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Steve Dancy Tales #1
The Shopkeeper
In 1879, Steve Dancy sells his New York shop and ventures west to explore and write a journal about his adventures. Though he's not looking for trouble, Dancy's infatuation with another man's wife soon embroils him in a deadly feud with Sean Washburn, a Nevada silver baron. Infuriated by the outrages of two hired thugs, the shopkeeper kills both men in an impulsive street fight. Dancy believes this barbarian act has closed the episode. He is wrong. He has interfered with Washburn's ambitions, and this is something the mining tycoon will not allow. Pinkertons, hired assassins, and aggrieved bystanders escalate the feud until it pulls in all the moneyed interests and power brokers in Nevada. Can the former city slicker settle accounts without losing his life in the process?
242 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2007
632 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
About the author
James D. Best
25 books71 followersJames Best is the author of the bestselling Steve Dancy Tales: The Shopkeeper, Leadville, Murder at Thumb Butte, The Return, Jenny's Revenge, Crossing the Animas, and No Peace. His contemporary Best Thrillers series includes The Shut Mouth Society, Deluge, and The Templar Reprisals. Tempest at Dawn is a classic novelization of the United States Constitutional Convention. Principled Action and The Digital Organization are nonfiction books. James has ghost written three books, authored two regular magazine columns, and published numerous journal articles. As a conference speaker, he has made presentations throughout North America and Europe. He is a member of Western Writers of America, Western Literature Association, and the Pacific Beach Surf Club. James enjoys writing, film, surfing, skiing, and watching his grandchildren play sports and cavort.
His blog address and contact information can be found at http://jamesdbest.blogspot.com/
James and his wife Diane live in Omaha, San Diego, and New York City. (Close to all the things he loves except skiing. Invitations to a mountain cabins gladly accepted.)
His blog address and contact information can be found at http://jamesdbest.blogspot.com/
James and his wife Diane live in Omaha, San Diego, and New York City. (Close to all the things he loves except skiing. Invitations to a mountain cabins gladly accepted.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
February 8, 2021
A very entertaining read
It is somewhat difficult to review this book without spoilers but I will try. Let us begin by pointing out that the description at the Amazon listing of this novel is not quite accurate. It does give a general idea of what the book is about but the detail is not quite right. Which is a good thing because some of the best things about this novel are the surprises. I figured some of them out in advance, not because I'm smart but I think that Mr. Best deliberately wrote it so that alert readers can do that without feeling that it was too obvious. I recommend reading it with the little surprises unspoiled.
Some of the slang and dialogue don't belong in this historical era but it doesn't seriously hamper the story. The weapons and other technology do seem appropriate to the time period.
Mr. Best used one of my favorite plot devices in this book. One which was often used to good effect by Elmore Leonard and Donald Hamilton in their fine westerns.
It is somewhat difficult to review this book without spoilers but I will try. Let us begin by pointing out that the description at the Amazon listing of this novel is not quite accurate. It does give a general idea of what the book is about but the detail is not quite right. Which is a good thing because some of the best things about this novel are the surprises. I figured some of them out in advance, not because I'm smart but I think that Mr. Best deliberately wrote it so that alert readers can do that without feeling that it was too obvious. I recommend reading it with the little surprises unspoiled.
Some of the slang and dialogue don't belong in this historical era but it doesn't seriously hamper the story. The weapons and other technology do seem appropriate to the time period.
Mr. Best used one of my favorite plot devices in this book. One which was often used to good effect by Elmore Leonard and Donald Hamilton in their fine westerns.
March 30, 2017
James Best's The Shopkeeper was weak historical fiction. He lacked the ear for the language of 1879, including vocabulary that was jarringly inappropriate. When his main character, Steve Dancy, described the bodyguards alongside the villain as two dreadnoughts escorting a cargo ship, Mr. Best's credibility as a historical novelist sank with all hands.
May 22, 2015
Steve Dancy is not your usual good guy cowboy outfoxing and outgunning bad guys while getting the girl in the end. He is instead, a 30 year old ex shopkeeper from New York City looking to explore the west, still a dangerous place in 1879. Everything is going well for Steve in the silver mining town of Pickhandle Gulch until he gets bullied by two enforcers of Nevada's largest robber baron, Sean Washburn. Instead of minding his business and keeping a low profile, Steve decides on instinct, to shoot down the two bad guys in the street before they ambush and kill his new friend and whist partner. This creates a problem for Steve and his friends since they now have to in essence, kill the king to survive. Fortunately, Steve made a few bucks when he sold his shop in New York and in addition to employing a team of tough Pinkerton bodyguards, he uses his head, his sense of humor and loyalty to plan an elaborate campaign to take down the robber baron (and win the girl, of course). I plan to continue Steve's travels in this very entertaining western series by James D Best and so should you!
July 21, 2011
Louis L'Amour has spoiled me for almost any other westerns.
When you have a man who has, literally, lived all he's writing about, it's painfully obvious when you read a story by a man who hasn't.
Sorry, Mr. Best.
When you have a man who has, literally, lived all he's writing about, it's painfully obvious when you read a story by a man who hasn't.
Sorry, Mr. Best.
August 11, 2016
I came across The Shopkeeper on Freebooksy, and read the Kindle version free. I have really been in the mood for a good western, but guess that I'll have to keep looking. Sorry Mr. Best, while the premise may be plausible for some, I found much of it a stretch and a lot of it just down right silly. A millionaire (very wealthy anyway), Shakespeare quoting, Mark Twain reading, gunsmith/high powered businessman from New York, exploring the west, seeking out adventure and wrongs to right, while collecting stories about the Wild West to be included in a book he has been commissioned to write. Seriously? Makes as much sense as Donald Trump doing social work.
Since I have no intention of reading another book in this series I can't be sure about the others, but I firmly believe that this one should have been rated as Teen, or Young Adult. Except for the protagonist, most of the the characters are caricatures of actors from every B western I've ever seen. The protagonist himself, Steve Dancy, is pretty much Sherlock Holmes in Nevada.
I've said before, I really don't like to harshly criticize writers, or their work. I have high regard for writers, and I'm admittedly jealous of their talents. Yes, even Mr. Best. But, for some reason, this one annoyed me. I don't know why, especially since it didn't cost me anything. I think it's because I feel that I've wasted my time and that makes me more angry than anything. I can't specifically say why I didn't like the book and apologize to readers and Mr. Best for being so unspecific.
What I really find incredible is that there have been five books in this series. Holy crap, what's wrong with you people? There are good westerns out there, amazing westerns. Read Epitaph, Deadwood, The Winter Family, The Bully of Order, or the Sister Brothers.
Since I have no intention of reading another book in this series I can't be sure about the others, but I firmly believe that this one should have been rated as Teen, or Young Adult. Except for the protagonist, most of the the characters are caricatures of actors from every B western I've ever seen. The protagonist himself, Steve Dancy, is pretty much Sherlock Holmes in Nevada.
I've said before, I really don't like to harshly criticize writers, or their work. I have high regard for writers, and I'm admittedly jealous of their talents. Yes, even Mr. Best. But, for some reason, this one annoyed me. I don't know why, especially since it didn't cost me anything. I think it's because I feel that I've wasted my time and that makes me more angry than anything. I can't specifically say why I didn't like the book and apologize to readers and Mr. Best for being so unspecific.
What I really find incredible is that there have been five books in this series. Holy crap, what's wrong with you people? There are good westerns out there, amazing westerns. Read Epitaph, Deadwood, The Winter Family, The Bully of Order, or the Sister Brothers.
July 16, 2009
A fun western. I haven't read a lot of westerns, but this one was enjoyable. New York shopkeeper Steve Dancy sells his shop and travels west, looking for adventure. His travels take him to the silver mines of Nevada. A gentleman who prefers books and cards with friends, Steve inadvertently finds himself a gunslinger embroiled in a feud with a silver baron. Add a beautiful woman, hired killers and some early Nevada history and you have The Shopkeeper.
The story was fast paced and entertaining. The hero isn't the most upstanding guy: he'll lie and cheat to get what he wants, but he's clever enough to manage it all, and take a few of the bad guys out along the way.
I liked the characters, and the portrayal of friendship. I liked the strength of Jenny, the main female character, and I cheered when her mother-in-law received her own just rewards. My main complaint is the moderate profanity, which I found annoying and unnecessary. I think there are plenty of other words one can use instead of the ubiquitous "F" word.
This is obviously the first in a series about Steve Dancy and I look forward to more.
The story was fast paced and entertaining. The hero isn't the most upstanding guy: he'll lie and cheat to get what he wants, but he's clever enough to manage it all, and take a few of the bad guys out along the way.
I liked the characters, and the portrayal of friendship. I liked the strength of Jenny, the main female character, and I cheered when her mother-in-law received her own just rewards. My main complaint is the moderate profanity, which I found annoying and unnecessary. I think there are plenty of other words one can use instead of the ubiquitous "F" word.
This is obviously the first in a series about Steve Dancy and I look forward to more.
August 15, 2016
I'm a little surprised at all of the glowing reviews for this one and would wonder if people were bribed to review it so glowingly. This book read as very amateurish to me, and all of the comparisons to Louis L'Amour are an insult to Mr. L'Amour. If Lonesome Dove is the greatest Western ever written, this is a distant last place.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
August 29, 2016
Good read
4 1/2 stars. New to this author. Nice writing and kept interest high. Looking forward to next book in series.
4 1/2 stars. New to this author. Nice writing and kept interest high. Looking forward to next book in series.
August 17, 2024
It’s been the first time that I’ve read a western, and I must say that I have truly enjoyed it! Will be reading the second story shortly and follow Steve Dancy on his western adventures.
August 24, 2019
Well... I didn't expect that haha.. I'm not used to reading westerns... I move more on the romantic and fantasy side of reading.. but these book was a pleasent surprise. It captured my attention and I really got to like the characters, the schemes and the outcomes. It's a quick read with a story to enjoy.
April 11, 2020
Highly enjoyable read, I finished it in a matter of days. The main character had a fun personality and I found the writing (whilst probably not typical of that time) of quality. It was easy to get immersed in the world James D. Best created and to let the story unfold page after page.
I wanted a good and fun read, and this was one. The best part? there are six sequels!
I wanted a good and fun read, and this was one. The best part? there are six sequels!
May 9, 2020
Just good
Great book, I needed that, it's been hard to find a good one to read. Seems like a more grown up western. Many are too similar & they can get boring. I burned through this one quickly & now on to book two. Very well written with great characters. Easy read. Read it!
Great book, I needed that, it's been hard to find a good one to read. Seems like a more grown up western. Many are too similar & they can get boring. I burned through this one quickly & now on to book two. Very well written with great characters. Easy read. Read it!
September 2, 2020
First time but certainly not the last
I really enjoyed this book. The people are who I'd want at my back in those conditions. Being retired i am cautious about where I spend my time...this author is one I heartily recommend. Thanks for writing for us.
I really enjoyed this book. The people are who I'd want at my back in those conditions. Being retired i am cautious about where I spend my time...this author is one I heartily recommend. Thanks for writing for us.
June 11, 2016
The town of Pickhandle Gulch, Nevada was practically a bustling metropolis in 1879. Nestled between the Silver Peak Range and the Excelsior Mountains, silver mines were springing up like weeds one the desolate landscape. Like the cattle towns lower in the valleys, Pickhandle Gulch has its share of violence, making it almost a daily fare. Thirty-one-year-old Steve Dancy has recently sold his store in New York and headed west. This high mountain settlement is just one stop on his westward trek. He can accurately be described as a slyboots and a master of machinations. When he has a run-in with the Cutler Brothers, employees of Sean Washburn and local troublemakers, his stay in this fair town soon becomes precarious, if not downright dangerous. An impulsive and violent act starts a tumultuous landslide causing everyone to run for cover. Like the cattle wars, a decade later, the silver wars attracted unsavory characters from every nook and cranny. All of the elements are present, action, mystery, lust, and love.
When I started this story I thought and hoped it would be like the classic westerns written by Louis L’Amour, Zane Gray, or Max Brand but instead I discovered essences of Mark Twain. Like Twain, character development is an important part of his style and he performs this admirably. Unfortunately, the renowned Twainian humor is missing, bringing the tale down for a couple of pegs. Although this isn’t a commonplace novel, it is not a semelparous story and can use some improvement.
When I started this story I thought and hoped it would be like the classic westerns written by Louis L’Amour, Zane Gray, or Max Brand but instead I discovered essences of Mark Twain. Like Twain, character development is an important part of his style and he performs this admirably. Unfortunately, the renowned Twainian humor is missing, bringing the tale down for a couple of pegs. Although this isn’t a commonplace novel, it is not a semelparous story and can use some improvement.
December 31, 2015
Most western novels suffer from a formula type writing. The Shopkeeper avoids most of those cliches as the hero seeks to beat his enemies in a battle of wits, putting pressure on them using political powers, financial powers, etc. And, even so, our hero, Steve Dancy, is not above pulling out his pistol and demonstrating that despite being an Eastern dude, he knows all about weapons and how to use them. This novel is chocked full of humor, deliciously wild dialogue, clever thinking and planning, and just the right amount of real western type action.
A solid novel, written by an author I'd never heard of... like his name says-- He is D. Best--- because this novel was fun, enjoyable, suspenseful, and full of western grit. I rarely give any book five stars, but was glad to do so for this one, as its author is a new discovery for me.
A solid novel, written by an author I'd never heard of... like his name says-- He is D. Best--- because this novel was fun, enjoyable, suspenseful, and full of western grit. I rarely give any book five stars, but was glad to do so for this one, as its author is a new discovery for me.
April 20, 2016
This story is definitely a good read for almost any fiction reader. I think the characters were interesting and the story moved along at a good pace. If you're a fan of westerns it may appeal even that much more but it isn't necessary.
Steve Dancy moves to Pickhandle Gulch from NY. You'd think things would be boring out west compared to New York, but this book proves that life can get interesting wherever you choose to hang your hat. Dancy's time in Pickhandle Gulch seems to start fairly innocuous. But as some of the local areas heavy hitters start throwing their weight around, Dancy is not backing down. As Dancy spreads his own footprint in Pickhandle Gulch, he has a fight on his hands that may not last past high noon.
Steve Dancy moves to Pickhandle Gulch from NY. You'd think things would be boring out west compared to New York, but this book proves that life can get interesting wherever you choose to hang your hat. Dancy's time in Pickhandle Gulch seems to start fairly innocuous. But as some of the local areas heavy hitters start throwing their weight around, Dancy is not backing down. As Dancy spreads his own footprint in Pickhandle Gulch, he has a fight on his hands that may not last past high noon.
January 28, 2013
This is an old-fashioned western in a way that goes back to the western’s roots. For the closest comparison, I’d offer Francis Lynde’s first novel, The Grafters, which was published in 1905. Both novels tell of a newcomer to the West who gets involved in a political intrigue, where influence is bought and sold, and greed rules the workings of government. . .
Read my review and an interview with the author at my blog.
Read my review and an interview with the author at my blog.
January 9, 2016
Good book, kept the reader wanting to go on until you saw what the next thing that would happen. I did not realize when I downloaded this book, that I had read one of his others. Totally different era and I thought a good western sounded good. I was not disappointed. Living near Carson City, I was able to identify with some of the places the hero was going, although, not the main town. That always makes the book more enjoyable. The hero gets mixed up with some bad actors and how he deals with them is good. I will look for the next in this series.
November 24, 2009
Really liked this fast paced novel of Old West. Steve Dancy, the protagonist, has looks, Eastern class, and big money--perfect hero, especially since he is a great shot and a gunsmith and loves to read. Okay--it's not real literature, but it sure is entertaining with a pretty good look at the lawlessness that existed in mining towns. The characters were quite interesting. If the good guy triumphs in the end, why not?
October 23, 2016
I liked it! I enjoyed the smart protagonist and his way of thinking things through before acting, and the friendships he develops with similar-minded people. It was nice reading about someone who, while he demonstrably has the capacity for deep feelings, doesn't allow them to trip him into idiotic and emotionally-charged mistakes.
I liked the plot too, how things seem to evolve and escalate in a natural fashion up to the big showdown in the end.
I liked the plot too, how things seem to evolve and escalate in a natural fashion up to the big showdown in the end.
November 8, 2019
Although this was not your typical Western, that's sort of what I liked about it. It was from a different perspective, different twists, but still delivered thrills. I love the old westerns as much as anybody, L'amour, Grey, McMurtry, and Leonard are my favorites, but this was a fresh point of view that I enjoyed. Really liked the next two in the series also.
January 17, 2016
Not your normal Greenhorn Goes West story. Steve Dancy might be new to the west but he brings with him special skills and savvy. Good guy needs to figure out how to defeat bad guy who is hiring his killing done. He he goes about it makes for an interesting story.
May 18, 2016
Different kind of western. Very entertaining and a good read. Interesting characters.
Definitely want to read more books written by James D. Best
Definitely want to read more books written by James D. Best
July 28, 2016
A Western with pizzazz
I quit reading western in my teens. I have been missing something If this is typical of the genre today. This book holds your interest and keeps you guessing as what's going to happen next. No glaring typos, well written a pleasure to read.
I quit reading western in my teens. I have been missing something If this is typical of the genre today. This book holds your interest and keeps you guessing as what's going to happen next. No glaring typos, well written a pleasure to read.
December 30, 2014
Not my usual genre however found it well written, fast moving and I would read more by this author.
July 2, 2015
I can't remember the last time I read a western, but this was pretty good. Gunslingers, outlaws, Pinkertons, and sassy chambermaids. Okay!
February 17, 2016
I started this book and had my doubts. It didn't take long for me to get hooked
June 7, 2017
I found this book to be an engaging, light, fast paced enjoyable story, one that kept me going as I didn't want to put it down. The historical aspect to the story was it's setting in Nevada during the state's mining boom, but the story itself - a contest of wills between two wealthy men - could have been set in any time period. I was a bit disappointed that the villain was barely in story. Contempt for this character had to come from the reader's association with the main character. Nonetheless, the author moved the story along with good pacing and an appropriate number of twists.
November 21, 2017
A different approach
The first book I have read written by this author. He constructed a different plot with likable characters. I will read more of the Steve Dancy series. I like western novels as they are not so politically correct and don’t have to have all the modern buss of unmarried sex, wine, and four letter words.
The first book I have read written by this author. He constructed a different plot with likable characters. I will read more of the Steve Dancy series. I like western novels as they are not so politically correct and don’t have to have all the modern buss of unmarried sex, wine, and four letter words.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews