HARD LESSONS: One Hundred Forty-Seventh in a Series of Jess Williams Westerns

by Robert J. Thomas

Jess is back on the hunt for another killer, Bartholomew Thomas. The hunt takes him to the town of Morgan, where he meets two down-and-out bounty hunters, Rick and Judd. Once they find out who he is and who he’s after, they beg him to give them the wanted poster so they can finally make some money.

Jess gives them the poster of Thomas. Then he follows them to Henderson where Thomas is supposed to be. Once he arrives, he quickly discovers that things have not gone well.

The two hard-luck bounty hunters are still penniless, so they convince Jess to let Rick accompany him on the hunt for Thomas, so they can split the bounty.

During the hunt, Rick discovers a dark side of man he’d never witnessed before and has to decide about the future of bounty hunting for him and his partner, Judd.

Then, when two vicious killers, Alvin Glenn and Ron Clayton, escape from the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas, Jess gets the assignment from United States Marshal Frank Reedy to find them and return them to the penitentiary to be hung.

Glenn and Clayton leave bodies along their back trail, and Rick learns some valuable lessons along the way.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2025

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

In 1990 Robert J. Thomas was sworn in as the full time mayor for the city of Westland, Michigan. He served twelve years, making him the longest serving mayor in Westland's history.

While he was mayor he wrote his first book titled, How to Run for Local Office, which has now sold over 25,000 copies worldwide.

He has written and published on Kindle, the Jess Williams Westerns series. Retired, he now lives in Mississippi with his wfe Jill.

Reviews

[James Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read!

I really enjoyed this book very much. It has a great story with a new mission and it was a nice change. I pictured Henry’s train and imagined riding in it. Very cool! Enough chit-chat, get one hundred forty eighth done! I’m ready for the next chapter of the life of Jess Williams!

[Darlene Lenard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love n being able loses my self in your stories, when I can't sleep on I just need to relax fell like I am in the time that you wife them in,you put so much though in to details, ,,people,animals,country, and stay with the story missed shadow in this one lol have read all hurry and write another one

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This was a very well thought out story and well written. Jess is making more friends and people are learning how good he can be or how dangerous and mean he can be. An excellent read and would highly recommend this book to all that enjoy a great western.

[Lavina Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

I found Robert J. Thomas's books several years ago. I have read them all and enjoyed reading every one of them. He sort of missed October's book but naturally, this one was very good.

[Nita Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Lessons

Jesse tried to warn two body hunters about how to kill the wanted man. But both did not head Jesse's advice. Later Rick asked Jesse to teach how to be like him. Rick learned some hard lessons.

[Theado · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellence

The Jess Williams series is always a great read. I’ve read them all and have never been disappointed. While some situations share similarities, each story feels unique and never repetitive.

[Greg Cypert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lesson learned !!

I understand why Jess does things the he does. In order to stay a live in the business of hunting killers. You can never let your guard down if you want to stay a
live. I've read all the Jess Williams books, and this is one of the best. 😊

[Martha Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Lesson

These books on Jesse Williams are really great reads. I own everyone of them and look forward to lots more. Thank you Robert J. Thomas for some great reads.

[Margean S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very good. Still unable to access Stolen Horses! Every time I purchase it, it is still train robbery. Is there anyway to fix that problem 😕

[patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Williams Hunt

Great read as always. Already excited about the next Jess Williams adventure. Maybe Wildcat can join him in his hunt for those wanted Dead or Alive

[William M. Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just keep reading them

Good as ever. I've enjoyed all 146 (I couldn't download one). Looking forward to 148. I recommend all of them heartily.

[Charles Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

As usual the story line keeps everyone enthralled. Well done story and adding new characters and keep the story interesting.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Williams always good!!

[Tamara L Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I loved reading about Rick and his partner. I was glad to read about John B. And Rick helping Jess.

[Mark Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story like always.

I have read almost all the books now and enjoy them all. I never get tired of the many stories.