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Longshot #1
Longshot In Missouri
Rob Finn is a man of unusual qualities: the nickname Longshot reflects his uncanny skill with a precision rifle, as well as his ability to succeed in nearly impossible missions of spying and assassination. He possesses sense of duty, personal resolve and physical strength beyond that of most other men. When a tragedy strikes close to home, he must dig deep to find the emotional strength to continue.
Rob's special orders often come from Abraham Lincoln, thru his spymaster Allan Pinkerton. A growing problem for Rob arises as he becomes increasingly aware of the duplicity in government. As a man of duty, he must follow orders. As a man of conscience and honor, he must determine what is true and what course he must follow.
In LONGSHOT IN MISSOURI, our hero interacts with actual historical figures; actual events are intertwined with the daily lives and conversations of people living in those rapidly changing and dangerous times. Join with Rob as he works to save those things he believes to be of utmost importance, while struggling to sort out those very beliefs-the true from the false-in the baffling environment that is the US Civil war in 1862.
Rob's special orders often come from Abraham Lincoln, thru his spymaster Allan Pinkerton. A growing problem for Rob arises as he becomes increasingly aware of the duplicity in government. As a man of duty, he must follow orders. As a man of conscience and honor, he must determine what is true and what course he must follow.
In LONGSHOT IN MISSOURI, our hero interacts with actual historical figures; actual events are intertwined with the daily lives and conversations of people living in those rapidly changing and dangerous times. Join with Rob as he works to save those things he believes to be of utmost importance, while struggling to sort out those very beliefs-the true from the false-in the baffling environment that is the US Civil war in 1862.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2015
1025 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Keith R. Baker
7 books26 followersFind bio and other information at:
http://www.KeithRBaker.com
http://www.KeithRBaker.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 15, 2018
3.5 stars
I have loved westerns for many years. In fact, some of the first novels I ever read as a kid were by Louis L'Amour who quickly became one of my favorite authors and the western genre became a reading staple for me. So when I saw this book on a Kindle deal a few months ago I decided to give it a try.
My first impression, as I began reading, was that this story was well researched. Which is a good thing when using actual historical figures, such as Abe Lincoln and Allan Pinkerton, as part of the main plot. Rob "Longshot" Finn is an Irish immigrant to the US and has found himself as a sharpshooter in a unique position, working in a special capacity for both the Union army and the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Baker's descriptions of the inner workings and day to day running of Allan Pinkerton's organization were fascinating. I've been intrigued by the Pinkertons for some time now, but I had no idea of the full scope of what they accomplished early on. The agency was, in fact, a forerunner to what we now know as the Secret Service. Check out the Wikipedia page for the Pinkerton agency for some fascinating info. But back to the book at hand. :)
The story is set during the Civil War and as mentioned above, the main character, Rob Finn, is a soldier in the Union army. Due to his special arrangement with the Pinkertons he is not assigned to a particular unit, therefore, the story follows him as he goes out on assignments alone. Finn is a great character that you can't help but like. As he faces victory and loss, tragedy and happy times, you can appreciate his responses to each situation and you start to care about what happens to him as the book progresses. Most of the other supporting characters are great as well with a few exceptions. There are occasional tertiary characters which feel a bit flat and forced.
That brings me to Baker's writing. While he obviously did a lot of research and knows how to put together a great story, his writing lacks a certain polish of a Max Brand, Zane Grey or Louis L'Amour. It's not so much in the dialogue but is more apparent in the sections when he has to play the narrator and advance the story along or move things from one event to the next. The action sequences on occasion also suffer from a case of not following the rule "Show, Don't Tell". While these gripes didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story enough to make me abandon the book they were present nonetheless. That's not to say Baker is a bad writer, just that there is a certain finesse that is missing in my opinion.
The storyline was intriguing and will no doubt delight western fans. Finn faces many friendly characters in his journeys but also has his share of unsavory ones as well. There are even some folks he encounters while undercover who, while they are technically on the opposite side of things, he relates to in a human way and has an internal conflict over their positions which felt very real and genuine to me. The book has many typical elements of your standard western; gunplay, long horseback rides, displays of horsemanship, even some fistfights. All of which are told in an engaging, conversational tone. The story progresses at a good pace and has a relatively smooth flow to it with a couple of gaps between chapters that are then recapped later.
In terms of content advisories, there are quite a number of instances of foul language which I would have preferred to do without. There was no sexual content which I was glad for, seeing how there are certain western authors I've encountered who seem to thrive on using the genre simply as a backdrop for explicit, sensual escapades. Kudos to Baker for not going that route. As one would expect from a story set in the "old west" there are many examples of violence and death, but they were not gratuitously described.
I really enjoyed this first book in the Longshot Series and I look forward to reading more about Rob Finn. If you can overlook the swearing and the slightly inelegant writing style then you should check out Longshot in Missouri. I'd recommend it for adults only due to the language.
I have loved westerns for many years. In fact, some of the first novels I ever read as a kid were by Louis L'Amour who quickly became one of my favorite authors and the western genre became a reading staple for me. So when I saw this book on a Kindle deal a few months ago I decided to give it a try.
My first impression, as I began reading, was that this story was well researched. Which is a good thing when using actual historical figures, such as Abe Lincoln and Allan Pinkerton, as part of the main plot. Rob "Longshot" Finn is an Irish immigrant to the US and has found himself as a sharpshooter in a unique position, working in a special capacity for both the Union army and the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Baker's descriptions of the inner workings and day to day running of Allan Pinkerton's organization were fascinating. I've been intrigued by the Pinkertons for some time now, but I had no idea of the full scope of what they accomplished early on. The agency was, in fact, a forerunner to what we now know as the Secret Service. Check out the Wikipedia page for the Pinkerton agency for some fascinating info. But back to the book at hand. :)
The story is set during the Civil War and as mentioned above, the main character, Rob Finn, is a soldier in the Union army. Due to his special arrangement with the Pinkertons he is not assigned to a particular unit, therefore, the story follows him as he goes out on assignments alone. Finn is a great character that you can't help but like. As he faces victory and loss, tragedy and happy times, you can appreciate his responses to each situation and you start to care about what happens to him as the book progresses. Most of the other supporting characters are great as well with a few exceptions. There are occasional tertiary characters which feel a bit flat and forced.
That brings me to Baker's writing. While he obviously did a lot of research and knows how to put together a great story, his writing lacks a certain polish of a Max Brand, Zane Grey or Louis L'Amour. It's not so much in the dialogue but is more apparent in the sections when he has to play the narrator and advance the story along or move things from one event to the next. The action sequences on occasion also suffer from a case of not following the rule "Show, Don't Tell". While these gripes didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story enough to make me abandon the book they were present nonetheless. That's not to say Baker is a bad writer, just that there is a certain finesse that is missing in my opinion.
The storyline was intriguing and will no doubt delight western fans. Finn faces many friendly characters in his journeys but also has his share of unsavory ones as well. There are even some folks he encounters while undercover who, while they are technically on the opposite side of things, he relates to in a human way and has an internal conflict over their positions which felt very real and genuine to me. The book has many typical elements of your standard western; gunplay, long horseback rides, displays of horsemanship, even some fistfights. All of which are told in an engaging, conversational tone. The story progresses at a good pace and has a relatively smooth flow to it with a couple of gaps between chapters that are then recapped later.
In terms of content advisories, there are quite a number of instances of foul language which I would have preferred to do without. There was no sexual content which I was glad for, seeing how there are certain western authors I've encountered who seem to thrive on using the genre simply as a backdrop for explicit, sensual escapades. Kudos to Baker for not going that route. As one would expect from a story set in the "old west" there are many examples of violence and death, but they were not gratuitously described.
I really enjoyed this first book in the Longshot Series and I look forward to reading more about Rob Finn. If you can overlook the swearing and the slightly inelegant writing style then you should check out Longshot in Missouri. I'd recommend it for adults only due to the language.
August 19, 2016
"A Good Start to a New Western Series"
Longshot was a nice, easy to listen to historical western. The characters were great and made for a very nice contrast between Rob and Allan Pinkerton especially with Rob being an immigrant with an amazing Irish accent. The story was pretty neat overall with the upstart of Pinkerton.
The narration by A.W. Miller was very good. His vocal skills were awesome. The accents were perfect and he had the perfect voice for the western genre. He did a super b job with this story.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."
February 14, 2016
I really enjoyed the story and Rob's journey. He feels like a real person, which is probably because he was inspired by a real person. Rob is strong and kind, and, by the end of the book he is full of conflicting feelings regarding his loyalty and his duty. I can't wait to read the next book and find out where his journey takes him.
July 6, 2016
Enjoyable Read
I enjoyed this story. The action was good. The history was fine, mixing some fact with fiction. It was pretty clean with language....just a couple hiccups.... Would recommend it and will read more if possible.
I enjoyed this story. The action was good. The history was fine, mixing some fact with fiction. It was pretty clean with language....just a couple hiccups.... Would recommend it and will read more if possible.
July 8, 2016
good read, well written. Great development of characters and historically accurate. One can not ask more from a writer.
January 7, 2018
This is not what I thought. I’ve read many Civil War novels that were captivating and exciting. This is not. Even though it’s based on the author’s family, it lacked punch. When I was about seventy-five percent through the story, I realized there wasn’t going to be any big bang from Longshot. Most disappointing.
The story centers around Rob Finn. He’s a member of the Union working for the Pinkerton Agency. His forte is being an excellent sharp-shooter. Not sure about making kills at 1000 yards in 1862. I’d need to do more research and talk to my associates who were snipers to get a clear picture on the feasibility.
Rob is hit with a great tragedy. Two of his sons and his wife fall to cholera while his on assignment. Upon his arrival home, he is questioning his role of an assassin and his faith in God. This is a recurring theme all through the story to the point it became monotonous and boring.
He regroups and agrees to help Pinkerton infiltrate the KGC organization-Knights of the Golden Circle. This is an organization sympathetic to the Confederate cause and will do everything in their power to aide the cause and defeat the Lincoln and his Union interference.
While this an interesting plot, I found the execution slow and clumsy. There are some exciting scenes and some good cloak-and-dagger intrigue, it’s not enough to capture the imagination or have readers clamoring for more.
It does offer a decent insight into the mindset of those in Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri and the diametric views towards the war.
I will not be reading the following books.
The story centers around Rob Finn. He’s a member of the Union working for the Pinkerton Agency. His forte is being an excellent sharp-shooter. Not sure about making kills at 1000 yards in 1862. I’d need to do more research and talk to my associates who were snipers to get a clear picture on the feasibility.
Rob is hit with a great tragedy. Two of his sons and his wife fall to cholera while his on assignment. Upon his arrival home, he is questioning his role of an assassin and his faith in God. This is a recurring theme all through the story to the point it became monotonous and boring.
He regroups and agrees to help Pinkerton infiltrate the KGC organization-Knights of the Golden Circle. This is an organization sympathetic to the Confederate cause and will do everything in their power to aide the cause and defeat the Lincoln and his Union interference.
While this an interesting plot, I found the execution slow and clumsy. There are some exciting scenes and some good cloak-and-dagger intrigue, it’s not enough to capture the imagination or have readers clamoring for more.
It does offer a decent insight into the mindset of those in Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri and the diametric views towards the war.
I will not be reading the following books.
February 3, 2017
This was a good historical fiction. I love the notes at the end of the book by the author on what is true so I can read up more on the events. This takes place during the civil war which I love. The main character was fun to follow through his job as a secret agent and also his family and their struggles with disease, etc. A little slow in places but not a long book so was a quick read.
October 10, 2015
This is a different sort of Civil War book. I really liked the character of Rob Finn. Not your usual assassin in that he has feelings. He definitely wasn't a cold blooded killer. He has a conscious. And even though he is a farmer by trade, he is smart and learns new things very quickly. I also liked that he liked to read. Most couldn't in those days. Pinkerton is a shady character if you ask me. Being you never really know what he was thinking and how he was using Rob. Not so sure if he liked Rob or was using him for his own purposes. Josiah reminded me of a lot of people I know. A kind and gentle soul. Crazy what happened to him. All in all, a good solid book and can't wait for the next one.
July 11, 2016
I can not say enough about this book. It is one of the most interesting ones I have listened to in a long time. Didn't think I would like it at first because it was set in the Civil War era, but it completely surprised me to say the least.
It was based on a man that was an assassin and a few years in his life. The hardships that he went through and the joys of his family. Real thought provoking decisions and some others that will open your mind up and make you think.
I would recommend this to any one that wants to see where our country came from.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."
It was based on a man that was an assassin and a few years in his life. The hardships that he went through and the joys of his family. Real thought provoking decisions and some others that will open your mind up and make you think.
I would recommend this to any one that wants to see where our country came from.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."
June 30, 2016
Longshot in Missouri:
It was a real pleasure to read this novel. Fine craftsmanship of a novel.... aka:"story" with some real history background. Truly one of the best novel's I've read in quite a while.
Being one who loves to read and never hardly will write a review. It's my pleasure again. To go farther than giving a star rating. I enjoy so many genres of "stories". I heart a good novel!
It was a real pleasure to read this novel. Fine craftsmanship of a novel.... aka:"story" with some real history background. Truly one of the best novel's I've read in quite a while.
Being one who loves to read and never hardly will write a review. It's my pleasure again. To go farther than giving a star rating. I enjoy so many genres of "stories". I heart a good novel!
June 29, 2016
Well done
Keith Baker has created an interesting storyline - one which skirts the edges of civil war battles, but which keeps you very involved in the strategy and major players in the timeframe. Join Alan Pinkerton and his man Rob Finn as Rob steps into one situation after another in support of the Union cause. Great believable characters
Keith Baker has created an interesting storyline - one which skirts the edges of civil war battles, but which keeps you very involved in the strategy and major players in the timeframe. Join Alan Pinkerton and his man Rob Finn as Rob steps into one situation after another in support of the Union cause. Great believable characters
February 11, 2016
History comes alive.
A story that compels the reader to imagine life in 1860's America. Both during war, illnesses and personal tragedies. The book is written in simple form, very easy to comprehend. Just an interesting and entertaining read.
A story that compels the reader to imagine life in 1860's America. Both during war, illnesses and personal tragedies. The book is written in simple form, very easy to comprehend. Just an interesting and entertaining read.
June 26, 2016
Great western filled with bitter and tender moments which help create the main character Robert Flynn. Working for the Pinkerton agency at its infancy , Robert discovers new sides of himself that lead him into adventure and thrills.
July 1, 2016
My favorite genre!
This book easily earned five stars +. I couldn't put it down! It is hard to imagine the harsh realities of war, and the decisions made before, during, and after a war.
This book easily earned five stars +. I couldn't put it down! It is hard to imagine the harsh realities of war, and the decisions made before, during, and after a war.
June 30, 2016
Civil War history personally
History is always more interesting when you get to hear about the people, rather than facts and dates. The attacks and successes Rob has are well described.
History is always more interesting when you get to hear about the people, rather than facts and dates. The attacks and successes Rob has are well described.
September 8, 2016
Highly entertaining. I love the main character "Longshot". Aka Rob Finn. He is bigger than life but has a human side that is easy to relate with. I'll read the next book in the series. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
September 7, 2016
Very good history
I was very pleased with the working of history in and around the story line. I know most of it and enjoyed another way of looking at it. I love history about the civil war and WWIi and this book contributed to that enjoyment.
I was very pleased with the working of history in and around the story line. I know most of it and enjoyed another way of looking at it. I love history about the civil war and WWIi and this book contributed to that enjoyment.
August 19, 2016
you. Are short sighted if you do not read this one
It keeps you on the edge of your chair. this had to be taken from the life of a real person.
It keeps you on the edge of your chair. this had to be taken from the life of a real person.
August 30, 2017
A different look at the Civil War
I love to read books set during the Civil War, and this one was a very satisfying read. Rob Flynn is a Union soldier recruited by the Pinkerton agency as a sniper/assassin, but he winds up doing some undercover work to find out more about a secret society that supports the Confederate cause. The writing is engaging, the story believable, and though a work of fiction, there are ample historical events and people included. The author points out many of them at the end of the book. I had not heard of the KGC prior to reading this novel, and plan to research more about this secret society. This is a Civil War tale told from an unusual perspective. There is no sex or foul language, which I appreciated. While the story is complete, it leads into the next book in the Long shot series, which I will be reading. Longshot Rob Flynn is an interesting and conflicted character deserving of your time.
I love to read books set during the Civil War, and this one was a very satisfying read. Rob Flynn is a Union soldier recruited by the Pinkerton agency as a sniper/assassin, but he winds up doing some undercover work to find out more about a secret society that supports the Confederate cause. The writing is engaging, the story believable, and though a work of fiction, there are ample historical events and people included. The author points out many of them at the end of the book. I had not heard of the KGC prior to reading this novel, and plan to research more about this secret society. This is a Civil War tale told from an unusual perspective. There is no sex or foul language, which I appreciated. While the story is complete, it leads into the next book in the Long shot series, which I will be reading. Longshot Rob Flynn is an interesting and conflicted character deserving of your time.
July 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Baker writes in an interesting straightforward manor. I felt that I really got to know the lead character. I also learned a lot. The author mixes "real historical events" into his fiction, which makes it all the more fun to read.
The only criticism of the book that I have, is that it just may have been a little too short. Sometimes I felt like I was reading the "Reader's Digest Condensed" version in that certain story details seemed to be left out - for example, the details of Molly's visit to Darien, IL. In all fairness, the author, a historian at heart, may have considered things like that to be non-ancillary to the story line. This is a minor criticism and did not greatly distract from my enjoyment of the book.
The only criticism of the book that I have, is that it just may have been a little too short. Sometimes I felt like I was reading the "Reader's Digest Condensed" version in that certain story details seemed to be left out - for example, the details of Molly's visit to Darien, IL. In all fairness, the author, a historian at heart, may have considered things like that to be non-ancillary to the story line. This is a minor criticism and did not greatly distract from my enjoyment of the book.
October 13, 2020
Rob Finn is a man of unusual qualities: the nickname Longshot reflects his uncanny skill with a precision rifle, as well as his ability to succeed in nearly impossible missions of spying and assassination. He possesses sense of duty, personal resolve and physical strength beyond that of most other men. When a tragedy strikes close to home, he must dig deep to find the emotional strength to continue.
Rob's special orders often come from Abraham Lincoln, thru his spymaster Allan Pinkerton. A growing problem for Rob arises as he becomes increasingly aware of the duplicity in government. As a man of duty, he must follow orders. As a man of conscience and honor, he must determine what is true and what course he must follow.
Rob's special orders often come from Abraham Lincoln, thru his spymaster Allan Pinkerton. A growing problem for Rob arises as he becomes increasingly aware of the duplicity in government. As a man of duty, he must follow orders. As a man of conscience and honor, he must determine what is true and what course he must follow.
January 29, 2017
Hmm.... this is one of many books that I picked up on the Kindle via Book Bubs that were a part of my favorite genre - FREE. On a more realistic note - one genre that I have selected as a favorite is historical fiction.
Unlike some other historical fiction in which the story is completely ficticious & the setting is simply back in a prior time; Longshot is in a setting that truly existed in US history. It takes place during the civil war & yes the Pinkerton detective agency did exist. Other than that, it leaves a lot to be desired. The characters are not well developed, the writing style is mediocre.
Nothing here compels me to continue reading the rest of the series.
Unlike some other historical fiction in which the story is completely ficticious & the setting is simply back in a prior time; Longshot is in a setting that truly existed in US history. It takes place during the civil war & yes the Pinkerton detective agency did exist. Other than that, it leaves a lot to be desired. The characters are not well developed, the writing style is mediocre.
Nothing here compels me to continue reading the rest of the series.
January 12, 2018
I found it tedious and wordy. I also found it an apology for the Secessionist cause. The main character is conflicted. He thought the war was being fought to end slavery. When he was told that the conflict had nothing to do with slavery but was a States Rights conflict he buys into the idea. It is true that it was a States Rights issue. All of the Secessionist States clearly stated in their secessionist decrees that they did not accept the Federal authority over the States Rights specifically in the matter of slavery. The overwhelming issue was always slavery. States Rights was and is that they went to war to retain the "right" to enslave human beings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
Rob Finn is a sharpshooter whose boss calls him Longshot because he has made distance with his rifle seem like nothing. As Rob does the bidding of President Lincoln through his boss, Allan Pinkerton, he loses much and gains more. He loses his beloved wife and two sons to an unstoppable disease while he is on assignment. He gains more and more trust from his employer who has him fulfill ever increasingly difficult assignments that risk his life and his conscience.
A good piece of historical fiction with names and places we are familiar with. Whether real or not the characters were believable and enjoyable.
A good read for anyone who is interested in this time period.......Civil War.
A good piece of historical fiction with names and places we are familiar with. Whether real or not the characters were believable and enjoyable.
A good read for anyone who is interested in this time period.......Civil War.
July 18, 2018
I was interested in this book because of the history in it. To be Rob and a hired assassin would have been a hard assignment. Knowing who to trust would be difficult. Like when he was attacked at the train station. Being away from family for his assignments would have been hard also but understand that happened to many who fought for the Union and the Confederacy. Couple of instances where foul language was used - I personally find that offensive. With all the words in the English language, I think other words could have been used to get the point across. Not interested in reading the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
I enjoy historical fiction based on historical information from the time period and Longshot in Missouri is one such novel based in part on the work of Allan Pinkerton for the Union. Rob Finn is an agent known as 'Longshot' due to his talent with a rifle and as a sniper. He is also a family man, a man with a conscience and a faithful man to those he has given his word. He is brave, clever and good at gaining information important to the ending of the war between the states. Longshot in Missouri is full of the good, bad and ugly of war and also the goodness that can be found in the most unexpected places.
March 2, 2019
Good easy read. Plot easy to follow and well matched to historic time setting of story. Willing to read further in series. Primary character is perfect shot, attractive to every woman who sees him, never captured by pursuers and always kills attackers. Last 20 pages (approx.) built loose ends then text abruptly stopped followed by invitation to read further in series. Description of train travel from St. Louis to Chicago then on to southern Wisconsin and back to central Kentucky was interesting. I guess unexpected threats to “Longshot” added some suspense, but after a few triumphs of the perfect soldier/spy the edge was dulled.
July 17, 2018
Fresh look at 1862, from an interesting character
I like the way this story is told. It has interesting characters and a true historical presence in the War Between the States. I currently live in Missouri and have lived in Chicago. I have visited southern Wisconsin where Longshot's farm and children are. I found reading about travel in 1862 in these areas interesting. The characterization of Pinkerton fills in information for me as I have never read much about him.
The book is the right length for the story.
I like the way this story is told. It has interesting characters and a true historical presence in the War Between the States. I currently live in Missouri and have lived in Chicago. I have visited southern Wisconsin where Longshot's farm and children are. I found reading about travel in 1862 in these areas interesting. The characterization of Pinkerton fills in information for me as I have never read much about him.
The book is the right length for the story.
January 19, 2019
An interesting perspective of the human toll of the Civil War. Longshot has a gift that makes him valuable to the North. As he plies his trade, he runs into people that make him re-evaluate. His character develops nicely during the story.
The writing is accurate in the portrayal of time and distance. The travel is slow and laborious.
The only downside is that it is the first of the series, so it stops abruptly. In this case, though, it held enough interest for me to actually want to read the next volume.
The writing is accurate in the portrayal of time and distance. The travel is slow and laborious.
The only downside is that it is the first of the series, so it stops abruptly. In this case, though, it held enough interest for me to actually want to read the next volume.
May 9, 2019
I found this to be an easy going, engaging story to read. It's a different point of view on the Civil War. Readers may be disappointed if they expect thrilling battle scenes. This story is the adventure of a Pinkerton assassin and spy. The characters soul searching regarding assassinations and the purpose of the Civil War provides some of the story more heft. This is the 1st book in a planned series and I think the author creates characters will care about (at least, I did) and will look forward to in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews