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The Loner #5
Rattlesnake Valley
In the heart of West Texas an ocean of troubles has come ashore—and the Loner is adrift in a sea of hungry sharks.
Welcome Aboard. Now Die. . .
They came from the a former ship captain named Owen Bird who inherited a Texas ranch from his brother…A former pirate named "Black Terrance" Malone, who has arrived in the once peaceful Rattlesnake Valley with a crew of sea dogs to do his dirty work. And dirty work it would be, as Black Terrance begins a campaign of thieving and threatening, even targeting Bird's beautiful young niece. Into this storm rides the Loner—Conrad Morgan, son of the legendary gunfighter Frank Morgan. The Loner sees what no one else a war born on the high seas and a third party is biding his time—waiting to strike a death blow on solid, bloody ground…
Welcome Aboard. Now Die. . .
They came from the a former ship captain named Owen Bird who inherited a Texas ranch from his brother…A former pirate named "Black Terrance" Malone, who has arrived in the once peaceful Rattlesnake Valley with a crew of sea dogs to do his dirty work. And dirty work it would be, as Black Terrance begins a campaign of thieving and threatening, even targeting Bird's beautiful young niece. Into this storm rides the Loner—Conrad Morgan, son of the legendary gunfighter Frank Morgan. The Loner sees what no one else a war born on the high seas and a third party is biding his time—waiting to strike a death blow on solid, bloody ground…
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 12, 2010
61 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Johnstone
646 books227 followersJ.A. Johnstone learned to write from the master himself, Uncle William W. Johnstone, who began tutoring J.A. at an early age. After-school hours were often spent retyping manuscripts or researching his massive American Western History library as well as the more modern wars and conflicts. J.A. worked hard and learned, later going on to become the co-author of William W. Johnstone’s many bestselling westerns and thrillers. J.A. Johnstone lives on a ranch in Tennessee and more information is at WilliamJohnstone.net
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 25, 2011
Another rip-roarin' adventure of Conrad "Kid Morgan" Browning, alias the Loner. This time out, the Kid squares off with former pirate Black Terrance Malone, who seeks to take over the Diamondback ranch (run by his former high-seas nemesis, Captain Owen Starbird and his niece), and thus, the whole of Rattlesnake Valley. Unbeknownst to all, however, a third party has nefarious plans of his own for the valley. Great, action-packed storytelling in the best Western tradition. I look forward, as always, to the next installment!
May 27, 2019
A fine tale with a few finer twists that makes a good book. There are troubles, though.
One of those troubles is that this tale has been told a number of times within the various Johnstone Clan series. This one,as others, has a different ending, but much of the mechanics of the book are very closely repeated. Of the ones I remember, this one is one of the better re-tellings by the Johnstone Clan.
The tale is of a bad guy with land wanting more land of an uncle with a daughter and there still another Johnstone attempt to "tree" a town. As I understand,in American western history, there were a few efforts to take over a town and none succeeded. In the Johnstone many series of books, I believe I've read a good 2 dozen. This one has a more than one alteration to the details of the story that is more of a surprise due to expecting a complete repeat of other Johnstone novels.
There are also a number of inconsistencies with earlier 'Loner' novels. Also time frame issues involving the series where years turn into months turn into years.
Botoom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
One of those troubles is that this tale has been told a number of times within the various Johnstone Clan series. This one,as others, has a different ending, but much of the mechanics of the book are very closely repeated. Of the ones I remember, this one is one of the better re-tellings by the Johnstone Clan.
The tale is of a bad guy with land wanting more land of an uncle with a daughter and there still another Johnstone attempt to "tree" a town. As I understand,in American western history, there were a few efforts to take over a town and none succeeded. In the Johnstone many series of books, I believe I've read a good 2 dozen. This one has a more than one alteration to the details of the story that is more of a surprise due to expecting a complete repeat of other Johnstone novels.
There are also a number of inconsistencies with earlier 'Loner' novels. Also time frame issues involving the series where years turn into months turn into years.
Botoom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.
September 17, 2020
Rattlesnakes Weren't the Only Snakes in Town
Well written and filled with action as two ranchers fought for control. There was another unknown force to contend with as yet another deadly force joined in the fight. Johnstone proved his skills as he developed the main protagonist into to a new force to be reckoned with. This grieving gunfight kept his grief inside. I am sure the readers look forward to learning how The Loner wrestles with his inner self and drifts along his way looking for a life of peace and tranquility. Will he ever find it? Who knows, but we hope not too soon. Keep them coming!
Well written and filled with action as two ranchers fought for control. There was another unknown force to contend with as yet another deadly force joined in the fight. Johnstone proved his skills as he developed the main protagonist into to a new force to be reckoned with. This grieving gunfight kept his grief inside. I am sure the readers look forward to learning how The Loner wrestles with his inner self and drifts along his way looking for a life of peace and tranquility. Will he ever find it? Who knows, but we hope not too soon. Keep them coming!
December 31, 2019
I binge read the series in one month, 12 books. That makes my 2nd western in one year and I loved it. This one takes place during the Wild Wild West and it was such a great adventure that I loved every minute of it. I recommend this to anyone who likes a fun adventure in the West .
November 30, 2020
This book really helped me realize how much the actors and Graphic Audio really brings the book and story to life and how important their writing team is. This made me realize that I might only enjoy Westerns the Graphic Audio way. I don't think I can ever go back.
May 24, 2020
Suspense all the way so many twist and turns Could not set it down for long
September 16, 2020
Good
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April 26, 2011
Kid Morgan arrives in Rattlesnake Valley, just outside of Bristol, TX. The beautiful Diana Starbird offers to take The Kid back to her ranch to resupply after a brawl with a thug hired by a competing rancher, Black Terrance Malone. Malone and his men have been terrorizing the Starbird’s Diamondback ranch, and running roughshod all over Bristol trying to take over the territory. All in revenge against her uncle, former naval officer, Owen Starbird for capturing Malone and having him imprisoned for piracy in the Caribbean. That night the ranch is ambushed and now The Kid has a settle to score! One failed ambush after another leads to a final shootout in the local saloon owned by the beautiful Sophia! The Starbirds have been kidnapped and The Kid, along with Diamondback’s punchers, and a clan of Yaquis lead by family friend Gray Hawk, rescue the two and kill Malone’s right hand men! But there is a twist! A man posing as a journalist has plans of his own! Will The Kid manage to thwart his evil plans to take over the town? Will The Kid and his allies be able to take Malone down and save Diamonback Ranch? With pirates, conspiracy, shootouts, and even sword fights, this epic story is filled with edge of your seat thrills!
May 10, 2010
This is a tale of a range war, an old western plot, but with a slight twist.
The Kid is minding his own business when he gets waylaid by a crew straight out of the pirate handbook. A skull and crossbones block a path he crosses and gets him embrolied in a long standing feud.
In a Texas valley, on one side, a former English sea captain is in a war with the pirate he captured and had sent to prison for eighteen years. Now free, he's out for revenge on the man who put him away. Never mind wanting to marry the captain's niece as part of his payback.
The Kid is minding his own business when he gets waylaid by a crew straight out of the pirate handbook. A skull and crossbones block a path he crosses and gets him embrolied in a long standing feud.
In a Texas valley, on one side, a former English sea captain is in a war with the pirate he captured and had sent to prison for eighteen years. Now free, he's out for revenge on the man who put him away. Never mind wanting to marry the captain's niece as part of his payback.
June 6, 2014
I listened to the Graphic Audio version of this (audio book) and the miles seemed like nothing on my road trip! Excellent way to hear these, just like a radio western (not read, acted out with sound effects) only longer. 5 hours of great listening.
May 31, 2011
good book love the loner series
June 21, 2014
Not horrible just not on par with the Frank Morgan books.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews