Born to Be Killed

Smoke Jensen #7

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

The epic saga of Smoke Jensen takes a wild and dangerous turn when the legendary mountain man joins a wagon train of war widows—on a doomed journey through hell . . .

Big Rock, Colorado, has seen its share of wagon trains pass through town, but never one like this. For starters, it’s led by a woman—a sweet southern belle named Annabelle—and the passengers are young Civil War widows and orphans. The only man on board is Annabelle’s father, a former colonel blinded in the war.  They’re on their way to Purgatory Butte, Wyoming, to run the ranch the colonel inherited. Smoke’s wife, Sally Jensen, thinks it’s a noble goal and wants to help the women out—by volunteering her husband’s protection on the treacherous journey north. In spite of his doubts, Smoke agrees.

The trouble starts before they even leave town. First a pack of ruffians harass the women, then a pair of saloon girls decide to join the wagon train. To top things off, Sally insists on coming along,—giving Smoke one more thing to worry about.

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. But this road has plenty of bad ones, too. If Smoke Jensen can’t figure out which is which, this whole train will be dead on arrival.

Johnstone Country. Where Legends Are Born . . . To Be Killed.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Westerns

321 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

About the author

William 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.

Reviews

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite Smoke Jensen adventures so far.

The premise immediately caught my attention. Smoke agrees to escort a wagon train made up primarily of young Civil War widows and orphans on what should have been a journey to a new beginning. Instead, trouble finds them almost from the start, and it quickly becomes clear that someone is determined to make sure they never reach their destination.

I liked that this story wasn’t just about shootouts, although there were plenty of them. There was also plenty of other gripping action, along with a real sense of responsibility as Smoke and Sally did everything they could to protect people who couldn’t defend themselves. That gave the story more heart than many westerns.

The danger never seemed far away. The pages seemed to fly by, and I was completely invested in seeing the wagon train safely through—and in discovering how everything would ultimately unfold.

If you enjoy westerns with memorable characters, nonstop danger, and a hero who always stands up for what’s right, this is one I would definitely recommend.

5 Stars.

[David Burnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally befriends a lady named Annabelle, who is the leader of a small wagon train of four on a journey from Mississippi to Wyoming. After some trouble in Big Rock, Sally decides she and Smoke will travel to Wyoming to make sure the Wagon train arrives to their destination safe. Smoke gladly agrees to his wife's wishes and from there the adventure takes off. Before the group gets to their final destination two groups will be after them and an unknown third is on their trail. A secret from the people in the wagon train all share a secret that Sally and her famous husband Smoke learn just as the group is attack by the third group. From there the ending comes quickly with a lot of death.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got into the stories of William Johnstone a couple of years ago when I was looking for something different from the mysteries and non-fiction books that I typically would read. I liked the action and the style of writing so I looked for more of the same. Some were better than others but this book was one of the best that I have read. The premise of a small wagon train made up of all women except for the leader’s father was certainly different and promised several plot lines as the story unfolded. When legendary gunslinger, Smoke Jensen and his wife Sally decided to join the group on their journey to Wyoming, the stage was set for action. There were several groups who wanted to stop this wagon train for various reasons but Smoke and the ladies were able to prevail as you would expect. This was an enjoyable read if you can stomach all the shooting. If you grew up watching cowboy shows on TV or at the movies, you will enjoy this western yarn where the good guys win and the bad guys get what they deserve.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides plenty of action and adventure. I normally don’t read a lot of westerns but I really enjoyed this one. Smoke Jensen and his wife Sally befriend the occupants of a wagon train that has stopped in Big Rock Colorado on their way to Wyoming. This isn’t like any wagon train they have ever seen. It consists of only women who were widowed or orphaned because of the war and one elderly gentleman who is blind. Smoke and Sally decide to travel with them after it becomes clear that someone or someone’s doesn’t want them making the journey. As they travel and fight the danger they pick up a few extra members. I love the characters in the book. The women are strong and know how to take care of themselves and each other. And I love that there are more than one character that plays important roles, they each stand their ground. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in the new section of the local library. The description caught my attention (a female wagon train!!), and I hadn't read a western in a really long time. It was a little slow to get started but mostly as I had very little time to sit and read. Once I got into it, I made time to finish. Although part of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone. I may look for more titles by Johnstone.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book in the “new” section of my library and, being a fan of westerns decided to give it a go. I really enjoyed it! I had not read any of Johnstone’s books and I found his writing style easy to read with a good flow to the story. I also appreciated that there wasn’t any bad language. I’ll definitely be reading more in the Smoke Jensen series!

[A L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads and Kensington Publishing, I was able to receive a free copy of this book. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this because I do not normally read Western books, but I was completely wrong. I loved the entire storyline, and the pacing was perfect for my taste. I look forward to reading more books from the author.

[Crystel Loustau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to William Johnstone as a young teen by my father. He knew the books written by this author would captivate me. I do not think I have ever read a terrible book from William Johnstone. I have to say reading about a wagon full of females who can hold their own, was awesome.

[Michele Knopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this western novel. Loved the main characters personalities. Lots of action and everything you would want in a western book..going to be reading more from these authors.

[Randall Nokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoke Jensen and his wife help a wagon train full of women. Lots of surprises and action along the way. There is a twist at the end. Great Book.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

smoke is one of my favorite johnstone characters. never know what will happen, except there will be trouble

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born to Be Killed

Take a ride to the west. This story has a few twists in the road. You will not be sorry. It is a good book.

[Ike Lajoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read...i liked it....