Review--Every Mother's Son--4 stars

 

Every Mother’s Son, by William and J. A. Johnstone has a title that does not exactly fit the story, in my view.  The story is one that is gripping and has three disparate characters that are generally friends or at least well-known associates.  This group has a somewhat less than totally wholesome reputations but are honest and trustworthy. As a matter of fact, they are often referred to as “jackals” but regardless of one being a drunk, another a bounty hunter, and the third is a retired Texas Ranger.

A more unlikely group you’ve likely never seen or read about.  But they have come to help one of their ‘pards- Jed Breen, a drunken, former sergeant who was asked by a former commanding officer, Colonel Bainbridge, to help find his only daughter who was captured in a stagecoach holdup by the notorious Harry Holland and who is demanding $20 thousand for the safe return of the colonel’s only daughter.

The kicker is that the money must be delivered to Holland’s nearly impenetrable compound by the Rio Grande River.  All the while avoiding Apaches, outlaws, and harsh desert conditions…and making the tight timeline.

If anyone can accomplish it the jackals are the ones but so many twists and turns intervene.  The three good guys must enlist the help of a river pirate, avoid attacks by Chief Rojo’s Apache band, and various robbers bent on taking that $20 thousand in gold coin that the colonel has raised regardless of what would happen to Bainbridge’s daughter at the hands of Holland’s nefarious gang if the money were not delivered on time.

Expect lots of adventure as the three jackals are committed to a task even though there are so many dangers that must face. It seems around every corner there is another barrier to the on-time delivery.

There are lots of men involved in the story there is minimal mention of every mother let alone their sons.  So, although the title  may not be the best one, the story is one full of adventure, and enough twists and turns to keep a reader entertained.  I would recommend it as one of the Johnstone’s entertaining books.