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The Last Gunfighter #2
Reprisal
New York Times bestselling author William W. Johnstone continues his masterful storytelling with The Last Gunfighter—a boldly authentic series of the wild American west . . .
REPRISAL
Frank Morgan rides with a brace of six guns, a reputation for knowing how to use them, and a private score he’s vowed to settle. Known on the frontier as the Drifter, Morgan has come to Colorado in pursuit of the hombres who killed the only woman he ever loved. But two vicious outlaw gangs are running roughshod over the territory in a stampede of murder, robbery, and rape. And now they’ve made an enemy of Frank Morgan—taking his own son hostage. Suddenly, one against one hundred makes for even odds. Because Frank Morgan is a man who has forgotten how to fear—and he’s getting more dangerous every day . . .
REPRISAL
Frank Morgan rides with a brace of six guns, a reputation for knowing how to use them, and a private score he’s vowed to settle. Known on the frontier as the Drifter, Morgan has come to Colorado in pursuit of the hombres who killed the only woman he ever loved. But two vicious outlaw gangs are running roughshod over the territory in a stampede of murder, robbery, and rape. And now they’ve made an enemy of Frank Morgan—taking his own son hostage. Suddenly, one against one hundred makes for even odds. Because Frank Morgan is a man who has forgotten how to fear—and he’s getting more dangerous every day . . .
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2000
198 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,040 books1,390 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 9, 2019
This has a bit more plot than the last volume, but is still mainly scene after scene of the main character stumbling into random gun fights. Despite this, these books are still quick, fun little Westerns and I am enjoying them quite a bit.
April 2, 2024
All Frank Morgan wants to do is be left alone and live a quiet life. As the last gunfighter, he’s made enemies throughout the years, false stories abound about his true character, and there will always be those that want to settle the score.
One individual who has hatched a plan to kill Frank Morgan, hires a murderous gang of over a dozen men to kidnap Frank’s 18 yr old son, and hold him hostage in the hopes of drawing Frank out into the open for an ambush.
Frank is not deterred by the numbers, nor by the fact the his son doesn’t even like him and refuses to honor him as his real father.
Great writing in this one; some moments of light humor, and a couple of great characters written in including a greenhorn (Jeff, old mountain man, a dog Frank takes under his wing named “Wolf”.
Recommended. Also highly recommended to read the series in order.
4 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
One individual who has hatched a plan to kill Frank Morgan, hires a murderous gang of over a dozen men to kidnap Frank’s 18 yr old son, and hold him hostage in the hopes of drawing Frank out into the open for an ambush.
Frank is not deterred by the numbers, nor by the fact the his son doesn’t even like him and refuses to honor him as his real father.
Great writing in this one; some moments of light humor, and a couple of great characters written in including a greenhorn (Jeff, old mountain man, a dog Frank takes under his wing named “Wolf”.
Recommended. Also highly recommended to read the series in order.
4 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 27, 2024
This was a super fun quick read that I actually enjoyed. I normally don't like westerns but this was very easy to read and follow and the story was told well.
4 stars
4 stars
December 2, 2020
Just finished the newest Mountain Man entry and this is a refreshing return to better plotting and writing. This second entry of the Last Gunfighter series is also much better than the first one. This is a first I've experience of the Johnstone Clan series of a series not having a first excellent entry.
This one has the typical excellent Johnstone characters. There are a lot throughout and each are distinct. The dialogue is very good. It's the excellent plotting that puts this book on top. The tale starts and rolls fast laying out a tale that has so many parts dropped in, it's not clear how it will end. Especially considering the preceding volume.
I like how the characters are used in various ways that don't necessarily indicate the direction of the book and betters draws in the reader. This is all very well done.
One HUGE complaint.
Obviously this 2nd entry was written by someone other than whoever wrote the first. There are glaring errors of consistency. One being Conrad knows his status with Frank in the first volume and doesn't in the second. Also the writer had met Frank and learned much about him in the first novel and in this one the writer and Frank meet as if they never met each other. Worse, pages are wasted of the writer getting a conflicting impression of Frank. Whereas in the first volume, he had witnessed who Frank really is and in action.
Taking this book as a novel and not a multi-part story, these errors really don't matter and do add to the betterment of this specific novel.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
This one has the typical excellent Johnstone characters. There are a lot throughout and each are distinct. The dialogue is very good. It's the excellent plotting that puts this book on top. The tale starts and rolls fast laying out a tale that has so many parts dropped in, it's not clear how it will end. Especially considering the preceding volume.
I like how the characters are used in various ways that don't necessarily indicate the direction of the book and betters draws in the reader. This is all very well done.
One HUGE complaint.
Obviously this 2nd entry was written by someone other than whoever wrote the first. There are glaring errors of consistency. One being Conrad knows his status with Frank in the first volume and doesn't in the second. Also the writer had met Frank and learned much about him in the first novel and in this one the writer and Frank meet as if they never met each other. Worse, pages are wasted of the writer getting a conflicting impression of Frank. Whereas in the first volume, he had witnessed who Frank really is and in action.
Taking this book as a novel and not a multi-part story, these errors really don't matter and do add to the betterment of this specific novel.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
February 17, 2021
Another interesting story. I'm enjoying the story of Frank and Conrad as it brings some PREQUAL to the loner aspects of things. Since I have never read this, I'm finding that part of the story really interesting. I didn't realize they were so connected through Frank's tale. Almost at the same time it seems.
March 23, 2018
Frank's son, Conrad, is kidnapped in this one and Frank enlists the aid of an old mountain man to go up against the Pine and Vanbergen gangs and rescue him. Very entertaining. I hope to read the entire series.
June 16, 2017
Excellent!
Again a fine Western by the Maestro of fine tales. Interesting and thrilling on each page. There will never be another like him.
Again a fine Western by the Maestro of fine tales. Interesting and thrilling on each page. There will never be another like him.
July 1, 2017
Frank
Has a son who hates him for not being when he was a baby. Son will not listen to him about the truth. Hopefully he'll listen he for his father is dead.
Has a son who hates him for not being when he was a baby. Son will not listen to him about the truth. Hopefully he'll listen he for his father is dead.
September 6, 2017
another great read start to finish
November 1, 2017
Enjoyable
February 10, 2020
It was ok not great
March 22, 2020
The usual Johnstone plot and style. One of those entertaining reads that is like watching the old 50s TV Westerns.
June 23, 2020
I read this book a few years ago, another good quick western read.
January 16, 2023
A great continuation of the ballad of Frank Morgan.
April 15, 2024
24-43 It fascinates me how prolific writers can come up with such entertaining stories. I borrowed this e-book from the Sacramento Public Library through the Libby app.
April 29, 2024
Great book
The first book set this book seemlesle..
I've read all gunslinger books more than once, My first time to read them in order.
The first book set this book seemlesle..
I've read all gunslinger books more than once, My first time to read them in order.
November 5, 2016
DON'T TOUCH MY SON
Frank Morgan is trying his best to retire, maybe raise horses, but some attorney in the east has put a BOUNTY on him for fifteen thousand dollars. That's a lot of money, for just killing someone. Also Frank learns he has a son whom hasn't seen in eighteen years. The son hates him because he feels Frank abandoned him and his mother Vivian. That particular part of Frank and Conrad's life will need a calm explanation from Frank about that part of their lives. But meantime Frank must rescue Conrad from a gang of vile western trash, whose leaders want to murder Frank Morgan in the worse way. Oh, by the way, this gangs leaders murdered Conrads' mother Vivian which was an attempt to engage and lure Frank Morgan into an ambush. Each page LOADED with adventures, common sense and frontier surroundings..ENJOY
Frank Morgan is trying his best to retire, maybe raise horses, but some attorney in the east has put a BOUNTY on him for fifteen thousand dollars. That's a lot of money, for just killing someone. Also Frank learns he has a son whom hasn't seen in eighteen years. The son hates him because he feels Frank abandoned him and his mother Vivian. That particular part of Frank and Conrad's life will need a calm explanation from Frank about that part of their lives. But meantime Frank must rescue Conrad from a gang of vile western trash, whose leaders want to murder Frank Morgan in the worse way. Oh, by the way, this gangs leaders murdered Conrads' mother Vivian which was an attempt to engage and lure Frank Morgan into an ambush. Each page LOADED with adventures, common sense and frontier surroundings..ENJOY
October 26, 2015
Just recently found this author and I'm enjoying his style of writing. He cuts to the chase and tells things like they were. The characters are realistic and entertaining. Good descriptions and enough action to keep the reader interested.
February 25, 2025
The Graphic Audio version of this story helps to hide the typos from the written copies i own. I do very much enjoy the characters. I wonder what happens to Jeff. Hopefully now that I am finally reading the third book I will find out.
January 8, 2013
Enjoyed every part of book Johnstone my favorite Western writer.
February 5, 2015
A good story . But, very formulaic.
November 25, 2016
This is a good novel. I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to everyone.
April 22, 2017
Good western. A lot of suspense which made me keep on reading. Classic western action adventure without all the sexual content.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews