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Longshot #2
Longshot into the West
He carries an assassin’s nickname. But now this Pinkerton is the North’s last chance to keep its gold…
Missouri, 1862. Rob “Longshot” Finn knows his grief won’t bring his wife back from the grave. Determined to put the tragedy behind him, he heads to St. Louis to set up a new Pinkerton operation. Under pressure to secure the Union’s vital war funding, Longshot travels the trail West with none other than a young Buffalo Bill.
Battling unfamiliar terrain and savage predators, Longshot and his band discover the wild frontier doesn’t play by the rules. And with liars and spies working for both sides of the war, even Longshot’s unwavering belief in his government begins to falter…
Can he protect his principles, safeguard the gold, and keep his name off a fresh tombstone?
Longshot into the West is the second standalone book in the gritty Longshot historical Western series. If you like dusty settings, intriguing plot twists, and characters pulled from history, then you’ll love Keith R. Baker’s homage to the Civil War-era West.
Missouri, 1862. Rob “Longshot” Finn knows his grief won’t bring his wife back from the grave. Determined to put the tragedy behind him, he heads to St. Louis to set up a new Pinkerton operation. Under pressure to secure the Union’s vital war funding, Longshot travels the trail West with none other than a young Buffalo Bill.
Battling unfamiliar terrain and savage predators, Longshot and his band discover the wild frontier doesn’t play by the rules. And with liars and spies working for both sides of the war, even Longshot’s unwavering belief in his government begins to falter…
Can he protect his principles, safeguard the gold, and keep his name off a fresh tombstone?
Longshot into the West is the second standalone book in the gritty Longshot historical Western series. If you like dusty settings, intriguing plot twists, and characters pulled from history, then you’ll love Keith R. Baker’s homage to the Civil War-era West.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
647 people are currently reading
452 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 95 reviews
July 20, 2019
Short sentences, limited vocabulary, poor character development, and minimal plot development made this book seem like reading the script for a 1950's western. Definitely won't read any more of this series.
August 22, 2019
This is actually a rather enjoyable story set in the western states during the 1860s and follows Rob Finn in his role as a Pinkerton Agent as he looks into the gold trade that pulls in men from all areas and all backgrounds. As he does so, he has to hid his own background and mingle with the greedy and corrupt as well as the friendly and ameniable, not to mention having to face the dangers of untamed nature, bears in particular. This may be quite a straight forward story and character development a little limited but it is a nice easy and relaxing read that takes you back to a simple but harsher time.
September 22, 2016
Longshot hits the mark!
I enjoy historical fiction. It's a lazy way for me to take advantage of someone else's in depth research into that particular time and place in history. A bonus is the fictional storyline and characters, and when an author has the talent to create believable characters that I can care about, it's a real pleasure.
I have enjoyed this series because of the historical nature and the story the author has created. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoy historical fiction. It's a lazy way for me to take advantage of someone else's in depth research into that particular time and place in history. A bonus is the fictional storyline and characters, and when an author has the talent to create believable characters that I can care about, it's a real pleasure.
I have enjoyed this series because of the historical nature and the story the author has created. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 6, 2018
Longshot
I enjoyed this book tremendously, if as you say it is very near the truth, I enjoyed every page. I am always happy to read true accounts of life.
I enjoyed this book tremendously, if as you say it is very near the truth, I enjoyed every page. I am always happy to read true accounts of life.
December 5, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. My love if the west, especially N.D, and Montana
My mother was born in Rosebud, Montana in 1915. My grandparents were homesteaders. In 1918 they traveled to N.D. to visit grandma's parents and grandpa contracted the flu and died. They remained there and grandma met and married the only maternal grandpa I ever knew. A wonderful man. Four more children joined the family but there was never any yours or mine, they were ours.
My original grandpa was from Mt. Pleasant, Pa.
In 1934 my mother traveled to Pa to visit her grandparents and met the man who would be my father. This was in April. In August he traveled to Edgeley, N.D. and they traveled to Aberdeen, S.D. and were married, returning to Pa via the World's fair in Chicago, IL. But I digress.
I totally enjoyed Longshot into the West. The characters are believable. The history and geography are believable. The family involvement coupled with their short comings lend believability once again.
I look forward to reading the next book as well as the novelette, "Bridget".
Thank you Keith for a very enjoyable night spent reading this book to the end. Well worth a few yawns the following day.
You have a fan in me.
My mother was born in Rosebud, Montana in 1915. My grandparents were homesteaders. In 1918 they traveled to N.D. to visit grandma's parents and grandpa contracted the flu and died. They remained there and grandma met and married the only maternal grandpa I ever knew. A wonderful man. Four more children joined the family but there was never any yours or mine, they were ours.
My original grandpa was from Mt. Pleasant, Pa.
In 1934 my mother traveled to Pa to visit her grandparents and met the man who would be my father. This was in April. In August he traveled to Edgeley, N.D. and they traveled to Aberdeen, S.D. and were married, returning to Pa via the World's fair in Chicago, IL. But I digress.
I totally enjoyed Longshot into the West. The characters are believable. The history and geography are believable. The family involvement coupled with their short comings lend believability once again.
I look forward to reading the next book as well as the novelette, "Bridget".
Thank you Keith for a very enjoyable night spent reading this book to the end. Well worth a few yawns the following day.
You have a fan in me.
September 13, 2016
Recommended
I love history. Especially our US History. This book combines truth with enough fiction to keep you entertained and wanting to learn more.
I love history. Especially our US History. This book combines truth with enough fiction to keep you entertained and wanting to learn more.
January 26, 2018
New characters, more about the old
Rob Finn is a sound man and an example for others. The characters are well-developed for the quick read and keep me wanting to learn more. No life or circumstance is perfect, and the minor twists keep the reader grounded in that truth! Recommend!
Rob Finn is a sound man and an example for others. The characters are well-developed for the quick read and keep me wanting to learn more. No life or circumstance is perfect, and the minor twists keep the reader grounded in that truth! Recommend!
December 6, 2016
Exciting Adventures in the Wild West
I've read a lot of books since I've retired. One of the most difficult things that authors have to achieve when writing a book is introducing the characters and setting up the plot. Which stories getting more complex it becomes more difficult to get the setup correctly communicated.
While Mr. Baker did OK I did occasionally wonder who this or that character was and how they were connected to the story. That said I enjoyed the travel portions that involved the main character and his associates. Some of their encounters out there in the middle of nowhere were very perilous and kept me reading longer than I should have.
All in all I thought that this was a good read.
I've read a lot of books since I've retired. One of the most difficult things that authors have to achieve when writing a book is introducing the characters and setting up the plot. Which stories getting more complex it becomes more difficult to get the setup correctly communicated.
While Mr. Baker did OK I did occasionally wonder who this or that character was and how they were connected to the story. That said I enjoyed the travel portions that involved the main character and his associates. Some of their encounters out there in the middle of nowhere were very perilous and kept me reading longer than I should have.
All in all I thought that this was a good read.
February 7, 2017
Kept my interest.
No review, feel reviews should be left to recognized critics since they are simply a readers opinion. I read for pleasure and relaxation which leads me to believe that the star system of rating should be sufficient by and for most readers.
No review, feel reviews should be left to recognized critics since they are simply a readers opinion. I read for pleasure and relaxation which leads me to believe that the star system of rating should be sufficient by and for most readers.
December 2, 2017
This was a most enjoyable read. I love the characters portrayed within and it gives a tweak of nostalgia at times to feel that in the 'good ol' days' although the reality of life was hard, there were some real good folk around. A sensitive and well researched book with some great characters who you would love to have met. A heartwarming and compelling read.
This was a most enjoyable book as was the first. I love the characters portrayed within and it gives a tweak of nostalgia at times to feel that in the 'good ol' days' although the reality of life was harsh, there were some real good folk around. A sensitive and well researched book with some great characters who you would love to have met. A heartwarming and compelling read. Thank you Keith.
This was a most enjoyable book as was the first. I love the characters portrayed within and it gives a tweak of nostalgia at times to feel that in the 'good ol' days' although the reality of life was harsh, there were some real good folk around. A sensitive and well researched book with some great characters who you would love to have met. A heartwarming and compelling read. Thank you Keith.
September 25, 2017
My first exposure to Mr. Baker's writing was a true joy!
I love historical fiction. This novel fit my interests perfectly. This period in time fascinates me. The strength of the characters was clearly portrayed. The blending of real people and events with fictional characters worked very well. Not everything turned out wonderfully, which makes it note realistic. If you enjoy historical fiction from the Civil War era, this might appeal to you (Please note that this work is not about Civil War battles).
I love historical fiction. This novel fit my interests perfectly. This period in time fascinates me. The strength of the characters was clearly portrayed. The blending of real people and events with fictional characters worked very well. Not everything turned out wonderfully, which makes it note realistic. If you enjoy historical fiction from the Civil War era, this might appeal to you (Please note that this work is not about Civil War battles).
October 16, 2017
Long shot is a Sure Thing for me
Historical novels are always of interest to me and Longshot, set in the mid-1800’s, is right up my alley. The story line is smooth and the book is a quick read. The travails that face Rob Finn are realistic for the times and the way in which they are met always interesting. The character development and the timeline progression are instrumental in telling a good story. Baker has captured the most interesting of times, characters and history for me. I look forward to his next installment - Lonshot from Darkness.
Historical novels are always of interest to me and Longshot, set in the mid-1800’s, is right up my alley. The story line is smooth and the book is a quick read. The travails that face Rob Finn are realistic for the times and the way in which they are met always interesting. The character development and the timeline progression are instrumental in telling a good story. Baker has captured the most interesting of times, characters and history for me. I look forward to his next installment - Lonshot from Darkness.
October 18, 2016
The book was interesting and easy to read. I live about 25 miles east of Delevan, WI and am interested in looking up info on a town mentioned early on in the book near DarienI
The book was interesting and easy .to read with some exceptional historic information. I live about 35 miles east of Darien, WI and am now interested in looking up info on a town mentioned early on in the book near Darken.
The book was interesting and easy .to read with some exceptional historic information. I live about 35 miles east of Darien, WI and am now interested in looking up info on a town mentioned early on in the book near Darken.
June 28, 2016
Readers continue to learn the life of the great long distance shooter, Rob Finn. In this second book, Rob continues to thrive in the Pinkerton agency. During his time away from home life continues and changes for better and worse. Does Rob get the happy ending he desires? The answers are within this great novel of the civil war in the west.
December 21, 2016
An American series to love.
I am enjoying this series immensely. It hard to find a great book without putting up with too much adult language and sexual. Situations, thank you for leaving that out and telling a great story. Now I'm ready to start the next chapter of Longshot's life l
I am enjoying this series immensely. It hard to find a great book without putting up with too much adult language and sexual. Situations, thank you for leaving that out and telling a great story. Now I'm ready to start the next chapter of Longshot's life l
February 11, 2017
Makes you wish you had been a part of this era.
I enjoy the skillful blending of history and fiction as long as it is presented as such. I believe almost any reader of the old west would enjoy this book. Keith has done his background work well and this series of books so far are deserving of five stars.
I enjoy the skillful blending of history and fiction as long as it is presented as such. I believe almost any reader of the old west would enjoy this book. Keith has done his background work well and this series of books so far are deserving of five stars.
March 11, 2018
What a ride!
I quickly bought this book after reading the first book, Longshot in Missouri. Rob Finn is still a rugged, quick-thinking Pinkerton Agent. His exploits, close calls, and job promotions provided me with an afternoons pleasant distraction. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I quickly bought this book after reading the first book, Longshot in Missouri. Rob Finn is still a rugged, quick-thinking Pinkerton Agent. His exploits, close calls, and job promotions provided me with an afternoons pleasant distraction. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 26, 2017
Interesting!
I like reading his version of history that I didn't read before. And the people in the stories. The cross cultures that makes up America. Being a part of a bi-racial family and how much I love my granddaughter, the skin color does not matter just the hearts of the people does!
I like reading his version of history that I didn't read before. And the people in the stories. The cross cultures that makes up America. Being a part of a bi-racial family and how much I love my granddaughter, the skin color does not matter just the hearts of the people does!
July 8, 2016
More Action
Rob Finn can't seem to stay out of trouble. This time, he's found a friend to share it. As the Civil War proceeds, Rob and Lonnie head west to fund it. Befriending Native Americans and gold seekers, they bring the history alive.
Rob Finn can't seem to stay out of trouble. This time, he's found a friend to share it. As the Civil War proceeds, Rob and Lonnie head west to fund it. Befriending Native Americans and gold seekers, they bring the history alive.
September 7, 2016
Excellent
If you like historical fiction then I highly recommend this series. So far its everything I expected it to be. Great author very well written and just the right mix of story elements. Can't wait for the next book.
If you like historical fiction then I highly recommend this series. So far its everything I expected it to be. Great author very well written and just the right mix of story elements. Can't wait for the next book.
September 17, 2016
Hard to put down
The story moves right along and has some interesting twists. I gave it 4 stars rather than five because of the ending, which seemed to just drift off rather than than a strong conclusion.
The story moves right along and has some interesting twists. I gave it 4 stars rather than five because of the ending, which seemed to just drift off rather than than a strong conclusion.
September 16, 2016
Good, Comfortable Frontier Story
Baker tells an easy-to-read story of the early frontier and a bit of the old west in a most enjoyable manner. Some death and challenges mixed with evolving lives of several generations make this a delightful read and worth the time spent.
Baker tells an easy-to-read story of the early frontier and a bit of the old west in a most enjoyable manner. Some death and challenges mixed with evolving lives of several generations make this a delightful read and worth the time spent.
September 18, 2016
Review
Finally I have found an author that I like. I have read a lot of John Jake's books and consider this to be an equal. I like historical fiction and this is one of the best I have read.
Finally I have found an author that I like. I have read a lot of John Jake's books and consider this to be an equal. I like historical fiction and this is one of the best I have read.
September 22, 2016
Great story of the old West
Entertaining story of the type of men and women who helped settle and tame our country. The author has told a story of a man who has great courage and integrity and how he used them.
Entertaining story of the type of men and women who helped settle and tame our country. The author has told a story of a man who has great courage and integrity and how he used them.
October 7, 2016
Looking for another book from you
You are very good and do present very interesting facts about history. Especially enjoyed the parts about the American Indians. Keep up the good work
You are very good and do present very interesting facts about history. Especially enjoyed the parts about the American Indians. Keep up the good work
December 1, 2016
Amazing
It's amazing how much his book makes you want to go back and take an American history course. He makes you feel like you are one of the characters and that you're a part of the scenes.
It's amazing how much his book makes you want to go back and take an American history course. He makes you feel like you are one of the characters and that you're a part of the scenes.
March 3, 2017
Fast read
This is the second of the "Longshot" books that I have read. I enjoy them and they have a nice story line but at some point, they just end. I like them but I think the author could expand them and not just end them.
This is the second of the "Longshot" books that I have read. I enjoy them and they have a nice story line but at some point, they just end. I like them but I think the author could expand them and not just end them.
August 22, 2017
Interesting account.
The incidents relating to Robs trip across country with Lonnie and Bill Cody was very informative. The bear attack and healing of Rob by his Indian friends was my favorite part. I love history and this account was a fast read.
The incidents relating to Robs trip across country with Lonnie and Bill Cody was very informative. The bear attack and healing of Rob by his Indian friends was my favorite part. I love history and this account was a fast read.
November 26, 2017
A very readable book, including fact and dates, but also with good character
definition. He weaves a story into the history of the period, and keeps
you interested throughout. No phony happy endings, tho
the characters make peace with their lives as they unfold.
definition. He weaves a story into the history of the period, and keeps
you interested throughout. No phony happy endings, tho
the characters make peace with their lives as they unfold.
November 29, 2017
Not a long shot
This is a very good story, I read the first chapter and could not wait read it all. Sorry about the pun on the title, I just felt that the story was right on target. Sorry did it again. I really do enjoy historical fiction, thank you.
This is a very good story, I read the first chapter and could not wait read it all. Sorry about the pun on the title, I just felt that the story was right on target. Sorry did it again. I really do enjoy historical fiction, thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews