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They Did What Had To Be Done
The Return: The Grass Isn’t Always Greener follows a rancher in Colorado who, after his wife is struck with a mysterious illness, moves his family to Denver only to be caught up in a web of deception and hidden enemies. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Return is the third in the South Park series, all set in Colorado in the 1870s. It follows ranchers Ike and Lorraine McAlister as they struggle to survive in a fast-changing world. What they faced every day is not so different than what we face today, as days blur by in a seeming swirl.
How has character development for the main character changed for you through the series?
Ike McAlister is a strong protagonist who is also a flawed man. Much of what changes him is a result of his marriage to Lorraine, a steadfast, strong partner in a harsh world. He doesn’t have to carry the whole load, and relies on Lorraine throughout the series.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?
I’ve always been intrigued by the grit of the Old West settlers. There was no whining, no complaining, no one was a victim, they just went about living and did what had to be done.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Right now, there’s no fourth instalment planned, but I am working on another western mystery set in the time period between the end of the Civil War and 1900. Six short stories in one novel, all revolving around a mysterious pistol with a deadly past.
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Lorraine’s condition fails to improve, and Ike narrowly escapes a deadly attempt on his life. Soon, the couple finds themselves tangled in a web of deception, where hidden enemies plot their destruction. As suspicion deepens and threats draw closer, Ike and Lorraine must unravel the truth before it’s too late.
Will they survive long enough to expose the conspiracy, or will the shadows of Denver claim them both?
Perfect for fans of historical western thrillers, [Your Book Title] delivers suspense, grit, and heart in a world where survival is never guaranteed.
The Return
Mike Torreano’s The Return is a western that finishes his South Park series. The book follows Ike McAlister, a rancher in Colorado whose life gets very, very hard. A terrible blizzard hits his ranch, and his wife, Lorraine, becomes mysteriously ill. Then he gets a job offer from a man named Stilwell, a railroad boss who is also a secret enemy. Ike’s family moves to Denver, but this move is a trap. The whole story becomes a dark mystery. Stilwell is trying to destroy them, seeking revenge for a long-past death, and Ike and Lorraine must fight for their very lives.
I really got into this book. The writing itself is direct. It doesn’t use fancy words. It just tells the story. I liked that. It felt honest, just like the characters. The pace just keeps moving. You get a real feel for the high-country cold. It feels brutal. The book really dives into ideas of loyalty. It talks about revenge. It asks what you would do for your family. I felt a lot for Lorraine. Her sickness was a total mystery, and it made me feel helpless right along with Ike. The whole plot is a big tangled web of old wounds. It was a heck of a thing to unravel.
The central theme is definitely revenge. This story gets dark. Stilwell is a really nasty piece of work. He has no good side. He just wants to destroy people. I felt real anger at his plotting. I was on the edge of my seat. I worried about Ike. I worried about the kids. The book’s real heart is the McAlister family and their friends. They stick together. They have grit. The ending was my favorite part. It was a huge surprise. This felt like true frontier justice. It was a very powerful and smart way to end the mystery.
I absolutely recommend The Return. It’s a fantastic read. It has all the classic Western parts. You get cowboys. You get vast landscapes. You get sudden danger. But it is also a really good mystery. The plot is full of twists. I think this book is perfect for anyone who just loves a solid, traditional Western. It would also be great for someone who wants a fast-paced mystery, one with a lot of heart.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0FQX3BH8W
An Eye for Vengeance
An Eye for Vengeance follows Jedidiah McAllister, a humble rancher turned relentless avenger after his wife and daughters are brutally murdered. What begins as a Western quickly spirals into something far more haunting, a supernatural revenge saga soaked in grief, rage, and a strange kind of spiritual corruption. Through a curse known as “the Eye,” Jed is given the terrible gift of seeing into men’s souls and sending them to Hell. The story unfolds as a mix of gritty frontier realism and mythic horror, blurring the line between man and monster.
The writing style has this cinematic edge, like an old Western painted in blood and dust. Every description feels tactile: the sting of the ropes, the dry wind over the prairie, the glow of the campfire. But what really sells it is the voice. Jed narrates in a tone that’s equal parts grit and poetry, like a man talking to ghosts. There’s a moment when he visits the graves of his wife and daughters and whispers, “I’ll make it right.” I actually had to pause there. You feel his exhaustion, that single thread of purpose keeping him alive. At times, the prose gets heavy, repetitive even, but it fits the story. Vengeance isn’t clean or quick; it’s a slow, choking fire.
What surprised me most was how spiritual the story becomes. The Crow medicine man and Windsong aren’t just background characters; they’re the moral counterweight to Jed’s descent. Their words about balance and the danger of letting vengeance consume you echo through the entire book. There’s a moment when the medicine man tells Jed, “ vengeance is like fire. It burn bright, but if you not careful, it consume everything. Even you,” That line stuck with me. It’s as if the author wanted to remind us that vengeance isn’t justice, it’s rot disguised as purpose. Yet, the author never makes Jed’s rage feel unjustified. He lets us walk that knife’s edge with him.
By the end, I found myself both rooting for Jed and fearing what he’d become. The “Eye” isn’t just a power, it’s a metaphor for how trauma rewires a person, how obsession takes hold and won’t let go. The book doesn’t let you look away from that. It’s violent, yes, but also deeply human in its depiction of love turned to wrath. I finished it feeling shaken and oddly hollow, which I think is exactly what the author intended.
I’d recommend An Eye for Vengeance to readers who love dark Westerns with a supernatural twist, think The Revenant meets The Crow. It’s not an easy read; it’s harsh, bloody, and emotional. But if you like stories that make you feel something raw, something uncomfortable yet real, this one delivers in spades. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your head long after you close it, like the echo of a gunshot across an empty plain.
Pages: 227 | ASIN : B0FRJJLHD3
Pistol Jake
David C. Hoke’s Pistol Jake is a gritty, character-driven Western that follows the tumultuous life of Jacob Roy, a legendary bounty hunter with a complicated past and a reputation that precedes him. Set against the dust-blown backdrop of Praytell, Texas, the story pits Jake against hardened criminals, corrupt deacons, and his own haunted choices, all while weaving in subplots of family, redemption, and vengeance. With a colorful supporting cast including the no-nonsense ranch widow Jessie North and the razor-wielding, scripture-quoting outlaw Deacon, this tale dives deep into themes of morality, justice, and the toll a life of violence takes on the soul.
Reading this book was like riding shotgun on a runaway stagecoach. The writing is raw, immersive, and brimming with energy. Hoke doesn’t pull punches. There’s blood, grit, and language that match the lawless world he’s created. I appreciated the balance between action and introspection. Jake is more than a sharp-shooting cowboy, he’s a man weighed down by loss, regret, and an ever-present sense of duty. The dialogue is sharp and often darkly humorous, which brings the characters to life with authenticity and charm. Deacon, in particular, is terrifying in that he believes his cruelty might actually be divine justice.
The book isn’t afraid to get messy, emotionally and morally. Sometimes the transitions felt jarring, and I feel that a few scenes edged into the grotesque or uncomfortable, but never without purpose. The violence is earned, not gratuitous. Hoke does a fine job of showing how power, faith, and desperation can twist people in different directions. There’s something relatable about all of it. You root for Jake even when he doesn’t root for himself.
Pistol Jake is perfect for readers who love a brutal, heartfelt Western with complex characters and no guarantees. If you’re the kind of person who likes your stories weathered, your heroes imperfect, and your endings earned, saddle up. This book isn’t just another shoot-’em-up—it’s a darn good tale with a whole lot of soul.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0DDHRQHW1
It Was a Wild Time
Ethan Tucker’s Job follows an ex-soldier turned reluctant lawman who is tasked with tracking down a dangerous outlaw and his mission is complicated by old friends, new enemies, and his own inner demons. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in central and south Florida and I often heard stories from long ago about lawless towns like Pine Level or wild cattle towns. When I decided to write a western style story, I thought 1850s Florida would be a great setting. It may not be as romanticized as the Old West, but I liked it and it helped serve the main theme of the story. It was a wild time and I couldn’t think of a better place for Ethan to get into trouble while fighting his past.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
It depends. Ethan Tucker’s Job explores temptation and whether people can really change. I used the wild south Florida frontier as a test for Ethan. It was his opportunity to prove to himself and others that he could change, if he desired. It’s that inner struggle that the character deals with that makes for great fiction.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think one of the biggest themes explored in this story is the fact that everyone can change if they are willing to do so. Take Ethan Tucker for example. He spent a good portion of his younger years in the wilds of south Florida. He enjoyed his lifestyle where he was fighting Indians, gambling and drinking in cattle towns where there was little to no law, and he often proved how tough he was through duels. Sometime after the Second Seminole War, Ethan returned to Tallahassee and tried to settle down, but his past continued to catch up with him in the years leading up to the Third Seminole War. When he again returns to south Florida to pursue Alaster Conley, Ethan has the opportunity to prove to himself, and others, that he has changed when he is tempted to revert to his old ways throughout the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I venture far out of 1850s Florida in my next book, A Struggle Between Two Worlds. It takes place in the near future and it has been a lot of fun planning. I would like to have it out some time in July or August. I will keep everyone updated on my socials.
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Ethan Tucker’s Job
Ethan Tucker’s Job is a gripping historical novel that plunges readers into the heart of 19th-century Florida. The book follows Ethan Tucker, a rugged ex-soldier turned reluctant lawman, as he is strong-armed into tracking down a dangerous outlaw, Alaster Conley. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, Ethan’s journey is more than just a manhunt—it’s a deeply personal struggle between duty, morality, and the ghosts of his past. As he ventures deeper into the Florida frontier, his mission to bring Conley to justice is complicated by old friends, new enemies, and his own inner demons.
What really stood out to me about Ethan Tucker’s Job is the way Hayes writes action. The book opens with a cinematic, tension-filled scene at a saloon that immediately sets the tone. The shootouts are quick and brutal, the betrayals sting, and the quiet moments carry the weight of a life hard-lived. Hayes does a great job making the world feel real without bogging it down with unnecessary descriptions. The dialogue, especially between Ethan and his former militia buddy, Aiden Sage, crackles with life and keeps the pacing tight. It’s also refreshing to see historical fiction set in Florida’s wild frontier, a setting that isn’t as overdone as the classic Western landscapes of Texas or Arizona.
Some of the book’s emotional beats hit harder than others. Ethan’s struggle with his wife, Faith, is one of the more compelling aspects of the novel. The tension between them is palpable—her disappointment, his regret, and the deep frustration that they can’t seem to bridge the gap between them. The scene where Faith shoves his old pepperbox pistol back into his hands, basically telling him that he’s never going to change, hit me hard. It’s raw, and it’s one of the moments that make Ethan more than just a tough-guy soldier.
Ethan Tucker’s Job is a great read for fans of historical fiction, Westerns, and action-packed storytelling. If you love morally complex protagonists, intense gunfights, and a setting that feels alive with history, this book is definitely worth picking up. It’s gritty, well-paced, and carries just the right amount of heart to make it stick with you after you’ve turned the last page.
Page: 96 | ASIN : B0DYGDKP7Q
Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues
Joanne Fralick’s Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues: Cournoyer Brothers Book 1 is a gripping Western novel that pulls you straight into the rugged landscapes of South Dakota in the late 19th century. The story follows Leon Cournoyer, a half-French Canadian, half-Lakota freighter and rancher, as he navigates the challenges of frontier life. From battling brutal storms to outsmarting cattle rustlers, and facing the slow, creeping grasp of government control over Indigenous lands, the novel doesn’t hold back in immersing readers in a world that is both harsh and beautiful. Family, identity, and survival lie at the heart of the story, as Leon and his sons try to hold onto their Lakota heritage while adapting to an ever-changing frontier.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how Fralick’s writing brings the setting alive. Right from the opening chapter, where Leon trudges home in a relentless rainstorm, drenched and weary after weeks on the trail, I could feel the weight of his exhaustion. The way the environment is described, the sticky, muddy roads, the storm beating against his oilskin, and the smell of woodsmoke promising warmth make the book feel vivid and immersive. The prairie is as much a character as the people, and every description of the land and weather sets the perfect mood for the scenes that unfold.
The characters in this novel stand out as its strongest feature. Leon is a tough, hardworking man, but he’s also a father, and you can feel the deep love he has for his family. One of the most powerful moments for me was when he reassures his son John during Sarah’s childbirth, trying to remain composed even as his own nerves are frayed. The interactions between the brothers, John, Claude, and Philip, are filled with the kind of rough teasing and camaraderie that makes them feel real. Fralick is adept at interweaving deep undercurrents that add a rich layer of complexity to the story.
The action in this book keeps readers on their toes. The cattle roundup scenes, the run-ins with land-hungry settlers, and the tension of frontier justice all build an atmosphere of uncertainty and danger. The anger, the frustration, and the unfairness of some situations made my blood boil. And then there are the quiet but powerful moments. The contrast between action-packed sequences and deeply emotional reflections makes this book a page-turner.
Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues is a fantastic read for anyone who loves Westerns with depth. It’s not just about cowboys and cattle, it’s about family, resilience, and the painful history of Indigenous displacement. Fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in stories that balance action with rich character development, will find a lot to love here. If you enjoy books with strong, morally complex characters and an authentic sense of place, this one’s definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Cournoyer brothers.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0D96D2B33
The Weighing of Values
Apache Sun follows a newspaper publisher in the New Mexico Territory in the year 1876 who tries to track down a murderer and kidnapper across the desert. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve written in other genres but always wanted to do a western but a little differently.
Your novel has some interesting characters who have flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
I don’t “design” my characters. I just let them come to me along with the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The weighing of values. In this case, justice/revenge vs. welfare of loved ones.
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In 1878, Lacey Hudson, newspaper publisher in New Mexico Territory, learns of his sister’s murder in Las Cruces. He suspects his former friend and fellow Civil War veteran, Adam Dawson, of the murder and the abduction of his niece. As he tracks Dawson across the desert opens and through the occasional hardscrabble mining settlement, he encounters Apache raiding parties, uncooperative law enforcement, and life-threatening water shortages. When he finally finds Dawson after a two-month ordeal, he confronts a new threat. The feared crime organization, the Santa Fe Ring, has a stake of its own in his quest. Unknown to him at first, schoolteacher Ellen Sharpley is assisting in the location and recovery of his missing niece. She proves to be a crucial ally.
LITERARY TITAN 