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Flintlock #2
Gut-Shot
They called him Flintlock. A bounty hunter with an ancient Hawken muzzle loader and his own way of doing business on the frontier. A loner who has brought down the most vicious killers in the West, Flintlock is a towering, daring hero in William and J.A. Johnstone's electrifying new saga.
Drawn To A Killing Ground. . .
$10,000. That's bounty on the head of the most hated man in Texas--the man that Flintlock has been hired to guard. The crime was the brutal murder of a young school-teacher. The verdict was not guilty for lack of evidence. And the suspected killer's first guard was murdered by a shotgun blast. What makes Flintlock believe in this man's innocence? Call it a gut instinct. Or call maybe just a hankering for a fight. Because Flintlock knows that some very powerful and dangerous people are trying to make a man look guilty as sin. The only way for Flintlock to get the truth now is to go gunning for it--on a bad man's blood-soaked killing ground. . .
Drawn To A Killing Ground. . .
$10,000. That's bounty on the head of the most hated man in Texas--the man that Flintlock has been hired to guard. The crime was the brutal murder of a young school-teacher. The verdict was not guilty for lack of evidence. And the suspected killer's first guard was murdered by a shotgun blast. What makes Flintlock believe in this man's innocence? Call it a gut instinct. Or call maybe just a hankering for a fight. Because Flintlock knows that some very powerful and dangerous people are trying to make a man look guilty as sin. The only way for Flintlock to get the truth now is to go gunning for it--on a bad man's blood-soaked killing ground. . .
- GenresWesterns
411 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
98 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,041 books1,392 followersWilliam 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 13, 2019
Johnstone’s characters are real flesh and blood humans. I admire rough, talks-to-himself Flintlock . He thinks with his brain, gut, and heart. There’s always a shade of humor. Speaking of shades, old Barnabas keeps it interesting!
December 21, 2016
Very Good!
Really enjoyable and well written tale with typical Ohara and Flintlock perspectives of right and wrong. Evil does not pay!
Really enjoyable and well written tale with typical Ohara and Flintlock perspectives of right and wrong. Evil does not pay!
February 23, 2017
A good book
This book helped me in and kept me there till again . It has a different feel than other Johnstone books . Characters are unique and I can't wait to read more.
This book helped me in and kept me there till again . It has a different feel than other Johnstone books . Characters are unique and I can't wait to read more.
June 30, 2018
The action was great. Not too thrilled with the "Baranabas the Ghost" thing.
September 29, 2018
Good fluff.
April 11, 2019
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August 21, 2019
Johnston's Has a Great Character
Clinton and his grandfather who's a ghost rivet the reader. Second book on Flintlock and I was enraptured with both.
Clinton and his grandfather who's a ghost rivet the reader. Second book on Flintlock and I was enraptured with both.
August 23, 2022
Flinlock is weird. This one was ok and I'll continue onward. GA does an amazing job, but at times, I'm like what is Johnstone thinking. Ha.
March 18, 2025
Another wonderful to western story. Enjoyed it very much.
April 18, 2025
A meandering side story about an infernal machine was an odd decision. Still entertaining, though not as good as its predecessor.
November 22, 2014
I absolutely loved Flintlock, the first book in this on-going series that I hope continues beyond this. In fact, I found the quality of writing and the story to be amongst the best I have read, and honestly believe that in time, Flintlock could become a classic--timeless. I encourage everyone to read it; it contains the elements of every great novel, western or not. I wouldn't say I can compare it to True Grit, at least in similarity of writing style, etc, but as a work of literature, it holds its own as a great western novel.
That said, after having just completed Flintlock: Gut Shot, I am more convinced than ever that the same people are not writing all of these books created from the outlines of William Johnstone's remaining papers. I just don't believe Gut Shot was written by the author of Flintlock. Gut Shot reads more like the other recent entries from JA Johnstone and what I assume is his army of ghostwriters...it certainly has the elements of any Johnstone novel--black and white, clear-cut good vs evil with good always triumphing over evil (which is, let's face it, why those of us who love Johnstone's novels read them in the first place--they take us back to a time when life wasn't as muddled and confusing as it is today)--but the writing isn't as good here, or as compelling. Clearly this series is going to go further, as Flintlock is going to make his way to Louisiana to rescue his mother to find his name (that's not a spoiler...the hero never dies, right?), and it reads like a novel that intends to go further. The story ends, and this chapter of Flintlock's crazy life is over, but I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the previous one for one simple reason--in the first novel, Flintlock is no-holds-barred dedicated to fighting for his beliefs, and never questions his decisions, because he always makes the right one. In Gut Shot, Flintlock does what I HATE in many superhero films these days, like Spiderman II, or Superman II, or Iron Man II--he QUESTIONS himself...he tries to change who he is along the way....he tries another path, and this decision inexorably leads him to discover that he made a HUGE mistake and should have fought for the cause of justice and involved himself in the conflict from the very beginning. Because of his hesitance (not lack of courage), many many many good and innocent people die, and we see Flintlock seriously regretting the decisions he makes. I don't like that in a hero. A hero must have conviction, and never stray from the formula that has made them successful (not to mention saved their lives all these years). Now, you could say that Flintlock has learned an invaluable lesson, and that from here on out in this series, never again will he hesitate to intervene in the causes of truth and justice, and if that's the case (and it better be if the author wants me to keep reading these books) then I will consider Gut Shot to be nothing more than a bump in the road on the journey to an amazing Western novel series. Flintlock could possibly be Johnstone's best, because he is a character more compelling, in my view, than all the rest.
That said, after having just completed Flintlock: Gut Shot, I am more convinced than ever that the same people are not writing all of these books created from the outlines of William Johnstone's remaining papers. I just don't believe Gut Shot was written by the author of Flintlock. Gut Shot reads more like the other recent entries from JA Johnstone and what I assume is his army of ghostwriters...it certainly has the elements of any Johnstone novel--black and white, clear-cut good vs evil with good always triumphing over evil (which is, let's face it, why those of us who love Johnstone's novels read them in the first place--they take us back to a time when life wasn't as muddled and confusing as it is today)--but the writing isn't as good here, or as compelling. Clearly this series is going to go further, as Flintlock is going to make his way to Louisiana to rescue his mother to find his name (that's not a spoiler...the hero never dies, right?), and it reads like a novel that intends to go further. The story ends, and this chapter of Flintlock's crazy life is over, but I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the previous one for one simple reason--in the first novel, Flintlock is no-holds-barred dedicated to fighting for his beliefs, and never questions his decisions, because he always makes the right one. In Gut Shot, Flintlock does what I HATE in many superhero films these days, like Spiderman II, or Superman II, or Iron Man II--he QUESTIONS himself...he tries to change who he is along the way....he tries another path, and this decision inexorably leads him to discover that he made a HUGE mistake and should have fought for the cause of justice and involved himself in the conflict from the very beginning. Because of his hesitance (not lack of courage), many many many good and innocent people die, and we see Flintlock seriously regretting the decisions he makes. I don't like that in a hero. A hero must have conviction, and never stray from the formula that has made them successful (not to mention saved their lives all these years). Now, you could say that Flintlock has learned an invaluable lesson, and that from here on out in this series, never again will he hesitate to intervene in the causes of truth and justice, and if that's the case (and it better be if the author wants me to keep reading these books) then I will consider Gut Shot to be nothing more than a bump in the road on the journey to an amazing Western novel series. Flintlock could possibly be Johnstone's best, because he is a character more compelling, in my view, than all the rest.
November 22, 2014
I absolutely loved Flintlock, the first book in this on-going series that I hope continues beyond this. In fact, I found the quality of writing and the story to be amongst the best I have read, and honestly believe that in time, Flintlock could become a classic--timeless. I encourage everyone to read it; it contains the elements of every great novel, western or not. I wouldn't say I can compare it to True Grit, at least in similarity of writing style, etc, but as a work of literature, it holds its own as a great western novel.
That said, after having just completed Flintlock: Gut Shot, I am more convinced than ever that the same people are not writing all of these books created from the outlines of William Johnstone's remaining papers. I just don't believe Gut Shot was written by the author of Flintlock. Gut Shot reads more like the other recent entries from JA Johnstone and what I assume is his army of ghostwriters...it certainly has the elements of any Johnstone novel--black and white, clear-cut good vs evil with good always triumphing over evil (which is, let's face it, why those of us who love Johnstone's novels read them in the first place--they take us back to a time when life wasn't as muddled and confusing as it is today)--but the writing isn't as good here, or as compelling. Clearly this series is going to go further, as Flintlock is going to make his way to Louisiana to rescue his mother to find his name (that's not a spoiler...the hero never dies, right?), and it reads like a novel that intends to go further. The story ends, and this chapter of Flintlock's crazy life is over, but I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the previous one for one simple reason--in the first novel, Flintlock is no-holds-barred dedicated to fighting for his beliefs, and never questions his decisions, because he always makes the right one. In Gut Shot, Flintlock does what I HATE in many superhero films these days, like Spiderman II, or Superman II, or Iron Man II--he QUESTIONS himself...he tries to change who he is along the way....he tries another path, and this decision inexorably leads him to discover that he made a HUGE mistake and should have fought for the cause of justice and involved himself in the conflict from the very beginning. Because of his hesitance (not lack of courage), many many many good and innocent people die, and we see Flintlock seriously regretting the decisions he makes. I don't like that in a hero. A hero must have conviction, and never stray from the formula that has made them successful (not to mention saved their lives all these years). Now, you could say that Flintlock has learned an invaluable lesson, and that from here on out in this series, never again will he hesitate to intervene in the causes of truth and justice, and if that's the case (and it better be if the author wants me to keep reading these books) then I will consider Gut Shot to be nothing more than a bump in the road on the journey to an amazing Western novel series. Flintlock could possibly be Johnstone's best, because he is a character more compelling, in my view, than all the rest.
That said, after having just completed Flintlock: Gut Shot, I am more convinced than ever that the same people are not writing all of these books created from the outlines of William Johnstone's remaining papers. I just don't believe Gut Shot was written by the author of Flintlock. Gut Shot reads more like the other recent entries from JA Johnstone and what I assume is his army of ghostwriters...it certainly has the elements of any Johnstone novel--black and white, clear-cut good vs evil with good always triumphing over evil (which is, let's face it, why those of us who love Johnstone's novels read them in the first place--they take us back to a time when life wasn't as muddled and confusing as it is today)--but the writing isn't as good here, or as compelling. Clearly this series is going to go further, as Flintlock is going to make his way to Louisiana to rescue his mother to find his name (that's not a spoiler...the hero never dies, right?), and it reads like a novel that intends to go further. The story ends, and this chapter of Flintlock's crazy life is over, but I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the previous one for one simple reason--in the first novel, Flintlock is no-holds-barred dedicated to fighting for his beliefs, and never questions his decisions, because he always makes the right one. In Gut Shot, Flintlock does what I HATE in many superhero films these days, like Spiderman II, or Superman II, or Iron Man II--he QUESTIONS himself...he tries to change who he is along the way....he tries another path, and this decision inexorably leads him to discover that he made a HUGE mistake and should have fought for the cause of justice and involved himself in the conflict from the very beginning. Because of his hesitance (not lack of courage), many many many good and innocent people die, and we see Flintlock seriously regretting the decisions he makes. I don't like that in a hero. A hero must have conviction, and never stray from the formula that has made them successful (not to mention saved their lives all these years). Now, you could say that Flintlock has learned an invaluable lesson, and that from here on out in this series, never again will he hesitate to intervene in the causes of truth and justice, and if that's the case (and it better be if the author wants me to keep reading these books) then I will consider Gut Shot to be nothing more than a bump in the road on the journey to an amazing Western novel series. Flintlock could possibly be Johnstone's best, because he is a character more compelling, in my view, than all the rest.
March 25, 2016
Whoever of the Johnstone Clan penned the first in the series obviously also penned the second and that is terrific. The first was outstanding and this is the same, maybe a bit less. Again this is not a simple tale of the old west, though more so than the first in the series. There are plenty of layers and those shift and twist over the course of the book.
The characters are amazing in how well they are written. This ghost writer is trumping even the original Johnstone. The mystical continues and that is extremely well done. Especially in that more than one experiences the character.
The story starts in a standard way and then goes off in all directions. Nothing goes as planned and that hooks you deep into the tale.
Also, again the cover rots. The model is NOTHING as Flintlock is described and is a sad image to represent such a non-traditional book of the west. The title is not much better. I'll set that aside as it's the story that I'm writing about.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 9 out of 10 points.
The characters are amazing in how well they are written. This ghost writer is trumping even the original Johnstone. The mystical continues and that is extremely well done. Especially in that more than one experiences the character.
The story starts in a standard way and then goes off in all directions. Nothing goes as planned and that hooks you deep into the tale.
Also, again the cover rots. The model is NOTHING as Flintlock is described and is a sad image to represent such a non-traditional book of the west. The title is not much better. I'll set that aside as it's the story that I'm writing about.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 9 out of 10 points.
May 21, 2015
Sam Flintlock hired on to keep a young man alive that the town wants lynched. The school teacher had been murdered, her throat crushed, and a cross belonging to a young bank clerk was found by the body. He claimed innocence, saying he'd given it to her in anticipation of a relationship.
It doesn't take Sam long to figure someone is trying to foment a range war between two ranchers. How all that ties to the young bank clerk is the story.
Not bad.
It doesn't take Sam long to figure someone is trying to foment a range war between two ranchers. How all that ties to the young bank clerk is the story.
Not bad.
December 20, 2014
Great Story!
I choose the ratings because it was a great read, great main character and I can not think of any thing to complain about. This was a joy to read an I encourage any one who likes westerns should give it a try. Sam'l is a kind of hero who believes in justice and you will like him! Thanks William!
I choose the ratings because it was a great read, great main character and I can not think of any thing to complain about. This was a joy to read an I encourage any one who likes westerns should give it a try. Sam'l is a kind of hero who believes in justice and you will like him! Thanks William!
December 18, 2014
Save your money.
Didn't think I would ever give a book this bad of review, IMHO it is horrible. The story, characters and writing was just plain bad. I had to stop a third of the way through, I just could not read another line.
Didn't think I would ever give a book this bad of review, IMHO it is horrible. The story, characters and writing was just plain bad. I had to stop a third of the way through, I just could not read another line.
November 7, 2014
Another very enjoyable Johnstone book. I love all of this author's books.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews