Hired Guns: A Western Mystery

by Steve Hockensmith

Embark on a Wild West odyssey where gold-seeking turns into a blood-soaked pursuit in 1894.

When former Army officer Oswin Diehl ventures into Mexico in search of fortune, he encounters more than he bargained for—bandits and chaos. Saved by old comrades Ira Hoop and Apache scout Eskaminzim, Diehl is offered a job that leads him to Arizona Territory and a showdown against a powerful conglomerate harassing local mine owners.

As Diehl and his resilient team face off against the hired goons of Consolidated American Mining Corporation, the stakes rise. With the brutal chairman, Kingsley Le May, and an army of operatives led by an old enemy, former Texas Ranger Thomas Breck, the battle turns into a deadly game of wits and survival.

Amidst the dust and gun smoke, alliances are formed, love is kindled, and a desperate struggle for freedom unfolds. Will Diehl, Hoop, Eskaminzim, and the fiery mine owner Catrin Gruffud overcome their adversaries and prevail in the ultimate showdown? The hired guns are locked, loaded, and ready for justice.

Dive into this gripping tale of courage and redemption today—grab your copy now and join the fight for justice!

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical

Audible Audio

Published October 11, 2024

About the author

Steve Hockensmith is the author of the New York Times bestseller Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls and several other novels, including the Edgar Award finalist Holmes on the Range. He lives in Alameda, California.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hockensmith starts a new series with much of his signature humor and a bit more killing than this Holmes on the Range series. An enjoyable escape novel narrated exceptionally by Chuck Galco.

[Andrew McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Fun’ is not a term that features too frequently in reviews of western fiction – more often books in this genre are praised for being ‘action-packed,’ ‘gritty,’ ‘exciting’ etc. But Steve Hockensmith’s ‘HIRED GUNS’ manages to tick all those traditional western boxes and still be rollicking good fun. It’s the first in a series of ‘Double-A Western Detective Agency’ novels. In 1894 Arizona a diverse group of mercenaries – an Anglo, a Mexican, a black man and an Apache – sign up to the Double-A. They’re tasked with helping a small mining company in its David-and-Goliath fight with a larger mining conglomerate. Action soon ensues. While there’s plenty of the laconic and the menacing in Hockensmith’s prose (‘Hoop and Romo watched Schuck’s men in tense, coiled silence.’) he freshens up the familiar western aspects with quirky humour where quips fly as fast as fists and bullets. So a satisfying and entertaining read for those seeking the usual western thrills, but also a lively re-invention for anyone looking for something more original. Highly recommended.

[Jtm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 70s Western movie fun

The adventure was solid, the characters were well defined, and the touches of humor worked very well. This is a solid start to a new series that I will be following. Thanks to the author for an entertaining Western read.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action thriller novel disguised as a Western.

Three very different types of men, each using their special talents to survive a tense, action packed thriller of a Western. Book 1 of the series, check it out.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fellow Western readers, this new series by Steve Hockensmith is action-packed!

Steve Hockensmith delivers a fresh take on the Western genre with his latest series, and "Hired Guns" is a thrilling introduction that promises to captivate fans of action-packed narratives. The novel, a spin-off from the beloved "Holmes on the Range" series, takes readers on a wild ride through the rugged landscapes of the American frontier, where danger lurks around every corner. The story follows the escapades of the Double-A Western Detective Agency, a trio of intrepid characters: Ira Hoop, Oswin Diehl, and Eskaminzim. These operatives are not your typical cowboys; they are detectives for hire, embroiled in a conflict that pits them against a ruthless tycoon and his henchmen. The stakes are high as they strive to protect a remote Arizona mine from being overtaken by greed and corruption.

Hockensmith's narrative is rich with the spirit of the Old West, blending historical authenticity with imaginative storytelling. The characters are well-crafted, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies that add depth to the fast-paced plot. The author's skillful use of humor tempers the tension, providing a counterbalance to the novel's more intense moments. "Hired Guns" is not just a tale of good versus evil; it's a story about loyalty, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The novel's conclusion sets the stage for further adventures, leaving readers eager for the next installment. With its engaging characters and vivid setting, "Hired Guns" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good Western with a modern twist. Don't miss this awesome adventure; get your copy today.

• ASIN: B0CZXXGR4F
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 9/17/2024
• File Size: 3230 KB
• Print Length: 351 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Western Fiction Classics - Private Investigator Mysteries

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book finds a trio of Army friends turned adventurers heading to the Arizona Territory to help out a struggling copper mine. No, it’s not to help them with the mining. The conglomerate Consolidated American Mining Corporation has decided it wants to buy this particular mine, and they are doing all they can to convince the owners to sell. There’s just one major problem – the owners don’t want to sell. And our trio of heroes have been hired to help protect the mine. But against the overwhelming odds, can they do it?

These characters began life in the author’s Holmes on the Range series, and I was happy to follow them over here. The story started a bit slowly, but it isn’t long before the action heats up as the characters find themselves facing overwhelming odds. Yet, I found myself cheering at the end. To be clear, this is more of an action story than a mystery. The characters are a bit thin, but they do have their moments to shine. The reality of racial relations in 1894 is part of the backdrop of the book, and it’s sad to think we ever treated each other this badly. The book is a bit more violent than I normally like, but only a little bit. It is softened some by the humor. If you are looking for an action book set in the old west, you’ll find this the perfect book to pick up.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[FredM2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Double AA Detective agency story with a totally different slant. Three totally different men, Oswin Diehl(White), Ira Hoop (Black), and Eskaminzim (Apache) get assigned by the Double AA Detective Agency to protect a copper mine in Arizona. The mine is being harassed and worse by another larger mining corporation to sell out. he mine owners have no desire to sell and there's the rub. Things start to escalate when the corporation brings n a band of about thirty hired guns that have all been deputized. From there things get interesting. You will have to read the book to get the details but won't be disappointed.

[Jan Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, THAT was fun! An old-fashioned shoot-em-up Western with lots of fun characters, clever dialogue, and laugh-out-loud humor. Yes, there was plenty of killing, but it was mostly the bad guys. The audiobook narrator, Chuck Galco, did a fabulous job, and I would highly recommend that format.

I've read all the author's Holmes on the Range books, and as much fun as they are, I loved this one even more. I'm ready to listen to the next one!

P.S. Steve, did you name that one minor character after me? LOL

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! Familiar characters, familiar territory, new characters, lots of action and laughs along the way. Both my husband and I really enjoyed reading this together. Steve has a wicked sense of humor and a perfect sense of timing.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still not sold on western as a genre