Blood in the Dust

Hunter Buchanon #2

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

The greatest Western writers of the 21st Century continue the adventures of Hunter Buchanon, a towering mountain of a man who made his name as a Rebel tracker in the Civil War. Now he and his coyote sidekick Bobby Lee are trying to forge a new, peaceful life in the Black Hills, Dakota. But they'll have to fight to the death to keep it...

THERE'S COYOTES IN THEM THERE HILLS.

Ex-Rebel tracker Hunter Buchanon is down on his luck. He lost his family's ranch in a fire. He lost his gold to a thief. And he just might lose his fiancée--a beautiful saloon girl named Annabelle--to a stinking-rich rival. But Hunter's not ready to give up just yet. He's got a temporary sheriff's badge, a long-range plan to rebuild his ranch, and his loyal coyote Bobby Lee by his side to make things right. Too bad it all goes wrong--when Annabelle gets kidnapped...

The mayhem begins with a stagecoach robbery in the Black Hills town of Tigerville. It won't end until Sheriff Hunter Buchanon gets back his girl and his gold--on a long, dusty trail of bloodsoaked vengeance...

Genres: Westerns, Fiction

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 29, 2020

About the author

William 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.

Reviews

[TXGAL1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunter Buchanon may have at least three strikes against him, but he’s not counting himself out!

J.A. Johnstone continues William W. Johnstone’s Western adventure legacy with BLOOD IN THE DUST. The cover states that this is “A Hunter Buchanon Black Hills Western”. More about the cover shortly.

The story opens with Hunter driving the Tigerville stagecoach to make ends meet for his dad, Old Angus, and himself. They’ve fallen on hard times since they lost their ranch to a fire caused by a hateful neighboring rancher. In the skirmish Hunter’s two brothers were killed. If this isn’t enough bad luck, Hunter’s hard-earned $30,000 worth of gold dust has been stolen which causes its own set of problems.

Hunter’s life is filled with chaos and fury. As soon as one situation is settled, another one needing his immediate attention crops up. And all the while Hunter is looked upon with disdain by some citizens of Tigerville because he is an ex-Confederate soldier—one that gets things done!

My views on BLOOD IN THE DUST are mixed. I was very pleased when I was notified that I had won this giveaway via KensingtonBooks. Although I don’t normally read this genre, I do really enjoy watching westerns on tv, etc. My excitement was dulled as I began to read and found Hunter’s description repeated multiple times within the first couple of pages, as though I wouldn’t remember what the author wrote. Then, having made such a strong case for what Hunter looks like, the cover art of the book is nothing like the description inside. Hunter is supposed to be 27, but the figure on the cover looks as though he’s closer to 47. Also, the cover cowboy has dark hair while Hunter is supposed to be blond!

Because I feel like the author told the story he set out to share, I am going to bump the rating from 2.5 to 3-stars—even though the story would have benefited from a bit more editing.
I thank KensingtonBooks for my copy of BLOOD IN THE DUST in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleased to win my copy of Blood in the Dust in a Goodreads giveaway. It's a fun Western romance/action-adventure set a few years after the end of the Civil War (which is referred to as The War for Southern Independence or The War of Northern Aggression in the novel), in the Dakota Black Hills. It's the second book of a series, but the situation is explained in a clear and direct manner and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read the first book. Along with plenty of traditional Western shoot-'em-up action, it's essentially a traditional romance triangle with enough yearnings and angsty passions to satisfy the most hardened devotee of Hallmark Christmas films. (Stop here to avoid spoilers!) The three participants are Hunter Buchanon, a Confederate veteran who's now supporting himself and his elderly father by driving a stagecoach after their ranch has been destroyed in the previous volume, his long-time sweetheart Annabelle, the daughter of a rival rancher who's working in a brothel (but not as a prostitute though she dresses the part), and Laura, who comes to town to escape an abusive marriage in the big city and is set to become the new schoolteacher. Hunter and Annabelle were to be married, but the gold Hunter had mined to finance the rebuild of the ranch has been stolen and he can't face the idea of Annabelle not having the finer things to which he believes she is accustomed. Her father is pressuring her to marry an unpleasant business associate and take over their ranch, so she elects to live independently by serving meals at the saloon. She has a ne'er-do-well brother who isn't capable of running the ranch and who has been disfigured in a fire Annabelle caused to save herself in the first book. Laura is a passenger in Hunter's stage coach when it is attacked by a band of robbers and he saves her. Hunter and Laura have a brief but passionate affair, Annabelle's brother tries to kidnap her from the brothel to take her back to the ranch to marry the unpleasant man their father has picked as his heir, Hunter becomes sheriff through an unlikely series of events after he kills the leader of the band who attacked the stage and killed his friend and attempted to ravish Laura, and there's all manner of chasing back and forth and fighting interspersed with romantic and frustrating exchanges between the ladies and Hunter. Eventually Annabelle and Laura become unlikely friends, Laura's husband comes to town to punish her for leaving and because she shot him in an unfortunate place when she discovered him in a bathtub with a prostitute (which is what spurred her leaving), and Annabelle is kidnapped by the unwanted suitor. Hunter is away during much of this, as he's off capturing a homicidal Indian princess, as one sometimes has to do when one is the sheriff. Hunter rescues Laura, and they realize their love isn't eternal because he still loves Annabelle, and then he has to rescue Annabelle from her kidnapping. In the process, the carriage goes over the cliff, the kidnapper is killed, and Annabelle is left hanging onto a broken branch from a crumbling ledge. Hunter scrambles after her, so they're both stuck on the ledge with no hope of salvation. Just as it gives way, when I thought there was going to be a literal cliff-hanger of an ending, there's a last-page rescue and redemption from an unexpected source, the gold is recovered, and all of the loose ends are tied up (except for the homicidal Indian princess, who's still sitting in jail). The conclusion is just a little -too- tidy and abrupt, but other than that reservation I quite enjoyed the story. The writing is quite good, simple and direct, and it's a fast-paced, enjoyable story. There are some very amusing bits mixed in with the mayhem, such as Hunter's pet coyote (!), Bobby Lee. The characters are sympathetic for the most part, and well portrayed, even when they do really dumb things (Hunter decides he can't marry Annabelle because his gold was stolen, so she decides to dress like a prostitute and serve chili for a living... not good choices from either angle...), and I enjoyed the read. I hope they all live happily ever after.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Blood in the Dust, Johnstone's second in the Hunter Buchanan Black Hills Western series (Pinnacle 2020), Buchanan and his long-time partner Charlie are carrying a mine payroll and two passengers in their stage coach. They’re attacked by outlaws and everyone is killed except Hunter and one eastern woman who does nothing but complain. She’s prissy, snobbish, and beautiful, with no idea how to save her own life in perilous circumstances. It falls to Hunter to force her to do what must be done like find cover and avoid detection by the outlaws who are still out there somewhere.

Here’s a taste of this annoying though beautiful woman

Hunter rose and ran back to where the woman sat on her knees, head down, bawling.

“If you think those two will treat you any better than I have, I’ll leave you. That what you want?” He was running hard, pulling the unwilling woman along behind him. “No, but . . . oh, go to hell!”

Despite her pique, he had saved her life, she reminded herself. She supposed she should feel grateful. All she really felt, however, was weariness and rage at the fates that had placed her in such a horrid and downright deadly situation.

Do you see why I dislike her? As one who cherishes strong resilient women who will do what they must, I sure didn't cherish--or respect--this woman. So of course, I kept reading. I won’t ruin the story by telling you if she remains a b**** or man’s up but I will take you it's worth the read. Turns out, she's a very complicated woman.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard for me to give 5 stars, but this one was close. Johnstone, and his ghost writer (niece/nephew), have done well with Westerns. This second in the Black Hills series is a winner. The only slight against it would be that part of the synopsis on the back is a very small part of the book, and I mean like less than 30 pages.

For those who read the 1st book, the beginning doesn't pick right up from the last book. Instead Hunter and Annabelle are not together, and Hunter is driving a stagecoach to make ends meet, as the gold he had stashed away was stolen in the 1st book. Not foo far ahead, Hunter becomes the town marshal. At times, I've envisioned him as a young James Arness from Gunsmoke.

This was a well rounded western with a new lady introduced to Hunter's life, but she has a past and will that be an issue? or will Hunter get back with Annabelle? How many enemies can one feller have? Hunter seems to be the odd man out in Tigerville SD, given he is a former rebel Southerner. So in this book, we have several camps of would be killers, including the new lady's husband, the Ludlows from the 1st book, the robbers of the stagecoach, and even the Sioux get involved.

As another reviewer put, Hunter doesn't get any rest in this book, as one crisis after another cropos up.

Some twists at the end that were unexpected, which gives this book a boost. Also have always enjoyed the description of the scenery in Johnstone's westerns.

This would be a fine made for TV western. The image on the cover of the book portrays a darker headed character than the one in the book, who is described as blond.

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently finished Blood in the Dust the second book in this new series from William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone. This time fate has some surprises in store for Hunter Buchanon. Some issues from the first book get fixed in this book, I don't know if there will be more in this series. Johnstone keeps coming up with new series all the time, amazing considering he has been dead since 2004. He was crazy productive alive. I have always enjoyed his books. I must thenk #Netgalley #Pinnacle and Kensingtonbooks for giving this one to me.

[Jocelyn Schartiger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC from Goodreads so I read it, even though I don't normally read books of this nature. Honestly, I probably never will again. It had so much racism, Confederate sympathies, and misogynic language, I actually don't know how I was able to even finish it.

Regardless I did and I learned that if you don't think you like Western novels, you probably don't.

[Barry Medlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thanks to Goodreads and Kensington Books for this copy*
I don’t typically read westerns and this is my first novel from William W. Johnstone/ J.A. Johnstone. Not having any expectations, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this one! I would definitely read more from these authors!

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was difficult. I hated the attempt at using old west language. Like listening to a bad rerun of an old 1930's western, goldurnit. Tired my dagnabit best but could not get more than 10 pages into it.

[deb dolde · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full disclosure - This is the first western adventure book that I have read. So I am far from an expert in this genre. With that said, I am glad to have had the opportunity from Goodreads to read it. I enjoyed the description of the scenery and the town. I felt like I was right there to witness everything. I also learned a lot of "Western" vocabulary. The book was full of adventure. My reason for giving it only two stars was for the character development. The women in this story are completely unrealistic, for any time period. The two main women characters are described as smart, beautiful, and self-reliant, yet the story conflicts that. Despite these fine qualities, they need men to rescue them from their circumstances. Maybe that is a theme of western adventure books? These women have the same romantic male interest, but show no jealousy towards each other, nor do they fight for their relationship with said male. The male bounces back and forth between the woman judging them. The women often help the other woman, their rival, with their relationship with the male. There was not enough story to explain why these women would bond and help the other woman against their own self-interest. The women are passive waiting for the male to determine if they have or do not have a relationship with the male lead character. The women are not the only character problems. The character Cass changes his personality and behavior so dramatically at the end to wrap up the story. It is unbelievable. Without spoiling the story, Cass is suddenly and very unexpectedly, without a valid reason, no longer angry, jealous, selfish, and self-pitying. I just couldn't get behind the story. The story is, however, very well written. I also enjoyed the part with Bobby Lee, the coyote.

[Aloves2travel · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Blood in the Dust" was a book I won through Goodreads giveaways. It's main character, Hunter Buchanon is on the hunt for the stagecoach robbers that attacked and killed his friend and left the female passenger and Hunter out in the wild.

My usual genre is historical fiction, and read this as it was a Goodreads win. I usually read books without being super critical of the characters and their plausibility, however, these characters were not believable. Hunter had too many "close calls" and heroic saves to make him believable and the undertones of racism and stereotypes made it difficult to read. If westerns aren't your genre, then you might want to find this book at the library.

The overall plot started with interest, but it lost me after Hunter rescued the damsel in distress, and fought off every bad guy in the town saving the two women that had caught his eye. Perhaps if his adventures were toned down and he had a partner, other than a tamed coyote, the story would have been a little more realistic.

[k2148 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood in the Dust (A Hunter Buchanon Black Hills Western #2). By William W. Johnstone & J. A. Johnstone. 2020. Pinnacle Books (ARC eBook).

Blood in the Dust is a roller coaster of a ride for Hunter Buchanan. His gold has been stolen, an old-friend has been murdered, the Black Hills town of Tigerville’s tolerance of him is lukewarm at best, nefarious newcomers and he’s a jerk to his lady love; but is there a new lady love on the scene? And I also enjoyed the coyote, Bobby Lee, who sometimes (all the time) thinks more clearly than his human compatriot. An entertaining western all around.

*Pinnacle Books ARC via NetGalley

[Dorothy Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I volunteered in the media department of a thrift store that supports our local hospice. We couldn't keep westerns on the shelf; they were snapped up as soon as we put them out. When I saw this one on the free cart at the library book store, I decided to read it and see what the attraction is.

I caught on to the slang--a jehu is a stage driver, not an Old Testament king, and a greener is a shotgun. The "hero" is an ignorant, uneducated, Confederate war veteran. A woman uses the word "audition," and he threatens to ride out of her iife if she's going to use big words. I lost count of how many men to their eternal reward. I found it impossible to believe there would be a flower shop in a crude gold rush town.

In short, I still don't understand the attraction.

[Denice Langley]

Readers of westerns know they are going to read a great book when the authors name is Johnstone. The Johnstone series of books run the library shelf from the dynasty driven Jensen family to Preacher.....a mountain man of some repute. Then you have Perly Gates and the Have Bride team of Bo and Scratch. Last in the line today is Hunter Buchannan, a young man just trying to survive in an exceedingly tough town. But when it looks as if he has hit rock bottom, Hunter will bounce back.
The Johnstones set their stories in realistic scenery with some very unusual support characters who mange to tell a story all by themselves. If you love lots of action and straight forward characters, pick up any of the Johnstone books and start reading.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Hunter Buchanan series and begins with Hunter and his partner Charlie delivering payroll and two passengers via stage coach. They are attacked by bandits and all are killed except Hunter and one passenger, Laura, who is to become the town’s new teacher. Trying to protect her, he gets frustrated with her complaints. But save her he does. But his heart is still for his Annabelle who now works at a saloon. As the tale unwinds, so much happens and this novel is filled with action and romance and I love the setting of the hold west. I just thought it ended to abruptly.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Johnstone books are always full of action and adventure. This book is the same. Hunter Buchanon has managed to forge a new life. After finding the perfect woman, he thinks finally his life will go right. However, when his ranch burns and his gold is taken, what will he do? After a stagecoach robbery leaves only Hunter and one passenger alive, Hunter must fight even harder. When Anabelle is kidnapped, will he get his girl and his gold back? I really enjoyed this book I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read some of William W. Johnstone's early works and enjoyed them; this one, not so much. The characters were not as deeply developed as before and I did not seem to care about them. I am not much of a western reader and since it has been some time I have read a western, the fault may well lie with me as the reader rather than the book itself. If you enjoy westerns, you would probably enjoy this.

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in this series. Hunter Buchanon, Bobby Lee, and Ghost. A lot going on. Fast paced story. Stagecoach robbery, sexy female Laurie Meyers, soon to be school teacher with a history of her own. Indians attacking a saloon and trading post because bad whiskey. Annabelle is back. Things get fixed from the first book, but whatever happens to the Indian woman is not said. Maybe will in the third book whenever that is, but won't be this year 2021.

[William Bennett III · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and as far as I'm concerned William W. Johnstone has been passed the mantel from Louie La'moure,Zane Gray and other great western writers. I have to admit that I have read other books by Mr. Johnstone and I wasn't let down by "Blood in the Dust". I could say more about this book but I don't want to give anything away or ruin the plot of pleasure of reading this wonderful western. 📚

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was an entertaining novel, The storyline was not exactly as the cover indicated it would be.

Our intrepid hero saves a young lady from villains while working as a stagecoach driver. Fights off additional villains as they make their way back to town.

Back in town he ends up becoming the local town Marshall.

More villains show up, gunplay and fights occur.

If you like the 1940s being movies you will be entertained by this.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too folksy, western stereotyped for me. Some standard romance tropes are thrown in, too. Top that off with a puzzling cover __ Hunter's depiction does not resemble the blond, blue-eyed Viking look described in the book.

I gave this 3 stars, because a fan of 30s through 50s Westerns might go for this.

[Lrfulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up watching westerns on TV, I've always loved the genre. Who doesn't live a good stagecoach robbery. I only occasionally read westerns though. I've enjoyed other WJ's books, including the first in this series. I thought the descriptions of the scenery and atmosphere believable. I was not that enthusiastic about the characters. I would probably try another book in this series.

[George the Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! It has been ages since I've read a good western, and this hit the spot. Plenty of action, rough around the edges good guy, and plenty of bad guys who needed justice brought to them. Fun times!

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a copy of this book free from the goodreads first reads program in exchange for my honest review. First off I don't read westerns..like ever! 2nd I actually really enjoyed and actually couldn't wait to read more of it. I found this to be very enjoyable, entertaining and at some points hilarious atleast with my terrible sense of humor. Solid 4.6 rating really recommend.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coyote, Bobby Lee, rescued as a pup ought to get his own deputy badge. Historical western adventure right out of the Black Hills of Dakota Territory. A big misunderstanding leads to heartache for sheriff Hunter Buchanan, a job he was tricked into taking.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one that my husband read. He reports that it is a classic western. There is a lot of action from the beginning of the story to the end. The good guy wins and gets the girl. Very fast-moving and well written.

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the Hunter Buchanon series, Blood in the Dust, is a quick, action packed story of people trying to make it in the Wild West. Recommend for those that like westerns, thrillers, and coyotes as pets.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books!

This book was just as good as the first one! I was a bit shocked when Hunter wasn't riding Nasty Pete, I still don't know where this Ghost horse came from! Other than that it was a great storyline!

[Lucy Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with twist and turns

Started off with action and kept on. A few twists
thinking his true love was the school teacher. Hope there is a book about her. Look forward to number 3.

[Dirk Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good read

I enjoyed this book. Like all the other books from before, they filled with action, humor, and some surprises. So if you haven't read one of Johnstone's books, you should. I pretty sure you won't regret it.

[Derrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the time in between releases, i have a difficult time remembering what happened in the first one. This one I enjoyed, though it's just another same old western story. Sometimes you just need one of those though. GA did a great job once again.