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Kip
IN WICKED TIMES, HEROES ARE TREATED LIKE VILLAINS.
“You’re not wanted in Dry Gulch,” they tell Kip Callahan when he rides into town.
This valley is on the brink of a range war, and Kip knows he’ll probably catch lead if he sticks around, but someone framed and lynched an innocent man, and Kip is determined to uncover the truth.
Then there’s Ursula Hoffman, a beautiful but headstrong young woman whose ranch is at the very heart of the conflict. Ursula doesn’t think much of Kip and doesn’t even want his help, but she’s the sister of an old friend, so Kip vows to protect her whether she likes it or not.
But as Kip unravels the mystery, he reveals sprawling corruption that threatens not only Dry Gulch but the whole Western frontier. How can one man stand against a ruthless cattleman, an army of hired guns, and a powerful syndicate?
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake thrillers; the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels; and the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series
“You’re not wanted in Dry Gulch,” they tell Kip Callahan when he rides into town.
This valley is on the brink of a range war, and Kip knows he’ll probably catch lead if he sticks around, but someone framed and lynched an innocent man, and Kip is determined to uncover the truth.
Then there’s Ursula Hoffman, a beautiful but headstrong young woman whose ranch is at the very heart of the conflict. Ursula doesn’t think much of Kip and doesn’t even want his help, but she’s the sister of an old friend, so Kip vows to protect her whether she likes it or not.
But as Kip unravels the mystery, he reveals sprawling corruption that threatens not only Dry Gulch but the whole Western frontier. How can one man stand against a ruthless cattleman, an army of hired guns, and a powerful syndicate?
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake thrillers; the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels; and the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series
- GenresWesterns
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2024
830 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 11, 2025
A WESTERN THAT HAS IT ALL, COWBOYS, GUNFIGHTS, MYSTERY, SUSPENSE, ROMANCE, ABOVE ALL IT'S TOLD WELL
☆☆☆☆☆
A WESTERN THAT HAS IT ALL, COWBOYS, GUNFIGHTS, MYSTERY, SUSPENSE, ROMANCE, ABOVE ALL IT'S TOLD WELL.
Kip (Kip Callahan Book 1) by John Deacon is the first book that I have had the pleasure to read by John and I can honestly tell you I was taken back by just how good it was. It was so good that before I finished the first book in this three book series I downloaded the remaining two and before starting this review, I am already more than half way into the second book and enjoying the hell out of the avengers of Kip Callahan.
This book is well-written, action-packed throughout, and full of characters that seem to come to life on the pages. The characters are ones you will truly enjoy reading to find out what and how they deal with their struggles to over come the corruption their little town of Dry Gulch, Colorado as set in. The main character, Kip is one that legends are made of and as all good westerns go, there is a lovely young lady that attracts Kip's interest.
Ursula Hoffman is a headstrong young lady that takes no gruff from anyone but still finds herself in need of saving from a cattle baron who is set out to control all the range land in Dry Gulch and then some by what ever means necessary. Murder, enslavement, kidnapping, rustling, and pitching everyone in town against each other in hope he comes out on top of the range war all the while looking as if he's the hero and everyone that is against him is the villain.
Like I said, this is an exceptional well-written western novel and anyone who enjoys reading a book that will keep you in suspense guessing who's the bad guys and who's the good guys and even at the very end of this first book in this series, you'll find you head spinning on just how deep the corruption goes and who's on which side.
I hope you'll find yourself enjoying this book as much as I have.
Quotes:
"Words spoken in anger usually come back to haunt you. Better to hold it in, and if things come to a head, let your actions do the talking."
"There is no measure of a man than trouble. A crisis brings out the best in some. In others, it brings out the worst."
☆☆☆☆☆
A WESTERN THAT HAS IT ALL, COWBOYS, GUNFIGHTS, MYSTERY, SUSPENSE, ROMANCE, ABOVE ALL IT'S TOLD WELL.
Kip (Kip Callahan Book 1) by John Deacon is the first book that I have had the pleasure to read by John and I can honestly tell you I was taken back by just how good it was. It was so good that before I finished the first book in this three book series I downloaded the remaining two and before starting this review, I am already more than half way into the second book and enjoying the hell out of the avengers of Kip Callahan.
This book is well-written, action-packed throughout, and full of characters that seem to come to life on the pages. The characters are ones you will truly enjoy reading to find out what and how they deal with their struggles to over come the corruption their little town of Dry Gulch, Colorado as set in. The main character, Kip is one that legends are made of and as all good westerns go, there is a lovely young lady that attracts Kip's interest.
Ursula Hoffman is a headstrong young lady that takes no gruff from anyone but still finds herself in need of saving from a cattle baron who is set out to control all the range land in Dry Gulch and then some by what ever means necessary. Murder, enslavement, kidnapping, rustling, and pitching everyone in town against each other in hope he comes out on top of the range war all the while looking as if he's the hero and everyone that is against him is the villain.
Like I said, this is an exceptional well-written western novel and anyone who enjoys reading a book that will keep you in suspense guessing who's the bad guys and who's the good guys and even at the very end of this first book in this series, you'll find you head spinning on just how deep the corruption goes and who's on which side.
I hope you'll find yourself enjoying this book as much as I have.
Quotes:
"Words spoken in anger usually come back to haunt you. Better to hold it in, and if things come to a head, let your actions do the talking."
"There is no measure of a man than trouble. A crisis brings out the best in some. In others, it brings out the worst."
September 22, 2024
Good read
This book was very well written. Great storyline with awesome characters, lots of action and some romance. Would highly recommend this book and others written by this author. The Heck series was really good.
This book was very well written. Great storyline with awesome characters, lots of action and some romance. Would highly recommend this book and others written by this author. The Heck series was really good.
September 22, 2024
Review of Kip
I like Kip it keeps interested and entertained throughout. There was surprising turns and a variety of characters. I am a very dedicated reader on kindle and am familiar with this author and several of his series and look forward to 5he next installment. Thank you for the entertainment. Dewey Adams
I like Kip it keeps interested and entertained throughout. There was surprising turns and a variety of characters. I am a very dedicated reader on kindle and am familiar with this author and several of his series and look forward to 5he next installment. Thank you for the entertainment. Dewey Adams
July 14, 2025
What a great ending
John Deacon spins a good yarn. I hav stayed up many a night enthralled with his stories. I think you may also enjoy his prolific writings.
The son of a librarian
John Deacon spins a good yarn. I hav stayed up many a night enthralled with his stories. I think you may also enjoy his prolific writings.
The son of a librarian
October 15, 2024
KIP, (Book 1) by John Deacon is another well crafted western suspense-thriller with a nice twist/surprise at the end. Or is that the beginning of another whole series? Good-guy cowboy Kip Callahan drifts north-west from east Texas carrying two letters from a good trail buddy for delivery to the buddy's family in Colorado territory. Kip finds challenges galore as he rides into the nearest town where few things are as they seem. Who are the good guys and who are the bad? Kip doubts his own judgment as he learns to read this trail's signs. There is a range war brewing with mysterious happenings, questionable accounts of recent activity, and suspicious strangers in the distance. John Deacons gives us a most enjoyable read/ride as we trail through this story, always impatient to learn the latest news. Author Deacon has teased us and pleased us through his earlier western series and builds on those stories and he continues to hone his writer's craft. The reader will not be disappointed by this story and will find him/herself impatient for the publication of the next book in the series. And that twist/surprise... ? Well you are just going to have to read along to learn more about that.
September 20, 2024
Kip Callahan has been using a gun since he was a 10 year old orphan wanting to be a cowboy. We met him in the Provider series and even then, he was forking his own broncs and searching out justice. Now he is 27 and on his way to California after making a quick stop in Dry Gulch to deliver a couple of letters for his best friend, Karl. What he rode into was the makings of a range war. Small ranchers were going to lose as the large ranches fought to gain control. But there is something sinister going on here. All is not as it seems. Someone has a plan to take over all the ranches and the town. The plan includes murder and deception. The more he is told that it would be healthier for him to leave town, the more he is determined to seek justice. Fans of John Deacon are going to love this one and first time readers will soon become fans.
January 23, 2025
classic modern western
I love westerns as I think many of us do because we wish life was more challenging in some ways so that it truly tests our resolve but simpler in other ways to where the line between good and bad is easily discernible and justice is swift. This one stands out amongst the competition. It sticks to the overall formula but the various twist and turns keep you on your feet. I like Kip Callaghan’s honesty and grit and that he’s not so damaged that his soul is tormented. I’d have like to have seen the relationship with Ursula go one step further but it is a western. Looking forward to Kip 2.
I love westerns as I think many of us do because we wish life was more challenging in some ways so that it truly tests our resolve but simpler in other ways to where the line between good and bad is easily discernible and justice is swift. This one stands out amongst the competition. It sticks to the overall formula but the various twist and turns keep you on your feet. I like Kip Callaghan’s honesty and grit and that he’s not so damaged that his soul is tormented. I’d have like to have seen the relationship with Ursula go one step further but it is a western. Looking forward to Kip 2.
March 18, 2025
5 STARS, LOVE THIS, ACTION PACKED
5 STARS for Book 1's thrilling fast paced storyline of the John Deacon Series: Rip Callahan. A good BLURB is provided. Great characters that are very believable for the time. Further this was action packed & drama filled. Gritty details and great descriptions of both locales & character emotional issues.
We knew our man Kip was a good guy so anyone he went after had to be bad ones. Could not put it down, I am an avid reader of all genres but I will stay in the west for quite awhile I believe.
RECOMMENDED
5 STARS for Book 1's thrilling fast paced storyline of the John Deacon Series: Rip Callahan. A good BLURB is provided. Great characters that are very believable for the time. Further this was action packed & drama filled. Gritty details and great descriptions of both locales & character emotional issues.
We knew our man Kip was a good guy so anyone he went after had to be bad ones. Could not put it down, I am an avid reader of all genres but I will stay in the west for quite awhile I believe.
RECOMMENDED
September 23, 2024
I have lots of. questions
John Deacon you could have added twenty more pages and had “Justice” tell hm to meet him in ten days some where. Kip still had something’s to clear up. Besides breaking Ursula’s heart, talking to Uncle Otto, I waiting on Ursula’s brother and meeting his Texas Ranger friends who are on their way. This was really good up until it just ended. I can’t wait to read Kip 2
John Deacon you could have added twenty more pages and had “Justice” tell hm to meet him in ten days some where. Kip still had something’s to clear up. Besides breaking Ursula’s heart, talking to Uncle Otto, I waiting on Ursula’s brother and meeting his Texas Ranger friends who are on their way. This was really good up until it just ended. I can’t wait to read Kip 2
October 12, 2024
Excellent book! Glad this is part of a series!
I always appreciate a book or movie that does not have offensive language. Although there is quite a lot of violence and bloodshed, this western is a book about the conflict between good and evil people. These are really deeply entrenched and well organized, powerful, bad people looking to gain control of a large area in the west. Can they be stopped?
I always appreciate a book or movie that does not have offensive language. Although there is quite a lot of violence and bloodshed, this western is a book about the conflict between good and evil people. These are really deeply entrenched and well organized, powerful, bad people looking to gain control of a large area in the west. Can they be stopped?
April 10, 2025
What an amazing story!
Not sure how to put this in words. Sooo glad this book was recommended by Amazon based on my previous books. I’m not sure what I expected based on the summary, but wow, what a story! Not at all what I was expecting, surprisingly good story line. No spoilers, but what a way to start a new series. Can’t wait to read Kip 2 and find out more about Kip Callahan, and Justice.
Not sure how to put this in words. Sooo glad this book was recommended by Amazon based on my previous books. I’m not sure what I expected based on the summary, but wow, what a story! Not at all what I was expecting, surprisingly good story line. No spoilers, but what a way to start a new series. Can’t wait to read Kip 2 and find out more about Kip Callahan, and Justice.
September 22, 2024
Good as usual, except…
Story is right and honorable, as are all of Mr Deacon’s books. I enjoyed the continuation of Kip’s story, and await the next installment. But please let the proofers or type setters know that it is Fair/child and not Fairch/ild. Made me wish for my red pen.
Story is right and honorable, as are all of Mr Deacon’s books. I enjoyed the continuation of Kip’s story, and await the next installment. But please let the proofers or type setters know that it is Fair/child and not Fairch/ild. Made me wish for my red pen.
September 22, 2024
Fast pace good adventure
I lived readyKip and the Silent Justices. The characters are believable, the language appropriate to the action. (So many authors keep the language, “heck and darn”are nit what the action alls for). And it is wonderful to read a book with no grandmas errors. The pace never lags.
It is vey well written. Cat wait for the next Kip book.
I lived readyKip and the Silent Justices. The characters are believable, the language appropriate to the action. (So many authors keep the language, “heck and darn”are nit what the action alls for). And it is wonderful to read a book with no grandmas errors. The pace never lags.
It is vey well written. Cat wait for the next Kip book.
September 26, 2024
Just Passing Through
The author weaves a story which keeps you wanting more with each turn of the page. Kip is traveling in Colorado when he finds himself in a town filled with danger. His beliefs of what is right and what is wrong keeps him staying put with danger all around him.
The author weaves a story which keeps you wanting more with each turn of the page. Kip is traveling in Colorado when he finds himself in a town filled with danger. His beliefs of what is right and what is wrong keeps him staying put with danger all around him.
October 4, 2024
Mystery western
Thankfully I know there is book 2 ready for me to listen to as there are more questions than answers to this complicated plot of western intrigue. Keep up your spinning of western frontier villians and heroes.
I thought the A Man Called Justice series was a great series... This one may tie or exceed as my favorite.
Thankfully I know there is book 2 ready for me to listen to as there are more questions than answers to this complicated plot of western intrigue. Keep up your spinning of western frontier villians and heroes.
I thought the A Man Called Justice series was a great series... This one may tie or exceed as my favorite.
September 20, 2024
A Cliche Western
But John Deacons cliche western - so it gallops along nicely. Think of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and you are in the right ball (?gun) park, just no Mexicans!
I presume that it was a short barrelled Thunderer to facilitate a quick draw!
And more to come!
But John Deacons cliche western - so it gallops along nicely. Think of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and you are in the right ball (?gun) park, just no Mexicans!
I presume that it was a short barrelled Thunderer to facilitate a quick draw!
And more to come!
September 20, 2024
The evolution continues
The subtle changes as John Deacon grows as a writer keep the work fresh but it's still very much Deacon. This book is amazing with a twist I doubt you'll see coming.
The subtle changes as John Deacon grows as a writer keep the work fresh but it's still very much Deacon. This book is amazing with a twist I doubt you'll see coming.
September 22, 2024
Love it!
I've read all of your books. Loved em all! Heck, the Provider, and Justice. I'm looking forward to seeing how you combine all of these elements together. Loved the Provider series and I was anxious to read about Kip. Keep up the good work. Enjoy dinner.
I've read all of your books. Loved em all! Heck, the Provider, and Justice. I'm looking forward to seeing how you combine all of these elements together. Loved the Provider series and I was anxious to read about Kip. Keep up the good work. Enjoy dinner.
September 22, 2024
Fantastic! Great start with the new Kip series. This is going to be a fun ride. Can’t wait for book two. Have been enjoying the ride from the time Kip was first introduced wanting to do nothing more than ride for the brand. Good work. Keep ‘em coming!!!
September 22, 2024
A great read
Although this is my first review I have read a number of Mr Deacons books it follows suit as his Walking Gallows series all captivating and he has become one of my favorite authors and am looking forward to more from him. Thank you
Although this is my first review I have read a number of Mr Deacons books it follows suit as his Walking Gallows series all captivating and he has become one of my favorite authors and am looking forward to more from him. Thank you
September 23, 2024
Fantastic book.
This book grabs you and doesn't let go. It takes you right along the side of the characters. It is a gripping book that keeps your interest with every page. I have read a lot of his books. They are worth reading more than once.
Looking forward to the next one.
This book grabs you and doesn't let go. It takes you right along the side of the characters. It is a gripping book that keeps your interest with every page. I have read a lot of his books. They are worth reading more than once.
Looking forward to the next one.
September 23, 2024
Kip
What a great adventure, as always your books make me read them in one sitting.Can't wait to read the next installment. It will be grand to see the continuing saga.Thanks for writing such enjoying novels
What a great adventure, as always your books make me read them in one sitting.Can't wait to read the next installment. It will be grand to see the continuing saga.Thanks for writing such enjoying novels
September 24, 2024
Far Fetched
I don’t know how stories that are so incomplete and exaggerated can be taken seriously. This is a yarn that falls flat, leaving an obvious window for the writer to follow through with book two, I suspect.
I don’t know how stories that are so incomplete and exaggerated can be taken seriously. This is a yarn that falls flat, leaving an obvious window for the writer to follow through with book two, I suspect.
September 24, 2024
5 Stars
Kip Callahan , the 10 year old boy who was introduced in "The Provider series" is now 27 and heading west for his own adventures. This book was a good start to the "Kip Callahan series" looking forward to more.
Kip Callahan , the 10 year old boy who was introduced in "The Provider series" is now 27 and heading west for his own adventures. This book was a good start to the "Kip Callahan series" looking forward to more.
September 27, 2024
Great Read
I enjoyed reading KIP, entertaining & suspense. A quick read. Looking forward to Lip 2.
Poured canyon series is also a great story with historical events. 10 books will keep you busy.
Enjoy ya'll
I enjoyed reading KIP, entertaining & suspense. A quick read. Looking forward to Lip 2.
Poured canyon series is also a great story with historical events. 10 books will keep you busy.
Enjoy ya'll
September 27, 2024
Great book
I was eagerly waiting to see Kip's journey and I was not disappointed. Great story and characters. Looking forward to the next two in the series! John Deacon never disappoints me.
I was eagerly waiting to see Kip's journey and I was not disappointed. Great story and characters. Looking forward to the next two in the series! John Deacon never disappoints me.
September 28, 2024
Such an involved story
Great sequel and an excellent read! A bit of a surprise ending worth the entire book. Thoroughly enjoyed the story that kept up my interest form start to finish!
Great sequel and an excellent read! A bit of a surprise ending worth the entire book. Thoroughly enjoyed the story that kept up my interest form start to finish!
October 5, 2024
Suspenseful twist, action and justice.
Refreshing to read, Kip stays true to his ethics as the corruption gains strength. During his efforts to reveal the truth he finds friends, romance and religious qualities that guide him during many dangers.
Refreshing to read, Kip stays true to his ethics as the corruption gains strength. During his efforts to reveal the truth he finds friends, romance and religious qualities that guide him during many dangers.
October 6, 2024
A great read', I recommend it highly.
I've read most of John Deacons books and liked them all. This could be the best one yet. A good plot with lots twists and turns. Great characters brought to life.
I've read most of John Deacons books and liked them all. This could be the best one yet. A good plot with lots twists and turns. Great characters brought to life.
October 21, 2024
Great adventure
I enjoyed this story very much. It held interest and when I had to put it down, I was always glad pick it up again and continue reading and I look forward to reading the next story. Very good indeed
I enjoyed this story very much. It held interest and when I had to put it down, I was always glad pick it up again and continue reading and I look forward to reading the next story. Very good indeed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews