Judgment at Gold Butte

by Terrell L. Bowers

Joe Bratt grew up like an unbroken mustang, and trouble has never bothered to move out of his way. He has had to claw and scratch through a life of hard knocks and daily struggles. Fortunately, these trials have taught him three fight when you must, never sit down to a fixed game of chance, and never, ever, get involved with a good woman. Joe holds true to his three rules until he meets up with Raylene Stanfield, a judge's well-educated daughter from the East. Joe has never met a more headstrong woman in his life, but he owes the lady, and he always pays his debts. Although running from the law and a hired killer, Joe takes on the chore of becoming the town judge--a job about which he knows practically nothing! As usual, trouble is ready and waiting for Joe in Gold Butte. It's a town ruled by greed and power, with a sheriff who is more concerned with collecting taxes than making Gold Butte a safe place to live. Genuine judge or not, Joe determines to do what is right. . .even if it means taking on a passel of gunmen and maybe getting killed in the process!

Genres: Westerns

215 pages, Hardcover

First published December 24, 2008

Reviews

[Michael Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time, the premise is funny if a little implausible.
Unlike so many modern novels, there are several likable characters, including the protagonists and several of the townspeople they have to deal with.
In fact, "Judgment" is about both the characters and the situation, about all the people and the difficulties they face.
Terrell L. Bowers writes with a nice sense of life that I intend to seek out in other books. No other titles by him are listed in this Large Type edition, but the author is credited with "many" Westerns so I have hopes of finding at least some of them.

[SilverRoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

The word that continually ran through my mind while reading was, cute. The story has a light and amusing tone without ever becoming an all out comedy. The characters are well done and fairly believable and the plot moves at a nice pace and never lost my attention. The only slight negative is the sometimes corny dialogue (the protagonist says "Dog-Gum!" a fair few times) but it's a minor issue. This isn't a book that transcends the genre but should please anyone looking for a quick entertaining western, I will definitely keep my eye out for more of Mr Bowers work.

[Carolyn Hone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novel idea: fake judge with common sense and fair judgment.

A unique idea for a different western story. A older judge and his daughter have dreams to go to Gold Butte and make a better town. The judge has an accident and dies when their wagon loses a wheel and the horses break free. Innocent Joe Bratt is running from a posse but takes time to deliver the runaway team back to the broken down wagon. He is a bit wounded but helps lift the wagon to put the wheel back on. She hides Joe from the sheriff who claims Joe is really innocent anyway and killed a man in self defense. The daughter wants to fulfill her father’s dream so she talks Joe into being the judge ‘s son and will give him signals to help him make the correct judgments. Loved his own great judgement for the miner that hit his wife while he was drunk and lost money gambling. If all judges could be this good and all lawyers put on their deceiving lying place! Just use common sense everyone!

[Rodney Blasingame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Great characters and injection of humor occasionally. Really enjoyed Joe and Raylene’s characters.

[MAYO · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, innocent read. Like reading the script to an old Western movie. It’s entertaining but not thrilling.

[Dennis OHara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read.

I enjoyed this unrealistic adventure. Each character was easy to visualize, however the storyline was somewhat difficult to believe. Still it was a "fun" read.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

I loved Joe as a gambler, a judge but as sheriff with a happy ending he was best! Great storyline and good writing!

[Mike Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Author did a great job on the characters and storyline for this book. The writing keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. I recommen this book highly