The Wicked Die Twice

Slash & Pecos #3

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

Once upon a time in the Old West, Slash and Pecos were two of the wiliest robbers this side of the Rio Grande. Now they're a couple of old timers charged with wrangling an unholy trio of killers escaped from prison. Because not every Western hero wears a white hat or a tin star. Most of them are just fighting to survive.

Not many men get a second chance at life. But thanks to a chief U.S. Marshal who needs their help, the bank-robbing duo of Jimmy "Slash" Braddock and Melvin "Pecos Kid" Baker are on the right side of the law. As unofficial marshals, they've agreed to pick up three prisoners from a Milestown jail and escort them to Denver. Sounds easy enough--until they learn the prisoners are an unholy trio of sadistic cutthroat killers known as Talon, "Hellraisin'" Frank, and the Sioux called Black Pot. And they've managed to escape before Slash and Pecos even show up...

The three convicts have turned Milestown into their own savage slayground. Drinking, killing, ravaging--and worse--they're painting the town red with blood and burning it to the ground. Slash and Pecos manage to stop them in a nick of time. But getting these three to Denver is another story--because the trio's leader has offered a thousand-dollar bounty to anyone who can kill Slash and Pecos. This is going to be one wicked ride that Slash and Pecos will never forget--if they live to tell about it...

Genres: Westerns

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 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

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much darker chapter of the series as the two aging cutthroats are tasked with delivering three of the most savage outlaws in the West to justice. It turns out that the three devils have escaped prison before Slash and Pecos arrive and have burned the town to the ground and killed nearly every citizen.

[Wayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never read a William W. Johnstone western and to be honest, I still haven't. Seeing how the man died in 2004 and this was written in 2020. I have no clue how many books have been put out since his death, but it is an amazing amount. There is a publishers note that said that following his death, his family is working with authors to complete his outlines and unfinished manuscripts. The only way this can keep going on this long is if his outlines were something like, " A Man On A Horse " That's a novel. " A Man With Gun " That's a 20 book series.

The cover also states, "National Bestselling Authors" That's another strike against this. It is way to watered down. Nothing is over the top. Just mainstream big box store, grocery store fodder sold to the masses. I could just be spoiled by great 70's westerns like "EDGE" or "HERNE THE HUNTER" but this is to timid to be any fun. I don't want to be to negative though. It had it's moments. Those moments just couldn't carry this.

[Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not many men get a second chance at life, but former bank-robbing duo, Jimmy "Slash" Braddock and Melvin "Pecos" Baker have been, are on the right side of the law this time. As unofficial marshals, they've agreed to pick up three prisoners from a Milestown jail and escort them to Denver. Except this deadly trio of sadistic killers known as Talon, "Hellraisin'" Frank, and a Sioux called Black Pot, have already managed to escape from their holding cells before Slash and Pecos even show up...

The three escaped prisoners have turned Milestown into their own tormenting playground. Drinking, killing, ravaging, and burning it to the ground. Slash and Pecos manage to stop them in time, but getting these 3 terrors to Denver is a challenge of a whole ‘nother story. The bandit’s leader has offered a thousand-dollar bounty to anyone who can kill Slash and Pecos.

This story features some great characters, a good plot, a little twist. Usually plenty of action, some double-crossing, and a lot of smack talking, and a bit o’ flirting in a Johnstone novel. Check ✅ check,✅ check✅, and check✅

4 STARS

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Abibliofob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read The Wicked Die Twice by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone. This is not the best work by this western writer but it has it's moments. The story about a couple of ageing ex outlaws doing special tasks for the US marshall service is a different twist. I have to thank #KensingtonBooks #Pinnacle and #Netgalley for giving me this arc for review.

[Bob Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy western for your brain, reads like a made for TV movie.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't realize this was book 3. Just might read the first 2.

[Rick Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in the Slash and Peco series...and...nicely set up for the next one. Great characters and non-stop action. What separates this from so many in western lore is that the heroes are real without super powers. They are even aging and fighting the downhill erosion of their skills.

Good characters, good plot, good action and I'm a little in love with Jaycee. This can stand alone, but it is improved knowing the characters. For those to whom it matters, it is clean even though it has some adult themes. No cussin'. I can't wait for the next.

[Dawn Kravagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Western fiction novel I’ve read. A writing craft book, “Fire Up Your Writing Brain,” recommends reading outside your typical genre. In any case, the reason I’m not familiar with this genre as I present my following opinion.

The pace moved well and, particularly, exciting in the latter chapters. The dialogue wasn’t too original and the writing style average, but the author’s focus seems to be telling a good tale and not literary style.

The characters were believable, but a bit cliche. The women were either whores, school teachers or a madam (brothel owner), but at least had opportunities to take control of their destinies and take action. Even though some of Jay’s action seemed foolish, asking for trouble. Yet, how many of us act before thinking?

Overall, not a bad story, but I think the novel would appeal to the average man rather than the most women. No bad swearing or graphic sex, that caught my attention, anyway.

A successful writing duo, so you cannot argue with success.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slash has finally asked Jaycee to marry him, will he go through with it?

Slash and Pecos are back taking three very bad guys to Denver. However have to get them first.
They have escaped jail, killed a lot of people and burned down a town. Well except the saloon and the jail. 😕

Two people come with them on this journey, the worthless young marshal from the burned town and a young female school teacher from the same town.

Jaycee has problems of her own, over hearing a soon to happen robbery. She is very worthless in this book. A female friend Myra steps up and takes action.

Over all the book is okay. A little slow in areas and not as action packed as a lot of Johnstone type stories.

[Darlene Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former outlaws Slash, Jimmy Braddock and the Pecos River Kid, Melvin Baker now owners of a freight company at Camp Collins CO. They are called upon by Chief Marshal Bledsoe on dangerous jobs such as delivering three deadly prisoners for hanging. The author presents a good description of the country, prison wagon, dress and guns of that time. There is a good description of a town burned, bodies left in the street and people burned alive in a church by the prisoners. True violence of this time is shown as violent people lived at that time as they do now.

[Edward Silverman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent dad lit escapist western. The action pieces in the book were well done and kept the pages turning, even if the plot felt a bit old fashioned and tropey at times. Sometimes that is what a reader wants though. Anyone who enjoys a western style novel will appreciate this story. I’ll likely revisit the authors and the series the next time I feel like changing things up.

[Luiz Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough

Good research, it looks like, bringing the slang and the uses of that time and place.
It has a few long dialogues that stalled somewhat the action, but when it got to it, it is enthralling.

[John Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable reading series

Never a dull moment in this fast paced action adventure that keeps the pag3s turning. Each book picks up where the previous book ended so you can fill in the rest of the stories. Great reading.

[Edward Rex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Ok, read better. Whoever has been writing under the Johnstone name the last few books really does not do his name proud.

[Dirk Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good read

I enjoyed reading this book. Plenty of action. I think other readers will enjoy reading this book also. I would recommend this to everyone.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wicked Die Twice is a great addition to the Slash and Pecos series by William W. Johnstone. I give it four stars.

[Tita Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. I love his books

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!

This book was like having two in one! The women trying to stop a robbery while Slash and Pecos try to haul another bunch to jail! Amazing storyline!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. Couldn't put it down.

[Michael T. Spilker · Rating 4 out of 5]

S & P Book#3

Really enjoyed this story. Lots of action and shooting. Would highly recommend this, but again I stress that the entire series be read in order.

[THOMAS E. TONEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wicked Die Twice

Very good western adventure. With plenty of action and excitement! The two main characters Slash and Pecos get in and out of danger at every turn!

[Derrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical Western Story. The only thing (SPOILER) is that I don't like how they changed the Marshal... I liked him.

[Francie Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love westerns. I like traveling in the old West. Solid story line and characters.