Nice Guys Finish Dead

Old Cowboys Never Die #2

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

Smoke Jensen settled in Colorado to build a legacy for his wife Sally and their family. In the days before their Sugarloaf Ranch would become legendary across the western frontier, the Jensens fought not only to survive but succeed in an untamed land...

Genres: Westerns, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

William W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Guys Finish Dead by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is a fascinating western set mainly in rural Texas. However, there are also scenes in Waco, Fort Worth, and in Dodge City, Kansas.

Casey Tubbs and Eli Doolin are the owners of the D&T Cattle Company, a ranch they used to work on as hired hands. However, the beef market has seen better days and they need money and begin robbing banks and trains in disguise. Before long, the two are wanted men with the U.S. Marshal service even assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Colton Gray to the case full time. But Casey and Eli aren’t your normal robbers.

The characters came to life in this novel, but so did the settings. From the dusty trails to the banks and saloons, it was easy to envision the action. With an unusual plot and wonderful humor and inventiveness, Casey and Eli have an aptitude for righting wrongs.

Overall, this story is entertaining and the character development is well done. I’m looking forward to reading more novels by these authors.

Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was October 24, 2023.

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My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good horse opera with an interesting cast of characters.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everything is as it's supposed to be at the D&T cattle company. The owners have an alternative lifestyle, that of robbers Oscar and Elmer. Nice Guys Finish Dead by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is a great funfilled western and it's actually book two in this series. I had some fun reading this one, it is definitely not a standard western and the characters are really great. In this book the heat is on the ageing pair of cowboys and the US marshall hunting them is not as wet behind the ears as his elders think. I must thank Pinnacle Kensington Books and Netgalley for letting me read this western.

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my fourth Western written by the authors. I really love the classic Western stories they write. No romance, no beautiful girls, no wildly handsome cowboys, just bar girls, cowboys, outlaws and lawmen, oh, and lots of men getting shot.

The premise of this book was very clever. Two cowmen fund their ranch with stolen money. They steal from banks and businesses that steal from people who end up losing their businesses and ranches to them. Sound a bit like Robin Hood, well, that’s what they were in the old West.

Casey Tubbs and Eli Doolin purchased their ranch with stolen money and managed to help out some deserving citizens along the way. Times are tough in Texas since the price of beef has dropped so drastically that ranchers are losing their ranches for non-payment of loans. People are losing their businesses for the same reason. Casey and Eli hear of an injustice with a bank or business and they target them with the idea of helping the victims but also helping themselves.

I loved this story and hoped all the way to the end that the boys would get away with what they’ve been doing but a young U.S. Deputy Marshall has been on their trail so, the boys befriend him and the story just gets better and better from there.

I received an ARC of this book from Kensington Books.

[Amber K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Guys Finish Dead has a bit of a unique storyline that is captivating and entertaining! Terrific characters and humorous, I loved it!
I really enjoy these western tales. The authors have a terrific & detailed writing style that pulls you right in. They are definitely on my list of favorites for this genre.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Guys Finish Dead was a simple read. The main characters have a Teflon feel. The final showdown really does make you question what is more important though - law vs. morals.

I did receive this book from a Giveaway on Goodreads.

[Katie Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way this book was written was great. It had very detailed descriptions and had a interesting story line. I chose to rate it a 3 because I realized through this book I am not interested in Western novels, and even though the book was written well it didn’t not keep me engaged through the whole story.

[Thacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a physical Arc of this this book via Goodreads giveaway so thank you to the author and publisher*

Sadly I was unable to finish this book before it released. I wasn’t sure of the official release date since on/in the book itself it has a few different area that state the release date. One that says October the other days November.

The cover is fine, it quickly showcases the ideas of the book:western style, cowboys, horses, etc,.

The story was an easy read that I enjoyed. I’m not usually one to read westerns but it was pretty interesting. Without spoiling I’ll say it keep reminding me of a cowboy version of Robin Hood, and I mean that in the best way possible.

The ending was great, it had me feeling like I was right there with them. It also seems to be setting it up for a sequel(??)

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When inquiring about cattle prices in San Antonio Eli and Casey find an arrogant underpricing cattle buyer as opposed to the $25 a head he wants to give $1.50 but when told how much cattle men have he raise is it to six dollars and even mention there’s enough money in the safe to buy it right then and there. The ranchers say they’ll think about it and leave the building but when stopping to discuss the options Casey figures out how much he would have to have in the safe to buy 3000 head of cattle on the spot and they decide this is a job for Elmer and Oscar. After staking out the cattle yard for a few days the men’s strike and head back to the DNT ranch. The job gained them thousands of dollars but it also got the attention of officer Colton Who was the rookie cop who spent months trying to search down the trail of Elmer and Oscar with no luck but now that they’ve had another siding of the elderly outlaws he’s going to attempt it again. Back on the ranch the men are happy to be home but are getting ready for the cattle run even though they’re not going to be having the cattle to Kansas they’re still going to meet them to sell their cattle like always nothing goes as planned for Eli and Casey and not only is what happens action packed but it’s also funny as hell! is Eli in Casey’s days numbered and will the rookie cop finally catch his men? These are my favorite Johnstone westerns and I look so forward to each book coming out in this one did not disappoint. They really have come up with the winner with elderly robbers not to mention the Johnstone wit and great plots all make for an awesome read. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it I want to think Kensington books and that galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple of years ago, I actually won a book on here - it was the first of 3 in the trilogy of Old Cowboys Never Die and it was highly enjoyable although I'm not a big fan of Western fiction. So, recently while looking for something to fill an Amazon order to get to $35 so I wouldn't get soaked for shipping, I remembered this trilogy and checked to see if Volume 2 had come out. It had. (Volume 3 is due out in a couple of months.) So I ordered it and got past the magical Amazon 35 mark.

Upon picking it up and reading it, it was just like visiting with a couple of old friends - same characters, and it more or less picked up where the first one had left off, something that not all of these trilogies do. And, this was just as enjoyable as the first installment. Casey and Eli, the central characters were up to their usual old tricks, getting into one scrape after another, but always coming out on top. This time, they're being chased by a rather ambitious young US Marshal who suspects they are the bank robbers he's after, but isn't sure. Then, towards the end, he really isn't sure - you'll have to read the book to find out why - no spoilers here!

Pure enjoyment, light-hearted reading and a lot of fun - it keeps your attention and while it may not be for everyone, if you're looking for something other than the latest about Trump and need a respite from all the troubles of the world, pick up both volumes 1 and 2, and kick back and enjoy!

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover is terrific and sure is deceiving. There is very little gun play throughout the second entry of this series. This is a very over written replay of the first novel with a few alterations. The predictability makes the overwriting worse. I am reviewing the book by access via NetGalley.com.

The book is fine to read to follow the two main characters and their pursuer. The Robin Hood efforts are more logical that the first and the pursuer is revealed a good detective. The ending wraps the interaction of the trio well.

Thing is there is excessive expository. There was similar issue with the first volume, but that could be explained as the book establishing characters. This one just repeats and re-repeats actions needlessly. The constant food gathering and flirting gets irritating after the third occasion.
In other words, a good editor should have hacked this book to a more reasonable and readable 150 pages. Hope the third in the series is better.

At this point, readers could read this book and skip the first and be in the same spot.

Bottom line: i don't recommend this book. 4 out of 10 points.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no such thing as a bad Johnstone western. Each series is built around main characters whose belief in the law and family is absolute, even if they've had to be reformed to get there. From Preacher, the original mountain man to the Jensen family to Perly Gates, to.....well, you get the point. Many times, characters from one series will show up in another as supporting hands. The communities are true to the era, clothing, guns, food and troubles are all what you'd find if you looked them up in the history books. No two stories are the same, each character or set of characters is unique and so are their stories. The writing is skillful, readers are pulled into the story and you will laugh and cry right along with the characters. I made the mistake of picking up a Johnstone western my uncle was reading. Ive been hooked ever since. Now I share them with my reading family and will continue as long as new Johnstones are released.

[Nolan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second story in the series of two scumbag criminals, Casey, and Eli, who dress up as old men to rob banks and other places. They aren’t happy with bankers going after people who are defaulting on their loans. Blaming the bankers. First bank has 82 grand in it they steal. The second bank has 48 grand that they steal. What the author doesn't say is these two scumbags are stealing from working people, businessmen and women who own saloons, ranches and other business who have employees they have to pay and can’t since their money is gone. Can't buy more product. There wasn’t any FDIC back in those days.

This story is pretty much the same as the first story in the series. Very slow with the two scumbags going around robbing other people’s money from banks and other places and eating a lot. Breakfast, dinner and supper at restaurant and other places.

The only interesting part of the story is a US Deputy Marshall who knows who they are but can’t prove it.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the ARC of this book! I hadn't read a western in quite a few years and one of my library patrons is a big fan of Johnstone. Also in my years of working in libraries, I found that most western readers love L'Amour, and won't read anything else--except for when I turn them on to William Johnstone. For these reasons, I entered the giveaway.

I didn't realize this was the second in the series, however, that doesn't spoil the fun. These two cowboys are the late 1800's version of Robin Hood! In a very unique way they rob from the rich to give to the poor (and themselves). It has everything a western needs, cowboys, horses, a cattle drive, bank robbery, gunplay and delicious sounding food!! If you're looking for a feel good western with a unique theme, this is the one for you!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the 2nd book in the series this is the first one that I have read. This is well written with characters that are both relatable & intriguing. You can't help but like Casey, Eli, Kolton, Oscar, Elmer & the many people they meet along the dusty trail. I found some of the story line hard to believe & that is the reason I dropped it to a 4 star. I don't recall it ever giving a year that the story takes place in but given the cattle drives & such it made me question whether anyone in that time would be carrying around a $100 bill instead of gold or silver. And nobody questions where they might have gotten all this money!! For me it was also a slower read than I am used to.

Kensington Books provided me a complimentary printed copy of this book & all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Ashley : bostieslovebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey and Eli’s cattle company is growing but an unfortunate change in the meat market leaves them turning to bank robbery as a way to keep up cash flow. The outlaws keep dodging the lawmen desperately trying to bring them to justice… if only they knew who they were. A smart U.S. Marshal suspects Casey and Eli are posing as the old bank robbers. Will he be able to prove it?

NICE GUYS FINISH DEAD was a fun Western, continuing the Old Cowboys Never Die series by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this one was equally hard to put down. The writing style and pacing easily held my attention as a fantastic picture of the Wild West played out, full of action. I love Eli and Casey’s characters. Their quips had me laughing in between feeling suspense during each robbery. As in the first book, they continue to rob from the corrupt in order to help out honest folks. If makes me wonder if that has been their saving grace. Would they have been caught back at the beginning if they had robbed an innocent person?

I enjoyed NICE GUYS FINISH DEAD and would recommend it to fans of Westerns. I look forward to reading more by the authors. I am hoping to get to A MACCALLISTER CHRISTMAS in the next couple of weeks as one of my holiday season reads.

Thank you to Kensington and Between the Chapters for the gifted ARC.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll never meet two nicer guys than the characters Casey Tubbs and Eli Doolin. They look after the cowhands on their ranch, look for ways to help those that are in trouble with the bank, and offer hospitality to even those that think they're not what they seem to be. And you know what, they aren't.

There's a reason why Casey and Eli are able to help all the people they can. They have a side job...robbing banks.

A western style version of Robin Hood that I could not put down. Usually books take a few chapters to find a rhythm, but Nice Guys Finish Dead had me hooked in and turning page after page right from the start.

As I got further and further into the book I started thinking more and more about the title and wondered just when the nice guys would find their end.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Guys Finish Dead – Published 2023 – Casey and Eli Western Novel - *** - Casey and Eli are two cowboys portrayed as lovable that are also bank robbers. If you don't mind the Robin Hood premise that is okay to steal as long as you help the less fortunate ranchers in the area, you might buy the premise. The book goes through western living, cattle drives and a little bit of shoot em ups. Unfortunately, there is way TOO MUCH of leading pack horses, camping, eating and more eating and wondering where their next good meal will be to keep the reader’s interest. I skimmed a lot and it was still TOO long. As others have suggested an editorial trimming of at least a third of the book would have been justified. Western setting is done well but that fails to offset the negatives.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of Nice Guys Finish Dead by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone from Goodreads.
Cheer for the criminals and law enforcement in equal measure reading Nice Guys Finish Dead by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone. Casey and Eli are kind hearted neighbors, fair business men, and highly skilled thieves. Colton Gray is a sharp U.S. Marshal determined to see justice. Readers eagerly turn pages to learn what happens in the final confrontation and ask themselves if Robin Hood had worn a six shooter, would he have been a lot more fun?

[Bill Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an advance reader copy in a giveaway from Goodreads. I have read many William W Johnstone and J A Johnstone books and they usually follow a standard format so you know what you're getting. Nice Guys Finish Dead is a very good read. It is about two cowboys who rob banks to help others(and themselves) while disguised as old men. I really enjoyed this book and just bought a copy of the first book in the series. It's A fun tale and I look forward to seeing more in this series.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

GOODREADS GIVEAWAY WIN - Thank you, Johnstone, Johnstone, Penguin Random House, and Kensington Books. The authors deliver a Western where bad guys might also be good. No matter what side of the law, the main characters are likable. Redundancy slowed the flow of the story. That minor writing flaw could be overlooked when considering the overall enjoyment of the story. This is the story of two Robin Hood cowboys and an intelligent Sheriff of Nottingham deputy marshall.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like westerns and historicals, but they're not necessarily my go-to, so I am new to Johnstone (both). I did read Old Cowboys Never Die first and enjoyed it; therefore, I was pleased to continue Casey and Eli's escapades here with my Goodreads giveaway win. It is truly a fun and easy, enjoyable read. Just the type of book for a pleasure reader like myself who drifts into someone else's world for a while. Special kudos to the last line, I thought it very sweet.

[Pj Gaumond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Casey and Eli. They are the Robin Hood of the West!!!! The whole story really moved along nicely and the imagery makes you think you're riding right along with them on their adventures. Are they really just two cattlemen trying to make a living with their cattle or do they have alter egos? I highly recommend this book and others by this author. I was mailed an Advanced Readers Edition from Kensington Publishing.

[Florence Fales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
I love a good Western. The authors tell a very good story.
Casey Tubbs and Eli Doolin run their own ranch. I order to make their ranch profitable, they need more money. Word is, there are two guys robbing different people and establishments. They are elderly men. The sheriff is trying to capture them. The elderly men usually help someone in distress. The pocket whatever is left. Follow the story, it's a very good read!!!!!

[grizzou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading the book without realizing that is was a sequel, but honestly I managed to read it pretty well since I wasn't questioning on who was who and what was what (though I'm glad there's more books in the series)

I got very attached to the characters of Eli and Casey and loved to see them outsmart the crooks they stole from. I liked the story and that we got to follow other characters like Colton Gray

All in all, great book, will be getting the first and third book ASAP

[Vernon Luckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable little read! I thought I knew how it would end based on the title; so was a bit surprised. However, wrong is wrong regardless of who is doing the wrong, who is being wronged, or the motive behind the act. I suspect if the 2 main characters continue their "Robin Hood" activities; then the title of the book will end up being spot on.

[Dyslexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a book early from Goodreads, and it was a bit different from what I usually read. But damn did I like it! The pictures in the words made me feel like I was right there with them on their adventures. It reminded me of the cowboy stories my grandpa used to read to me, but it still felt new. I think I might need to read some more of his books now.

[Amanda-Has-A-Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice guys don't finish last...the finish dead! This was such a fun surprise! I love western books (my favorite of all time The Wagon West series from Dana Fuller Ross) but that being said, William W. Johnstone's Nice Guys Finish Dead was a story about an old timer cowboy who's adventure is just getting started. I loved the action and the humor on this one!

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are the two "bad guys" that you love. With their Robin Hoodesk lifestyle and quick wit, its an easy story to get drawn into. Westerns aren't typically my thing, and if they are it's usually historical romance, but I did really like this book. Also, (and this is a compliment) I think this would make a great book to pass on to a friend, as anyone could really like this story.

[Janet McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a humorous book about good overcoming evil by the 2 most unsuspecting bank robbers to pull each heist off! It’s a western Robin Hood story which will keep you with a smile on your face as you are reading through the story! The characters are well developed and just fun to follow along with. If you want a book that is light and humorous, I recommend you read this book!!