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Emmett Love #1
Follow the Stone
International best-selling author John Locke (Saving Rachel, Wish List, Now & Then, Lethal People, Lethal Experiment) tackles a new genre, with hilarious results.
Follow the Stone (An Irreverent Western Adventure) is a good-hearted, rollicking story about a former gunslinger and his crablike scout, who journey West with a mail order bride, a witch, and a wagon full of prostitutes!
Follow the Stone (An Irreverent Western Adventure) is a good-hearted, rollicking story about a former gunslinger and his crablike scout, who journey West with a mail order bride, a witch, and a wagon full of prostitutes!
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2011
131 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
John Locke
55 books390 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information. This is the novelist (2x spaces), not the philosopher (1x space).
New York Times best-selling author John Locke is the international best-selling author of sixteen books in four different genres. He is the 8th author in history to have sold one million eBooks on Kindle. Locke has had four books in the top ten at the same time, including #1 and #2. His Donovan Creed thriller series has sold more than 1,700,000 copies since January, 2011, and foreign rights have been acquired by six major publishers for Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, and Lithuanian translations. (Amazon's brief biography)
NY TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR!
8th MEMBER of the KINDLE MILLION SALES CLUB!
First self-published author to hit #1 on Amazon/Kindle!
First self-published author to hit Kindle Million Sales Club!
John sold 1,100,000 eBooks in 5 months by word of mouth!
John wrote and published 6 best-selling books in 3 separate genres in 6 months, part-time!
John has had 4 of the top 10 eBooks on Amazon/Kindle at the same time, including #1 and #2! He’s also had 6 of the top 20, and 8 of the top 43 at the same time!
Every eBook John Locke has written and published has become a best-seller.
New York Times best-selling author John Locke is the international best-selling author of sixteen books in four different genres. He is the 8th author in history to have sold one million eBooks on Kindle. Locke has had four books in the top ten at the same time, including #1 and #2. His Donovan Creed thriller series has sold more than 1,700,000 copies since January, 2011, and foreign rights have been acquired by six major publishers for Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, and Lithuanian translations. (Amazon's brief biography)
NY TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR!
8th MEMBER of the KINDLE MILLION SALES CLUB!
First self-published author to hit #1 on Amazon/Kindle!
First self-published author to hit Kindle Million Sales Club!
John sold 1,100,000 eBooks in 5 months by word of mouth!
John wrote and published 6 best-selling books in 3 separate genres in 6 months, part-time!
John has had 4 of the top 10 eBooks on Amazon/Kindle at the same time, including #1 and #2! He’s also had 6 of the top 20, and 8 of the top 43 at the same time!
Every eBook John Locke has written and published has become a best-seller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 21, 2011
It is Monday and as such I am staring a seriously long and fun week ahead. The posting schedule I have set up for this week and next is chock full of great novels, digital shorts, self-published authors and graphic novels. The Scoop is counting down to its 500th post in just about a year in business. We are, to say the least, very proud of this achievement. I want to thank all the readers, followers, social network friends, authors & bloggers that have read our posts as well as contributed guest posts and comments. I have tried a new system, where I am putting up the different types of work I will be posting the next week on my Goodreads’ wall. If you are not a friend of mine there, my Facebook wall should have the same stuff on it Saturday and /or Sunday; just keep an eye out for it or become my friend at Goodreads or Twitter to see this stuff. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention our blogtalk radio show ,The G-ZONE. We are on Monday to Friday again this week with a serious lineup. Today is Tom Sumner, author, musician and morning DJ. The list of bands he has played drums for is pretty amazing. Check out his bio from Saturday’s post. Now to today’s action, sorry, beginning of the week stuff, you know? Here is what is contained between the virtual covers of Follow the Stone:
“International best-selling author John Locke (Saving Rachel, Wish List, Now & Then, Lethal People, Lethal Experiment) tackles a new genre, with hilarious results.
Follow the Stone (An Irreverent Western Adventure) is a good-hearted, rollicking story about a former gunslinger and his crablike scout, who journey West with a mail order bride, a witch, and a wagon full of prostitutes! “
Seriously a western for John Locke’s newest release? I think it is well documented that I love Donovan Creed, so why not keep the ball rolling, if it ain’t broke why fix it? Well I must say the man nailed it from the dialogue to the horses and scenery. I sucked this up like a thirsty horse coming off the trail. Dad gummit, this was one mighty fine readin’ if I dirn’t say so meself. The cast of characters Locke has this time are as funny and dysfunctional as Creed’s gang and made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. The question I would have to ask then is this: Can the power of Creed and his amazing sales, combined with Locke’s ability to sell like no else on the planet single handedly revive the western? For me anytime the guy puts out another installment of the series, my Kindle is ready to saddle up for it. He shots laughs at the reader like his six shotter is on full auto. The plotline lends itself to so many variables, back doors and expanded story lines, that you can see the genius in what he does. For a buck it rocks and then some.
I love the fact that John Locke is not only doing something different, but tackling an entirely different genre. It would be easy for him to replicate another action hero in the thriller/suspense category and just keep the machine churning. No, instead he decides to singlehandedly blaze a trail, take a huge risk in losing his momentum, and lose any street Creed he has right now. The amount of research that went into this is highly visible. Because of that, I could get the feel of the rawness of what it may have been like to be put on the trail blazing a new path, going somewhere where no has been or could contemplate being. The safety net removed, carrying all one’s possessions on a horse or carriage and forsaking all else. Just the lack of port-a- potties on the trail is mind numbing enough for some, let alone carrying a sufficient amount of water for the ride. My suggestion on this, rough it and drop the $.99 on this fun engaging read. Make plans to laugh a bit and not want to put this down. So saddle up the Kindle, make sure it is fully charged for the journey and please go to the potty before hitting the trail ahead. You don’t want there to be stories around the campfire about how you pooped a live fish and then ate it. Yes, you read that correctly; read the novel. You’ll find out and laugh about it too.
**** Here is a little insight to the next novel in the series from the man himself,John Locke:
“Thanks for all your help in getting the word out about Follow the Stone. The sequel
is going to be "Don't Poke the Bear!"
--Because you've been so great, here is a sneak peek: Emmett and Gentry have opened
their saloon in Dodge. Emmett soon finds himself having to defend himself in a gunfight
on the street. Being a former gunslinger, he kills the man. Shortly thereafter he learns that
the guy owns a bear. According to the law, that makes Emmett responsible for the bear!
He's got no place to put it, so he ties it in a corner of the saloon at night, and puts a sign
up that says, "Don't Poke the Bear!" --As if anyone would! --And so begins the adventure!”
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May 4, 2014
This book was offered free at Amazon.com - certainly an incentive for me - as is the fact that I've enjoyed other books by John Locke (most notably a couple of his Donovan Creed series). But this one is not like the others; it's dubbed "an irreverent Western adventure" that's set in the wild West. The most recently I read a western, if I recall correctly, was the summer I decided to plow through every single Zane Grey book on my dad's bookshelves - easily a dozen - and that was back in 1955, give or take a year.
Maybe it was the relatively short 279 pages - heck, I could do that in half a day if I let the laundry wait - or maybe I was persuaded by the number of good reviews from other readers. Still, I surprised myself, since it's rare that I pick up anything other than some kind of mystery or thriller. But pick this one up I did, and by golly-gum, I didn't put it down till it was finished.
This is the first in a series of four, I believe, featuring former gunslinger Emmett Love; and it grabbed me right from the first page or two when Emmett, who narrates the whole thing, said his horse "blew a loud snort, which I won't bother translatin'." The plot follows his adventures as he travels west to deliver a mail-order bride, a bunch of rowdy prostitutes and a woman everyone except Emmett consider to be a witch. Ever at the ready is Emmett's rarely seen and even more rarely heard friend Shrug, who throws a mean stone even though he walks like a crab.
Oh yes, another thing got my attention early on: Phoebe, the mail-order bride, was heading to Wichita from Philadelphia to meet the man she'd agreed to marry - a guy by the name of Hiram Pickett. I don't know of any relatives in Kansas (and anyway, at the time of this story, it wasn't yet a state), but since Pickett is my family name I couldn't wait to find out if her pig in a poke would be wallowing in mud or carrying a silk purse.
Yes, it's a little silly in spots, and the "cowboy" dialogue does get a bit tiresome (as in overused apostrophes - the above-mentioned "translatin'" is a case in point). Still, gol-durn it, the whole trip is a hoot, filled with enough adventures and misadventures that kept me turning the pages just to see what would happen next. And as Locke would have it, I'm looking forward to reading the other three in the series.
Maybe it was the relatively short 279 pages - heck, I could do that in half a day if I let the laundry wait - or maybe I was persuaded by the number of good reviews from other readers. Still, I surprised myself, since it's rare that I pick up anything other than some kind of mystery or thriller. But pick this one up I did, and by golly-gum, I didn't put it down till it was finished.
This is the first in a series of four, I believe, featuring former gunslinger Emmett Love; and it grabbed me right from the first page or two when Emmett, who narrates the whole thing, said his horse "blew a loud snort, which I won't bother translatin'." The plot follows his adventures as he travels west to deliver a mail-order bride, a bunch of rowdy prostitutes and a woman everyone except Emmett consider to be a witch. Ever at the ready is Emmett's rarely seen and even more rarely heard friend Shrug, who throws a mean stone even though he walks like a crab.
Oh yes, another thing got my attention early on: Phoebe, the mail-order bride, was heading to Wichita from Philadelphia to meet the man she'd agreed to marry - a guy by the name of Hiram Pickett. I don't know of any relatives in Kansas (and anyway, at the time of this story, it wasn't yet a state), but since Pickett is my family name I couldn't wait to find out if her pig in a poke would be wallowing in mud or carrying a silk purse.
Yes, it's a little silly in spots, and the "cowboy" dialogue does get a bit tiresome (as in overused apostrophes - the above-mentioned "translatin'" is a case in point). Still, gol-durn it, the whole trip is a hoot, filled with enough adventures and misadventures that kept me turning the pages just to see what would happen next. And as Locke would have it, I'm looking forward to reading the other three in the series.
March 16, 2017
This book gets a 3-3.5 stars from me. It was entertaining and there were parts that were humorous or that took me by surprise. I did really like all the oddball characters and the sometimes wacky situations they found themselves in. I could definitely see this as a tv series. My only issue was that it all seemed a little pointless. It could have ended where it did, 100 pages earlier or another 100 pages down the road. When I finished it my first thoughts were literally, "hm, okay." But, it was still a fun, interesting read.
May 30, 2011
Think Donovan Creed without the trappings and set in the mid-19th century old west and you have Emmett Love. He’s embarked on a trip to ferry a mail-order bride and some hookers through wild country. He has a side-kick Shrub/Wayne who rarely shows himself but is always just a little ahead of the game. The book can be both poignant and hilarious. Another Locke winner.
Phoebe, the mail-order bride, encounters Emmet in the beginning. She’s from the East and on her way to join a prospective husband. Standoffish and arrogant, she adapts to the harshness of the journey, but maintains her optimism despite Emmet’s attempts to present a more likely scenario, a sod house instead of the fine wood one with porch she envisions. "Well, we'll see when we get there. I hope he's got a fine wood house, 'cause sod houses are fiercely cold in the winter, and scorchin' hot in the summer. And they leak like crazy whenever it rains, which ain't often enough. But when it does rain, it won't stop. As the water comes through the sod, it turns the dirt into mud, at which point you and your husband and kids'll be wearin' half the house on your faces and clothes.”
The portrayal of the Kansas prairie is harsh indeed. After Scarlett is gored by a bull, Emmet, Rose, Monique, and Phoebe attempt to carry her injured body to the nearest homestead where Molly and Paul Stone try to eke out a desperate living and they hope to find some shelter. Unfortunately she dies on the way and then it’s a matter of finding tools to dig a grave in the hard-packed clay. The few that they had were broken so they seek a hole to stuff her body, “Gettin' Scarlett's body deep enough into the hole to properly bury her required doin' things to it that'll keep me out of heaven for six lifetimes. I could only hope the good Lord would accept part of the blame for creatin' such a large woman and allowin' her to die near such a small hole. I'm not the sort to criticize, but it seemed like bad plannin' to me, and I might've yelled that comment skyward, or worse ones.”
And this after they had come across the grave of a child. Phoebe asks how the child might have died. "Cholera, typhoid, brain fever, and uncontrollable diarrhea are possible. But if I had to make a guess, I'd say this child fell out of a wagon and got crushed by either the ox or the wheel of the wagon that followed it. She stared at me. "That cannot be a common way to die on the prairie.""I'm afraid it's quite common," I said. She grimaced, closed her eyes tightly, and shook her head. "And not one of the diseases you"mentioned?" "No ma'am."She opened her eyes. "Why not?" I gestured to the open area all around us. No other graves."
Phoebe, the mail-order bride, encounters Emmet in the beginning. She’s from the East and on her way to join a prospective husband. Standoffish and arrogant, she adapts to the harshness of the journey, but maintains her optimism despite Emmet’s attempts to present a more likely scenario, a sod house instead of the fine wood one with porch she envisions. "Well, we'll see when we get there. I hope he's got a fine wood house, 'cause sod houses are fiercely cold in the winter, and scorchin' hot in the summer. And they leak like crazy whenever it rains, which ain't often enough. But when it does rain, it won't stop. As the water comes through the sod, it turns the dirt into mud, at which point you and your husband and kids'll be wearin' half the house on your faces and clothes.”
The portrayal of the Kansas prairie is harsh indeed. After Scarlett is gored by a bull, Emmet, Rose, Monique, and Phoebe attempt to carry her injured body to the nearest homestead where Molly and Paul Stone try to eke out a desperate living and they hope to find some shelter. Unfortunately she dies on the way and then it’s a matter of finding tools to dig a grave in the hard-packed clay. The few that they had were broken so they seek a hole to stuff her body, “Gettin' Scarlett's body deep enough into the hole to properly bury her required doin' things to it that'll keep me out of heaven for six lifetimes. I could only hope the good Lord would accept part of the blame for creatin' such a large woman and allowin' her to die near such a small hole. I'm not the sort to criticize, but it seemed like bad plannin' to me, and I might've yelled that comment skyward, or worse ones.”
And this after they had come across the grave of a child. Phoebe asks how the child might have died. "Cholera, typhoid, brain fever, and uncontrollable diarrhea are possible. But if I had to make a guess, I'd say this child fell out of a wagon and got crushed by either the ox or the wheel of the wagon that followed it. She stared at me. "That cannot be a common way to die on the prairie.""I'm afraid it's quite common," I said. She grimaced, closed her eyes tightly, and shook her head. "And not one of the diseases you"mentioned?" "No ma'am."She opened her eyes. "Why not?" I gestured to the open area all around us. No other graves."
March 23, 2013
I haven't read a Western since I was young. For ninety nine cents, and with all the favorable reviews, I figured it worth the risk. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a fun read. Not the type of Western I remember from my youth. This story is riddled with humorous setups and surprising lines. I did (really) laugh out loud at several spots (snapping turtle stampede?).
In the comments section of one of the few negative reviews on this book, a commenter called it "bad fast food of writing". I disagree. Bad fast food leaves you feeling bloated and overly greased. This book didn't leave me like that. Instead, it's tactical wryness left me smiling and entertained.
True, it's not Noble-Prize quality writing, but I don't think the author pretends it is. Rather, I envision him sitting at his keyboard enjoying the writing as much as I enjoyed the reading.
The last three books I read are: Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway); Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck); and The Good Earth (Buck). Three of my all-time favorite reads. This book, Follow the Stone, was like reading dessert after a hearty meal.
From a creative writing class I took back in college, I recall the professor's admonition: no tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. I suppose the opposite is true, too: no laughter in the writer, no laughter from the reader.
At ninety nine cents a pop, I'm thinking it's a no-brainer. I'll follow this series out.
In the comments section of one of the few negative reviews on this book, a commenter called it "bad fast food of writing". I disagree. Bad fast food leaves you feeling bloated and overly greased. This book didn't leave me like that. Instead, it's tactical wryness left me smiling and entertained.
True, it's not Noble-Prize quality writing, but I don't think the author pretends it is. Rather, I envision him sitting at his keyboard enjoying the writing as much as I enjoyed the reading.
The last three books I read are: Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway); Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck); and The Good Earth (Buck). Three of my all-time favorite reads. This book, Follow the Stone, was like reading dessert after a hearty meal.
From a creative writing class I took back in college, I recall the professor's admonition: no tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. I suppose the opposite is true, too: no laughter in the writer, no laughter from the reader.
At ninety nine cents a pop, I'm thinking it's a no-brainer. I'll follow this series out.
July 15, 2011
This book is part of a new project of mine - I want to read self published novels. John Locke is quite remarkable because his books have now sold over one million copies through Amazon. I read this on my Kindle for ninety-nine cents. What did I think? Well, the book is well written and entertaining. It's short and a very easy read. The characters are interesting as is the history portrayed in the novel. It's the story of Emmett Love who is charged with taking five or six prostitutes and one mail-order bride from Rolla, Missouri, to Newton, Kansas, in 1856. Of course, the trip is grueling. As I said, the story is entertaining, but it leaves something to be desired. It has too many cliches. And some of the sex scenes are a bit over the top. (I find that in books I find less than literary they are usually done in by highly improbable sex scenes. The authors seem to require a sex scene when none is needed). The other fault is that none of the scenes seemed finished. By that I mean we never go under the surface to get the the real emotions of the characters. Most of the book is a conversation between the characters. I think I expect a lot more from a novel - but then again it only cost 99 cents.
September 12, 2012
This fast paced Western was pure escapist joy to read. I loved it from start to finish. Seriously, Emmett Love is a great character. Shrug and Gentry and Phoebe and witchy Rose -- I love 'em all. I immediately bought the next one in the series.
I've been disappointed by several ebooks recently. (Don't look for reviews. Not my job to hurt people's reputations.) So this was a double pleasure. It's no trouble seeing why John Locke is one of the best selling ebook authors around. (I haven't read his Donovan Creed books but they must be good as Follow the Stone, at least, to sell the millions of copies they do.)
Follow the Stone is a rough and tumble, whores-against-the-world trail ride into the cliff-hanging Old West. Locke is a master Western storyteller. If you like adventure, sex, six shooters and saloons between Indian attacks, crazy sod busters, lots of dust and grit, and even a rabid Long Horn steer -- you really can't miss with this one.
Uke Jackson
I've been disappointed by several ebooks recently. (Don't look for reviews. Not my job to hurt people's reputations.) So this was a double pleasure. It's no trouble seeing why John Locke is one of the best selling ebook authors around. (I haven't read his Donovan Creed books but they must be good as Follow the Stone, at least, to sell the millions of copies they do.)
Follow the Stone is a rough and tumble, whores-against-the-world trail ride into the cliff-hanging Old West. Locke is a master Western storyteller. If you like adventure, sex, six shooters and saloons between Indian attacks, crazy sod busters, lots of dust and grit, and even a rabid Long Horn steer -- you really can't miss with this one.
Uke Jackson
November 7, 2011
Reading this book was an experiment with this author. I enjoyed the first couple Donovan Creed novels and thought I would try something different. The story did not disappoint. Mildly paced, engaging characters and a very refreshing story kept me from putting the book down until I finished.
My reaction was to raise an eyebrow, nod my head slightly and softly chuckle. Translation...4 stars and the desire to search out more from the author.
My reaction was to raise an eyebrow, nod my head slightly and softly chuckle. Translation...4 stars and the desire to search out more from the author.
August 3, 2016
What a fun, light, easy read! This was a Kindle freebie, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I was ready for something different and this definitely fit the bill! The characters were likeable and fun, the storyline simple but entertaining. It would have been nice to have had a little more insight into the relationship between Shrug and Phoebe, but it remains interesting nonetheless. Nice read, I enjoyed it!
April 26, 2014
This is a fun light read. Engaging characters and a good story depicting the hardships of life on the prairie. There are some very humorous moments to lighten some of the more difficult parts of the story. Some places could use a bit more detail but the story keeps moving and does not get bogged down.
August 11, 2014
Laugh out loud funny and heartbreaking all at once. As a female reader I particularly appreciated the affection and care that the author put in to creating his female characters. They were all imperfect, foul mouthed (except for Phoebe), uncouth and utterly loveable. I bought the second book in the series immediately after finishing this one.
April 4, 2022
Cowboys and whores and hearts of gold
A good story (just the beginning) about Cowboys and whores and hearts of gold; plus a few oddball characters who you’ll come to love as well. This was my second time reading it and I’m glad I did. I’d forgotten much of it. I don’t want to spoil it for you by giving up any of the plot. But it’s enjoyable and the future of the characters is alluded to. A good fast paced read that will leave you wanting more and more.
Only 4 stars you say!?
Fear not Mr Locke and all you readers, I almost never give out a 5 star rating. My 4 is most peoples 5. A 5 star rating has to be a classic.
By the way, I could see this story being made into a really good movie! Just sayin!
A good story (just the beginning) about Cowboys and whores and hearts of gold; plus a few oddball characters who you’ll come to love as well. This was my second time reading it and I’m glad I did. I’d forgotten much of it. I don’t want to spoil it for you by giving up any of the plot. But it’s enjoyable and the future of the characters is alluded to. A good fast paced read that will leave you wanting more and more.
Only 4 stars you say!?
Fear not Mr Locke and all you readers, I almost never give out a 5 star rating. My 4 is most peoples 5. A 5 star rating has to be a classic.
By the way, I could see this story being made into a really good movie! Just sayin!
April 24, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable. Today was cold and rainy so I just sat and read through this. It's not going to alter your life in any major way but it's well written and there are enough plot twists to keep it interesting.
January 13, 2019
I thought this was a pretty fun read. It's about a guy named Emmett Love and he's escorting a bunch of whores and one proper lady across the prairie. They come across some obstacles along the way. I thought it was funny and will continue on with this series.
August 5, 2020
Lighthearted, fun western. Emmet Love and his cast of lady friends are an amusing troupe.
Note: Error from the first page ---
It's late September. Honeysuckle and pink dogwood are NOT in bloom!!!!!
Note: Error from the first page ---
It's late September. Honeysuckle and pink dogwood are NOT in bloom!!!!!
February 10, 2021
While I enjoy John Locke's writing the genre isn't really for me (so far). The story was entertaining but I found myself a little bored. I blame myself for this though, not the writing - I think my prejudice against the genre may have tainted my enjoyment of the book.
March 19, 2019
Interesting subject
A different story line by this author and was very impressed with the results. Will definitely try another book by this author.
A different story line by this author and was very impressed with the results. Will definitely try another book by this author.
August 9, 2020
Enjoyable read
I've read it twice now and enjoyed it both times. I've read all is Emmett books and they're all great
I've read it twice now and enjoyed it both times. I've read all is Emmett books and they're all great
August 12, 2014
What I liked about it:
-The author effectively blended serious content with lighter more humorous content. I never felt like the humor was forced or extraneous.
What I didn't like about it:
-The anachronisms present indicate that the author has done little to no research about the time period. Emmett wields a Henry rifle as his primary longarm, even though it and most repeating rifles didn't come into mass production until the Civil War (this story is set in 1860). It looked ridiculous for Emmett to make fun of the attacking Indians and their single-shot rifles, since they were the primary rifle at the time (he also makes fun of their skill with those rifles, ignoring the fact that many Indians traded for and hunted with single-shooters). Also amusing is how Emmett smugly draws a derringer on another man, despite the fact that hideout guns like the derringer were so inaccurate that no competent gunslinger would use them until well after the Civil War.
-None of the characters were original at best. Rather, each character represents the stereotypes/cliches associated with their character: the prudish, proper, Eastern mail-order bride, the gunslinger who's seen the darker side of life and yet still has a sense of humor, and the overdone hookers with hearts of gold.
-After a while, the plot twists grew predictable.
-The occasional lack of proper punctuation, the overuse of exclamation points, and the plot holes gave me the impression that the author didn't hire an editor. There's this one part near the end where a sheriff addresses a prostitute by name despite never being introduced. I thought this was set up to something, but nothing ever came of it. Emmett didn't even remark on it.
-The worst part was the character of Emmett. Throughout the entire book, he relied on Shrug and Rose the witch to lead him out of every scrape he found himself in, and it worked. Also, apart from a couple wisecracks every now and then, there wasn't really anything unique about his character to distinguish him from any other pulp western hero. Since he's the main character, it was a disappointment.
-The author effectively blended serious content with lighter more humorous content. I never felt like the humor was forced or extraneous.
What I didn't like about it:
-The anachronisms present indicate that the author has done little to no research about the time period. Emmett wields a Henry rifle as his primary longarm, even though it and most repeating rifles didn't come into mass production until the Civil War (this story is set in 1860). It looked ridiculous for Emmett to make fun of the attacking Indians and their single-shot rifles, since they were the primary rifle at the time (he also makes fun of their skill with those rifles, ignoring the fact that many Indians traded for and hunted with single-shooters). Also amusing is how Emmett smugly draws a derringer on another man, despite the fact that hideout guns like the derringer were so inaccurate that no competent gunslinger would use them until well after the Civil War.
-None of the characters were original at best. Rather, each character represents the stereotypes/cliches associated with their character: the prudish, proper, Eastern mail-order bride, the gunslinger who's seen the darker side of life and yet still has a sense of humor, and the overdone hookers with hearts of gold.
-After a while, the plot twists grew predictable.
-The occasional lack of proper punctuation, the overuse of exclamation points, and the plot holes gave me the impression that the author didn't hire an editor. There's this one part near the end where a sheriff addresses a prostitute by name despite never being introduced. I thought this was set up to something, but nothing ever came of it. Emmett didn't even remark on it.
-The worst part was the character of Emmett. Throughout the entire book, he relied on Shrug and Rose the witch to lead him out of every scrape he found himself in, and it worked. Also, apart from a couple wisecracks every now and then, there wasn't really anything unique about his character to distinguish him from any other pulp western hero. Since he's the main character, it was a disappointment.
June 4, 2013
Series Review:
I'd never heard of John Locke until I received my Kindle in the mail. Locke made his fame and fortune self-publishing his books in the Kindle world. For the Kindle, his books are ridiculously inexpensive (around $0.99 to $1.99). I was surprised at what I read and hooked from the start. Unlike my other series books, however, there is a difference in the books in terms of ratings...so I have not given them the standard 4 or 5 star ratings across the entire series.
The Emmett Love series is best described as a fun collection of Western novels and subsequent cliches packaged with a hilarious defiency of respect towards all that politically correct readers hold dear. Emmett Love is a former gunslinger turned sherrif of Dodge City and with his rollickin' cast of characters that include: gunslingers, a deformed scout, a witch, a dancin' bear, a wagon full of prostitutes, and of course, Gentry the love of his life - his good-hearted adventures in the West lay the foundations for one of Locke's formidable characters in an entirely different series set in current times. What readers probably won't realize unless they also read Locke's Donovan Creed series is that the Emmett Love series is actually the story of Donovan's ancestors.
The books (like all of Locke's books) are pulp: short but pack a powerful punch, a mixture of excellent humor (left me laughing at the insanity of what I was reading) and the prepostorous adventures of a Sheriff who's got about 20 women pining after him, but reserves his love for Gentry. Zany enough, don't be surprised to run into Custer, Lincoln, and a whole lot of other historical characters who were to one degree or another inspired upon meeting Emmett Love.
This series is review is the same for all the Emmett Love books, so if you've read this, you've read 'em all.
I'd never heard of John Locke until I received my Kindle in the mail. Locke made his fame and fortune self-publishing his books in the Kindle world. For the Kindle, his books are ridiculously inexpensive (around $0.99 to $1.99). I was surprised at what I read and hooked from the start. Unlike my other series books, however, there is a difference in the books in terms of ratings...so I have not given them the standard 4 or 5 star ratings across the entire series.
The Emmett Love series is best described as a fun collection of Western novels and subsequent cliches packaged with a hilarious defiency of respect towards all that politically correct readers hold dear. Emmett Love is a former gunslinger turned sherrif of Dodge City and with his rollickin' cast of characters that include: gunslingers, a deformed scout, a witch, a dancin' bear, a wagon full of prostitutes, and of course, Gentry the love of his life - his good-hearted adventures in the West lay the foundations for one of Locke's formidable characters in an entirely different series set in current times. What readers probably won't realize unless they also read Locke's Donovan Creed series is that the Emmett Love series is actually the story of Donovan's ancestors.
The books (like all of Locke's books) are pulp: short but pack a powerful punch, a mixture of excellent humor (left me laughing at the insanity of what I was reading) and the prepostorous adventures of a Sheriff who's got about 20 women pining after him, but reserves his love for Gentry. Zany enough, don't be surprised to run into Custer, Lincoln, and a whole lot of other historical characters who were to one degree or another inspired upon meeting Emmett Love.
This series is review is the same for all the Emmett Love books, so if you've read this, you've read 'em all.
October 29, 2013
Good if you like: Tales of the old west, gunslingers, portrayals of how life probably really was, traveling/journey stories, hints of the supernatural.
Bad if you have problems with: Whores, violence, profanity, nudity, supernatural elements.
I'm not familiar enough with the genre of Westerns for my review to state whether it's a particularly good one or not in that regard, but otherwise I can say I liked it.
The cliche of a good hearted gunslinger and a whore with a lovely face and a heart of gold is strong in this one. I admit to having snorted a few chapters in when that cliche was slapped in the reader's face like a wet fish. But I soldiered on and it did get more enjoyable. (I rarely stop reading a book. It has to be very, very bad for me not to finish.)
The writing is in the "gets the job done" category and though not terribly nuanced or elegant it works. There's not a whole lot of plot to speak of, other than following a band of people through their journey West. I found myself wondering how thorough the author's research was, and how much of the narrative was true to history. I think a good bit of it could be, and he had me believing the rest and that's an author's job in my opinion.
This was a quick read with little depth to slow you down. It was entertaining and I was left wondering about the rest of the books in this series. If I have the time and inclination to pick up another Western I'll probably seek out the next installment.
Bad if you have problems with: Whores, violence, profanity, nudity, supernatural elements.
I'm not familiar enough with the genre of Westerns for my review to state whether it's a particularly good one or not in that regard, but otherwise I can say I liked it.
The cliche of a good hearted gunslinger and a whore with a lovely face and a heart of gold is strong in this one. I admit to having snorted a few chapters in when that cliche was slapped in the reader's face like a wet fish. But I soldiered on and it did get more enjoyable. (I rarely stop reading a book. It has to be very, very bad for me not to finish.)
The writing is in the "gets the job done" category and though not terribly nuanced or elegant it works. There's not a whole lot of plot to speak of, other than following a band of people through their journey West. I found myself wondering how thorough the author's research was, and how much of the narrative was true to history. I think a good bit of it could be, and he had me believing the rest and that's an author's job in my opinion.
This was a quick read with little depth to slow you down. It was entertaining and I was left wondering about the rest of the books in this series. If I have the time and inclination to pick up another Western I'll probably seek out the next installment.
September 10, 2016
A caravan of comical and tragic characters…
This is a funny adventure of a gunman heading west through pioneer country escorting a group of prostitutes, along with a fine lady of the east – guided by and protected by his strange friend Shrug – a deadly rock thrower and a man who never speaks, unless he has his own motivation.
The setting is the real wild of the west… the story is packed with tragedy, lust, love, clashing cultures, Indians, nature, wild animals, mail order brides, a better life for whores and a rough way to survive for all. The description of Sod Houses probably gives us a more accurate glimpse of how tough life was in those early wild-west days than anything we’ve seen from Hollywood. We get a portrait view of a man who transverses the frontier with rough and ready and sometimes murderous characters.
The wilds of nature and the wildness of people are delivered in a picturesque and specific aspect, but narrated with a light comic touch – an excellent combination which shows the resilience needed to survive this harsh countryside.
The author has blended comedy and gritty reality to a perfect mix of exhilarating entertainment. Recommended!
This is a funny adventure of a gunman heading west through pioneer country escorting a group of prostitutes, along with a fine lady of the east – guided by and protected by his strange friend Shrug – a deadly rock thrower and a man who never speaks, unless he has his own motivation.
The setting is the real wild of the west… the story is packed with tragedy, lust, love, clashing cultures, Indians, nature, wild animals, mail order brides, a better life for whores and a rough way to survive for all. The description of Sod Houses probably gives us a more accurate glimpse of how tough life was in those early wild-west days than anything we’ve seen from Hollywood. We get a portrait view of a man who transverses the frontier with rough and ready and sometimes murderous characters.
The wilds of nature and the wildness of people are delivered in a picturesque and specific aspect, but narrated with a light comic touch – an excellent combination which shows the resilience needed to survive this harsh countryside.
The author has blended comedy and gritty reality to a perfect mix of exhilarating entertainment. Recommended!
August 15, 2012
I must confess, I have never liked western novels. I have honestly tried to like them. When all of my friends have given me their hand-me-down books and I have promised to read them, I got maybe a chapter or so into them before putting it down, or more than usual, I would just fall asleep. After devouring the Donovan Creed books by John Locke and falling in love with his fast, funny, unpredictable style of writing, I thought I would give the genre one more try. I am so glad I did! This is not my grandpa's western. Emmett Love's character is so much fun, so unpredictable and the plot so original I found myself not wanting to put the book down. This is the old west as I never could have imagined. What a fun read! All I know is that I cannot wait for the next adventure of Emmett Love and Gentry and I am so glad that John Locke has invited us into his new western world, as well as my old favorite of Donovan Creed. Cheers to you Mr. Locke, well done once again!!
March 1, 2013
I enjoyed reading this western novel, the first in the Emmett Love series. I've read quite a few westerns in my time but never one quite like this. It's definitely a page-turner and full of irreverent humor. The plot is interesting, as it deals with a cross country trek of one former gunslinger escorting a mail-order bride to her betrothed, accompanied by a wagon-load of whores. You can imagine all sorts of possibilities and Mr Locke does not disappoint.
There were times, however, when the writing seemed a bit too amateurish. The phrasing, the pace and the minimal characterization were OK on one level and served to make this a quick read. Ending every chapter with a one-line obvious hook to the next chapter got a little old but I am picking nits here. Really, this was exactly what I was expecting: a fun, frolicking adventure in the 1860s old west. I plan to read more of the series.
There were times, however, when the writing seemed a bit too amateurish. The phrasing, the pace and the minimal characterization were OK on one level and served to make this a quick read. Ending every chapter with a one-line obvious hook to the next chapter got a little old but I am picking nits here. Really, this was exactly what I was expecting: a fun, frolicking adventure in the 1860s old west. I plan to read more of the series.
January 30, 2012
This is a fitting series to put alongside the Donovan Creed series, and Emmett is a hoot!
I really enjoy Mr Locke's 1st person story telling, and giving us readers the feeling of being the eyes and ears of the character.
As for the story specifically, a gunslinger, his best friend who don't talk (so Emmett thinks), a cackle of whores, a mysterious friend who knows more than she should, and a old west trail, what more could a story need ;)
There's some pokin', some drinkin', some shootin' and rock throwin'. There's 'ladies' in the mud, there bad guys in the grasslands. I would like to not be specific as to not spoil anything, but this, along with it's follow ups is a very fun, enjoyable, sad, happy tale. if you love some old cowboy action with a little friendship and lovin' mixed in, you're bound to enjoy this fun little tale.
I really enjoy Mr Locke's 1st person story telling, and giving us readers the feeling of being the eyes and ears of the character.
As for the story specifically, a gunslinger, his best friend who don't talk (so Emmett thinks), a cackle of whores, a mysterious friend who knows more than she should, and a old west trail, what more could a story need ;)
There's some pokin', some drinkin', some shootin' and rock throwin'. There's 'ladies' in the mud, there bad guys in the grasslands. I would like to not be specific as to not spoil anything, but this, along with it's follow ups is a very fun, enjoyable, sad, happy tale. if you love some old cowboy action with a little friendship and lovin' mixed in, you're bound to enjoy this fun little tale.
March 1, 2012
A very different series for Locke fans to discover, this one kicks off with a rather satisfying naturalistic slice-of-life-in-the-Old-West sort of story.
Locke's description of "sod homes" brings home the hardships endured by early settlers in a startling way, and his characters become admirable for what they endure more than by some fleeting success in a gun fight. An entertaining read that, surprisingly, take a sobering, unromantic look at life in the Old West.
Yet still both funny and fun to read. Nice trick, and looking forward to Don't Poke the Bear, which I'm starting next.
Locke's description of "sod homes" brings home the hardships endured by early settlers in a startling way, and his characters become admirable for what they endure more than by some fleeting success in a gun fight. An entertaining read that, surprisingly, take a sobering, unromantic look at life in the Old West.
Yet still both funny and fun to read. Nice trick, and looking forward to Don't Poke the Bear, which I'm starting next.
July 1, 2013
Not a lot of substance here, but this book is an enjoyable read. Locke's writing style is compact, so the book moves quickly.
Some readers may not like the episodic nature of the book, but the narrative moves so quickly, there's just not a lot of downtime.
Things get a little silly at the end when gunslinger Emmett Love falls for one of the "professional" women he's transporting across the prairie. The resolution of that relationship seems little out of character for a tough guy like love.
A quick read. Lots of fun.
Some readers may not like the episodic nature of the book, but the narrative moves so quickly, there's just not a lot of downtime.
Things get a little silly at the end when gunslinger Emmett Love falls for one of the "professional" women he's transporting across the prairie. The resolution of that relationship seems little out of character for a tough guy like love.
A quick read. Lots of fun.
June 27, 2013
I could appreciate this entertaining tale, but it really was not my cup of tea. I love a good Western but this was more of a parody of a Western--noir Western, I believe they are called. The hero was kind of cool but some of the sillier stuff in the story just left me cold. I didn't hate it and can say that overall I enjoyed reading this book but I just couldn't get into the spirit of the thing.
April 19, 2015
Short but quite good
I accidentally downloaded this actually while testing out the kindle lending library and was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this short novel. It didn't take a crazy amount of time to read and kept my attention very well. The writing style was simple and easy to follow for the most part and it's funny with sweet and deep moments as well. A good read :) I will probably continue this series.
I accidentally downloaded this actually while testing out the kindle lending library and was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this short novel. It didn't take a crazy amount of time to read and kept my attention very well. The writing style was simple and easy to follow for the most part and it's funny with sweet and deep moments as well. A good read :) I will probably continue this series.
October 6, 2015
I downloaded this for free and it was well worth reading – more "Deadwood" than "Rawhide" with apparently more "coarse language" and sex than some reviewers were expecting, and with just a hint of the supernatural. A short, easy read, it doesn't have any pretensions to be literature, just a fun ride that manages to evoke the spirit of the Western but with plenty of gritty realism about the hardships faced by travellers and settlers. I'll look out for more works by the author.
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