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The Loner #9
Killer Poker
Conrad Browning had money, a manservant, and a mission: to find his missing children and meet them for the first time. He's come as far as Denver, dodged a bullet from a beautiful assassin, and landed in a big buy-in poker tournament against Race McKinney, a ruthless heavy-betting cattle baron with a plan of his own -- to take this city slicker into the wilderness and hunt him like an animal. But Rance McKinney doesn't know who he's facing. The son of legendary gunman Frank Morgan, Conrad goes by the moniker of The Kid. Now it's The Kid against McKinney, the hunter and the hunted. And when he's cornered, The Kid is the most dangerous beast of all.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
J.A. Johnstone
655 books235 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 15, 2022
Conrad leads a double life. He had led the life of a gunman, but he was from a rich Boston family. He had two children by a former fiancée that tried to kill him and ended up dead herself. He is now looking for his children and his best source is a rancher that knew his fiancée. The man is entered in a high stakes poker tournament and Conrad expects to learn more. This story moves and is blessed with a butler named Arturo and Bat Masterson himself.
April 5, 2011
Conrad browning had a new mission. No longer just a drifter, he was following his ex-fiancee Pamela Tarleton, a trail three years old. She was already dead, killed in an accident while trying to kill him. Her cousin, Roger, had continued attempts on his life.
But Pamela was such a vicious person, she knew how to reach out from death. She'd left a letter letting Conrad know he was a father of twins and she'd hid them where he would never find them. All along the path he was following, she'd left traps, her or some other family member, people paid to kill him.
The trail had reached Denver and his lawyers had found a money that had had contact with Pamela. Unfortunately, Conrad had already had a run-in with Rance McKinney, a rich rancher, and he believed the man knew more than he was telling.
The only way to get close was to enter Bat Masterson's poker tournament, $10,000 buy-in, winner take all. What he learns there leads him to believe the twins may be hid on the ranch.
He ends up being hunted by McKinney and his men, alone, unarmed, afoot with no boots.
McKinney didn't count on one thing. He had no knowledge of Conrad's other identity, the notorious gunman Kid Morgan!
But Pamela was such a vicious person, she knew how to reach out from death. She'd left a letter letting Conrad know he was a father of twins and she'd hid them where he would never find them. All along the path he was following, she'd left traps, her or some other family member, people paid to kill him.
The trail had reached Denver and his lawyers had found a money that had had contact with Pamela. Unfortunately, Conrad had already had a run-in with Rance McKinney, a rich rancher, and he believed the man knew more than he was telling.
The only way to get close was to enter Bat Masterson's poker tournament, $10,000 buy-in, winner take all. What he learns there leads him to believe the twins may be hid on the ranch.
He ends up being hunted by McKinney and his men, alone, unarmed, afoot with no boots.
McKinney didn't count on one thing. He had no knowledge of Conrad's other identity, the notorious gunman Kid Morgan!
April 4, 2011
Another enjoyable read. I enjoyed the overlap with Bat Masterson, and I'm getting a kick out of Arturo's depth. Excellent story in itself, finding more out about the kids.
January 4, 2017
"RETRIBUTIONS OF A SCORNED WOMAN"
The Loner has a valet, Arturio who was a valet to a Count from Italy. The count was killed after a confrontation with The Loner. Arturio asked The Loner if he could work for him? Well, he is now working with The Loner, as they travel across country seeking his children; whose mother was Pamela Tarleton. You know the woman who Conrad broke his engagement to. Pamela hired assassins to kidnap Conrad's wife Rebel, whom they shot and pushed her off a cliff to her death.
Conrad chased her kidnappers down, and they all are wearing dirt blankets. Even though Pamela is dead, she still seeking REVENGE from her grave toward Conrad...she has hired bushwackers both men and women to kill Conrad. He's facing the unknown regarding where his twins are located. Conrad is fighting on all fronts, he doesn't know where or when the next attack will happen, or who'll be the attacker...it's rough life unpredictable and scary for him and Arturio...
The Loner has a valet, Arturio who was a valet to a Count from Italy. The count was killed after a confrontation with The Loner. Arturio asked The Loner if he could work for him? Well, he is now working with The Loner, as they travel across country seeking his children; whose mother was Pamela Tarleton. You know the woman who Conrad broke his engagement to. Pamela hired assassins to kidnap Conrad's wife Rebel, whom they shot and pushed her off a cliff to her death.
Conrad chased her kidnappers down, and they all are wearing dirt blankets. Even though Pamela is dead, she still seeking REVENGE from her grave toward Conrad...she has hired bushwackers both men and women to kill Conrad. He's facing the unknown regarding where his twins are located. Conrad is fighting on all fronts, he doesn't know where or when the next attack will happen, or who'll be the attacker...it's rough life unpredictable and scary for him and Arturio...
December 13, 2023
Conrad Bowning and his manservant are in Denver still searching for his missing children. Got tired of Conrad whining about his ex-girlfriend on how terrible of a person she was and what she did to him. Read it once don't need to read about ten more times.
Got really tired of the poker game part of the book. Found it extremely boring. Knew what was going to happen anyway.
Conrad being kidnapped and that part of the story with him being hunted was interesting enough. Brought it from 1 star to 2 stars out of 5 stars.
Got really tired of the poker game part of the book. Found it extremely boring. Knew what was going to happen anyway.
Conrad being kidnapped and that part of the story with him being hunted was interesting enough. Brought it from 1 star to 2 stars out of 5 stars.
September 25, 2020
Identity Re ealed
A good read, although somewhat convoluted. With all the action with twists and turns, the reader almost needed a chart to lay out what was happening. Filled with good looking women, The Kid had to be on his game. He was. He continued his search for peace and harmony. The tale leaves the reader wanting for more and that's good!
A good read, although somewhat convoluted. With all the action with twists and turns, the reader almost needed a chart to lay out what was happening. Filled with good looking women, The Kid had to be on his game. He was. He continued his search for peace and harmony. The tale leaves the reader wanting for more and that's good!
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 .
December 15, 2020
Another novel that you really need to read in order. This one had Bat Masterson in it and he was a great addition. This one also had a poker game that reminded me of Casino Royale novel. Enjoyed this one.
December 8, 2017
Outstanding!
This is a great story of the old west with god winning over evil again! It is interesting and exciting from beginning to the ending.
This is a great story of the old west with god winning over evil again! It is interesting and exciting from beginning to the ending.
April 16, 2020
This book was given to me by an elderly woman. I felt like I had to read it. Who is like reading an episode of Bonanza! I can't say I didn't enjoy it but I can't imagine rating 15 of them LOL
March 28, 2022
Just a bit dissapointed ..... Johnstone typically has some wacky humor not in this one...it was at Goodwill for a under two dollars worth the price and the time.....which was why I bought it
May 26, 2011
Conrad and Arturo are headed to Denver, Colorado to continue in the search for Conrad’s twins, Frank and Vivian. Their mother Pamela, Conrad’s former fiancée, in a plot for revenge has concealed their whereabouts after she sent word from her death bed to their father. But she has created some deadly obstacles to meet him on his search.
Conrad meets a beautiful blonde, Rose Sullivan who works as a secretary for his attorney, Ellery Hudson in Denver. He invites her to a party at his comrade’s home to procure possible information from the guests who might have seen Pamela in Denver with their children. While there Rance McKinney, a local ranch owner, who has an obvious hatred for Conrad tells him that he courted Pamela. And before he leaves, feeling like he hasn’t been told all, he discovers that there will be a high stakes poker game that Rance has bought in to.
Conrad decides the only way to get more information about his ex is to buy in to the tournament and get McKinney to talk over cards. But after Conrad wins the tournament he finds himself held captive by McKinney and his men, and a surprise gun for hire…..but Rance wants to work for The Kid’s death and has cast him into the wilderness to hunt him down. But he underestimates just who is hunting…. This story is packed with action, high stakes poker, murder, mystery, and Conrad’s undying devotion to the search for his children that he will stop at nothing to find!
Merged review:
Conrad and Arturo are headed to Denver, Colorado to continue in the search for Conrad’s twins, Frank and Vivian. Their mother Pamela, Conrad’s former fiancée, in a plot for revenge has concealed their whereabouts after she sent word from her death bed to their father. But she has created some deadly obstacles to meet him on his search.
Conrad meets a beautiful blonde, Rose Sullivan who works as a secretary for his attorney, Ellery Hudson in Denver. He invites her to a party at his comrade’s home to procure possible information from the guests who might have seen Pamela in Denver with their children. While there Rance McKinney, a local ranch owner, who has an obvious hatred for Conrad tells him that he courted Pamela. And before he leaves, feeling like he hasn’t been told all, he discovers that there will be a high stakes poker game that Rance has bought in to.
Conrad decides the only way to get more information about his ex is to buy in to the tournament and get McKinney to talk over cards. But after Conrad wins the tournament he finds himself held captive by McKinney and his men, and a surprise gun for hire…..but Rance wants to work for The Kid’s death and has cast him into the wilderness to hunt him down. But he underestimates just who is hunting…. This story is packed with action, high stakes poker, murder, mystery, and Conrad’s undying devotion to the search for his children that he will stop at nothing to find!
Conrad meets a beautiful blonde, Rose Sullivan who works as a secretary for his attorney, Ellery Hudson in Denver. He invites her to a party at his comrade’s home to procure possible information from the guests who might have seen Pamela in Denver with their children. While there Rance McKinney, a local ranch owner, who has an obvious hatred for Conrad tells him that he courted Pamela. And before he leaves, feeling like he hasn’t been told all, he discovers that there will be a high stakes poker game that Rance has bought in to.
Conrad decides the only way to get more information about his ex is to buy in to the tournament and get McKinney to talk over cards. But after Conrad wins the tournament he finds himself held captive by McKinney and his men, and a surprise gun for hire…..but Rance wants to work for The Kid’s death and has cast him into the wilderness to hunt him down. But he underestimates just who is hunting…. This story is packed with action, high stakes poker, murder, mystery, and Conrad’s undying devotion to the search for his children that he will stop at nothing to find!
Merged review:
Conrad and Arturo are headed to Denver, Colorado to continue in the search for Conrad’s twins, Frank and Vivian. Their mother Pamela, Conrad’s former fiancée, in a plot for revenge has concealed their whereabouts after she sent word from her death bed to their father. But she has created some deadly obstacles to meet him on his search.
Conrad meets a beautiful blonde, Rose Sullivan who works as a secretary for his attorney, Ellery Hudson in Denver. He invites her to a party at his comrade’s home to procure possible information from the guests who might have seen Pamela in Denver with their children. While there Rance McKinney, a local ranch owner, who has an obvious hatred for Conrad tells him that he courted Pamela. And before he leaves, feeling like he hasn’t been told all, he discovers that there will be a high stakes poker game that Rance has bought in to.
Conrad decides the only way to get more information about his ex is to buy in to the tournament and get McKinney to talk over cards. But after Conrad wins the tournament he finds himself held captive by McKinney and his men, and a surprise gun for hire…..but Rance wants to work for The Kid’s death and has cast him into the wilderness to hunt him down. But he underestimates just who is hunting…. This story is packed with action, high stakes poker, murder, mystery, and Conrad’s undying devotion to the search for his children that he will stop at nothing to find!
August 26, 2019
Another Johnstone super story.
Reads easy and interesting. Hope for the best and keep plugging along. Good work and intrigue until the end. A winner as. usual.thanks.
Reads easy and interesting. Hope for the best and keep plugging along. Good work and intrigue until the end. A winner as. usual.thanks.
May 19, 2011
This was a good book--solid, exciting, and page-turning. Good job, J. A.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews