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Luke Jensen-Dewey McKenzie #2
Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. JUSTICE WITH A SIDE OF GUNFIRE.
Legendary bounty hunter Luke Jensen enlists the help of chuckwagon cook Dewey “Mac” McKenzie in a deadly manhunt—but ends up neck-deep in an even deadlier range war. . . .
Dewey “Mac” McKenzie doesn’t have much of an appetite for bounty hunting. Before he was a cook, Mac had a price on his head—and bounty hunters on his tail. Nowadays, he’d much rather be stewing beef over an open fire than opening fire on another man. Then he met Luke Jensen, bounty hunter extraordinaire. As a favor to his new friend, Mac agrees to join Luke on the trail of a wanted fugitive. A trail that leads them deep into Oregon timber country—and smack dab in the middle of a brewing war . . .
The trouble starts in a saloon, a knuckle-busting brawl between the loggers from Pine Knob and some cowboys from a nearby ranch. When the ruckus turns bloody, Luke and Mac join the fray. Funny thing is, Luke takes the side of the ranchers while Mac teams up with the loggers. Which works out in their favor. By splitting up, they can now search for the fugitive in both groups at the same time. Mac steps in as the loggers’ new cook, while Luke joins the cowboys at the Triangle 7 Ranch, where this feud first ignited—and is getting hotter by the day. For Luke and Mac, that means stepping out of the frying pan—and into the gunfire.
Legendary bounty hunter Luke Jensen enlists the help of chuckwagon cook Dewey “Mac” McKenzie in a deadly manhunt—but ends up neck-deep in an even deadlier range war. . . .
Dewey “Mac” McKenzie doesn’t have much of an appetite for bounty hunting. Before he was a cook, Mac had a price on his head—and bounty hunters on his tail. Nowadays, he’d much rather be stewing beef over an open fire than opening fire on another man. Then he met Luke Jensen, bounty hunter extraordinaire. As a favor to his new friend, Mac agrees to join Luke on the trail of a wanted fugitive. A trail that leads them deep into Oregon timber country—and smack dab in the middle of a brewing war . . .
The trouble starts in a saloon, a knuckle-busting brawl between the loggers from Pine Knob and some cowboys from a nearby ranch. When the ruckus turns bloody, Luke and Mac join the fray. Funny thing is, Luke takes the side of the ranchers while Mac teams up with the loggers. Which works out in their favor. By splitting up, they can now search for the fugitive in both groups at the same time. Mac steps in as the loggers’ new cook, while Luke joins the cowboys at the Triangle 7 Ranch, where this feud first ignited—and is getting hotter by the day. For Luke and Mac, that means stepping out of the frying pan—and into the gunfire.
305 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,054 books1,425 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 19, 2026
I have always enjoyed a Johnstone western; reading Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed just put another notch on the enjoyable reads from this genre.
From beginning to end, the story is packed with action, tension, murder, and mystery all that comes at a continuous steady pace.
Luke Jensen famous bounty hunter, teams up with Mac McKenzie in hopes of finding a dangerous outlaw they believe is hiding in plain sight among them - either in the loggers camp, or in the cowboy's cattle camp. The outlaw will have been sneaky to not use his real name, and his intentions will be less than pure, inflicting troubles and whoa to both camps.
Luke and Mac must infiltrate both camps (one each in the respective camps) to find out and catch who this evil man and prevent him from to irreparable harm,
It's a great yarn and was enjoyable to read!
My thanks to NetGalley, Johnstones, and Pinnacle for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
From beginning to end, the story is packed with action, tension, murder, and mystery all that comes at a continuous steady pace.
Luke Jensen famous bounty hunter, teams up with Mac McKenzie in hopes of finding a dangerous outlaw they believe is hiding in plain sight among them - either in the loggers camp, or in the cowboy's cattle camp. The outlaw will have been sneaky to not use his real name, and his intentions will be less than pure, inflicting troubles and whoa to both camps.
Luke and Mac must infiltrate both camps (one each in the respective camps) to find out and catch who this evil man and prevent him from to irreparable harm,
It's a great yarn and was enjoyable to read!
My thanks to NetGalley, Johnstones, and Pinnacle for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed was a welcome return to fiction after a stretch of heavier nonfiction reading. There’s something about a Johnstone western that feels immediately familiar and easy to settle into, and this one delivers that experience right from the start. It’s the kind of book you pick up for a few pages and end up reading far longer than planned.
From cover to cover, the story is packed with action. Gunfights, tension, and frontier justice come at a steady pace, keeping the narrative moving without much downtime. The Johnstones know exactly how to structure a western so that each chapter pushes the story forward while keeping the stakes clear and engaging.
One of the strengths of this book is how effortlessly it pulls the reader along. I’d challenge any fan of the western genre to start reading and not feel compelled to keep going until the final page. There’s a natural momentum to the storytelling that makes it hard to step away once you’re in the middle of it.
Avid Johnstone readers will also appreciate another outing with Luke Jensen, a familiar face who appears across multiple titles in the broader series. Here, the bounty hunter teams up with “Mac” McKenzie, and the story benefits from splitting the two men across different threads of the plot. That structure adds variety and keeps the tension balanced, allowing each character to shine in his own way before their paths inevitably converge.
The setting is another welcome change of pace. The story unfolds around The Dalles and the Blue Mountains, which offers a refreshing shift from the more familiar Southwestern backdrops often seen in westerns. Having spent time in that region, I found it especially enjoyable to see those landscapes brought into the story, adding a different texture to the frontier atmosphere.
The tone and style stay true to what longtime readers expect from the Johnstone name. Even with the collaborative writing, the voice feels consistent with the classic western tradition they’ve built over the years. It’s straightforward, entertaining storytelling that doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is.
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a strong example of why these books remain so popular. It’s fast, engaging, and exactly the kind of escape you want when you’re in the mood for a good western.
My appreciation goes to Netgalley for an advanced review copy of this book.
From cover to cover, the story is packed with action. Gunfights, tension, and frontier justice come at a steady pace, keeping the narrative moving without much downtime. The Johnstones know exactly how to structure a western so that each chapter pushes the story forward while keeping the stakes clear and engaging.
One of the strengths of this book is how effortlessly it pulls the reader along. I’d challenge any fan of the western genre to start reading and not feel compelled to keep going until the final page. There’s a natural momentum to the storytelling that makes it hard to step away once you’re in the middle of it.
Avid Johnstone readers will also appreciate another outing with Luke Jensen, a familiar face who appears across multiple titles in the broader series. Here, the bounty hunter teams up with “Mac” McKenzie, and the story benefits from splitting the two men across different threads of the plot. That structure adds variety and keeps the tension balanced, allowing each character to shine in his own way before their paths inevitably converge.
The setting is another welcome change of pace. The story unfolds around The Dalles and the Blue Mountains, which offers a refreshing shift from the more familiar Southwestern backdrops often seen in westerns. Having spent time in that region, I found it especially enjoyable to see those landscapes brought into the story, adding a different texture to the frontier atmosphere.
The tone and style stay true to what longtime readers expect from the Johnstone name. Even with the collaborative writing, the voice feels consistent with the classic western tradition they’ve built over the years. It’s straightforward, entertaining storytelling that doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is.
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a strong example of why these books remain so popular. It’s fast, engaging, and exactly the kind of escape you want when you’re in the mood for a good western.
My appreciation goes to Netgalley for an advanced review copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Legendary bounty hunter Luke Jensen enlists the help of chuckwagon cook Dewey “Mac” McKenzie in a deadly manhunt—but ends up neck-deep in an even deadlier range war. . . .
Dewey “Mac” McKenzie doesn’t have much of an appetite for bounty hunting. Before he was a cook, Mac had a price on his head—and bounty hunters on his tail. Nowadays, he’d much rather be stewing beef over an open fire than opening fire on another man. Then he met Luke Jensen, bounty hunter extraordinaire. As a favor to his new friend, Mac agrees to join Luke on the trail of a wanted fugitive. A trail that leads them deep into Oregon timber country—and smack dab in the middle of a brewing war . . .The trouble starts in a saloon, a knuckle-busting brawl between the loggers from Pine Knob and some cowboys from a nearby ranch. When the ruckus turns bloody, Luke and Mac join the fray. Funny thing is, Luke takes the side of the ranchers while Mac teams up with the loggers. Which works out in their favor. By splitting up, they can now search for the fugitive in both groups at the same time. Mac steps in as the loggers’ new cook, while Luke joins the cowboys at the Triangle 7 Ranch, where this feud first ignited—and is getting hotter by the day. For Luke and Mac, that means stepping out of the frying pan—and into the gunfire.
Luke and Dewey return for another high‑stakes adventure—only this time, the fight is for their very lives.
While tracking a wanted fugitive into Oregon’s deep timber country, the pair stumble straight into a brewing war that’s about to explode. On one side stand the cowhands; on the other, the loggers. The hatred between them runs hot, fueled by a wedding that never quite made it to the “I do.”
But when bruising fistfights suddenly escalate into deadly gunfire, Luke and Mac realize something doesn’t add up. There’s more at play here than a simple feud—and a hidden third party may be pulling the strings. The only question is: who?
What follows is a fast‑moving, action‑packed western filled with everything fans crave—heroes and villains, brawls and shootouts, and a steady undercurrent of suspense.
Once I got into it, the pages practically turned themselves. The cliffhanger chapter endings made it almost impossible to stop reading.
This is another series that I'd like to see continue. 5/5.
Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for an ARC of this story.
Dewey “Mac” McKenzie doesn’t have much of an appetite for bounty hunting. Before he was a cook, Mac had a price on his head—and bounty hunters on his tail. Nowadays, he’d much rather be stewing beef over an open fire than opening fire on another man. Then he met Luke Jensen, bounty hunter extraordinaire. As a favor to his new friend, Mac agrees to join Luke on the trail of a wanted fugitive. A trail that leads them deep into Oregon timber country—and smack dab in the middle of a brewing war . . .The trouble starts in a saloon, a knuckle-busting brawl between the loggers from Pine Knob and some cowboys from a nearby ranch. When the ruckus turns bloody, Luke and Mac join the fray. Funny thing is, Luke takes the side of the ranchers while Mac teams up with the loggers. Which works out in their favor. By splitting up, they can now search for the fugitive in both groups at the same time. Mac steps in as the loggers’ new cook, while Luke joins the cowboys at the Triangle 7 Ranch, where this feud first ignited—and is getting hotter by the day. For Luke and Mac, that means stepping out of the frying pan—and into the gunfire.
Luke and Dewey return for another high‑stakes adventure—only this time, the fight is for their very lives.
While tracking a wanted fugitive into Oregon’s deep timber country, the pair stumble straight into a brewing war that’s about to explode. On one side stand the cowhands; on the other, the loggers. The hatred between them runs hot, fueled by a wedding that never quite made it to the “I do.”
But when bruising fistfights suddenly escalate into deadly gunfire, Luke and Mac realize something doesn’t add up. There’s more at play here than a simple feud—and a hidden third party may be pulling the strings. The only question is: who?
What follows is a fast‑moving, action‑packed western filled with everything fans crave—heroes and villains, brawls and shootouts, and a steady undercurrent of suspense.
Once I got into it, the pages practically turned themselves. The cliffhanger chapter endings made it almost impossible to stop reading.
This is another series that I'd like to see continue. 5/5.
Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for an ARC of this story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A new western by the Johnstones is a reason to treat myself to a binge-reading day. William W Johnstone and J A Johnstone are prolific writers of some of the best westerns currently being released. Their characters include frontiersmen, cowboys, sharpshooters, saloon owners, reformed outlaws, and generations of families that settled the West. The stories span several generations. Characters from one series have been known to make appearances in another series. The territories they live and work in are authentically detailed. You can smell the dust, horses, cattle, and more. The tools they use are authentic to the eras. These books are the closest to actual history as you can find in popular fiction.
Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed introduces a new character to the Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter, series. We meet Dewey "Mac" McKenzie, a chuckwagon cook and a friend of Luke's. Luke is not just a bounty hunter; he has the reputation of being the fastest shot in the territory. Mac will join Luke as he tracks down his next bounty. If you've read many of the Johnstone westerns, you know the two of them are headed into trouble with a capital T. When the dust settles after the first fight, the partners are each working a different camp to find their target. The story takes several entertaining turns before the shooting starts in earnest. Another 5 star read
Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed introduces a new character to the Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter, series. We meet Dewey "Mac" McKenzie, a chuckwagon cook and a friend of Luke's. Luke is not just a bounty hunter; he has the reputation of being the fastest shot in the territory. Mac will join Luke as he tracks down his next bounty. If you've read many of the Johnstone westerns, you know the two of them are headed into trouble with a capital T. When the dust settles after the first fight, the partners are each working a different camp to find their target. The story takes several entertaining turns before the shooting starts in earnest. Another 5 star read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book 2, Luke Jensen/Dewey McKenzie Series
In the heart of the untamed Oregon timber country, legendary bounty hunter Luke Jensen teams up with Dewey McKenzie, a chuckwagon cook with a knack for avoiding gunfights. Reluctantly drawn into the chase as a favor, McKenzie finds himself caught in a fierce range war between the rugged Pine Knob loggers and the determined local ranchers. As tensions reach a boiling point, a deadly brawl erupts in a saloon, leaving the duo in the midst of chaos. To gain the upper hand, Jensen throws his lot in with the ranchers at Triangle 7, while McKenzie serves up hearty meals for the loggers, unwittingly placing both men in the line of fire. This novel weaves together the thrilling elements of frontier manhunts, the brutal violence of a range war, and the unlikely alliance between a seasoned bounty hunter and a former fugitive cook.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#BulletsBiscuitsBloodshed
In the heart of the untamed Oregon timber country, legendary bounty hunter Luke Jensen teams up with Dewey McKenzie, a chuckwagon cook with a knack for avoiding gunfights. Reluctantly drawn into the chase as a favor, McKenzie finds himself caught in a fierce range war between the rugged Pine Knob loggers and the determined local ranchers. As tensions reach a boiling point, a deadly brawl erupts in a saloon, leaving the duo in the midst of chaos. To gain the upper hand, Jensen throws his lot in with the ranchers at Triangle 7, while McKenzie serves up hearty meals for the loggers, unwittingly placing both men in the line of fire. This novel weaves together the thrilling elements of frontier manhunts, the brutal violence of a range war, and the unlikely alliance between a seasoned bounty hunter and a former fugitive cook.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#BulletsBiscuitsBloodshed
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed” by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is an action-packed 5-star western! Bounty hunters Luke Jensen and Dewey “Mac” McKenzie are back, and once again they find themselves in plenty of trouble while tracking down a notorious criminal.
This book is packed with fistfights and shootouts involving plenty of varmints and owlhoots. The vocabulary used in these stories is fantastic and really adds to the Old West atmosphere. As a newer fan of westerns, I have only read books by the Johnstones, so I do not have much to compare them to, but I absolutely love this series. I must explore more series by the Johnstones!
Thanks to Kensington Publishing | Pinnacle, William W. Johnstone; J.A. Johnstone, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
This book is packed with fistfights and shootouts involving plenty of varmints and owlhoots. The vocabulary used in these stories is fantastic and really adds to the Old West atmosphere. As a newer fan of westerns, I have only read books by the Johnstones, so I do not have much to compare them to, but I absolutely love this series. I must explore more series by the Johnstones!
Thanks to Kensington Publishing | Pinnacle, William W. Johnstone; J.A. Johnstone, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed is exactly what a great Western should be—fast-paced, action-packed, and loaded with larger-than-life characters. Luke Jensen and Dewey "Mac" McKenzie make an entertaining duo, balancing deadly gunfights with plenty of wit and camaraderie. When a simple manhunt turns into a full-blown range war in Oregon timber country, the story barrels forward with saloon brawls, shifting loyalties, and enough twists to keep the pages flying.
What really makes this one shine is the chemistry between Luke and Mac. Their contrasting personalities add humor and heart, giving the novel more depth than your average shoot-'em-up. William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone know exactly how to deliver classic Western thrills while keeping the characters engaging and the stakes high. A thoroughly entertaining ride for longtime Western fans and newcomers alike.
What really makes this one shine is the chemistry between Luke and Mac. Their contrasting personalities add humor and heart, giving the novel more depth than your average shoot-'em-up. William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone know exactly how to deliver classic Western thrills while keeping the characters engaging and the stakes high. A thoroughly entertaining ride for longtime Western fans and newcomers alike.
May 6, 2026
Bounty hunter's "Mac" and Luke end up in the town of Pine Knob to await for their reward from the deaths of four wanted men. While they wait there is trouble in the saloon with the loggers and the cattlemen getting into a huge brawl. Mac and Luke split up each going to a different camp while looking for another wanted man. Great story, loved it.
May 18, 2026
Bullets, Biscuits, and Bloodshed had all the ingredients for a wild, unforgettable ride… but somehow the recipe never quite came together. The mystery kept me interested enough to finish, but the pacing dragged in spots and some of the twists felt more confusing than shocking.
I love Westerns though. I'm going to keep trying to find the one that is 5 stars!
I love Westerns though. I'm going to keep trying to find the one that is 5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
interesting and effective western with some good plotting and characters that fit really well. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
May 5, 2026
Good story line with plenty of action packed in.
May 10, 2026
This was a very entertaining story,
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews