Review - Gold Mine Massacre - 5 stars

 

Gold Mine Massacre by William and J. A. Johnstone is another book in the Smoke Jensen series.  Like the others it does not disappoint the reader of Western novels.  This particular novel ‘s storyline focuses on Smoke Jensen’s daughter Denise better known as Denny.

The plot begins with several men who are buying up old gold mining properties in the area with the idea of resurrecting them through the use of modern hydraulic mining techniques.  For those not in the know, this entails using a high-pressure water hose to blast rocks and dirt free and then uses a sluice to capture the gold.  Of course, this creates muddy water, which the ranchers were not familiar with.

As can be expected this is not what the ranchers who sold the mining rights were expecting as their money lies in ranching and cattle.  A German engineer names Strom and a handsome business partner named Conrad seem interested mostly in the gold.  But things happen in the partnership making for an interesting story.

It does not hurt that Conrad is the son of a fast gun sort of along the lines of Smoke and who is very handsome and is struck by Denny’s beauty.  Of course, a U.S. Marshal n
amed Brice also likes her.  So, there are some romantic overtones to go along with the political issues of hydraulic mining and cattle ranching colliding.

A standoff ensues in the valley and various alliances come and go including hiring some hired hands who are fast with the gun but loose with morals and ethics.

A delightful read that moves very fast and leaves the reader wanting more.  A definite read for any Western aficionado and especially for those liking to learn more about the Jensen family.

Review - Churchill's Band of Brothers - 3 stars

 Churchill’s Band of Brothers by Damien Lewis is a thrilling story of real-life commandos of the British SAS operating behind enemy lines in WWII. Their work in the lead up to the Operation Overlord (D-Day) and during helped prevent the allied landing from being pushed back into the sea. Later work helped thwart the Nazi plans.

The book is painstakingly researched, and the families of the men involved provided some of the data, heretofore unseen.  The story begins almost like a war novel until what you are reading is real.  The exploits of the SABU-70 patrol are riveting.

Churchill wanted and as it turned out probably needed these “hunter” groups working behind enemy lines.  But these type groups often get betrayed and when that happened with the Nazis death was often the sentence.  Resilience and perseverance were key aspects in these “hunter squadrons.”

Finishing the story is the trials of some of the German leaders/officers involved in atrocities of murder and torture as well as violations of the Geneva convention.  A fitting way to end the epic story of how one group helped decide the outcome of the war.

This is not a novel so one should not expect it to be a quick read but if anyone is wanting to learn more about this period of world history and in particular the British SAS this is the book for you.

Review - Go West, Young Man --5 stars

 

The western novel “Go West, Young Man”  is reminiscent of the old television show Wagon Train.  The story by William and J.A.Johnstone is about a wagon train of people who are traveling westward to build a new life for themselves.  The interactions of the 27 wagon loads of people and their trials and tribulations are the focus of the story. 

It is not unusual for this many people who are literally thrown together to experience some issues and feuds and even fights happen during the course of the long trek across the country.  Some folks could even lose their lives.

Part of the reason for the westward trek is due to the impending War Between the States in Missouri. Any wagon train needs a good wagon master and a good scout.  This small train has both in Uncle Clayton Schofield and nephew Clint Buchanan.  They are good at their jobs and good at handling unforeseen issues – whether Indians or just regular trouble in the train. They make a great team.

Following this story is a great way to vicariously experience the dangers and excitement of one of the journeys that so many people were to take as America moved westward.  A neat saga that could be said to have some epic proportions as a reflection of the thousands of wagon and people heading to a better life.  Some would lose all in the process.

The book is a quick read and one that is hard to put down.  If you like westerns, this is one that should not be missed.

Review-The Wise Ass-5 stars

 The title of the book should be enough to draw one in.  The Wise Ass by Tom McCaffrey does not disappoint.  The story begins with a little biography in a prologue but quickly switches to the “country mouse” attorney, named Jimmy McCarthy, being plopped in the big city of New York and being successful because of what and who he knows.  This success catches the eye of a local mobster who makes him a deal he cannot refuse.

This is just the beginning as he is really a smart guy who gets caught up in some nefarious dealings but is good at investing his money and hiding his own stash in offshore accounts along with his boss’s ill-gotten loot.  He learns how to launder money with aplomb. 

All goes well until the Feds make some discovery and in the machinations of cops and robbers, his three brothers are killed by the gangsters.  This leads him to testify and then go into WITSEC (witness protection).

In WITSEC the fun part of the book begins.  There are characters and characters in his new life in Colorado sort of near Denver. He is introduced to a US Marshall that hears a different drummer, a couple of small business owners where in addition to being lesbian one is a medium who receives message from the beyond.  There is an ex-Army Ranger working as a cook in their restaurant.

Of course, WITSEC locations are supposed to be very confidential but the convicted gangsters are released on bond because of prejudicial statements at their first trial.  A second trial is to happen but if the lawyer turned stool pigeon cannot testify, then likely they will walk. Obviously, the lawyer must be killed.

Enter the weird cast of characters including a now confident lawyer who can shoot very well and many others who are determined that he will not be killed.  It is definitely the Wise Ass meets the Wise Guys and then hold on to your hats as you struggle to turn the pages fast enough to see who wins and what happens.

A great little book with much action and adventure.  Definitely a good read.

Review --Blood and Treasure, Daniel Boone and the Fight for America’s First Frontier --5 stars

 Unlike my usual reviews of novels, this is a review of a biography of Daniel Boone.

The biography of one of the arguably most famous frontiersman and explorers, is presented by authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin in the book entitled  Blood and Treasure, Daniel Boone and the Fight for America’s First Frontier.  It is a well-researched and well-written book with lots of research notes.

Much has been written about Boone and his exploits including a TV show from the mid-1960s lasting until 1970.  Even watching this show only provides a small glimpse of the man, his family, and his ambitions to go across the Appalachian Mountains. While the legend of the man was probably larger than life in some ways, his biography provides an intimate glimpse into the more mundane facts of daily life in the times.

Another thing that Blood and Treasure does is place Boone’s exploits and adventures in its space in the larger history.  These adventures were happening before the American Revolution, during the French and Indian War, and during the Revolution itself. Boone died in 1820 so lots of adventure came his way and much history was made both by him and others.

The authors provide a detailed glimpse into the character of the man and others of his time as well as living conditions during the times.  It is interesting that Boone did much traveling from the Yadkin Valley in NC over the mountains and beyond—not just once but several times.

For me, the background of Boone’s trip from Pennsylvania south was eye-opening as my own ancestors followed him south lagging by about 30 years.  But this early history meses well with my own research on the migration of the times down the Great Wagon Road. So many Europeans landing in Pennsylvania came south mimicking the route of Boone, my ancestors, and others.

Many biographies are filled with a plethora of dates and happenings and can become ponderous.  That is not the case with Blood and Treasure. To be sure there are lots of facts and figures, but the tome is not ponderous.  I would not say it is a quick read, but it was an enjoyable one.

The biography is great for those interested in the early history of the early frontier period of colonial American and then the earliest days of the United States.  It is also great for those who might have grown up watching or talking about Daniel Boone, the frontiersman.  His life is so interwoven with the country’s history to read like one. I would definitely recommend it as whatever your preconceived notions are, I’d opine you will change at least some of your preconceived notions of both Boone and the country’s history.