Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Montana Gold Mine

Rate this book
In spring 1874, the American economy is descending into a depression, following the collapse of Jay Cooke’s financial empire. Amid the chain of bank and business failures set off by Cooke’s bankruptcy, Jubilee Walker struggles to keep Warner and Walker Outfitters solvent.

Jubil’s grand plans for developing Yellowstone National Park into a popular tourist destination were dashed when Cooke’s business failed, but he is still determined to help fulfill the park’s potential—not to mention his promise to his friend White Dog to end the corruption affecting the well-being of the people living on the Crow reservation.

When Jubil solicits support from the highest levels of government, he sets off a chain of events that puts not only him but the ones he loves most in grave danger. What is the nature of the secret Jubil’s nemesis is hiding? And how far will he go to protect it?

Book four in the Jubilee Walker series is loosely based on historical events.

290 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2026

1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read

About the author

Tim Piper

4 books17 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
9 (42%)
4 stars
11 (52%)
3 stars
1 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Agnes Odek.
168 reviews11 followers
January 27, 2026
Set against the 19th century, this historical fiction grabs the reader’s attention due to its fast-paced nature. With a mix of true past events and fiction, the author creates a masterpiece. The Montana Gold Mine focuses on Jubilee Walker, a brave, kind, and resilient man who wishes to end corruption affecting those living on the Crow Reservation. This ends up putting his loved ones in danger. This narrative was interesting to read. I hope to read the former books, as I started with this without knowing it's the fourth book in the series. However, reading it as a standalone was okay, as the author writes, describing past moments and adding to the book's flow. I loved it, but mostly I loved the relationship between Nelly and Jubilee. The respect and individuality they had was refreshing. Worth your TBR list.
Profile Image for The Page Ladies Book Club.
1,859 reviews118 followers
February 2, 2026
Gold rush dreams, political secrets, and danger in big sky country, yes, please!

I was pulled into The Montana Gold Mine from the first chapter, where ambition and uncertainty hang as heavy as the Montana sky. Following Jubil Walker in 1874, I loved watching him try to keep his outfitting business afloat while the American economy crumbled around him. The historical backdrop feels rich and lived in, especially as Jubil’s dreams of developing Yellowstone clash with corruption, greed, and the harsh realities of the era.

What really kept me turning pages was Jubil himself determined, idealistic, and willing to put everything on the line for both the people he loves and the Crow reservation he’s promised to help protect. The tension steadily builds as political maneuvering, hidden secrets, and real danger close in, making this more than just a historical tale it’s a story about integrity and the cost of doing what’s right.

If you enjoy historical fiction with high stakes, real-world intrigue, and a strong sense of place, this one is worth the journey. 📚

✨️Thank you, Books Forward, PR, and Tim Piper for sharing The Montana Gold Mine with me!
Profile Image for Carolin Petersen.
263 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 14, 2026
Greed vs Philanthropy—All in an Exciting Adventure!

The adventure aspects of Tim Piper’s books help a non-reader of Historical Fiction like me understand and enjoy stories like this. The Montana Gold Mine once again includes the political aspects of American history, but does so in a narrative way as it explores Jubil’s character and motivations.
Once again told in third person perspective, this narrative follows Jubil Walker as he deals with the fallout of his tussle with Phineas Black at the end of the previous book. The chapters were long for a book this length, but each one was balanced and split into bite-sized scenes.
Jubil is the kind of main character that you can’t help but want to root for because of his overwhelming empathy for the underdog. He is steadfast in his beliefs, even if it hinders his own business. It sometimes even leaks into his personal relationships, which is where his main flaw lies—and where he needs to grow. All of the characters around him, whether they be family, business associates, or enemies working against him, help to pull him in directions that allow the reader to explore all aspects of who he is and how he chooses to focus his energy.
Now that they’re finally married, Jubil and Nelly make an excellent team. Nelly is a solid rock in Jubil’s world. She is also stubborn—just enough to make Jubil have to adjust his own aims so that they are both aligned. Her headstrong nature is a perfect match to him. Jubil’s business partnership with her brother, Eli, adds a layer of difficulty and conflict because of Eli’s need to prove himself instead of remaining as a crutch for Jubil’s ventures. I love how this forces Jubil to be more considerate and emotional, since most of the time he acts quite logical.
While Piper’s writing style is (by his own admission) not poetic or overly flowery) he still captures the essence and beauty of the wilderness. I’m sure other authors could better paint the beauty of nature, but Piper’s writing is perfect for this book, as it also contains a delicate balance between description and action. The reader can picture what he describes, but he never dwells on it more than necessary.
The title of the book builds anticipation for mentions of the gold mine, but it’s what focuses around the gold mine that really drives the plot forward. By the time the reader learns of the true intentions, we’re rushing toward the end of the book in a fast-paced action rescue!
Though this book includes more fictional events than the previous three, Piper writes with such dedicated research that I knew no difference! I highly recommend this book to lovers of American history—and historical fiction in general!
[I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]
Profile Image for Slmarie.
125 reviews
January 23, 2026
The Montana Gold Mine (Jubilee Walker Book 4) by Tim Piper is a story about what happens when good intentions collide with hard times. Instead of focusing only on adventure or history, this book really shines in how it shows pressure, responsibility, and the cost of standing up for what’s right.

The story takes place during a difficult moment in American history, when money is tight and many people are losing what they worked hard to build. Jubilee Walker is feeling that strain from every direction. His business is struggling, his big dreams are on hold, and yet he still refuses to walk away from promises he made to others. What makes this book interesting is that Jubil doesn’t choose the easy path. He keeps pushing forward, even when doing the right thing puts him and his family in danger.

One of the strongest parts of this book is how personal the stakes feel. Jubil isn’t just dealing with land, money, or politics. He’s trying to protect people he cares about while uncovering wrongdoing that powerful people want hidden. Every decision feels heavier because the consequences don’t just affect him. They ripple out to his wife, his partners, and entire communities.

The writing keeps a good balance between action and clarity. Scenes move at a steady pace, and even when things get tense, it’s easy to follow what’s happening. The wilderness, towns, and travel routes are described simply but clearly, helping you picture the setting without slowing the story down.

Although the title hints at gold, the real focus of the book is what surrounds it. Secrets, loyalty, and moral choices drive the story forward. As the truth comes closer to the surface, the danger increases, leading to a fast-moving ending that feels earned.

The Montana Gold Mine is a strong continuation of the Jubilee Walker series. It blends history with suspense while keeping the story grounded in character and values. If you enjoy historical fiction that feels active, personal, and thoughtful rather than dry, this book is well worth reading.
78 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2026
In The Montana Gold Mine, Tim Piper once again proves how compelling historical fiction can be when it’s infused with strong characters, political tension, and a steady dose of action. Set against the economic collapse of 1874 following the failure of Jay Cooke’s financial empire, the novel finds Jubilee Walker struggling to keep his outfitting business alive while still pursuing his larger, more idealistic goals.

What makes this installment particularly engaging is how Piper blends real historical circumstances with an adventure-driven plot. Jubilee’s dream of turning Yellowstone into a major tourist destination may have taken a blow, but his determination to fight corruption affecting the Crow reservation gives the story real moral weight. When he reaches out to powerful figures in government, the narrative quickly shifts into dangerous territory, full of secrets, threats, and escalating personal stakes.

The characters remain one of the strongest aspects of the book. Jubilee continues to be a likable, driven protagonist, and the supporting cast adds depth and emotional investment to the unfolding conflict. The mystery surrounding his nemesis and the lengths that villain will go to protect his secrets keep the tension high and the pages turning.

Overall, this is a satisfying blend of history and adventure. Fans of action-infused historical fiction and the Jubilee Walker series will find plenty to enjoy here, making this a strong and engaging fourth entry in the series.
134 reviews
February 9, 2026
The Montana Gold Mine is a richly grounded work of historical fiction that captures a moment of national instability while keeping its focus firmly on personal responsibility, moral conviction, and the cost of standing against corruption. Tim Piper blends real historical pressures with a tightly constructed narrative that feels both intimate and consequential.

Set against the economic fallout of the Panic of 1873, the novel places Jubilee Walker in an increasingly precarious position financially, politically, and personally. Jubil is a thoughtful, principled protagonist whose ambitions extend beyond profit. His commitment to protecting Yellowstone’s future and honoring his promise to White Dog gives the story a moral throughline that deepens the stakes well beyond business survival.

What makes the novel particularly effective is its sense of escalation. Jubil’s attempt to seek help from powerful government figures triggers forces far beyond his control, transforming a struggle against corruption into a dangerous confrontation with secrets someone is willing to kill to protect. The historical backdrop never overwhelms the story; instead, it sharpens the tension and lends authenticity to the risks Jubil faces. As the fourth entry in the Jubilee Walker series, The Montana Gold Mine stands as a confident, suspenseful continuation that rewards readers invested in character-driven historical narratives rooted in real events.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,482 reviews69 followers
January 16, 2026
The Montana Gold Mine by Tim Piper is book number 4 in the Jubilee Walker series by the author. I have read all the books up until this point and recommend that all readers do so, otherwise you will miss parts of the story. In this book, Jubil our MC is back and the year is 1874. Jubil and the rest of the world are facing the aftermath of the depression and Jubil is not able to develop Yellowstone into any kind of tourist attraction at this time due to Jay Cooke's loss of money and funding. Jubil is still working on fulfilling his promise made to White Dog about the park though. I love this series as Jubil finds himself in very dangerous situations in this book as he tries to get the park where it should be and also the Crow people living on the reservation what they deserve and not to be harmed. I thought that the author wrote a very action packed book about a fictional historical event but still loosely based off of actual history. I love fictional books with history involved in them, this is a great series that I can not wait to read more of! I recommend this one to fans of history and great fictional reads!
399 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2026
"The Montana Gold Mine", by Tim Piper was truly an enjoyable read! Mr. Piper proves that an amazing novel can be written without the use of profanity and sexual content. This novel is book 4 in the Jubilee Walker series. Truth be told, I have not read the previous novels. However, this novel stands alone and mentions some of the previous adventures of Jubilee Walker. "The Montana Gold Mine" takes place in the Spring of 1874. We find the main character, Jubilee (Jubil) and his wife, Nelly (a strong female character who is ahead of her time), trying to save their mercantile stores and adventure tours from going under, due to a bad business decision and the decline of the American economy. Thus, the adventure begins, filled with an interesting plot, unique and historical figures and settings across our nation. I loved the Colorado descriptions, since that is where I live. Mr. Piper did an amazing job of describing the areas during this time in our history.
I look forward to reading his previous and any future novels! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,853 reviews21 followers
February 1, 2026
The Montana Gold Mine by Tim Piper is the 4th book in a historical series, but it does well as a standalone. I won this Advance Copy of this book from LibraryThing. I had not read the previous four books.

The author pieces together pieces of history with some fictional characters; in fact, Jubilee Walker and his wife, Nelly have an adventure in Montana in 1874, which allows them to meet President Grant, George Bird Grinnell, a naturalist, and Professor Othniel Charles Marsh. The latter viewed the corruption in Grant's term and reported it to Grant. That caused the Secretary of the Interior, Columbus Delano, to quit his position.

The pace of the book is slow, but it picks up in the middle until you cannot put it down.
I really wanted more character development and description of Yellowstone Park, but that is my personal preference. I am sure I would have enjoyed the story more if I had read the previous three books. I was impressed by the independence and education of Nellie, which was unusual for the time,
Profile Image for Scovia.
108 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2026
Jubil's business is struggling, and it seems like a competitor is trying to make sure he stays out of business. Jubil makes attempts to save his business as well as the indigenous tribes. In short, he has a lot on his plate.They have an unusual marriage setting which seems to now be changing because they used to live separately, but now she wants to travel around with him, sell her apartment and quit her job.This book is packed with action, crime, romance and business. You get the best of both worlds. I like how it's never a dull moment in Jubil's world. There's always something happening. This book is amazing and full of intense situations.
102 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2026
The Montana Gold Mine does an excellent job blending American history with character-driven adventure. Jubilee Walker remains a compelling lead, especially in how his strong moral compass often puts him at odds with financial survival and political pressure. The 1874 economic collapse is the main driver of the tension behind the story, and the author weaves historical context into the story without slowing the momentum. Exploration remains a theme, but this time, Jubil sets out for financial purposes, as opposed to cartography. I was especially drawn to the ethical stakes surrounding Yellowstone and the Crow people. This instalment feels purposeful, engaging, and emotionally grounded.
148 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2026
Tim Piper once again created a historical fiction around his cast using real events and places. This time, the story was set against the backdrop of the depression of 1874, and Jubil fights to keep his business afloat. This time, there’s a lot of political intrigue and business drama thrown into the mix, and the adventure is not one of exploration, but of finding new avenues in order to keep his business afloat. There’s also a lot of call backs to the earlier stories, many of which I am familiar with. The trade off is that this story felt slightly less action packed than previous entries.
198 reviews7 followers
January 20, 2026
The Montana Gold Mine brings back Jubil, Nelly, and a world I’ve grown to love. In this novel Walker, Walker attempts to save his clothing business during an economic downturn in the late 1800’s while navigating his complex marriage arrangement and an indigenous tribe on the brink of extinction. Piper has nailed his settings, and has the deliver of adventure stories down to a science. He pulls you into a historical world that’s accurate enough to be believable, but adds a tinge of his own unique flair.
303 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2026
In Tim Piper’s Montana Gold Mine, Jubilee Walker is trying to get his fledgling business up and running the midst of a national depression. It is proving to be no easy task. To make matters worse, the powers that be consider him competition, and an old grudge resurfaces. Will Jubilee survive the onslaught? Or will he die trying?

Montana Gold Mine is the fourth installment of The Jubilee Walker Series. It is a stand-alone novel and doesn’t have to be read in order. It is a well-written account of historical fiction. The narrative seamlessly blends historical characters with an entertaining story. The plot keeps the reader’s attention throughout. To Piper’s credit, it is evident that he has done his research. Montana Gold Mine has one intriguing adventure after another without objectionable content. The climax leaves enough room for further historical escapades in the future. All in all, Montana Gold Mine is a worthy read.
Profile Image for Lesley Odhiambo.
28 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2026
Jubilee wishes to expand his merchandise and tour business while bringing an end to the corruption in Crow Agency. This leads to him endangering his loved ones, as the Black family, similarly to the past, still operates on the illegal side of the law.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I found the historical setup to be interesting. The characters were well portrayed and each role thoroughly explored. Being set in 1874, I loved how different this was, as the author gave a voice to women. This was from how Jubil respected and encouraged his wife's independence. I highly recommend it.
54 reviews
January 20, 2026
What stood out most for me was the constant momentum — there’s always another problem to solve or threat to confront. The mix of business struggles, corruption, and personal relationships creates a layered story that never feels stagnant. Jubilee remains a compelling lead whose determination makes him easy to support. This book blends romance, danger, and historical context into a satisfying adventure.
60 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2026
Tim Piper delivers a gripping frontier narrative that balances moral conviction with escalating danger. Jubilee Walker’s resolve to protect both his livelihood and vulnerable communities gives the story real emotional force, while the historical backdrop grounds every conflict in believable stakes. Political maneuvering, personal risk, and ethical choices collide in a way that kept me fully invested. This entry feels confident, purposeful, and deeply engaging from start to finish.
364 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 10, 2026
Jubil Walker wants to expand his busineses to service the newly created Yellowstone National Park.  He uses his influences to get meetings with government officials.  There is corruption even back then and causes a lot of issues for him. This was a very fun, exciting action adventure. Jubil is a character that makes you root for the good guys.
5 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
Over all the book was good. My reason for reading the book was to see if it was possible to understand what was going on without reading the other books. It is possible because of the character recaps given by the author. The book just wasn’t quite my thing but very good nonetheless.
Thanks @booksforwardpr for the gifted eARC
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.