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Ben Blue #1
Hickory Jack
In the years following the Civil War, many lives were swept up by the tide of restlessness and lawlessness. Some of those lives were changed forever, some were ruined beyond redemption, and yet others were merely snuffed out. Hickory Jack is a tale of two young lives which were changed beyond any hope of ever being the same. Andy Moore age fourteen and Ben Blue age twelve came face to face with violence and evil as boys, and they responded as men.
As they grew in size and years, they also grew in the knowledge of what it took to be a man and to walk in a man’s boots. They gained the knowledge that life was hard, and fairness had never been a promise. They also learned that some men do things for no other reason than they can, and they respected no law higher than what rested in their holsters.
As they grew in size and years, they also grew in the knowledge of what it took to be a man and to walk in a man’s boots. They gained the knowledge that life was hard, and fairness had never been a promise. They also learned that some men do things for no other reason than they can, and they respected no law higher than what rested in their holsters.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2013
290 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Lou Bradshaw
41 books41 followersLou Bradshaw is a lifelong story teller, who spent most of his life as a commercial illustrator and graphic artist. Deadlines, clients, and vendors were all sources of sleep depriving stress. To combat insomnia, he would often create stories in his mind to take the place of what was bothering him. Soon, some of those stories had grown to the point that they needed to be put on paper. Taking up a felt tip pen and a loose leaf binder, he found something new, challenging, and exciting. He soon filled multiple binders and his distraction had become a passion. Upon retirement, he began assembling notes and scribbles into novels… the rest is history.
One of the unique features of his work is that as a dyslexic child, he was considered either slow or lazy by most of his teachers. To date he has written 7 books, which is 6 more than he was able to read while in school. His only legitimate book report, although 3 months late, was Huckleberry Finn.
Lou and his wife Avon live in the Missouri Ozarks, where they enjoy their family, golf, and the great outdoors.
Visit me on Facebook at Lou Bradshaw Artist – Author
www.facebook.com/loubradshawarts.
Also check out my blog “Your Daily Dose of Nonsense”
www.loubradshaw.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 2, 2020
FAMILY, BROTHERS, LIFE MENTORS, GUN FIGHTS, HORSES
4 STARS for this Western Era drama that takes place after the Civil War ended. Ben Blue was just a young boy of 12 who had been living with Andy Moore & his parents ever since his parents & family had all died with the fever when he was about 2. Ben 12 & Andy 14, when the outlaws rode up & tried to kidnap Andy's mother right off the front of porch iin daylight right in front of Ben & Andy. Also, killed her instead in the yard & did the same with his Dad off towards the field. Andy & Ben killed the outlaws except for one that escaped they thought. These two boys go on a hunt for these outlaws the one that got away & the boss who had stayed behind but gave the orders; however only after they finished their schooling & learned a little about farm management from their close family friend & neighbor. Ben & Andy take off to find the horrible outlaws that changed their lives, like a quest. Follow these 2 throughout some of the wilderness where nobody was & was rough going, wild towns with wild people & hard cases they had to school themselves on to both live with & hold their own with, not allow them to bully them, men who usually were many many years older. Exciting, Enjoying, Action Packed, follows the boys for about 4 years.
4 STARS for this Western Era drama that takes place after the Civil War ended. Ben Blue was just a young boy of 12 who had been living with Andy Moore & his parents ever since his parents & family had all died with the fever when he was about 2. Ben 12 & Andy 14, when the outlaws rode up & tried to kidnap Andy's mother right off the front of porch iin daylight right in front of Ben & Andy. Also, killed her instead in the yard & did the same with his Dad off towards the field. Andy & Ben killed the outlaws except for one that escaped they thought. These two boys go on a hunt for these outlaws the one that got away & the boss who had stayed behind but gave the orders; however only after they finished their schooling & learned a little about farm management from their close family friend & neighbor. Ben & Andy take off to find the horrible outlaws that changed their lives, like a quest. Follow these 2 throughout some of the wilderness where nobody was & was rough going, wild towns with wild people & hard cases they had to school themselves on to both live with & hold their own with, not allow them to bully them, men who usually were many many years older. Exciting, Enjoying, Action Packed, follows the boys for about 4 years.
April 26, 2021
As Best As They Get
Lou Bradshaw is a great storyteller. His storytelling skills are amplified in this superior first novel.
Keeping western stories alive in today's fading world is challenging. Western novels cannot bring the market selling price other genres do, and that makes it difficult for a western writer to survive.
For those who do not read much or even those who do not usually read westerns, Lou Bradshaw is the go-to storyteller who will not displease.
Bradshaw heroes see their justice, and sometimes give their all before the villain's freedom ends and the reader wishes we had this kind of vigilante justice in our modern day world.
Hickory Jack and the character, painted from his legend, Andy Moore, will live with eternal grace in most reader's hearts, minds and souls and the Hall of Fame of Great Stories of Western Storytellers.
When I get tired of the realities if this world, I go to Lou Bradshaw's world and never come away disappointed.
There are no story spoilers in this review, just a good bet if you spend the time reading Lou Bradshaw westerns you will not come away disappointed.
If Burt Lancaster was still alive, I'd bet my last double-eagle he'd have something to do with western movies adapted from Lou Bradshaw's stories.
Lou Bradshaw is a great storyteller. His storytelling skills are amplified in this superior first novel.
Keeping western stories alive in today's fading world is challenging. Western novels cannot bring the market selling price other genres do, and that makes it difficult for a western writer to survive.
For those who do not read much or even those who do not usually read westerns, Lou Bradshaw is the go-to storyteller who will not displease.
Bradshaw heroes see their justice, and sometimes give their all before the villain's freedom ends and the reader wishes we had this kind of vigilante justice in our modern day world.
Hickory Jack and the character, painted from his legend, Andy Moore, will live with eternal grace in most reader's hearts, minds and souls and the Hall of Fame of Great Stories of Western Storytellers.
When I get tired of the realities if this world, I go to Lou Bradshaw's world and never come away disappointed.
There are no story spoilers in this review, just a good bet if you spend the time reading Lou Bradshaw westerns you will not come away disappointed.
If Burt Lancaster was still alive, I'd bet my last double-eagle he'd have something to do with western movies adapted from Lou Bradshaw's stories.
Read
February 9, 2020The end of the Civil War spawned many outlaws and criminals. Ben Blue had lived most of his life with Andy Moore after his parents died when he was a very young child. An outlaw gang invaded the small farm and killed Andy's mother and father when Andy was 14 and Ben was only 12. They continued to live on the family farm while they were maturing and completing their education. The two teenagers set off with minimal supplies and less knowledge except for the names of the gang members. Andy had practiced shooting and was skilled in a fast draw that came in handy as they encountered villains and outlaws along their journey. Andy became so proficient that he became known as Hickory Jack who was feared. They continued their pursuit of the gang members until they had killed the last one. Ben was well known for this ability to think through the most challenging problem. Andy settled down and worked as a ranch hand.
Mr. Bradshaw has written a wonderful and engaging story that involves the reader in the life experiences of these young men who have realistic and believable life stories. I highly recommend this a great book.
Mr. Bradshaw has written a wonderful and engaging story that involves the reader in the life experiences of these young men who have realistic and believable life stories. I highly recommend this a great book.
February 18, 2018
Hickory Jack (Ben Blue Book 1)
Hickory Jack was a fast paced western in the very best sense of the word. The characters were full of life and very believable, the story line was very well thought out , and there were no cliff hangers. Every action and person written about was appropriately brought together at the end o nf the book. That is the mark of a very well written book. This was a wonderful read that once started, I could not put down. From start to finish this book is a winner!!! BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO!!! I look forward to more From this author. Whatever he is doing, he's doing it right!!!!!
Hickory Jack was a fast paced western in the very best sense of the word. The characters were full of life and very believable, the story line was very well thought out , and there were no cliff hangers. Every action and person written about was appropriately brought together at the end o nf the book. That is the mark of a very well written book. This was a wonderful read that once started, I could not put down. From start to finish this book is a winner!!! BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO!!! I look forward to more From this author. Whatever he is doing, he's doing it right!!!!!
February 23, 2018
Somehow my initial story review was lost, but this first novel of The Ben Blue series is overwhelmingly great. It is so great that I have currently purchased the entire series, and hope that more will be forthcoming.
Five stars does not give this story justice, but that is currently the maximum allowed. I was completely overwhelmed with the magnificent storylines and character selection throughout the entire novel. Mr. Bradshaw is very proficient in his explicit descriptiveness of each and every exciting episode, as they unfold before the reader's eyes.
Five stars does not give this story justice, but that is currently the maximum allowed. I was completely overwhelmed with the magnificent storylines and character selection throughout the entire novel. Mr. Bradshaw is very proficient in his explicit descriptiveness of each and every exciting episode, as they unfold before the reader's eyes.
November 13, 2018
An LB Ben Blue Western Novel From Arkansas to Sante Fe
LB head penned a western about a young cowboy named Ben Blue. Ben Blue's family, except for him, we're murdered by night riders at the end of the Civil War. He is sent to live with another family, his Aunt, who was raped and murdered by a gang of outlaws. The two boys survive and spend the rest of their growing up years looking for the outlaws. This an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
LB head penned a western about a young cowboy named Ben Blue. Ben Blue's family, except for him, we're murdered by night riders at the end of the Civil War. He is sent to live with another family, his Aunt, who was raped and murdered by a gang of outlaws. The two boys survive and spend the rest of their growing up years looking for the outlaws. This an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
February 27, 2019
Two young men overcome obstacles to become strong men
I enjoyed this book tremendously because it was so well written that I felt the main characters in this book became my friends. I enjoyed seeing them grow up to become responsible men. Everyone should read this book as I feel it portrays a realistic picture of life in this era.
I enjoyed this book tremendously because it was so well written that I felt the main characters in this book became my friends. I enjoyed seeing them grow up to become responsible men. Everyone should read this book as I feel it portrays a realistic picture of life in this era.
May 6, 2019
Another outstanding saga of the old west by a spectacular author!
Lou Bradshaw captures the mirth, sorrow, grit, pride, and the genuine American 'sand' of the folks who built the greatest country on the face of this planet. Do you not fail to read, learn, and enjoy his work. Much obliged, Lou. Keep them coming!
Lou Bradshaw captures the mirth, sorrow, grit, pride, and the genuine American 'sand' of the folks who built the greatest country on the face of this planet. Do you not fail to read, learn, and enjoy his work. Much obliged, Lou. Keep them coming!
March 24, 2018
An amazing story!
Lou Bradshaw used words to knit a story with many tragedies and many successes. The two were little more than boys. They had the right people giving them guidance. Well done!
Lou Bradshaw used words to knit a story with many tragedies and many successes. The two were little more than boys. They had the right people giving them guidance. Well done!
April 19, 2018
Hickory Jack (Ben Blue Book 1)
Absolutely the best read ever. What a GREAT writer this Lou Bradshaw. This book is filled with all human emotions.... Sad, funny, serious, suspense. Got it all. One of those books you can't put down. So, "Giddy Up."
Absolutely the best read ever. What a GREAT writer this Lou Bradshaw. This book is filled with all human emotions.... Sad, funny, serious, suspense. Got it all. One of those books you can't put down. So, "Giddy Up."
August 1, 2018
Are things really worth giving your life for
I really like Ben Blue stories. I did not re as d them in order. It would be better if I had. I am looking forward to reading all I can find of Ben Blue books
I really like Ben Blue stories. I did not re as d them in order. It would be better if I had. I am looking forward to reading all I can find of Ben Blue books
February 19, 2019
Legendary Hickory Jack and Ben Blue
Story of life in the West after the civil war. How two boys lives changed because of outlaws killed Andy Moore's parents. The adventures and trials of life when Andy and Ben still young boys go after the outlaws
Story of life in the West after the civil war. How two boys lives changed because of outlaws killed Andy Moore's parents. The adventures and trials of life when Andy and Ben still young boys go after the outlaws
February 22, 2019
Best western ever!!!!!
Every chapter leaves you wanting more episodes, and the detail of each and every character is so well defined, i,m unable to put this book down.what a great western,almost like being there!!!!!
Every chapter leaves you wanting more episodes, and the detail of each and every character is so well defined, i,m unable to put this book down.what a great western,almost like being there!!!!!
August 9, 2019
Great read
I read a lot and don’t remember a lot but I enjoy reading a good book and envisioning the story. These books by mr Lou are a pleasure to read. If you enjoy a good western then you have found them in his writing.
I read a lot and don’t remember a lot but I enjoy reading a good book and envisioning the story. These books by mr Lou are a pleasure to read. If you enjoy a good western then you have found them in his writing.
August 17, 2021
Like riding with an old friend
The bite of the cold wind , dust in your face while riding drag , the instability of crossing a shale fall with horses in tow, are so well described. The whole book is well written.
The bite of the cold wind , dust in your face while riding drag , the instability of crossing a shale fall with horses in tow, are so well described. The whole book is well written.
November 26, 2021
The Ben Blue series was recommended to me by a friend and I really enjoyed it; hard to stop going to the next chapter. Most events and skirmishes turned out good with comedy, surprises and some sadness. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Five stars for sure!
October 26, 2025
Great Read!
Great Read! It's a great easy to read story filled with sadness, love, evil and justice and even heartbreak. It does seem that love is about to blossom and bring joy into Ben's life.
Great Read! It's a great easy to read story filled with sadness, love, evil and justice and even heartbreak. It does seem that love is about to blossom and bring joy into Ben's life.
June 4, 2017
Great story and easy read.
The author did a great job of capturing the real west in this story. If the rest of the books in this series follow suit then can't wait to read them.
The author did a great job of capturing the real west in this story. If the rest of the books in this series follow suit then can't wait to read them.
September 29, 2017
Quite a good read, I reckon! Kept my interest up like a cougar in a hen house!
Surprisingly good. Will read #2! (I reckon!)
Surprisingly good. Will read #2! (I reckon!)
November 2, 2017
Ben Blue is great.
A good western read about a good man . I can’t wait to read book number two. I really enjoyed the time I spent reading this book.
A good western read about a good man . I can’t wait to read book number two. I really enjoyed the time I spent reading this book.
April 15, 2018
Great read!
I love this man's way of telling a good old western story. I recommend this book to people that enjoy good the good old cowboy stories.
I love this man's way of telling a good old western story. I recommend this book to people that enjoy good the good old cowboy stories.
July 23, 2018
Hickory Jack
This was a great read and I love the adventures that Ben and Andy had they had to grow up so fast. I So enjoyed this author.
This was a great read and I love the adventures that Ben and Andy had they had to grow up so fast. I So enjoyed this author.
November 1, 2018
Great western storyline
The was good and long but it keep your attention some good adventures for a couple of boys so young. Boys that turn to get men
The was good and long but it keep your attention some good adventures for a couple of boys so young. Boys that turn to get men
February 10, 2019
Excellent story, good plot, clear villians, conflicted at times good guys. Locally accurate descriptions of towns, ranches, of the time. Not inappropriate content, just a good old western story.
May 8, 2019
YES!!
This is the first book I've read by Lou but it won't be the last. Ben Blue is my new hero. Thanks
This is the first book I've read by Lou but it won't be the last. Ben Blue is my new hero. Thanks
May 28, 2019
Hickory Jack (1)
This was a good read , and a good way to start the series. Lucky to have found #1 so the rest will make more sense.
This was a good read , and a good way to start the series. Lucky to have found #1 so the rest will make more sense.
March 13, 2020
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
June 25, 2020
Excellent!
On boy, a marvelous story that has most everything needed for a good yarn. Action, revenge and even a possible love story.
On boy, a marvelous story that has most everything needed for a good yarn. Action, revenge and even a possible love story.
April 15, 2021
Sweet Beginning
Book one of the Ben Blue series. I look forward to the rest. The story of two boys who had to grow up fast after their families were killed.
Book one of the Ben Blue series. I look forward to the rest. The story of two boys who had to grow up fast after their families were killed.
August 22, 2021
The Story Of Ben Blue
This was a very well written western about two boys from different families who were raised separately but grew up together. They saught revenge from the outlaws who killed their families. I thought that it was a great novel and would highly recommend it.
This was a very well written western about two boys from different families who were raised separately but grew up together. They saught revenge from the outlaws who killed their families. I thought that it was a great novel and would highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews