What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Frontier
A thrilling historical western set in 1890s Oregon, from the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles. An English soldier turned policeman escapes to the American West for a new future, but life on the frontier proves far harder than he ever imagined...
A man can flee from everything but his own nature.
1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London's East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield.
With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and meaning, Gabriel leaves the grime of London behind and heads for the wilderness and wide open spaces of the American West.
He soon realises that the wilds of Oregon are far from the idyll he has yearned for. The Blue Mountains may be beautiful, but with the frontier a complex patchwork of feuds and felonies, and ranchers as vicious as any back alley cut-throat in London, Gabriel finds himself unable to escape his past and the demons that drive him. Can he find a place for himself on the far edge of the New World?
A man can flee from everything but his own nature.
1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London's East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield.
With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and meaning, Gabriel leaves the grime of London behind and heads for the wilderness and wide open spaces of the American West.
He soon realises that the wilds of Oregon are far from the idyll he has yearned for. The Blue Mountains may be beautiful, but with the frontier a complex patchwork of feuds and felonies, and ranchers as vicious as any back alley cut-throat in London, Gabriel finds himself unable to escape his past and the demons that drive him. Can he find a place for himself on the far edge of the New World?
464 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
139 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Harffy
35 books745 followersMatthew Harffy is the author of the action-packed series of historical novels, the Bernicia Chronicles.
Matthew’s 2020 novel, Wolf of Wessex, was his first departure from the seventh century. Taking place a couple of centuries later in the early years of the Viking Age, it tells the tale of ageing warrior, Dunston, as he tries to find a man’s vicious murderers, keep the victim’s orphaned daughter alive and uncover the dark secret that threatens to plunge the kingdom into war. The book was very well received, with The Times calling it “a treat of a book”.
His A Time for Swords series is set at the dawn of the Viking Age. It follows the adventures of monk-turned-warrior, Hunlaf, who witnesses the first attack on the monastery of Lindisfarne and feels compelled to pick up a blade and organise the defence against the Norse raiders.
Before becoming a full-time author, Matthew worked in the IT industry, where he spent most of his days writing and editing, just not the words that most interested him! Prior to that, he worked in Spain as an English teacher and translator.
Matthew lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.
Matthew’s 2020 novel, Wolf of Wessex, was his first departure from the seventh century. Taking place a couple of centuries later in the early years of the Viking Age, it tells the tale of ageing warrior, Dunston, as he tries to find a man’s vicious murderers, keep the victim’s orphaned daughter alive and uncover the dark secret that threatens to plunge the kingdom into war. The book was very well received, with The Times calling it “a treat of a book”.
His A Time for Swords series is set at the dawn of the Viking Age. It follows the adventures of monk-turned-warrior, Hunlaf, who witnesses the first attack on the monastery of Lindisfarne and feels compelled to pick up a blade and organise the defence against the Norse raiders.
Before becoming a full-time author, Matthew worked in the IT industry, where he spent most of his days writing and editing, just not the words that most interested him! Prior to that, he worked in Spain as an English teacher and translator.
Matthew lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 25, 2024
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
I'm there for any Matthew Harffy book, especially when he turns his expertise to crafting a western!
This takes the small ranch vs landowner conflict trope and places it at the centre of Dark Frontier. Chuck in a murder mystery, a man trying to not return to the violence of his past, gun fights, saloon brawls, high stakes and a simple need to deliver justice and you have yourself a fantastic recipe for a Western, especially when that recipe is compiled by Matthew Harffy.
Dark Frontier is a great 2024 publication that takes these classic tropes and makes them feel fresh. We have great twists and turns, vivid characters, with White in particular as a standout, and a huge dose of tension that is crafted and manipulated by Harffy brilliantly.
4/5 STARS
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
I'm there for any Matthew Harffy book, especially when he turns his expertise to crafting a western!
This takes the small ranch vs landowner conflict trope and places it at the centre of Dark Frontier. Chuck in a murder mystery, a man trying to not return to the violence of his past, gun fights, saloon brawls, high stakes and a simple need to deliver justice and you have yourself a fantastic recipe for a Western, especially when that recipe is compiled by Matthew Harffy.
Dark Frontier is a great 2024 publication that takes these classic tropes and makes them feel fresh. We have great twists and turns, vivid characters, with White in particular as a standout, and a huge dose of tension that is crafted and manipulated by Harffy brilliantly.
4/5 STARS
May 2, 2024
A detective-meets-Western story full of hearty characters, complex relationships and a brilliantly paced second half. Harffy loves a lot of the same books that I do and his interest in the Western genre made this a book that I've been looking for. A lot of fun to read and I have my revolvers crossed for another entry to this series. We need more Jed White!
July 2, 2025
Page turning western with no major surprises, but where the main character has an interesting back story in his personal and work life. Decent adventure story with a bit of whodunnit thrown in, and where the threats of the time are palpable.
April 1, 2025
This thrilling western is the 1st volume, of anew series according to the author, of a series featuring Gabriel Stokes.
At the end of the book you'll notice an author's Note, where the historical details concerning the American West and its people, mean business and dirty politics are superbly documented and explained by the author.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters are very believable and lifelike, while the hostile atmosphere and hard circumstances in Oregon in 1890 are wonderfully described and illustrated within this great Western.
This story is set in 1890, and our main protagonist, former Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes, is arriving in Oregon to join his friend and ex-Commander, Captain John Thornford, at his sheep farm, when he's confronted with certain hostilities and become acquainted with Jed White of the JT Ranch.
Right from the start when arriving in Oregon Gabriel Stokes will get to know the true law of the West, and its people carrying out that kind of law, especially when a certain figure wants something done to get what he wants and/or put someone else out of business, and it will all come to a head between the people and their sheep farm called the JT Ranch, and a dangerous influential bully called, cattleman Thomas Grant.
What is to follow as a whole is a realistic and marvellous Western, with believable lethal situations, dirty politics, personal vendettas, and with human actions that can be described as really lifelike throughout, and all this make this book a truly astonishing Western read from start to finish.
Highly recommended, for this is a magnificent start of this new series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "A Tremendous Western Begin"!
At the end of the book you'll notice an author's Note, where the historical details concerning the American West and its people, mean business and dirty politics are superbly documented and explained by the author.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters are very believable and lifelike, while the hostile atmosphere and hard circumstances in Oregon in 1890 are wonderfully described and illustrated within this great Western.
This story is set in 1890, and our main protagonist, former Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes, is arriving in Oregon to join his friend and ex-Commander, Captain John Thornford, at his sheep farm, when he's confronted with certain hostilities and become acquainted with Jed White of the JT Ranch.
Right from the start when arriving in Oregon Gabriel Stokes will get to know the true law of the West, and its people carrying out that kind of law, especially when a certain figure wants something done to get what he wants and/or put someone else out of business, and it will all come to a head between the people and their sheep farm called the JT Ranch, and a dangerous influential bully called, cattleman Thomas Grant.
What is to follow as a whole is a realistic and marvellous Western, with believable lethal situations, dirty politics, personal vendettas, and with human actions that can be described as really lifelike throughout, and all this make this book a truly astonishing Western read from start to finish.
Highly recommended, for this is a magnificent start of this new series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "A Tremendous Western Begin"!
July 17, 2024
A very solid 4.5/5 stars
This is the first book I've read by Matthew Harffy and I can say right now it will not be the last.
Dark Frontier is an absolutely fantastic western that I really struggled to put down. The second half in particular led to a couple of very late nights. The plot may not be the most original (greedy, corrupt, bullying landgrabber vs small ranches etc), but it is incredibly well done with plenty of mystery to unravel along the way and the whodunnit thread works so well.
Action and suspense abound, the setting is superb, but the real strength for me was the character work. Stokes and White come from different worlds and I really loved how their relationship evolves as the story progresses.
I loved everything about this book and my only complaint was the lack of depth around White's background. Hopefully we'll get to find out more in the future and I think that's what makes him such an interesting and entertaining character!
A truly gripping novel, Dark Frontier is a real treat to read.
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an ARC copy of this book.
This is the first book I've read by Matthew Harffy and I can say right now it will not be the last.
Dark Frontier is an absolutely fantastic western that I really struggled to put down. The second half in particular led to a couple of very late nights. The plot may not be the most original (greedy, corrupt, bullying landgrabber vs small ranches etc), but it is incredibly well done with plenty of mystery to unravel along the way and the whodunnit thread works so well.
Action and suspense abound, the setting is superb, but the real strength for me was the character work. Stokes and White come from different worlds and I really loved how their relationship evolves as the story progresses.
I loved everything about this book and my only complaint was the lack of depth around White's background. Hopefully we'll get to find out more in the future and I think that's what makes him such an interesting and entertaining character!
A truly gripping novel, Dark Frontier is a real treat to read.
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an ARC copy of this book.
March 28, 2024
What a terrific read this is! A western combined with a sort of whodunit- perfect for someone who grew up watching all the cowboy shows on TV and then morphed into someone who loves detectives.
This is a well-written and well-paced book. Gabriel Stokes and Jed White are wonderfully round and crafted characters.
The landscape through which they move, Oregon, is both well-drawn and accurate. It feels like the frontier. The attention to details is something we come to expect from a skilled writer such as Matthew but in this book, he excels himself.
I like the allusions to the past for they suggest that there might be a prequel and the ending also hints at a sequel. I hope there are both for I, for one, would read them.
I finished the book in three days and it is a book that I know I will return to.
This is a well-written and well-paced book. Gabriel Stokes and Jed White are wonderfully round and crafted characters.
The landscape through which they move, Oregon, is both well-drawn and accurate. It feels like the frontier. The attention to details is something we come to expect from a skilled writer such as Matthew but in this book, he excels himself.
I like the allusions to the past for they suggest that there might be a prequel and the ending also hints at a sequel. I hope there are both for I, for one, would read them.
I finished the book in three days and it is a book that I know I will return to.
July 15, 2024
Nineteenth-century Oregon may be a departure in terms of period and location for Matthew Harffy but there’s no departure from the creation of a compelling and action-packed story.
The author gives Gabriel Stokes a fascinating back story: service in the British Army in Afghanistan, including exposure to the savagery of the Battle of Maiwand, followed by a stint in the Metropolitan Police during the period of the grisly Ripper murders. Gabriel’s had troubles in his personal life as well. (Surely plenty of material here for a prequel at some point?) He’s tried to blot out the traumatic memories that still give him nightmares with drink and drugs, but it hasn’t worked. He hopes the wide open spaces of Oregon and a reunion with his former commanding officer and friend, Captain John Thornfield (who also saved his life), will help him leave those memories behind.
Unfortunately for Gabriel the bad times are only just beginning, starting with the dreadful news that greets him when he arrives at the Thornfield ranch. It’s enough to drive him back into the grasp of the demons that possessed him before but, showing immense strength of character, he resists. Just.
Gabriel’s strong sense of justice means he can’t just ignore a crime, especially one that’s likely to go unpunished because power and influence seems to get you whatever you want in this neck of the woods. He’s determined to bring the culprit to account by following the same sort of diligent process he would have done back in London: gathering evidence and putting it before a court. Doing things in the right way. But as he’s warned, ‘There is no right way here. Just who’s left standing when the smoke clears. That’s the western way.’
The hard drinking, quick on the draw, grizzled old Jedidiah White makes a wonderful foil to Gabriel. Jed’s motto: Shoot first, ask questions later. Actually don’t bother with the questions. I also liked the inclusion of a character who brings unique skills to the investigation but also reflects the unhappy history of dealings between Native Americans and European settlers.
There are some great set piece scenes in which Gabriel, Jed and the Thornfield ranch hands fight the bad guys, often against the odds and with the outcome very much in doubt. We get a clear sense of the ruthless nature of the men they’re up against and how money can buy anybody and anything, including a willingness to look the other way.
Even if it moves at a trot rather than a gallop at the beginning, Dark Frontier has everything you could want from a Wild West adventure, including a little history lesson along the way about the conflict between cattle ranchers and sheep farmers.
The author gives Gabriel Stokes a fascinating back story: service in the British Army in Afghanistan, including exposure to the savagery of the Battle of Maiwand, followed by a stint in the Metropolitan Police during the period of the grisly Ripper murders. Gabriel’s had troubles in his personal life as well. (Surely plenty of material here for a prequel at some point?) He’s tried to blot out the traumatic memories that still give him nightmares with drink and drugs, but it hasn’t worked. He hopes the wide open spaces of Oregon and a reunion with his former commanding officer and friend, Captain John Thornfield (who also saved his life), will help him leave those memories behind.
Unfortunately for Gabriel the bad times are only just beginning, starting with the dreadful news that greets him when he arrives at the Thornfield ranch. It’s enough to drive him back into the grasp of the demons that possessed him before but, showing immense strength of character, he resists. Just.
Gabriel’s strong sense of justice means he can’t just ignore a crime, especially one that’s likely to go unpunished because power and influence seems to get you whatever you want in this neck of the woods. He’s determined to bring the culprit to account by following the same sort of diligent process he would have done back in London: gathering evidence and putting it before a court. Doing things in the right way. But as he’s warned, ‘There is no right way here. Just who’s left standing when the smoke clears. That’s the western way.’
The hard drinking, quick on the draw, grizzled old Jedidiah White makes a wonderful foil to Gabriel. Jed’s motto: Shoot first, ask questions later. Actually don’t bother with the questions. I also liked the inclusion of a character who brings unique skills to the investigation but also reflects the unhappy history of dealings between Native Americans and European settlers.
There are some great set piece scenes in which Gabriel, Jed and the Thornfield ranch hands fight the bad guys, often against the odds and with the outcome very much in doubt. We get a clear sense of the ruthless nature of the men they’re up against and how money can buy anybody and anything, including a willingness to look the other way.
Even if it moves at a trot rather than a gallop at the beginning, Dark Frontier has everything you could want from a Wild West adventure, including a little history lesson along the way about the conflict between cattle ranchers and sheep farmers.
July 4, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Dark Frontier is a rather unusual western novel written by the historical fiction author Matthew Harffy (The Bernicia Chronicles, A Time for Swords), and published by Head of Zeus. A western story following an Englishman arrived in Oregon after receiving the letter of an old-time friend, just to find that life at the frontier is much more difficult than he expected; a brilliantly paced story with well-fleshed characters is the definition of Dark Frontier.
Gabriel Stokes was a soldier turned into detective in the crime-filled lands of London; the horrors he's seen filled his life with darkness and destroyed his marriage with drugs and alcohol. The invitation of an old friend from the army is the escape ticket he needs: Stokes hopes to start a new life in the American West; but when he arrives, he soon discovers that these lands are also plagued by the conflicts among ranchers. A man can flee from many things, but not from his nature.
Despite the setting goes far from the classical desert lands, Harffy effortlessly keeps many of the genre-defining elements, such as the gunslingers, the law laxity and the conflict leading towards violence, but including his own touch, blending into the mix a bit of detective plots, throwing hints that the reader can use to solve some of the subplots if they are keen to.
If there are two characters that stand out among the cast, those are Gabriel Stokes and Jed White. Gabriel Stokes, as our main character, a man moved by the sense of justice and the desire to protect people; we can observe how he's fighting to not repeat the mistakes that destroyed his previous life. As an Englishman, he's outside of his element at his arrival in Oregon; however, drawing the parallel, things are not too different from what he experienced in London.
In many aspects, Jed White is a contradictory character; a proficient gunslinger, loyal to the family that pays him, but also a cold-blooded assassin. He will save Stokes in some situations, but still, you can't totally cheer for him. Probably is the best written character in the whole book.
The writing style with short chapters, and a fast pacing invites you to continue reading for hours; the excuse of just one more chapter. I found some scenes to be a bit chaotic, but still, quite possible to follow what was happening.
Dark Frontier is quite an interesting take on the western genre, an excellent novel that will be loved by both, newbies and veterans to the genre. I would love to see Gabriel Stokes riding again in new novels, so let's cross fingers.
Dark Frontier is a rather unusual western novel written by the historical fiction author Matthew Harffy (The Bernicia Chronicles, A Time for Swords), and published by Head of Zeus. A western story following an Englishman arrived in Oregon after receiving the letter of an old-time friend, just to find that life at the frontier is much more difficult than he expected; a brilliantly paced story with well-fleshed characters is the definition of Dark Frontier.
Gabriel Stokes was a soldier turned into detective in the crime-filled lands of London; the horrors he's seen filled his life with darkness and destroyed his marriage with drugs and alcohol. The invitation of an old friend from the army is the escape ticket he needs: Stokes hopes to start a new life in the American West; but when he arrives, he soon discovers that these lands are also plagued by the conflicts among ranchers. A man can flee from many things, but not from his nature.
Despite the setting goes far from the classical desert lands, Harffy effortlessly keeps many of the genre-defining elements, such as the gunslingers, the law laxity and the conflict leading towards violence, but including his own touch, blending into the mix a bit of detective plots, throwing hints that the reader can use to solve some of the subplots if they are keen to.
If there are two characters that stand out among the cast, those are Gabriel Stokes and Jed White. Gabriel Stokes, as our main character, a man moved by the sense of justice and the desire to protect people; we can observe how he's fighting to not repeat the mistakes that destroyed his previous life. As an Englishman, he's outside of his element at his arrival in Oregon; however, drawing the parallel, things are not too different from what he experienced in London.
In many aspects, Jed White is a contradictory character; a proficient gunslinger, loyal to the family that pays him, but also a cold-blooded assassin. He will save Stokes in some situations, but still, you can't totally cheer for him. Probably is the best written character in the whole book.
The writing style with short chapters, and a fast pacing invites you to continue reading for hours; the excuse of just one more chapter. I found some scenes to be a bit chaotic, but still, quite possible to follow what was happening.
Dark Frontier is quite an interesting take on the western genre, an excellent novel that will be loved by both, newbies and veterans to the genre. I would love to see Gabriel Stokes riding again in new novels, so let's cross fingers.
April 28, 2024
I have a soft spot in my heart for Westerns, and I really enjoyed this story. However, I'll warn readers that if they are in search of an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thriller, this is not that. There is definitely action and shootouts (I learned a lot about 19th-century pistols and revolvers), but the story's pace is somewhat leisurely.
Some parts dragged on, in my opinion, but nothing distracted me or made me consider DNF'ing. If you're a fan of old-school Western films and the occasional Civil War'ish shows, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.
There was a nice twist at the end—though I'll admit I kind of called it early on—and I love that it ended with the start of a new Western mystery murder series. I'll gladly read more St0kes & White investigations.
Some parts dragged on, in my opinion, but nothing distracted me or made me consider DNF'ing. If you're a fan of old-school Western films and the occasional Civil War'ish shows, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.
There was a nice twist at the end—though I'll admit I kind of called it early on—and I love that it ended with the start of a new Western mystery murder series. I'll gladly read more St0kes & White investigations.
December 31, 2024
Justice Across Continents: A Scotland Yard Inspector in the Old West - A Review of Matthew Harffy's "Dark Frontier"
Set against the transformative landscape of 1890s Oregon, Matthew Harffy's "Dark Frontier" weaves elements of historical fiction, Western adventure, and murder mystery to create a compelling narrative that explores the complex moral terrain of America's closing frontier. This richly detailed novel follows Gabriel Stokes, a former Scotland Yard detective who arrives in Oregon seeking solace from his haunted past, only to find himself thrust into an investigation of his friend John Thornford's murder. What begins as a quest for justice evolves into a profound examination of violence, mercy, and the true cost of civilization's advance into the American West.
Harffy demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a historically authentic setting while maintaining contemporary resonance. The novel is set at a pivotal moment in American history, as declared by the Superintendent of the United States Census in 1890: the closing of the American frontier. Against this backdrop of societal transformation, symbolized by the recent arrival of the railroad in 1884, the novel explores the tension between established law and frontier justice. The author's meticulous attention to period detail - from the specific models of firearms to the complexities of horse travel and communication limitations - creates an immersive experience that never feels like mere historical window dressing.
The heart of the narrative lies in its complex characters, each shaped by the harsh realities of frontier life. Stokes, bringing his methodical investigative approach from London, serves as our window into this world, his outsider's perspective highlighting both the brutality and the unwritten codes of honor that govern frontier society. His unlikely partnership with Jedediah White, a gruff frontiersman harboring his own secrets, creates a fascinating dynamic that challenges both characters' assumptions about justice and morality. Mary Ann Thornford emerges as a compelling figure as she struggles to protect her family's land from the machinations of corrupt cattle baron Tom Grant reflecting the period's broader conflicts over resources and power.
The novel excels in subverting traditional Western tropes. Rather than glorifying the mythical cowboy hero, Harffy presents a more nuanced portrayal of heroism in which the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred. The investigation into Thornford's death reveals layers of complexity that force readers to question their assumptions about justice and mercy in a land where law enforcement is often absent or corrupted. The author's handling of period-specific social issues, including racial tensions and the treatment of Native Americans, demonstrates sensitivity while maintaining historical authenticity.
The mystery elements of the plot are skillfully integrated into the Western setting. Harffy uses the limitations of 1890s investigative techniques not as obstacles to overcome but as organic elements that shape the investigation's progress. The absence of modern forensic tools forces Stokes to rely on observation, deduction, and the expertise of those who understand the land, particularly the skilled tracker Reuban Van Orman. The pacing is deliberate but engaging, building to a climactic confrontation that delivers thrilling action and emotional resonance.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of the psychological impact of violence and frontier life on its characters. Both Stokes and White are portrayed as deeply flawed yet sympathetic figures, their past traumas informing their responses to the challenges they face. The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the era's brutality, but it also examines the toll such violence takes on those who survive it. This psychological depth elevates "Dark Frontier" above typical genre fare, making it a thoughtful meditation on the nature of justice and the price of progress.
The author's prose is vivid and atmospheric, bringing to life the dusty trails and bustling frontier towns of Oregon with cinematic detail. The dialogue captures the vernacular of the period while remaining accessible to modern readers, and the action sequences are choreographed with precision and purpose. Each confrontation reveals character and advances the plot rather than simply providing spectacle.
The novel's resolution is particularly noteworthy for its complexity. Rather than offering a simple triumph of good over evil, it presents a more nuanced conclusion that acknowledges the moral ambiguities of frontier justice while providing satisfying closure to the story's mystery and Western elements. The revelation of the truth behind Thornford's death adds a poignant layer to the narrative, challenging readers' expectations and deepening the themes of mercy and justice throughout the novel.
"Dark Frontier" is more than just a well-crafted genre piece; it's a thoughtful exploration of a pivotal moment in American history through the lens of compelling characters and a gripping mystery. Harffy has created a work that will satisfy fans of historical fiction, Western adventures, and complex murder mysteries while offering more profound insights into the human condition and the challenging process of societal transformation. This novel is an exciting new contribution to the historical fiction genre, demonstrating how period authenticity, psychological depth, and narrative excitement can combine to create a truly memorable reading experience.
Set against the transformative landscape of 1890s Oregon, Matthew Harffy's "Dark Frontier" weaves elements of historical fiction, Western adventure, and murder mystery to create a compelling narrative that explores the complex moral terrain of America's closing frontier. This richly detailed novel follows Gabriel Stokes, a former Scotland Yard detective who arrives in Oregon seeking solace from his haunted past, only to find himself thrust into an investigation of his friend John Thornford's murder. What begins as a quest for justice evolves into a profound examination of violence, mercy, and the true cost of civilization's advance into the American West.
Harffy demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a historically authentic setting while maintaining contemporary resonance. The novel is set at a pivotal moment in American history, as declared by the Superintendent of the United States Census in 1890: the closing of the American frontier. Against this backdrop of societal transformation, symbolized by the recent arrival of the railroad in 1884, the novel explores the tension between established law and frontier justice. The author's meticulous attention to period detail - from the specific models of firearms to the complexities of horse travel and communication limitations - creates an immersive experience that never feels like mere historical window dressing.
The heart of the narrative lies in its complex characters, each shaped by the harsh realities of frontier life. Stokes, bringing his methodical investigative approach from London, serves as our window into this world, his outsider's perspective highlighting both the brutality and the unwritten codes of honor that govern frontier society. His unlikely partnership with Jedediah White, a gruff frontiersman harboring his own secrets, creates a fascinating dynamic that challenges both characters' assumptions about justice and morality. Mary Ann Thornford emerges as a compelling figure as she struggles to protect her family's land from the machinations of corrupt cattle baron Tom Grant reflecting the period's broader conflicts over resources and power.
The novel excels in subverting traditional Western tropes. Rather than glorifying the mythical cowboy hero, Harffy presents a more nuanced portrayal of heroism in which the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred. The investigation into Thornford's death reveals layers of complexity that force readers to question their assumptions about justice and mercy in a land where law enforcement is often absent or corrupted. The author's handling of period-specific social issues, including racial tensions and the treatment of Native Americans, demonstrates sensitivity while maintaining historical authenticity.
The mystery elements of the plot are skillfully integrated into the Western setting. Harffy uses the limitations of 1890s investigative techniques not as obstacles to overcome but as organic elements that shape the investigation's progress. The absence of modern forensic tools forces Stokes to rely on observation, deduction, and the expertise of those who understand the land, particularly the skilled tracker Reuban Van Orman. The pacing is deliberate but engaging, building to a climactic confrontation that delivers thrilling action and emotional resonance.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of the psychological impact of violence and frontier life on its characters. Both Stokes and White are portrayed as deeply flawed yet sympathetic figures, their past traumas informing their responses to the challenges they face. The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the era's brutality, but it also examines the toll such violence takes on those who survive it. This psychological depth elevates "Dark Frontier" above typical genre fare, making it a thoughtful meditation on the nature of justice and the price of progress.
The author's prose is vivid and atmospheric, bringing to life the dusty trails and bustling frontier towns of Oregon with cinematic detail. The dialogue captures the vernacular of the period while remaining accessible to modern readers, and the action sequences are choreographed with precision and purpose. Each confrontation reveals character and advances the plot rather than simply providing spectacle.
The novel's resolution is particularly noteworthy for its complexity. Rather than offering a simple triumph of good over evil, it presents a more nuanced conclusion that acknowledges the moral ambiguities of frontier justice while providing satisfying closure to the story's mystery and Western elements. The revelation of the truth behind Thornford's death adds a poignant layer to the narrative, challenging readers' expectations and deepening the themes of mercy and justice throughout the novel.
"Dark Frontier" is more than just a well-crafted genre piece; it's a thoughtful exploration of a pivotal moment in American history through the lens of compelling characters and a gripping mystery. Harffy has created a work that will satisfy fans of historical fiction, Western adventures, and complex murder mysteries while offering more profound insights into the human condition and the challenging process of societal transformation. This novel is an exciting new contribution to the historical fiction genre, demonstrating how period authenticity, psychological depth, and narrative excitement can combine to create a truly memorable reading experience.
January 8, 2025
Great way to start off the year! This was my first book of the year and I will definitely be reading more by this author. I wanted to set a goal of reading more historical fiction this year and what a way to start. Western murder mystery with a great cast of characters!
October 3, 2025
Awesome, didn’t expect less!!!!
New series set in a different time. Historically with a new character. Hopefully this becomes a series. That’s three for him now. And The talent. the characters, the world building are perfect!!
New series set in a different time. Historically with a new character. Hopefully this becomes a series. That’s three for him now. And The talent. the characters, the world building are perfect!!
May 3, 2024
I have read every book Mr. Harffy has released , so I was super excited to get the opportunity to read this arc
This is a very different genre and type of book, and it takes a brave author to go completely against their usual approach and style.
I haven't had very good experiences with Westerns over the last 18 months so I approached this with caution.
Whilst this didn't work for me like the Beobrand novels. There is no denying that Harffy can create phenomenal character stories and exceptional story telling. I was totally hooked on the story.
This perhaps could of done with a second PoV but as this was an exploration of a broken man , trying to find his feet in the world, amongst the drama and politics, maybe Harffy executed exactly to his desired plan
A great read
This is a very different genre and type of book, and it takes a brave author to go completely against their usual approach and style.
I haven't had very good experiences with Westerns over the last 18 months so I approached this with caution.
Whilst this didn't work for me like the Beobrand novels. There is no denying that Harffy can create phenomenal character stories and exceptional story telling. I was totally hooked on the story.
This perhaps could of done with a second PoV but as this was an exploration of a broken man , trying to find his feet in the world, amongst the drama and politics, maybe Harffy executed exactly to his desired plan
A great read
July 13, 2024
Matthew Harffy is an author whose historical fiction novels blow me out of the proverbial water. I was introduced to his books through his publisher, and since then, I have wondered how I missed his books for so long
Dark Frontier is historical fiction but with a twist. It's also a gritty western. Set in the 1890s, Oregon. Gabe Stokes has moved there to escape his old life, the horrors of the Afghan wars, addiction, and the nightmares he has over being a policeman in London during the years that experienced the Ripper murders.
What Gabe doesn't realise is that the friend he was joining has died, and the West is more brutal and wild than he could ever imagine.
Whether it's the Benicia Chronicles or the wild West, Matthew Harffy writes historical fiction like he actually, personally,experienced it. Details are so perfect. He writes with such a depth. The characters are colourful, multi-layered, and you feel for them.
I have read some westerns before today and enjoyed them. It isn't even fair for me to compare them to Dark Frontier. This author has to research the subject until he knows it back to front and inside out. His research is always impeccable and creates such a believable read. I can guarantee that I am going on an armchair journey when I read Matthew Harffy's books.
It was a story that had me turning the pages so fast. Yet another book from this author that ticks every box for me.
Thanks to Andrew Knowles from Head Of Zeus publishers for my gifted book in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Frontier is historical fiction but with a twist. It's also a gritty western. Set in the 1890s, Oregon. Gabe Stokes has moved there to escape his old life, the horrors of the Afghan wars, addiction, and the nightmares he has over being a policeman in London during the years that experienced the Ripper murders.
What Gabe doesn't realise is that the friend he was joining has died, and the West is more brutal and wild than he could ever imagine.
Whether it's the Benicia Chronicles or the wild West, Matthew Harffy writes historical fiction like he actually, personally,experienced it. Details are so perfect. He writes with such a depth. The characters are colourful, multi-layered, and you feel for them.
I have read some westerns before today and enjoyed them. It isn't even fair for me to compare them to Dark Frontier. This author has to research the subject until he knows it back to front and inside out. His research is always impeccable and creates such a believable read. I can guarantee that I am going on an armchair journey when I read Matthew Harffy's books.
It was a story that had me turning the pages so fast. Yet another book from this author that ticks every box for me.
Thanks to Andrew Knowles from Head Of Zeus publishers for my gifted book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
As good of a western as you can find anywhere. Good characters, well developed. Believable story. Hard to put down. I highly recommend it. If the author ever writes a sequel, I'm on it.
July 9, 2024
BLURB
A thrilling historical western set in 1890s Oregon, from the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles. An English soldier turned policeman escapes to the American West for a new future, but life on the frontier proves far harder than he ever imagined...
A man can flee from everything but his own nature.
1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London’s East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield.
With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and meaning, Gabriel leaves the grime of London behind and heads for the wilderness and wide open spaces of the American West.
He soon realises that the wilds of Oregon are far from the idyll he has yearned for. The Blue Mountains may be beautiful, but with the frontier a complex patchwork of feuds and felonies, and ranchers as vicious as any back alley cut-throat in London, Gabriel finds himself unable to escape his past and the demons that drive him. Can he find a place for himself on the far edge of the New World?
REVIEW
I am convinced that the author must have been an Oregonian in a prior life. Our Northumbrian scribe makes the transition from seax, sword, and shield to Colt revolvers and Remington rifles, in breathtaking style. He captures the wild beauty, and the dangers inherent in such an environment. And along the way has created a masterful tale; a plot that twists like a sheep trail in the hills, characters that are larger than life befitting the violent time Gabriel Stokes finds himself in. Revenge, loyalty, oaths kept, and the sheer unpredictability of the outcome make this a great read. So, get yourself a good pony, and a Colt revolver, and ride along with the JT Crew. 5 STARS
A thrilling historical western set in 1890s Oregon, from the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles. An English soldier turned policeman escapes to the American West for a new future, but life on the frontier proves far harder than he ever imagined...
A man can flee from everything but his own nature.
1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London’s East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield.
With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and meaning, Gabriel leaves the grime of London behind and heads for the wilderness and wide open spaces of the American West.
He soon realises that the wilds of Oregon are far from the idyll he has yearned for. The Blue Mountains may be beautiful, but with the frontier a complex patchwork of feuds and felonies, and ranchers as vicious as any back alley cut-throat in London, Gabriel finds himself unable to escape his past and the demons that drive him. Can he find a place for himself on the far edge of the New World?
REVIEW
I am convinced that the author must have been an Oregonian in a prior life. Our Northumbrian scribe makes the transition from seax, sword, and shield to Colt revolvers and Remington rifles, in breathtaking style. He captures the wild beauty, and the dangers inherent in such an environment. And along the way has created a masterful tale; a plot that twists like a sheep trail in the hills, characters that are larger than life befitting the violent time Gabriel Stokes finds himself in. Revenge, loyalty, oaths kept, and the sheer unpredictability of the outcome make this a great read. So, get yourself a good pony, and a Colt revolver, and ride along with the JT Crew. 5 STARS
August 15, 2024
Another absolute banger by Matthew Harffy!
Now, I am a massive fan of his writing especially The Bernicia Chronicles so to find he was writing a Western sent me into a child on Christmas day type excitement. Dark Frontier had everything from amazing characters to cinematic shootouts to an immersive story line, just pure perfection. Harffy's ability to pull readers out of reality and to shove them into this other world is top notch. I had the same level of enjoyment when reading this as I did whilst playing Red Dead Redemption 2. If you've played that game then you know that's a huge compliment.
Dark Frontier was an easy 5 stars and it's smashed it's way into my top 5 reads of 2024!
I will absolutely recommend this book at every opportunity I get.
If you haven't read it then put it on your TBR. If you do decide to read it, I hope you love it as much as I did.
Now, I am a massive fan of his writing especially The Bernicia Chronicles so to find he was writing a Western sent me into a child on Christmas day type excitement. Dark Frontier had everything from amazing characters to cinematic shootouts to an immersive story line, just pure perfection. Harffy's ability to pull readers out of reality and to shove them into this other world is top notch. I had the same level of enjoyment when reading this as I did whilst playing Red Dead Redemption 2. If you've played that game then you know that's a huge compliment.
Dark Frontier was an easy 5 stars and it's smashed it's way into my top 5 reads of 2024!
I will absolutely recommend this book at every opportunity I get.
If you haven't read it then put it on your TBR. If you do decide to read it, I hope you love it as much as I did.
September 1, 2025
I like this author and the way he writes. He says he always wanted to write a “western” novel and this is the result. There are no real surprises and in this way this book falls in with most Western based story-fodder.
However, where Harffy excels is in historical accuracy, an understanding of the period, a number of real life personalities and mostly, interesting and developing characters as the main protagonist. In this case ex-Met Pol senior detective and former Hussar Gabriel Stokes.
This is what makes this book work and leaves us wanting to follow his future exploits, seeking justice and to “do the right thing” (unless this is not an available response in the visceral world of Wild West Oregon).
An engaging and believable tale of frontier Oregon in the C19, with a new twist a la Mr Harffy - superb writer of historical fiction, in ancient eras not so different from this!
However, where Harffy excels is in historical accuracy, an understanding of the period, a number of real life personalities and mostly, interesting and developing characters as the main protagonist. In this case ex-Met Pol senior detective and former Hussar Gabriel Stokes.
This is what makes this book work and leaves us wanting to follow his future exploits, seeking justice and to “do the right thing” (unless this is not an available response in the visceral world of Wild West Oregon).
An engaging and believable tale of frontier Oregon in the C19, with a new twist a la Mr Harffy - superb writer of historical fiction, in ancient eras not so different from this!
September 24, 2024
This is everything I want in a western. It has frontier corruption and justice, gunslinging, and a dash of mystery. Gabe Stokes is an Englishman, former military, and metro cop. The story follows him as he arrives in 1890's Oregon answering the call of his old war buddy. He is soon thrust into to the complex war over grazing rights. Grant is a ruthless and slick beef cattle rancher who seemingly will stop at nothing to expand his operation and his pocketbook. Stokes saddles up next to a motely crew as he seeks justice in the American west. Harffy is as deft at the western as he is at the early English middle ages. I really enjoyed this novel and the climax and conclusion are a fast paced sprint to the finish that left me wanting to reread it just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Dark Frontier is what my nostalgia riddled mind remembers older westerns being. There isn't a disappointing chapter, page, or sentence in this book. I also love the Author's note at the end as it only heighted my appreciation for the love, work, and research that Harffy poured into this novel.
4.5 out of 5 and I can't wait for the next installment.
4.5 out of 5 and I can't wait for the next installment.
January 13, 2026
2025 was the year of reading western’s for me, namely the Lonesome Dove series which are widely regarded as the cream of the crop for the genre, and which are now some of my favourite books of all time.
I stumbled on this without a recommendation and thought I’d give it a go given my recent obsession, and I’m happy I gave it a shot!
It captures the dark and gritty elements of 19th century America pretty well, and the added crime / detective element was definitely up my alley.
Some of the characters were pretty weak though, and the pacing felt a bit off sometimes, but I still couldn’t put it down and had fun with it. Realistically I’d give a 3.5 if I could lol
I stumbled on this without a recommendation and thought I’d give it a go given my recent obsession, and I’m happy I gave it a shot!
It captures the dark and gritty elements of 19th century America pretty well, and the added crime / detective element was definitely up my alley.
Some of the characters were pretty weak though, and the pacing felt a bit off sometimes, but I still couldn’t put it down and had fun with it. Realistically I’d give a 3.5 if I could lol
July 19, 2024
This is a fast paced exciting adventure from the author of the Birnicia Chronicles . As always with matthew Harffy's books I find it takes a little while to get going and then gallops through the story. Its nice to read a western from this author as he is known more for Viking sagas and the dark ages.
Set in the 1890s Our hero {or not} Gabriel Stokes, is a London detective during the Jack the Ripper murders and to get away from both his unloving family and his past he boards a steamer and heads to Oregon, home of his former commander, John Thornford who unbeknown to Gabriel has been killed leaving a widow and orphans. Things tend to get a bit tricky after this but I don't want to tell you the story as Matthew Harffy does a far better job. An original story from a very readable author I recommend this western whole Heartedly. I would like to thank the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book
Set in the 1890s Our hero {or not} Gabriel Stokes, is a London detective during the Jack the Ripper murders and to get away from both his unloving family and his past he boards a steamer and heads to Oregon, home of his former commander, John Thornford who unbeknown to Gabriel has been killed leaving a widow and orphans. Things tend to get a bit tricky after this but I don't want to tell you the story as Matthew Harffy does a far better job. An original story from a very readable author I recommend this western whole Heartedly. I would like to thank the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book
July 22, 2024
Absolutely and utterly brilliant
Dark Frontier is everything you'd expect from a western written by Matthew Harffy. As a kid I loved classic western movies and this story brought everything to the table to create a western masterpiece.
As with many cases, when an author changes genres or even begins a new series, I worry I won't enjoy them as much. Whether it is the Bernicia Chronicles, A Time For Swords or the standout and outstanding Wolf of Wessex, Matthew's works are consistently brilliant. While I read almost all my books on kindle, I'll be buying a hard copy to loan out to friends and family. It is just one of those books you want to hand to people and say, "enjoy this!"
Dark Frontier is everything you'd expect from a western written by Matthew Harffy. As a kid I loved classic western movies and this story brought everything to the table to create a western masterpiece.
As with many cases, when an author changes genres or even begins a new series, I worry I won't enjoy them as much. Whether it is the Bernicia Chronicles, A Time For Swords or the standout and outstanding Wolf of Wessex, Matthew's works are consistently brilliant. While I read almost all my books on kindle, I'll be buying a hard copy to loan out to friends and family. It is just one of those books you want to hand to people and say, "enjoy this!"
January 8, 2026
I bought this book 18 months ago and can’t remember why! I had forgotten how much fun a good Western can be! Matthew has clearly done his research on the era but, more importantly, the story whips along!
July 21, 2024
I'm not one for Detective/who dunit books. This is a Western novel in its setting but it's story is really a crime who dunit type novel. Well written, good plot, plenty of descriptions of the countryside, the main characters and all in all a good read. It becomes fairly obvious early on who is responsible for one of the main (albeit deceased) characters. demise and readers of Detective novels will figure this out fairly easily. It vividly describes life in the far West and the perils involved in hanging onto your property. This is a little bit like the actual Lincoln County Wars.
February 6, 2025
This book took me out of my comfort zone but what a ride I’ve just been on! This was a Western /who dunnit that felt more like a film that a book. I’m now hoping that this is the start of a very exciting series.
I read this through Pigeonhole with the help of the author so thank you.
I read this through Pigeonhole with the help of the author so thank you.
March 20, 2025
A stunning, atmospheric and wonderfully researched western. As a current obsessed of Yellowstone this was just what I needed. Great fun.
August 17, 2024
A classic western from one of the best historical novelists . Great characters, wonderful action scenes and more to come in the series.
January 2, 2025
Great dive into Westerns from my favorite writer at the moment
February 9, 2025
Not really a reader of westerns, but this was a really great story! I heard about this book on YouTube, and knew that this author wrote more on Vikings and the dark ages. So this being his his first attempt at an American Western, I decided to give it a go. And I'm so glad I did, not only to discover a great story but also to become a fan of a new (to me) authors.
This guy is an amazing character writer, and it was these characters that had me hooked. Also, he kept up the suspense.
This book was a great thriller, Western or not. I cannot wait to try more of Harffy's books!
This guy is an amazing character writer, and it was these characters that had me hooked. Also, he kept up the suspense.
This book was a great thriller, Western or not. I cannot wait to try more of Harffy's books!
July 6, 2024
Love a good western fiction!
Prepare to be taken back in time with this western mystery that feels so vivid that at times you forget that you are in fact reading a book. This author knows what he's doing when it comes to historical fiction, from the way the characters interact to how they speak and dress I truly felt transported back in time. I also enjoyed the character development we get to see in this novel from start to finish.
Packed with amazing pacing and a unique plot this is a book that keeps you hooked, there's twists and turns you wont see coming, this crime mystery is captivating and intriguing. Ive never been to Oregon only from bits and pieces i've seen of it online, Matthew makes it super easy to picture with his descriptions and settings. I cant get over how gripping this story was, it's a hefty read but I dedicated two days straight to this read and flew right through it.
Prepare to be taken back in time with this western mystery that feels so vivid that at times you forget that you are in fact reading a book. This author knows what he's doing when it comes to historical fiction, from the way the characters interact to how they speak and dress I truly felt transported back in time. I also enjoyed the character development we get to see in this novel from start to finish.
Packed with amazing pacing and a unique plot this is a book that keeps you hooked, there's twists and turns you wont see coming, this crime mystery is captivating and intriguing. Ive never been to Oregon only from bits and pieces i've seen of it online, Matthew makes it super easy to picture with his descriptions and settings. I cant get over how gripping this story was, it's a hefty read but I dedicated two days straight to this read and flew right through it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews