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Frontier Overland Company #1

The Frontier Overland Company

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JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHERE THE DREAMS ARE BIGGER—AND THE ROAD IS DEADLIER.

From the bestselling masters of Old West fiction comes a bold new saga of the American frontier. Set amid the sprawling plains and majestic mountains of Wyoming Territory, this is the epic story of a legendary stagecoach line—and the brave men who built it, drove it, and risked their lives to keep it running . . .

Founded in 1866, The Frontier Overland Company was no ordinary stagecoach operation. To begin with, its founding partners met in a Wyoming saloon brawl. After a raucous burst of punching, cursing, and chair smashing, the last two men standing become friends for life. Two kindred souls with the same fighting spirit, Tucker Cobb and former Texas Ranger Butch Keeling agreed to launch a business a brand-new stagecoach line through the wilds of Wyoming . . .
 
They called it the Frontier Overland Company. And a legend was born.
 
Cobb and Keeling knew it wouldn’t be easy. The nation was still healing from the War Between the States. Red Cloud’s War—an armed alliance of Lakota, Northern Cheyennes, and Northern Apaho against the United States—was heating up fast. And wealthy railroad magnates were itching to lay track for their western expansion to the Pacific. But it was one ruthless businessman—King Charles Hagen—who posed the biggest danger of all. He saw Cobb and Keeling’s fledging company as a direct threat to his growing shipping empire. And, unfortunately for them, he decided to squash their little stagecoach business while they’re escorting a young woman to see her dying father, an army colonel, at a Wyoming fort. With Red Cloud on the warpath, Wyoming Territory is about to become hell on earth.
 

This is the thrilling story of The Frontier Overland Company. This is how dreams are made. How legends are born. And how two fearless men staked their claim in America. The rest is history.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

51 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read

About the author

William W. Johnstone

1,055 books1,396 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Laur.
721 reviews127 followers
May 30, 2025
Although a synopsis is given for this book, I found it to be so much more than that!

Cobb and Butch Keeling are partners in the newly formed Frontier Overland Company, a stagecoach operation. More than ever, on their first maiden journey, they want everything to go smoothly. But before the coach even leaves, problems ensue involving a female passenger and a jilted lover. Thievery, gunfights, crooked law enforcement, and a feared man named King Charles Hagen are going to make these boys go through hell. But Cobb and Keeling have some unexpected help from least likely places.

This story has more than a few vivid memorable characters, and the action and story pace are enough to keep those pages turning fast.

Really liked this one, but the ending didn't tie up all lose ends. Perhaps it will come in Book 2?
A solid 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Abibliofob.
1,605 reviews103 followers
October 8, 2023
The Frontier Overland Company by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone doesn't really revolve much about running a stage coach and neither is it very accurate when it comes to weaponry of the era but it has some qualities and it is a western. I found it interesting that it ties in with the Buck Trammel series and I wonder how that will turn out. I thank Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing me with a few hours of entertainment.
Profile Image for Karen.
561 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2023
Frontier Overland Company by Willam W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone


Summary:
From the bestselling masters of Old West fiction comes a bold new saga of the American frontier.

Set amid the sprawling plains and majestic mountains of Wyoming Territory, this is the epic story of a legendary stagecoach line—and the brave men who built it, drove it, and risked their lives to keep it running . . .

Founded in 1866, The Frontier Overland Company was no ordinary stagecoach operation. To begin with, its founding partners met in a Wyoming saloon brawl. After a raucous burst of punching, cursing, and chair smashing, the last two men standing become friends for life. Two kindred souls with the same fighting spirit, Tucker Cobb and former Texas Ranger Butch Keeling agreed to launch a business together: a brand-new stagecoach line through the wilds of Wyoming . . .

They called it the Frontier Overland Company. And a legend was born.

Cobb and Keeling knew it wouldn’t be easy. The nation was still healing from the War Between the States. Red Cloud’s War—an armed alliance of Lakota, Northern Cheyennes, and Northern Apaho against the United States—was heating up fast. And wealthy railroad magnates were itching to lay track for their western expansion to the Pacific. But it was one ruthless businessman—King Charles Hagen—who posed the biggest danger of all. He saw Cobb and Keeling’s fledging company as a direct threat to his growing shipping empire. And, unfortunately for them, he decided to squash their little stagecoach business while they’re escorting a young woman to see her dying father, an army colonel, at a Wyoming fort. To make things worse, Red Cloud’s on the warpath—making Wyoming Territory is about to become hell on earth.

This is the thrilling story of The Frontier Overland Company. This is how dreams are made. How legends are born. And how two fearless men staked their claim in America. The rest is history.

Review: 3-STAR
I wish I could have given this story a better rating, but sadly I could not. This story is riddled with poor editing. There is trouble with the timeline of events, missing words or use of the wrong word as well as mix-up in names. If these errors were not present, I surely would have given it a 5 star, as the storyline is wonderfully written, and the characters are well-developed and life-like. I halfway expect poor editing from people who self-publish, but not from a publishing company that’s been around since the 70’s. It starts out with little errors and as the story progresses, they come closer together, like the end of the story was rushed through the editing process.

I received this book for free from NetGalley for my honest review
Profile Image for J Kromrie.
2,529 reviews47 followers
March 16, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the vast expanse of Wyoming Territory, where the plains stretch endlessly and the mountains touch the sky, a legend was born—the Frontier Overland Company. But this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill stagecoach operation. No, sir. It was forged in the crucible of a Wyoming saloon brawl, where fists flew, curses echoed, and chairs splintered. And from that chaos emerged two kindred souls: Tucker Cobb and former Texas Ranger Butch Keeling.

These two men, fueled by equal parts grit and whiskey, decided to launch a brand-new stagecoach line. They called it the Frontier Overland Company, and it became more than just a business venture—it became their legacy.

Wild West Adventure: If you crave the smell of sagebrush, the creak of leather, and the thrill of danger, saddle up! This book takes you on a ride through Wyoming’s untamed wilderness, where every mile is fraught with peril.

Unlikely Partners: Cobb and Keeling are as different as whiskey and water, yet their camaraderie is unbreakable. Picture a grizzled cowboy and a sharpshooting ex-lawman—now imagine them navigating treacherous trails together. It’s a buddy movie waiting to happen.

Red Cloud’s War: The Lakota, Northern Cheyennes, and Northern Apaho are on the warpath, and Wyoming Territory is their battleground. As if that weren’t enough, wealthy railroad magnates and ruthless businessmen add to the chaos. The stakes are high, and the odds are stacked against our heroes.

Romance and Redemption: Amid the dust storms and gunfights, there’s room for love. A young woman, an army colonel’s daughter, joins the stagecoach. Her mission? To see her dying father. But love blooms unexpectedly, and hearts are tested against the backdrop of a nation healing from the Civil War.

Epic Landscape: Johnstone paints Wyoming with vivid strokes—the sprawling plains, the snow-capped peaks, and the endless sky. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you ride alongside Cobb and Keeling.

“The Frontier Overland Company” is a rollicking adventure, a tribute to the pioneers who carved paths through the wilderness. It’s about friendship, courage, and the American spirit. So grab your Stetson, cinch your saddle, and join the ride. The West awaits, and legends are made on its dusty trails.
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,673 reviews143 followers
November 14, 2023
Tucker Cobb and Butch Keeller or on the dusty road again but before setting off Tucker hast to get in between a lovelorn spoiled adult boy in Jane the woman who is leaving for Laramie. This doesn’t sit well with the Haskins boy and he gets his workers from the mind to try and way lay the coach drivers but they although out numbered the two Road weary men were still the victors and The minors came out lesser for it. The trouble wasn’t over however because at their next stop they found the waystation man hanging in his barn with his horses gone his son unconscious and his wife frantic. This is just the beginning of an even bigger problem because when they move on to Evansville the sheriff Raquel doesn’t take too kindly to the two do goodies especially Tucker Cobb who has a harder time holding his emotion then his friend not to mention he fancies Miss Jane and in the end may have more to lose. I listen to the audiobook and thought the narrator was one of the best narrators and westerns I have ever listened to and although they do have some really great western now ration this guy could definitely win contest he is good with character distinction setting a gray tone and definitely getting the whole attitude of the cowboy in the book or the outlaw. I really liked this book and I’m disappointed I missed the first one but will definitely rectify that I am obsessed with the Johnstone westerns and love all of them I just wish they had a female western hero and not just side chicks wives and girlfriends but a main female character that is just as bad with a gun as the heroes of his books. Having said all that however I still loved this book and give it five stars. I want to thank Kensington books and Net Galley for my free arc audio and digital copy. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my
Profile Image for Bethany Swafford.
Author 49 books90 followers
December 8, 2023
1866, Wyoming. Tucker Cobb and Butch Keeling are making the first run of their stagecoach line, The Frontier Overland Company. Little do they know the troubles this first run will bring! A ruthless businessman, King Charles Hagen, sees their company as a danger to his shipping empire and aims to crush their budding business. Can these two fearless men carve out a place in the Wyoming Frontier, or are they doomed from the start?

While I’ve never read this author before, I have seen the name before and knew he was a prolific writer. I was interested to see that it has become a family business now. The blurb caught my attention and I decided to step back into a genre I haven’t read in awhile. Cobb and Keeling were both interesting main characters. Neither young nor old, they’ve had life experience that helps them navigate the trials they face.

I will say a supporting character overshadowed them: Hunt, a former actor and gunslinger turned preacher. I would have loved an entire book about him. Every time the book followed him, I was excited. The other supporting cast was interesting in their own way.

The plot moved very quickly and a lot is packed into this story. I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version. The narrator, Cody Roberts, brought each character to life, though there were a few occasions where a few voices were similar and I wasn’t sure which one I was hearing.

Overall, this was an exciting adventure. The abrupt ending leads me to believe it is the first in a series. I would recommend it to readers looking for a western adventure. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jacqui.
Author 65 books228 followers
November 17, 2023
In William Johnstone's The Frontier Overland Company (Pinnacle 2023), Tucker Cobb and his partner, Butch, sink all of their savings into the purchase of a stagecoach line. It's their first business venture and they’re determined to do it right, but already, on the first ride, they end up in a gun battle at one of the way stations when outlaws attack the station and steal the horses the stage line needs. Tucker and Butch manage to get them back, but this proves just the beginning of their troubles. Before this first ride is done, they have fought too many bad guys, saved many lives, and wondered if their new business would survive.

Tucker and Butch are both strong, interesting characters who readers will like the more they get to know him. They both have solid moral cores and know when they must fight for justice. I found this an excellent story with non-stop action. I'd love to read more of these characters should Johnstone turn it into a series. I got the sense he might because several threads were left unpulled. Highly recommended for those who can't get enough of the Old West tales.
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,858 reviews49 followers
December 1, 2023
When it comes to excellent story telling set to a western theme, you'll never go wrong with a Johnstone book. The characters in their many series are authentic to the era and readers are able to see what life in the different sections of the west were like.

From Preacher, the first mountain man, whose life and family helped set the Northwest, to Perley Gates, who traveled Oklahoma Territory, each saga grows to include the generations who come after. Many characters from other Johnstone series have been known to show up and lend a hand when needed in other books.

THE FRONTIER OVERLAND COMPANY starts a new series where two friends will build a stagecoach line through Wyoming. They will have to over come the fleeing confederate soldiers, a hostile Indian population and the many competitor's for business. It's very easy to get pulled into a Johnstone book. The sense of being there in the middle of the action is a familiar one to readers like me who have been reading and enjoying their books for many years. As long as they keep writing them, I'll keep reading them.
Profile Image for Rob Smith, Jr..
1,300 reviews36 followers
November 11, 2023
The endless Johnstone Clans continue with still another one involving a couple blokes running a stagecoach company in unfriendly territory. This features a large cast, but a cast of typically strong Johnstone characters. The character I liked best - and would think a good helmer of a Johnstone series - is Hunt.

The plot of this book should've stretched three books and another example of the overlong Johnstone book for sales purposes. This is a very good tale and a plotting not found of the few hundred Johnstone books I've read. So much happens that the book does get exhausting at points.

The angle of the stagecoach brings traveling characters and the stagecoach business and those running the local towns into a story that is headlines by the two running the featured stagecoach company. The story is so well written that all of the characters involved are not mixed up or similar.

The only troubles I came upon could have been due to this being read pre-store appearance via NEtGalley.com. Lots of editing missteps which does mix up characters and spellings. That and the length that should've been edited into other books. Especially considering this book leaves a cliffhanger to point to the second entry.

This is one of the better Johnstone Clan books in recent years with an exciting plot and worth the reading journey.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
Profile Image for Jen.
709 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for an advance audio copy of this book. This book is ok. I don’t think it would be good for a book club. It’s a pretty fast read. The characters don’t have a lot of development but this seems like it is the first in a new series for the author. It seems sort of cliched. Lots of bar brawls, a pretty woman who is a prostitute, a preacher, a bossy evangelizer and of course, a stage coach. Nothing is unpredictable, so this might be the book to give as a gift. One thing, this book is set in Wyoming but the narrator makes everyone sound like they are from Texas. Only one of the characters actually is, so that is a bit off putting. You don’t really have to go out of your way to get this book. If you don’t have anything else, pick it up, otherwise read something else.
Profile Image for Nolan.
1,055 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2024
A different stagecoach story. There was the Red Ryan series of five books of two guys who worked for a stagecoach company, but I guess that's dead in the water since the last one was written December of 2021.

This story was slow paced. Easy to put this book down and go do other stuff. Fell asleep in my recliner a few times the story was that boring. The story leaves the reading hanging to read the next book in the series.

Did find several mistakes in the book. One being. The sheriff has one of the main characters, Butch give up his gun and holster. A page later, Butch has his gun belt and gun on him. A few lines later, the gun belt and gun are no longer him.
1,365 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2024
24-27. I am amazed at how prolific William Johnstone was as a writer. His Western are not a formula and each series has a new viewpoint on the old West. Some of the audio books are read by some excellent voice actors and enhance the story. I hope the sequel is released soon. I am anxious to see if anything or any characters that played major rolls in this novel will appear in the next. I borrowed this audio book from the Sacramento Public Library through the Libby app.
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,773 reviews38 followers
June 26, 2024
Two friends begin a stagecoach company and Tucker and Butch are in for more trouble than just what is out in the land between the towns. They are also fighting with a larger man who wants to take over them as well and if he can not have them he will put them out of business by other means. A young woman though hired them to take them to her dying father a Colonel at a military post and that would lead to a showdown but also a friendship. A good story with good characters.
Profile Image for Nancy Brady.
351 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2023
I love Butch & Cobb. Lots of adventure on their first run as owner/operators of a coach line. Some of this was predictable which is normal, but with the way it ended, appears there will more of these 2.
Profile Image for Chaya.
502 reviews17 followers
January 8, 2024
Good, solid historical fiction novel about making way across the plains out west to settle the land. The characters are authentic and well drawn. The story is suspenseful and engrossing. A fast and interesting read.
438 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2024
Reads like any other western. Good guys start a business together, only to have bad guys at ever turn.

However I like the story line. Can't wait to read the next in series.
Profile Image for Joshua Friesen.
3,222 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2025
These are helluva good westerns. I miss the ol timey stories like these books. Glad I found this author.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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