Murphy’s Law

Murphy’s Law #1

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

Johnstone Country. Where the Brave and the Bold Serve Justice. 

From the national bestselling authors of American Western sagas and legends comes an action-packed new series. Cullen Murphy was forged in the fires of notorious towns, rough cattle drives, and brutal battlefields. And in a land where the strong prey on the weak, he’s a law unto himself . . .

Orphaned as a child, Cullen Murphy battled against life’s cruelties as he drifted from one unforgiving frontier town to the next across Western Texas. A hired hand at saloons and ranches, he was aimless until he met a drover who taught him to drive cattle, and inspired him to build a spread of his own on the San Saba River just outside of the small Texas Hill Country town of Newtown.

Then the war came and Cullen spent four years wearing Confederate gray, earning the rank of sergeant. Caught up in the viciousness and bloodshed from both sides, he became a hardened soldier—and a merciless killer. He fought in hard-won campaigns, gaining honor, only to become embittered by defeat. With the country in ruins and no family awaiting him, Cullen returned to Texas, only to find his home pillaged and his fields overrun by weeds—and Newtown under siege.

With no marshal or sheriff to keep the peace, outlaws have taken over the town, harrassing citizens and threatening merchants with no fear of retribution. But when these gamblers and gunmen target Cullen Murphy, they incur the wrath of a man who doesn’t need a badge to enforce his law . . . 

Genres: Westerns, Fiction, Historical Fiction

337 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

[Michael Rios · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this one as an ARC from GoodReads giveaway. Being from Texas, it was a good read that transported me to the begging of the hill country. It reminded me of watching a spaghetti westerns my father used to make me watch on TV.

[Neha Mehta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy's Law is a classic Western filled with action, grit, and frontier justice. Cullen Murphy is a compelling protagonist. Hes a battle-hardened veteran who returns home to find his town overrun by outlaws and decides to take matters into his own hands. The story moves at a steady pace, with plenty of gunfights, memorable characters, and a strong sense of the Old West.

What I enjoyed most was Murphy's determination and strong moral code. While the plot follows a familiar Western formula, it does so well, delivering an entertaining tale of courage, revenge, and standing up for what's right. Fans of traditional Westerns will find a lot to enjoy here, and the ending leaves me interested in seeing where the series goes next.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first in a new series by J.A.Johnstone, using the unpublished notes and outlines of his late uncle, William Johnstone, prolific writer of stories of the old West. We are introduced to Cullen Murphy, who reluctantly takes the job of Sheriff of Newtown in West Texas, after serving in the Confederate Army in the Civil War. His unconventional methods in dealing with outlaws gave rise to the title “Murphy’s Law,” even before he was officially hired for his position. Johnstone created an interesting character in Murphy. He has unmatched skills with firearms as well as a quick wit the generally gets the best of those who challenge him. He also has a heart for people who find themselves in trouble and does what he can to help them out. This book has a great balance of action and human interest and also sets the stage for future episodes for Murphy’s Law.

[Cindy Gilleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good new a story from a great western writing combo. The storyline is believable with a good cast of characters. Plot moves along nicely and the dialogue is consistent. I would give it a 5 but I dislike cliffhangers.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As close to an old fashioned western novel as one is likely to find.

[Cheryl]

Thought I'd try a Western for a change. The characters were not interesting enough for me to keep going.

[Jill]

Loved reading this book with all of the interesting characters! I've never read a western before and now am hooked and will read more by these authors.

[Scot Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphy the decent and strong

Good characters. Interesting premise and as usual, a good ending.
Always a pleasure to read one of these Johnstone novels.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don’t read this type of book but I really liked it! Murphy is such a likable character. I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Timothy M. McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a good western - where the protagonist gives it out - but doesn't necessarily take it.

As the story ends - Murphy does not ride out into the sunset with a rich woman - which I find refreshing.

If there is a sequel - there are no loose ends to tie up.

THe Johnstone's did all right this time.

[Allyn Voorhees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Kensington Books for the free advanced copy. The following is an unbiased review and I have not been compensated for it in any way. Read it in essentially one sitting, finishing it the day that it arrived.(April 20th 2026)
My policy on reviews is not to give too much away. I will say that the pacing is good, and I came to quickly care about the characters. An enjoyable read, this book has all the makings of a classic western story, taking place right after the Civil War and in the wild west of Texas. An experienced ex-soldier comes back to his land, and finds himself to be the best option to deal with trouble in a nearby town that is on the cusp of success or failure.
*This review is for a work of Fiction and not focused on the niche of Westerns, as I have not read many of the genre.