier books. After finishing “Name's Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran”, I suspect I might have been better off trying a glass of Draino.
Corcoran shoots his own sheriff. Sadly, no one shoots the author. One and a half stars. And that’s me being polite.
May 19, 2020
It was a quite enjoyable book with many interesting characters. It started fast and never got boring. Corcoran is definitely a character I want to read more about.
May 10, 2018
I don't usually read Westerns but read this one for a GroupReads challenge. I liked the MC (Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran), and how he was able to sniff out the bad guys and injustice almost upon entering the town. A lone wolf, but with a big heart. I might read about him again...if I need to read another western!
March 29, 2018
NAME’S CORCORAN, TERRENCE CORCORAN by Johnny Gunn has movement, action, and a satisfying climax and incorporates several interesting historical tidbits. It would be satisfying to a reader looking for a plot-driven traditional western. Even so, it seemed a little thin to my tastes.
Terrence Corcoran is a tough sometimes deputy sheriff who has returned to Virginia City after an absence of a few years. In short order, Terrance and his former boss, Sheriff Emilio Locatelli, work out any lingering hard feelings about Corcoran shooting him just before he left town and gives him his old job back. Very quickly, Corcoran uncovers a conspiracy to steal a large amount of newly minted gold coins and sets about to thwart those plans.
Gunn provides lots of detail about Virginia City and the Comstock Lode. (I have not researched that myself, but I’ll assume it is all correct.) This provides interest to the story.
Unfortunately, we are never provided enough information about the characters so that the reader is truly invested in them. Corcoran is said to be Irish, though we don’t see much more than a shallow veneer of what it means to be Irish. The supporting characters have even less depth, including Corcoran’s potential love interest, his African-American friends, and the antagonists.
It is not clear if some of the stylistic elements are intentional or not. For example, Corcoran has a habit of introducing himself as, “Corcoran, Terrance Corcoran.” This of course has shades of “Bond, James Bond.” In another example, I lost track of the number of times Corcoran – and many of the supporting characters – chuckle or chortle to themselves.
Gunn uses Corcoran thinking and talking to himself almost constantly as a way to move the narrative forward. The supporting characters also display this habit. This may well have been a conscious decision by the writer, but its meaning eludes me and can instead be distracting.
Every reader enjoys a story for different reasons and this would be a good choice for those who value primarily plot-driven traditional westerns.
Terrence Corcoran is a tough sometimes deputy sheriff who has returned to Virginia City after an absence of a few years. In short order, Terrance and his former boss, Sheriff Emilio Locatelli, work out any lingering hard feelings about Corcoran shooting him just before he left town and gives him his old job back. Very quickly, Corcoran uncovers a conspiracy to steal a large amount of newly minted gold coins and sets about to thwart those plans.
Gunn provides lots of detail about Virginia City and the Comstock Lode. (I have not researched that myself, but I’ll assume it is all correct.) This provides interest to the story.
Unfortunately, we are never provided enough information about the characters so that the reader is truly invested in them. Corcoran is said to be Irish, though we don’t see much more than a shallow veneer of what it means to be Irish. The supporting characters have even less depth, including Corcoran’s potential love interest, his African-American friends, and the antagonists.
It is not clear if some of the stylistic elements are intentional or not. For example, Corcoran has a habit of introducing himself as, “Corcoran, Terrance Corcoran.” This of course has shades of “Bond, James Bond.” In another example, I lost track of the number of times Corcoran – and many of the supporting characters – chuckle or chortle to themselves.
Gunn uses Corcoran thinking and talking to himself almost constantly as a way to move the narrative forward. The supporting characters also display this habit. This may well have been a conscious decision by the writer, but its meaning eludes me and can instead be distracting.
Every reader enjoys a story for different reasons and this would be a good choice for those who value primarily plot-driven traditional westerns.
March 31, 2021
Johnny Gunn – Terrence Corcoran Vol 1-5 – Reviewed 3/20/21 – Read 3/11-13/21
After you shoot your boss, what’s next? Get your job back, of course!!!!
Terrence Corcoran was a deputy in Virginia City, Nevada, until that fateful night when he got drunk, and in a stupor shot the sheriff. Well, he lost his badge and left town. Now he is on his way back, and he is going to get that badge back again. He hopes!
Arriving back in Virginia City, he talks his way back into getting his badge but, here is where things start going sour. As he is working, he discovers a conspiracy, and he is not sure that the sheriff is involved. But, because of his beliefs of honor and truth, he can’t stop until he figures the whole thing out, and everyone pays for what they have done, sheriff or not!
And the tale begins…
Name's Corcoran, Vol 1-5 includes - Name’s Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran; Terror on Flat Top Ridge; Rage On The Range; Lahontan Valley War and Tough Woman Ranch.
What did I like? Terrence Corcoran is every woman’s dream man, tall, honest, good-looking, and polite. The problem is everywhere he goes there is trouble, whether someone is chasing him or the other way around. The best part though is he might come out a little ragged, but he usually gets his man.
What are you going to like? Exciting, mysterious, intriguing, shootouts, a touch of romance, humor, and five great reads. The characters are excellent with lots of bad guys, adding heaps of work for Terrence. Five great books all in one read, with amazing storylines that will have you reading day and night. Johnny uses his talent as a wonderful writer to bring every character, animal, weapon, and place alive in your mind. Set your internal clock so that you don’t miss out on this new release set for March 31, 2021, to add this volume to your Western Library.
• File Size: 4949 KB
• Print Length: 1006 pages
• Publication Date: 3/31/2021
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• ASIN: B08XWC7CQJ
• Genre: Westerns, Western Fiction Classics, Classic Literature & Fiction
After you shoot your boss, what’s next? Get your job back, of course!!!!
Terrence Corcoran was a deputy in Virginia City, Nevada, until that fateful night when he got drunk, and in a stupor shot the sheriff. Well, he lost his badge and left town. Now he is on his way back, and he is going to get that badge back again. He hopes!
Arriving back in Virginia City, he talks his way back into getting his badge but, here is where things start going sour. As he is working, he discovers a conspiracy, and he is not sure that the sheriff is involved. But, because of his beliefs of honor and truth, he can’t stop until he figures the whole thing out, and everyone pays for what they have done, sheriff or not!
And the tale begins…
Name's Corcoran, Vol 1-5 includes - Name’s Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran; Terror on Flat Top Ridge; Rage On The Range; Lahontan Valley War and Tough Woman Ranch.
What did I like? Terrence Corcoran is every woman’s dream man, tall, honest, good-looking, and polite. The problem is everywhere he goes there is trouble, whether someone is chasing him or the other way around. The best part though is he might come out a little ragged, but he usually gets his man.
What are you going to like? Exciting, mysterious, intriguing, shootouts, a touch of romance, humor, and five great reads. The characters are excellent with lots of bad guys, adding heaps of work for Terrence. Five great books all in one read, with amazing storylines that will have you reading day and night. Johnny uses his talent as a wonderful writer to bring every character, animal, weapon, and place alive in your mind. Set your internal clock so that you don’t miss out on this new release set for March 31, 2021, to add this volume to your Western Library.
• File Size: 4949 KB
• Print Length: 1006 pages
• Publication Date: 3/31/2021
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• ASIN: B08XWC7CQJ
• Genre: Westerns, Western Fiction Classics, Classic Literature & Fiction
July 13, 2018
Unfortunately, I read book three first, but these stories appear to be stand alone novels anyway. I am definitely impressed with the author's exceptional writing abilities and apparent knowledge of our true old western folklore. These stories are very heartwarming and certainly worthy of being read. I have been impressed with Corcoran 's exciting adventures throughout the entire story. A man of few words, and he believes in justice, while effectively his assigned duties.
Definitely another five star episode by an exceptionally talented author, which I have become enthralled with over the last few days. This is definitely worthy of the award, as the stories of Terrence Corcoran rank highly in western folklore.
I have become an avid fan of Mr. Gunn and his wonderful rendition of our true old western adventures. There is never a dull moment she he sends Corcoran on a do or die challenge. I have found the storylines fascinating beyond belief and the selected characters are totally beyond belief. Just as an artist completes his masterpiece on canvass, as Mr. Gunn lays his out on his old western adventures.
Most surely recommend this series to you truly lovers of our real western adventures, as you will be as I have been, mesmerized with Corcoran and his colleagues! 😂
Definitely another five star episode by an exceptionally talented author, which I have become enthralled with over the last few days. This is definitely worthy of the award, as the stories of Terrence Corcoran rank highly in western folklore.
I have become an avid fan of Mr. Gunn and his wonderful rendition of our true old western adventures. There is never a dull moment she he sends Corcoran on a do or die challenge. I have found the storylines fascinating beyond belief and the selected characters are totally beyond belief. Just as an artist completes his masterpiece on canvass, as Mr. Gunn lays his out on his old western adventures.
Most surely recommend this series to you truly lovers of our real western adventures, as you will be as I have been, mesmerized with Corcoran and his colleagues! 😂
June 10, 2021
A solid western yarn that has a fun main character that seems to have trouble follow him wherever he goes. Sometimes he wears a badge and he does here when he becomes a night time deputy for Virgina City, Nevada after a run in with a theif heading to town. He quickly finds a conspiracy to rob something big that seems to include alot of the underground elements, a fake duke, and even the DA. Also if he found it so quick why doesn't the Sheriff seemed to not know it?
Recommended, it has plenty of action and a solid story. And again Corcoran is a fun character. A minor problem is that there is a ton of characters to keep up with and a some big info dumps early, hoping after this first book that aspect settles down a bit. Will read more.
A little spoiler here in that it seems a little to cut and dry, never really seemed that the robbery was going to work and nothing really happens to make you think otherwise. Kept thinking there has to be another plan in the background but nope thats all there is.
Recommended, it has plenty of action and a solid story. And again Corcoran is a fun character. A minor problem is that there is a ton of characters to keep up with and a some big info dumps early, hoping after this first book that aspect settles down a bit. Will read more.
A little spoiler here in that it seems a little to cut and dry, never really seemed that the robbery was going to work and nothing really happens to make you think otherwise. Kept thinking there has to be another plan in the background but nope thats all there is.
June 11, 2021
If you like westerns with a tough, kick butt main character, you will enjoy this story. Corcoran rides into Virginia City, Nevada and uncovers a plot by bad guys to steal a Wells Faro gold shipment being transferred to a local bank, Along with US Marshall’s, he helps kill or capture the bad guys involved. He refuses the offer to be sheriff and rides off looking for more adventures. It has the hint of romance but he leaves a pretty restaurant owner sad but he’s convinced he must continue to wander alone.
May 9, 2023
Both hubby and I have read this book as well as others by this author. We enjoy this genre’ and look forward to a good western read. This quick story takes place in Virginia City where Corcoran takes the job as Deputy Sheriff. Trouble seems to find him but he easily takes care of those who challenge him. I personally loved the way his friends become his family, of sorts, as he befriends saloon owners, businessmen and ladies who he respects beyond measure. I’m sorry he lost his longtime friend, Claire Donnegan.
January 25, 2018
Another great read from Johnny Gunn
As usual, johnny Gunn gets you deeply involved in his story line and makes you see and feel all the happenings in his book. This one has quite an involved plot and will make it very hard to put down. Excellent read from an excellent author.
As usual, johnny Gunn gets you deeply involved in his story line and makes you see and feel all the happenings in his book. This one has quite an involved plot and will make it very hard to put down. Excellent read from an excellent author.
February 14, 2018
Very good book
This is a very well written story about a man that enjoys wandering around. He is on the side of right and helps to correct a wrong.Very well written and would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a great western.
This is a very well written story about a man that enjoys wandering around. He is on the side of right and helps to correct a wrong.Very well written and would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a great western.
July 22, 2018
An ok story . A bit many charities to keep up with for me.
The sample read interested me . The plot was good so I gave it a go . Corcoran is a wonder at figuring out tangled problems
The sample read interested me . The plot was good so I gave it a go . Corcoran is a wonder at figuring out tangled problems
January 19, 2018
Name's Corcoran, Terrence Corcoran
This is a pretty good western that is a little slow in places, but comes through in the most part as an interesting story.
This is a pretty good western that is a little slow in places, but comes through in the most part as an interesting story.
January 27, 2018
Enjoyable story. Had my head into it, most of the time trying to figure out his next moves. Looking for more books written by Mr. Gunn
February 27, 2018
Enjoyable book
Different but good. A different type of western but not much of a mystery to me story. Overall a very enjoyable read.
Different but good. A different type of western but not much of a mystery to me story. Overall a very enjoyable read.
April 11, 2018
Darn good book
Gunn writes a good story. No Hollywood ending. But, it is real, gritty and with a good dose of humor. But, it is always real and always believable.
Gunn writes a good story. No Hollywood ending. But, it is real, gritty and with a good dose of humor. But, it is always real and always believable.
July 3, 2018
Glued !!!
Different but has your attention all the time looking forward to others in the series .love the westerns must find out about the follow ups
Different but has your attention all the time looking forward to others in the series .love the westerns must find out about the follow ups
January 30, 2019
Corcoran;
This was a fun read. I enjoyed reading about the adventures of this Irish man. He is quite a character.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed reading about the adventures of this Irish man. He is quite a character.
February 10, 2019
A quick read.
If you want a book you can read in an afternoon but has a nice story to it, this is it.
If you want a book you can read in an afternoon but has a nice story to it, this is it.
May 29, 2020
Very good read
Great western in every way. Also a bit of an adventure novel, a mystery, a bit of who done it and why. Well written.
Great western in every way. Also a bit of an adventure novel, a mystery, a bit of who done it and why. Well written.
June 2, 2020
3 stars
Interesting story. Good characters, plenty of action, and all intrigues solved in the end. The author needs a good thesaurus. Uses words and phrases over and over and over.
Interesting story. Good characters, plenty of action, and all intrigues solved in the end. The author needs a good thesaurus. Uses words and phrases over and over and over.
July 1, 2021
A strong main character but a slow story. After the main storyline is finished the ending drags.
April 15, 2024
Nostalgic
This Western story introducing Terrence Corcoran who again becomes a lawman reminded me of the old TV movies from the 1950s. I may read the 2nd.
This Western story introducing Terrence Corcoran who again becomes a lawman reminded me of the old TV movies from the 1950s. I may read the 2nd.
May 22, 2018
Corcoran is a knight errant in a western setting. He can outshoot, outfight, and probably outthink the bad guys, but is a charmer when it comes to the ladies. As in the old-time westerns, there's no confusion here as to who wears the black or white hats.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews