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Whiskey Woods #1
Whiskey Woods
In a thrilling new series set during the explosive Texas Whiskey Wars, a proud family of distillers faces off with a ruthless rival who’s trading shots of liquor with hot lead. . . .
The small but lively town of Glen Rose, Texas, is famous for its home-brewed whiskey—thanks to the Stark family’s secret recipe. Over the years, Civil War veteran Jed Stark and his tough-as-nails mom Minnie have managed to turn their small family distillery into a highly successful business. But whiskey’s not the only thing that’s brewing in Glen Rose. There’s plenty of trouble, too—namely Merlin Sheldrake, a rival distiller who’s got the money, power, and connections to swallow the Starks’ operation in a single gulp. Sure, his rancid brand of rotgut whiskey is no match for their smooth Texas blend. But this is more than friendly competition. This is nasty, all-out war. . . .
First, Sheldrake sends a couple of goons to the Stark ranch to steal their family recipe—but they get a faceful of buckshot from Minnie instead. Then, he sets fire to the Stark distillery, burning everything to the ground. Thankfully, Jed has a stash of stills hidden in a cave and no intention of backing down. But then the whiskey wars take an even darker turn—when Minnie is kidnapped by Sheldrake’s hired guns. Now Jed has no choice but to fight this fight to the bitter end. Even if the blood flows faster than whiskey, Jed is prepared to teach these lowlifes a Don’t mess with Texas. Especially when there’s family, honor, and whiskey involved. . . .
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHERE TEXANS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, HONOR—AND WHISKEY.
The small but lively town of Glen Rose, Texas, is famous for its home-brewed whiskey—thanks to the Stark family’s secret recipe. Over the years, Civil War veteran Jed Stark and his tough-as-nails mom Minnie have managed to turn their small family distillery into a highly successful business. But whiskey’s not the only thing that’s brewing in Glen Rose. There’s plenty of trouble, too—namely Merlin Sheldrake, a rival distiller who’s got the money, power, and connections to swallow the Starks’ operation in a single gulp. Sure, his rancid brand of rotgut whiskey is no match for their smooth Texas blend. But this is more than friendly competition. This is nasty, all-out war. . . .
First, Sheldrake sends a couple of goons to the Stark ranch to steal their family recipe—but they get a faceful of buckshot from Minnie instead. Then, he sets fire to the Stark distillery, burning everything to the ground. Thankfully, Jed has a stash of stills hidden in a cave and no intention of backing down. But then the whiskey wars take an even darker turn—when Minnie is kidnapped by Sheldrake’s hired guns. Now Jed has no choice but to fight this fight to the bitter end. Even if the blood flows faster than whiskey, Jed is prepared to teach these lowlifes a Don’t mess with Texas. Especially when there’s family, honor, and whiskey involved. . . .
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WHERE TEXANS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, HONOR—AND WHISKEY.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,057 books1,453 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gratitude to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
“Whiskey Woods” was my first encounter with William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, and it proved to be an excellent introduction both to the authors and to their new series centered on the Texas Whiskey Wars.
I will admit that I approached the book with some hesitation. A western built around whiskey production and distribution did not immediately sound like something I would naturally gravitate toward. Fortunately, the novel is about much more than whiskey. At its heart, it is a story about resilience, standing up for what is right, and protecting what you and the generations before you have worked hard to build.
Although it takes place after the wildest years of the frontier, “Whiskey Woods” has all the ingredients of a classic western. The pacing is deliberate and slow-burning, but that is part of its charm. The story takes its time establishing the characters, their relationships, and the pressures building around them, making the eventual confrontations feel earned rather than manufactured.
The characters are well-developed, believable, and easy to invest in. Add a welcome sense of humor and a story that moves smoothly and confidently from chapter to chapter, and the result is a book that is simply a pleasure to read. The setting feels authentic, the conflicts meaningful, and the themes surprisingly timeless. Long after the details of the whiskey trade fade into the background, what remains is a story about family, legacy, and determination.
In many ways, “Whiskey Woods” feels like a bridge between the western traditions of Karl May and the modern frontier storytelling of Taylor Sheridan. It honors the spirit of the classic western while delivering a story that feels fresh and relevant.
A wonderful start to a new series and one I look forward to following.
“Whiskey Woods” was my first encounter with William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, and it proved to be an excellent introduction both to the authors and to their new series centered on the Texas Whiskey Wars.
I will admit that I approached the book with some hesitation. A western built around whiskey production and distribution did not immediately sound like something I would naturally gravitate toward. Fortunately, the novel is about much more than whiskey. At its heart, it is a story about resilience, standing up for what is right, and protecting what you and the generations before you have worked hard to build.
Although it takes place after the wildest years of the frontier, “Whiskey Woods” has all the ingredients of a classic western. The pacing is deliberate and slow-burning, but that is part of its charm. The story takes its time establishing the characters, their relationships, and the pressures building around them, making the eventual confrontations feel earned rather than manufactured.
The characters are well-developed, believable, and easy to invest in. Add a welcome sense of humor and a story that moves smoothly and confidently from chapter to chapter, and the result is a book that is simply a pleasure to read. The setting feels authentic, the conflicts meaningful, and the themes surprisingly timeless. Long after the details of the whiskey trade fade into the background, what remains is a story about family, legacy, and determination.
In many ways, “Whiskey Woods” feels like a bridge between the western traditions of Karl May and the modern frontier storytelling of Taylor Sheridan. It honors the spirit of the classic western while delivering a story that feels fresh and relevant.
A wonderful start to a new series and one I look forward to following.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jed Stark, hero of William Johnstone's latest, Whiskey Woods (Pinnacle 2026) is soul sick from the American Civil War's senseless killing and wants nothing more than to trade death and violence for the peace of remote Glen Rose, Texas where he can run his family whiskey business with his mother. He loves the Texas land, the predictability of the family's age-old recipe, giving customers an excellent brew at an affordable price, and wants nothing more than to finish his life in this way. That hope is endangered with the arrival of greedy Merlin Sheldrake, his piles of money, and ruthless dream of turning Stark's whiskey business into a cash cow. Jed turns him down, over and over, but Sheldrake will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even violence, kidnapping, or death.
This is a good story though not a classic western. It delves into a kinder and gentler western hero, one who struggled to make his way in the growing America without relying on a gun on his hip, instead depending upon honor and fairness. You’ll have to read the book to see if that bears out.
A comment on the author: Johnstone has long been a favorite of mine for Westerns, especially classic Westerns, but the last few reads have lacked the spark of the early ones. Not sure if it's the ghost writers being used or something else, but I find myself more reluctant than usual to invest the time and money in the new books. That makes me sad.
This is a good story though not a classic western. It delves into a kinder and gentler western hero, one who struggled to make his way in the growing America without relying on a gun on his hip, instead depending upon honor and fairness. You’ll have to read the book to see if that bears out.
A comment on the author: Johnstone has long been a favorite of mine for Westerns, especially classic Westerns, but the last few reads have lacked the spark of the early ones. Not sure if it's the ghost writers being used or something else, but I find myself more reluctant than usual to invest the time and money in the new books. That makes me sad.
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.
Whiskey Woods introduces a new series with a Texan family who have made a name for themselves making whiskey. Texas history includes a lot of drinking, but it's usually locally made and only fit to give you a hangover. Jed Stark and his mother, Minnie, produce a drink worth drinking. Their business may be small, but it's growing larger with every bottle. There's always someone who can't stand to see anyone else get ahead. In Glen Rose, Texas, it's Melvin Sheldrake. Sheldrake's gorilla tactics match his rotgut against the Starks' better brew and their customer loyalty. He'll try anything to close them down. When his strongarm doesn't work, Sheldrake has Minnie taken. Now Jed must show Sheldrake and his crew that they've made their last mistake.
Whiskey Woods introduces a new series with a Texan family who have made a name for themselves making whiskey. Texas history includes a lot of drinking, but it's usually locally made and only fit to give you a hangover. Jed Stark and his mother, Minnie, produce a drink worth drinking. Their business may be small, but it's growing larger with every bottle. There's always someone who can't stand to see anyone else get ahead. In Glen Rose, Texas, it's Melvin Sheldrake. Sheldrake's gorilla tactics match his rotgut against the Starks' better brew and their customer loyalty. He'll try anything to close them down. When his strongarm doesn't work, Sheldrake has Minnie taken. Now Jed must show Sheldrake and his crew that they've made their last mistake.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an action packed and fast paced inaugural volume of a new series that promises even greater excitement from the esteemed authors of Western literature.
In Glen Rose, Texas, the Stark family, led by Civil War veteran Jed Stark and his mother Minnie, operate a prosperous whiskey distillery. Their moonshine is in high demand, yet their achievements draw the attention of Merlin Sheldrake, a ruthless competitor with corrupt associates.
Sheldrake’s acts of sabotage escalate into a violent confrontation, ultimately resulting in Minnie’s abduction. Jed, resolute in his mission to rescue her, embarks on an unyielding pursuit, prepared to face Sheldrake and his forces with steadfast determination.
The Stark family’s bond remains indomitable as they safeguard their legacy against formidable adversaries.
I’m looking so forward to the sequel Double Shot to be released November 2026.
**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
#WhiskeyWoods
In Glen Rose, Texas, the Stark family, led by Civil War veteran Jed Stark and his mother Minnie, operate a prosperous whiskey distillery. Their moonshine is in high demand, yet their achievements draw the attention of Merlin Sheldrake, a ruthless competitor with corrupt associates.
Sheldrake’s acts of sabotage escalate into a violent confrontation, ultimately resulting in Minnie’s abduction. Jed, resolute in his mission to rescue her, embarks on an unyielding pursuit, prepared to face Sheldrake and his forces with steadfast determination.
The Stark family’s bond remains indomitable as they safeguard their legacy against formidable adversaries.
I’m looking so forward to the sequel Double Shot to be released November 2026.
**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
#WhiskeyWoods
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Whiskey Woods” by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is an entertaining 5-star read! Jed Stark wants nothing more than to live a peaceful life distilling whiskey on his family farm with his mother, Minnie. Merlin Sheldrake is rich and powerful and used to getting everything he wants, which in this case is the secret recipe for the Stark family whiskey.
This is a pretty standard good-versus-evil story, although it isn’t quite a classic Western. It’s very easy to like Jed, as he is a genuinely great man, while it’s just as easy to hate Merlin, who is an absolutely awful human being. The story is well told, and I look forward to seeing where the Stark family goes from here, as this is the first book in the series.
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 is a pretty standard good-versus-evil story, although it isn’t quite a classic Western. It’s very easy to like Jed, as he is a genuinely great man, while it’s just as easy to hate Merlin, who is an absolutely awful human being. The story is well told, and I look forward to seeing where the Stark family goes from here, as this is the first book in the series.
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 NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC of this book.
The blurb for the book basically summarizes what you can expect. The writing is simple and appropriate for anyone 16+.
This is the first book in a series. The story is set post Civil War and focuses on a small town in Texas and its whisky distillers. The plot revolves around a mother and son who've been distilling in the area for years until a wealthy and power hungry man arrives. The family's goal is to protect their heritage and the newcomer's goal is to get their whiskey recipe and or kill their business altogether and he'll stop at nothing to get it. Legacy vs greed is the premise.
There is not much to review...it is a straightforward story without any twists.
The blurb for the book basically summarizes what you can expect. The writing is simple and appropriate for anyone 16+.
This is the first book in a series. The story is set post Civil War and focuses on a small town in Texas and its whisky distillers. The plot revolves around a mother and son who've been distilling in the area for years until a wealthy and power hungry man arrives. The family's goal is to protect their heritage and the newcomer's goal is to get their whiskey recipe and or kill their business altogether and he'll stop at nothing to get it. Legacy vs greed is the premise.
There is not much to review...it is a straightforward story without any twists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book harkens to the actual writings of William Johnstone. Well defined, if a bit silly, bad guy versus a good guy, though, that doesn't become obvious in the first dozen pages or so.
Also, this book brings back the memory of well drawn characters, a hallmark of Johnstone.
There's also an interesting premise of moonshining. A very different backdrop for a western tale.
The story is well planned and settings are well written.
I didn't care for something that is creeping into a few Johnstone books - Over lapping scenes. It's a jerky form of flashback. Other readers may not mind.
Bottom line: I recommend the book. 7 out of ten points.
This book made available for preview by NetGalley.com, which I highly recomend participating in.
Also, this book brings back the memory of well drawn characters, a hallmark of Johnstone.
There's also an interesting premise of moonshining. A very different backdrop for a western tale.
The story is well planned and settings are well written.
I didn't care for something that is creeping into a few Johnstone books - Over lapping scenes. It's a jerky form of flashback. Other readers may not mind.
Bottom line: I recommend the book. 7 out of ten points.
This book made available for preview by NetGalley.com, which I highly recomend participating in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC copy of Whiskey Woods by WIlliam W. Johnston & J.A. Johnstone.
The first book of the series, Whiskey Woods drops you off in the post Civil War era right in the middle of the Starks family whiskey distillery (though we all know there is a bit of moonshine running). Set surrounding Jed and his mother Minnie, their goal to protect their heritage from Merlin Sheldrake, a power hungry man who will do whatever it takes to get his hands on their legacy. This is a very straight forward Western, and honestly will bring you back to the Westerns on TV.
The first book of the series, Whiskey Woods drops you off in the post Civil War era right in the middle of the Starks family whiskey distillery (though we all know there is a bit of moonshine running). Set surrounding Jed and his mother Minnie, their goal to protect their heritage from Merlin Sheldrake, a power hungry man who will do whatever it takes to get his hands on their legacy. This is a very straight forward Western, and honestly will bring you back to the Westerns on TV.
July 29, 2026
Did not pass my 50 page criterion… just not my cup of tea..
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews