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Unflinching
In the unforgiving West, a lone Pinkerton detective is on the trail of two vicious killers. When the daughter of a famous general is kidnapped, Detective Simms is assigned to bring her home. Forged in the Mexican War, this man of steel knows how to survive, and how to kill. He will need all of his skill and guile to survive this dangerous land, and bring the general's daughter home. And then, it gets personal. ★★★★★ - "Unflinching was my first Stuart G. Yates book, but it won't be my last. A great read." ★★★★★ - "The West never felt so wild. I look forward to seeing what happens in the books that follow." ★★★★★ - "One of the best westerns I have read."
227 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2015
450 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Stuart G. Yates
147 books28 followersMy first published book 'Cold Hell in Darley Dene' (written as Glenn Stuart) was the culmination of years of trying to get myself into print. Back in 1979 I submitted a novel to a publisher, and in 2009 Darley Dene was accepted. Thirty years of honing my skills, and learning a lot about the world. If I had the chance, I'd almost certainly re-write all of my books, improve them, make them more solid, because the more we write, the better we get.This is what has happened to 'Darley Dene'. It's now available as 'Lament for Darley Dene', re-written and improved. Soon, you will find the same with 'The Pawnbroker', a horror story which I am sure many out there will enjoy.
My current day-job is being a teacher, a job I love. Without it I would not be able to continue to write; it also gives me a wealth of characters and so many ideas. The bills get paid too!
I write now as Stuart G Yates in a range of genres. Unflinching is my best-selling Western, but if you like historical fiction, thrillers or spine-tingling horror, I am sure I have a title for you.
For the moment, I live in Spain, which is not so wonderful as people try to make out, and I would dearly love to return to Old Blighty, find a little cottage and write full time. Or the Philippines and be with my fiance, marry her, find happiness. Dreams, but dreams that I am trying very hard to make true. Afterall, it's dreaming what writers do best...don't they?
My current day-job is being a teacher, a job I love. Without it I would not be able to continue to write; it also gives me a wealth of characters and so many ideas. The bills get paid too!
I write now as Stuart G Yates in a range of genres. Unflinching is my best-selling Western, but if you like historical fiction, thrillers or spine-tingling horror, I am sure I have a title for you.
For the moment, I live in Spain, which is not so wonderful as people try to make out, and I would dearly love to return to Old Blighty, find a little cottage and write full time. Or the Philippines and be with my fiance, marry her, find happiness. Dreams, but dreams that I am trying very hard to make true. Afterall, it's dreaming what writers do best...don't they?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 18, 2025
Unflinching is a post-modern, western novel, unique to the genre in disparate ways, taking advantage of the tropes that both celebrate positive and negative aspects of the western milieu. The characters in most westerns are pretty cardboard. Villains are heinous. Heroes are altruistic. Villains wear black hats. Heroes wear white hats. Villains do bad things. Heroes do good things. Except that the post-modern hero is generally anti-hero. His code is more survive at all costs, rather than the rigid adherence to law, justice, and the common good.
A United States general and his daughter arrive in a Western town when they witness a bank robbery occurring. They are thrown into a panic because they have traveled west for a new life. No sooner they arrive when they are cast into this perilous situation. The general and his daughter get separated while the general joins the fight. During the gunplay, the daughter is kidnapped.
As the villains travel through the west raping, pillaging, murdering, and enacting a campaign of mayhem, Detective Simms of the Pinkerton group is tasked to find the kidnapped young lady and put down the two rabid killers. As far as western plots go, Unflinching is much more overtly violent than the genre norm, with salacious attention to detail in particular when describing sexual encounters and graphic kills.
In addition, most westerns (when written by the masters Max Brand, Louis L'Amour, and Zane Grey) refrain from all but the most tepid expletives "Gosh!" "Darn!" "Phagh!" Here, the language is much more realistic, but also raw. I believe most readers of western fiction continue to read westerns in an attempt to yearn for an innocence lacking here. Still, interesting, innovative, but also maybe too Avant Garde.
A United States general and his daughter arrive in a Western town when they witness a bank robbery occurring. They are thrown into a panic because they have traveled west for a new life. No sooner they arrive when they are cast into this perilous situation. The general and his daughter get separated while the general joins the fight. During the gunplay, the daughter is kidnapped.
As the villains travel through the west raping, pillaging, murdering, and enacting a campaign of mayhem, Detective Simms of the Pinkerton group is tasked to find the kidnapped young lady and put down the two rabid killers. As far as western plots go, Unflinching is much more overtly violent than the genre norm, with salacious attention to detail in particular when describing sexual encounters and graphic kills.
In addition, most westerns (when written by the masters Max Brand, Louis L'Amour, and Zane Grey) refrain from all but the most tepid expletives "Gosh!" "Darn!" "Phagh!" Here, the language is much more realistic, but also raw. I believe most readers of western fiction continue to read westerns in an attempt to yearn for an innocence lacking here. Still, interesting, innovative, but also maybe too Avant Garde.
February 4, 2017
"SERIAL KILLERS"
Here we go again with mal-adjusted psychotic killers on the run...a man in his early teens..fourteen..abused by an adult because he didn't work fast enough is killed by this teen, setting loose a maniac in society. Killings, rapes and just plain brutalizing without any remorse was his life course. This introduces us to the Pinkertons, and challenges that they must face, as the United States continues to expand their usefulness to the ever expanding lawless west. This author hits on the Mormons conflict against the U.S. Government...messy...It's an intriguing actions of the west...some of what this author writes about seems to have integrated itself into this century. Fast moving, you won't put it down until you finish this adventure..
Here we go again with mal-adjusted psychotic killers on the run...a man in his early teens..fourteen..abused by an adult because he didn't work fast enough is killed by this teen, setting loose a maniac in society. Killings, rapes and just plain brutalizing without any remorse was his life course. This introduces us to the Pinkertons, and challenges that they must face, as the United States continues to expand their usefulness to the ever expanding lawless west. This author hits on the Mormons conflict against the U.S. Government...messy...It's an intriguing actions of the west...some of what this author writes about seems to have integrated itself into this century. Fast moving, you won't put it down until you finish this adventure..
September 21, 2017
I’ve read a lot of westerns, but this one does not fit the typical mold. I quit reading at the 23% mark and deleted it from my Kindle after lots of profanity, the “good” guy intentionally shooting people in the back or random killings left and right, with the final straw being a descriptive retelling of a woman being raped. If that’s your thing, good for you. If you are a Western traditionalist, I would give this one a wide pass.
August 22, 2018
A day waster at best .
While it is not a bad read its flow at times make me feel that writer is lost. There are problems with time\era wording,as well as weapons and other small stuff. My feelings are that if your adding descriptive language to storyline your not quite done learning you trade. The greats of this story line never had to use sexual descript graphics adverbs to sell the story.
While it is not a bad read its flow at times make me feel that writer is lost. There are problems with time\era wording,as well as weapons and other small stuff. My feelings are that if your adding descriptive language to storyline your not quite done learning you trade. The greats of this story line never had to use sexual descript graphics adverbs to sell the story.
February 5, 2019
Well done
The story of a Pinkerton detective from Chicago coming west to solve a kidnapping runs into all sorts of adventure. Marauding Indians, merciless killers, drought, friendships made and lost all keep the reader entertained. It was a fast read partly because it was easy to get lost in the story. Losing and then finding could be a focus for the detective Simms. There is ugliness and beauty of the human spirit. Definitely worth a read.
The story of a Pinkerton detective from Chicago coming west to solve a kidnapping runs into all sorts of adventure. Marauding Indians, merciless killers, drought, friendships made and lost all keep the reader entertained. It was a fast read partly because it was easy to get lost in the story. Losing and then finding could be a focus for the detective Simms. There is ugliness and beauty of the human spirit. Definitely worth a read.
May 31, 2024
Unflinching: A Western
This novel, was absolutely amazing, I loved it and could not put it down, so I didn't! Definitely a must read, for excitement galore throughout this book and lots of mysteries solved, lots of drama, exciting moments and characters who will keep you turning those pages! On to the next book in this series, this Author has you captured from the beginning until the very end! So don't believe me, read it yourself and enjoy! BMA 🌬📚🤠💙🐝🎶
This novel, was absolutely amazing, I loved it and could not put it down, so I didn't! Definitely a must read, for excitement galore throughout this book and lots of mysteries solved, lots of drama, exciting moments and characters who will keep you turning those pages! On to the next book in this series, this Author has you captured from the beginning until the very end! So don't believe me, read it yourself and enjoy! BMA 🌬📚🤠💙🐝🎶
May 9, 2025
Gritty, almost too realistic, view of life in the lawless frontier of the USA. I like the Old Testament, myopic viewpoint of crime and punishment in the region expounded by the main character in his quest to kidnap a kidnap victim. At times I feel that he almost revels in dealing out his brand of justice but he tempers it with unexpected humanity at times as well.
All in all one of the best Westerns I've read for a long while.
All in all one of the best Westerns I've read for a long while.
June 24, 2017
Good yarn
Enjoyed being carried along with the current of the story, It is what it is-a historic journey thru the west that we hear little of.I found that my mind was thirsty for the details of a time in the west between the Mexican war and the civil war that is routinely neglected in the mainstream of our thought about the west.
Enjoyed being carried along with the current of the story, It is what it is-a historic journey thru the west that we hear little of.I found that my mind was thirsty for the details of a time in the west between the Mexican war and the civil war that is routinely neglected in the mainstream of our thought about the west.
February 5, 2019
A determined Pinkerton agent searching for two ruthless killer's
A quick western read. Descriptive characters and a good job of describing the harsh territory that the people have to negotiate trying to survive. Conflict is also part of the story between the U. S. government and the Mormons, with Indians killing people unfortunate enough to cross their path.
A quick western read. Descriptive characters and a good job of describing the harsh territory that the people have to negotiate trying to survive. Conflict is also part of the story between the U. S. government and the Mormons, with Indians killing people unfortunate enough to cross their path.
March 20, 2021
This book was a bit of a struggle for me. The geographic setting and the frequent references to various places and distances to travel between them seemed confusing at times. I loved the plot and much of the story resonated with me. But, I found some plot holes in how the kidnap victim seemed to have responded and how she ultimately indicated her response was to the brutality of her captors. And the unlikely reality that the main antagonist went virtually untouched by hand or bullet until the end was a bit of a stretch.
All in all, it was an OK book. And it is worth a look if you can suspend disbelief for a little more than usual for this genre.
All in all, it was an OK book. And it is worth a look if you can suspend disbelief for a little more than usual for this genre.
November 27, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Yates. It will not be my last. Non-stop action from start to finish. Plenty of cool, well drawn characters. There are several story lines that are weaved between and around the main story. Very well done. Kept it 3 Dimensional.
Phil
qwsroy libnesmmy td I
Phil
qwsroy libnesmmy td I
June 14, 2024
Exellent Read
Stuart G. Yates has written a gritty but enjoyable book. His villains were so bad I wanted to kill them. Yates has written an enjoyable well written western, so if you enjoy reading good westerns, then get this book. You won’t be disappointed.
Joe Corso
Author of The Last Gun-Shark
Stuart G. Yates has written a gritty but enjoyable book. His villains were so bad I wanted to kill them. Yates has written an enjoyable well written western, so if you enjoy reading good westerns, then get this book. You won’t be disappointed.
Joe Corso
Author of The Last Gun-Shark
January 15, 2026
Riveting
Excitement throughout. I loved the character Simms.
Pinkerton Detective Simms heads west to find a kidnapped young lady. The trail leads him to the most brutish gunslingers, that he struggles with memories of war. Along the way he must decide who is friend and who is foe.
A great western novel.
Excitement throughout. I loved the character Simms.
Pinkerton Detective Simms heads west to find a kidnapped young lady. The trail leads him to the most brutish gunslingers, that he struggles with memories of war. Along the way he must decide who is friend and who is foe.
A great western novel.
August 4, 2018
My first Western read
Mr. Yates is an excellent writer as I thoroughly enjoyed his book. Loved the cover as I believe that is why I picked out this book. Will certainly read his other novels.
Mr. Yates is an excellent writer as I thoroughly enjoyed his book. Loved the cover as I believe that is why I picked out this book. Will certainly read his other novels.
August 9, 2018
Not a Zane Grey copycat
A great take on the Old West. Lots of action, great plot and fantastic plot. Very believable story with vivid descriptions. Highly recommend this book for people who enjoy westerns, history, action and intrigue.
A great take on the Old West. Lots of action, great plot and fantastic plot. Very believable story with vivid descriptions. Highly recommend this book for people who enjoy westerns, history, action and intrigue.
August 9, 2018
Unflinching
Wow, just wow! This story starts off with a bang and does not let up. Pinkerton Detective Simms is told to find a General's daughter that has been kidnapped and bring the criminals to justice.
Wow, just wow! This story starts off with a bang and does not let up. Pinkerton Detective Simms is told to find a General's daughter that has been kidnapped and bring the criminals to justice.
August 10, 2018
Great Action
This was a real page turner, great action, and historical development. The ending was great and I was sad that the story had ended. I highly recommend this book to Western readers.
This was a real page turner, great action, and historical development. The ending was great and I was sad that the story had ended. I highly recommend this book to Western readers.
August 24, 2018
Read it it will capture you
Great well constructed story, a grand book for those who love well written reads. I was quickly completely absorbed in the descriptions and dialogue. Thank you
Great well constructed story, a grand book for those who love well written reads. I was quickly completely absorbed in the descriptions and dialogue. Thank you
February 7, 2019
Could have been good
Why do writers think that profane language has to be part of their story? Not for me. Mr. Yates may be a great writer but I don't even read free novels with profane language.
Why do writers think that profane language has to be part of their story? Not for me. Mr. Yates may be a great writer but I don't even read free novels with profane language.
March 18, 2020
Entertaining from the start. It sets the story line of a Pinkerton detective on a mission to find his serial killer and the kidnapped daughter of a former war hero. It shows the brutality of the wild west and the senseless killing that he is tasked to bring to justice. Great read.
September 23, 2020
An interesting book.
The book is interesting, but a lot bloody. This book my be more what the West was really like. The characters had a raw development about them that made them grow. The bad were bad and the good had some bad showing.
The book is interesting, but a lot bloody. This book my be more what the West was really like. The characters had a raw development about them that made them grow. The bad were bad and the good had some bad showing.
February 18, 2021
Unflinching - Stuart G. Yates
Really great book. It had quite a bit of violence in it, but I suppose that was what it was like in the old west. Looking forward to reading the author’s next book. Highly recommend this book.
Really great book. It had quite a bit of violence in it, but I suppose that was what it was like in the old west. Looking forward to reading the author’s next book. Highly recommend this book.
September 17, 2017
Thrill ride
Never a dull moment of in this Goodread. I read the major part of it in one rainy afternoon. Good characters, good storyline not too complicated. I recommend it!
Never a dull moment of in this Goodread. I read the major part of it in one rainy afternoon. Good characters, good storyline not too complicated. I recommend it!
August 10, 2018
A western book
Well written western. Blunt in most cases. I enjoyed reading this western. I haven't read that many to compare, but this one is good
Well written western. Blunt in most cases. I enjoyed reading this western. I haven't read that many to compare, but this one is good
October 18, 2018
Excellent
Good realistic story, plenty of action a hard to put down book definitely want to read more books like this.
Good realistic story, plenty of action a hard to put down book definitely want to read more books like this.
November 3, 2018
Recommended
The characters are somewhat caricatured and the writing can be a bit stilted at tImes, and an occasional anachronism does slip in, but overall a good, solid read
The characters are somewhat caricatured and the writing can be a bit stilted at tImes, and an occasional anachronism does slip in, but overall a good, solid read
February 24, 2019
Three of the toughest and baddest men you'll ever encounter in a novel. Good thing one of the men is a Pinkerton.
March 2, 2019
Unflinching
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about the search for a cold blooded killer in the Old West. Characters are fascinating and the reading is intoxicating.
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about the search for a cold blooded killer in the Old West. Characters are fascinating and the reading is intoxicating.
February 16, 2020
Bit brutal for my tastes
Fans of westerns may like it. I prefer more complex characters. To each her/his own. Review finished need five more words.
Fans of westerns may like it. I prefer more complex characters. To each her/his own. Review finished need five more words.
February 23, 2020
Action packed
A real western novel. All action and while very dark there were many good things that cam about too. Highly recommend.
A real western novel. All action and while very dark there were many good things that cam about too. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews