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Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger #1
The Rattlesnake Season
From Spur Award-Winning Author Larry D. Sweazy
A Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger Novel
From the blood he spilled during the Civil War to his beloved wife, who died in childbirth, and his daughters, who were taken by the flu, ex-Texas Ranger Josiah Wolfe thought he had seen enough death for one lifetime. Now, with an infant son and a heart full of pain, he's rejoining the Rangers as part of the Frontier Battalion. But first, his captain needs him to escort Charlie Langdon to trial.
Wolfe and Langdon had a long history together as both lawmen and soldiers—until Langdon's lust for blood and money made him an outlaw. Wolfe knows his old friend has to pay. But the ride to the hangman's noose isn't going to be easy. Langdon's friends aren't going to give him up without a fight. And Wolfe's killer instinct may be his only chance to see his son again...
Praise for Larry D Sweazy
"Combines the slam-bang action of a good Western with the sensitivity of style and depth of character that used to be the hallmark of literary fiction."
—Loren D. Estleman, five-time Spur Award-winning author
"Raw, wild, and all too human...a thundering testament to just how good the Western novel can be."
—Johnny D. Boggs, Spur Award-winning author
"A character-rich story about a Texas Ranger haunted by dark memories, on the hunt for a former comrade-in-arms turned killer."
—Elmer Kelton, seven-time Spur Award-winning author
"Ris[es] to the level of a classic."
—Loren D. Estleman
A Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger Novel
From the blood he spilled during the Civil War to his beloved wife, who died in childbirth, and his daughters, who were taken by the flu, ex-Texas Ranger Josiah Wolfe thought he had seen enough death for one lifetime. Now, with an infant son and a heart full of pain, he's rejoining the Rangers as part of the Frontier Battalion. But first, his captain needs him to escort Charlie Langdon to trial.
Wolfe and Langdon had a long history together as both lawmen and soldiers—until Langdon's lust for blood and money made him an outlaw. Wolfe knows his old friend has to pay. But the ride to the hangman's noose isn't going to be easy. Langdon's friends aren't going to give him up without a fight. And Wolfe's killer instinct may be his only chance to see his son again...
Praise for Larry D Sweazy
"Combines the slam-bang action of a good Western with the sensitivity of style and depth of character that used to be the hallmark of literary fiction."
—Loren D. Estleman, five-time Spur Award-winning author
"Raw, wild, and all too human...a thundering testament to just how good the Western novel can be."
—Johnny D. Boggs, Spur Award-winning author
"A character-rich story about a Texas Ranger haunted by dark memories, on the hunt for a former comrade-in-arms turned killer."
—Elmer Kelton, seven-time Spur Award-winning author
"Ris[es] to the level of a classic."
—Loren D. Estleman
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
113 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Larry D. Sweazy
46 books116 followersLarry D. Sweazy (pronounced: Swayzee) is the author of nineteen novels and five series: the Trusty Dawson series (LOST MOUNTAIN PASS, THE BROKEN BOW), WHERE I CAN SEE YOU, a standalone thriller, the Marjorie Trumaine Mystery series (SEE ALSO MURDER, SEE ALSO DECEPTION, SEE ALSO PROOF), the Sonny Burton series (A THOUSAND FALLING CROWS, THE LOST ARE THE LAST TO DIE, WINTER SEEKS OUT THE LONELY), the Lucas Fume Western series (VENGEANCE AT SUNDOWN, ESCAPE TO HANGTOWN), the Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger series (THE RATTLESNAKE SEASON, THE SCORPION TRAIL, THE BADGER'S REVENGE, THE COUGAR'S PREY, THE COYOTE TRACKER, THE GILA WARS, and THE RETURN OF THE WOLF), and THE DEVIL'S BONES, a standalone mystery.
He won the WWA Spur award for Best Short Fiction in 2005 and for Best Paperback Original in 2013, and the 2011 and 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Fiction for books the Josiah Wolfe series. He was nominated for a Derringer award in 2007, and was a finalist in the Best Books of Indiana literary competition in 2010, and won in 2011 for THE SCORPION TRAIL. In 2013, Larry received the inaugural Elmer Kelton Fiction Book of the Year for THE COYOTE TRACKER, presented by the Academy of Western Artists. He received the Willa Award in 2019 and was shortlisted for the Indiana Authors Award in 2020, both for SEE ALSO PROOF. The Western Fictioneers (WF) awarded THE RETURN OF THE WOLF the Peacemaker Award for Best Western in 2020.
Larry has published over one hundred nonfiction articles and short stories, which have appeared in ELLERY QUEEN'S MYSTERY MAGAZINE; THE ADVENTURE OF THE MISSING DETECTIVE: AND 25 OF THE YEAR'S FINEST CRIME AND MYSTERY STORIES!; BOYS' LIFE; HARDBOILED; Amazon Shorts, and several other publications and anthologies. He is also a freelance indexer and written over 1000 indexes since 1998. He lives in Indiana with his wife, Rose, and is hard at work on his next novel.
He won the WWA Spur award for Best Short Fiction in 2005 and for Best Paperback Original in 2013, and the 2011 and 2012 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Fiction for books the Josiah Wolfe series. He was nominated for a Derringer award in 2007, and was a finalist in the Best Books of Indiana literary competition in 2010, and won in 2011 for THE SCORPION TRAIL. In 2013, Larry received the inaugural Elmer Kelton Fiction Book of the Year for THE COYOTE TRACKER, presented by the Academy of Western Artists. He received the Willa Award in 2019 and was shortlisted for the Indiana Authors Award in 2020, both for SEE ALSO PROOF. The Western Fictioneers (WF) awarded THE RETURN OF THE WOLF the Peacemaker Award for Best Western in 2020.
Larry has published over one hundred nonfiction articles and short stories, which have appeared in ELLERY QUEEN'S MYSTERY MAGAZINE; THE ADVENTURE OF THE MISSING DETECTIVE: AND 25 OF THE YEAR'S FINEST CRIME AND MYSTERY STORIES!; BOYS' LIFE; HARDBOILED; Amazon Shorts, and several other publications and anthologies. He is also a freelance indexer and written over 1000 indexes since 1998. He lives in Indiana with his wife, Rose, and is hard at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 30, 2011
This is the first title in a new Western series featuring Texas Ranger Josiah Wolfe. I got a kick out of reading this oater. The plot includes all the right fine ingredients: revenge, romance, betrayal, and lots of slam-bang action. Wolfe is a likeable, clean-cut, and gutsy hero that grows on you fast. Keep an eye on the rattlesnakes in this one. Pleaurable reading if you like the Westerns by modern writers with a vintage eye.
September 14, 2015
Josiah Wolfe is a Texas Ranger I'd want on my side of a showdown. He's the strong, silent type, a widower raising a two year old son, and has some enemies. There's a bit of mystery, some double-crossing, and a hint of romance.
October 5, 2024
Larry D. Sweazy's "The Rattlesnake Season" delivers a Western adventure steeped in atmosphere, though its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters keep it from reaching its full potential. That said, if you're a fan of the genre, there's still plenty to enjoy as Sweazy paints a vivid picture of the Old West with flair.
The novel's strength lies in its atmospheric setting. Sweazy has crafted the bustling streets of frontier towns, teeming with colourful characters, the dust swirling in the heat and the lingering tension that hangs over every interaction. The piece feels authentic, pulling the reader into a world where the gun rules and survival often depends on the sharpness of one's instincts and trigger finger.
However, while the backdrop is immersive, the characters populating it feel less so. My main problem was that the relationship between Josiah Wolfe and his nemesis, Langdon - purportedly driving the whole story - is utterly underdeveloped and inconsistent. Josiah, as a conflicted hero grappling with his place in this rugged world, shows promise, but the narrative leans too heavily on Langdon's Civil War memories to establish him as a villain. This reliance on the past—though historically relevant—misses an opportunity to flesh out Langdon with more nuance. Instead of a complex exploration of their dynamic, we're given little more than a one-dimensional portrayal that leaves their ultimate confrontation feeling hollow.
That said, this is a solid read for fans of Westerns. The vivid setting makes it worth the ride, even if the characters and narrative don't quite push the boundaries. It's not groundbreaking by any stretch, but for fans of dusty trails, rugged heroes, and a slice of frontier life, Sweazy's novel still delivers an engaging experience.
⭐ ⭐ 1/2
The novel's strength lies in its atmospheric setting. Sweazy has crafted the bustling streets of frontier towns, teeming with colourful characters, the dust swirling in the heat and the lingering tension that hangs over every interaction. The piece feels authentic, pulling the reader into a world where the gun rules and survival often depends on the sharpness of one's instincts and trigger finger.
However, while the backdrop is immersive, the characters populating it feel less so. My main problem was that the relationship between Josiah Wolfe and his nemesis, Langdon - purportedly driving the whole story - is utterly underdeveloped and inconsistent. Josiah, as a conflicted hero grappling with his place in this rugged world, shows promise, but the narrative leans too heavily on Langdon's Civil War memories to establish him as a villain. This reliance on the past—though historically relevant—misses an opportunity to flesh out Langdon with more nuance. Instead of a complex exploration of their dynamic, we're given little more than a one-dimensional portrayal that leaves their ultimate confrontation feeling hollow.
That said, this is a solid read for fans of Westerns. The vivid setting makes it worth the ride, even if the characters and narrative don't quite push the boundaries. It's not groundbreaking by any stretch, but for fans of dusty trails, rugged heroes, and a slice of frontier life, Sweazy's novel still delivers an engaging experience.
⭐ ⭐ 1/2
July 20, 2021
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big reader of westerns. In fact, I think that prior to Larry Sweazy's The Rattlesnake Season, I had only read one Zane Gray western. But after reading the first installment in the Josiah Wolfe series, I have no doubt I'll be back for more.
Having recently lost three children to disease and his wife in childbirth, Josiah Wolfe is a heartbroken man when he is called to duty as a Texas Ranger. Leaving his surviving son in the care of a Mexican housekeeper, he heads to San Antonio under the command of Captain Fykes to bring murderer Charlie Langdon to justice. But the party is attacked, Fykes killed and Charlie Langdon escapes. Wolfe is given the task of taking Fykes body home, and at times the novel brings up images of William Faulkner's classic, As I Lay Dying. But when Langdon threatens Josiah's surviving child, the steaks escalate dramatically.
I've read several of Larry Sweazy's novels, and none disappointed. His Sonny Burton novels, set in depression era Dust Bowl Texas are to be treasured. This is one of Seazy's early novels, and he has sharpened his craft. But this book is certainly a MUST READ for western fans, and an excellent deviation for readers like me who have not often delved into the Western genre. The fifth Josiah Wolfe book was recently released. You can bet that it will be on my reading list.
Having recently lost three children to disease and his wife in childbirth, Josiah Wolfe is a heartbroken man when he is called to duty as a Texas Ranger. Leaving his surviving son in the care of a Mexican housekeeper, he heads to San Antonio under the command of Captain Fykes to bring murderer Charlie Langdon to justice. But the party is attacked, Fykes killed and Charlie Langdon escapes. Wolfe is given the task of taking Fykes body home, and at times the novel brings up images of William Faulkner's classic, As I Lay Dying. But when Langdon threatens Josiah's surviving child, the steaks escalate dramatically.
I've read several of Larry Sweazy's novels, and none disappointed. His Sonny Burton novels, set in depression era Dust Bowl Texas are to be treasured. This is one of Seazy's early novels, and he has sharpened his craft. But this book is certainly a MUST READ for western fans, and an excellent deviation for readers like me who have not often delved into the Western genre. The fifth Josiah Wolfe book was recently released. You can bet that it will be on my reading list.
February 15, 2024
The Rattlesnake Season, Larry Sweazy (western)
Jeff Book Review #277
The first entry in a newer western series, 2009's "The Rattlesnake Season" follows a Texas Ranger named Josiah Wolfe as he transports a killer named Charlie Langdon to trial.
There are a number of stereotypical characters involved when Langdon is sprung from captivity, a Ranger is killed, and Wolfe tries to figure out what happened while pushing back against some of his colleagues' willingness to accept hearsay and assumptions regarding the situation. The contrarian in me related to Wolfe's distrustful acceptance of eyewitness testimony that was obviously convenient and suspect, but it also just made it kind of a combative read. We don't know what actually happened, but we also were never vested enough in the players to care either way.
Verdict: A good setup with a focused plotline but I have to admit it is kind of boring. Just not a well-told or well-paced story, and the tropey treatment of the Mexican and hooker characters are eyeroll-inducing.
Jeff's Rating: 2 / 5 (Okay)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
Jeff Book Review #277
The first entry in a newer western series, 2009's "The Rattlesnake Season" follows a Texas Ranger named Josiah Wolfe as he transports a killer named Charlie Langdon to trial.
There are a number of stereotypical characters involved when Langdon is sprung from captivity, a Ranger is killed, and Wolfe tries to figure out what happened while pushing back against some of his colleagues' willingness to accept hearsay and assumptions regarding the situation. The contrarian in me related to Wolfe's distrustful acceptance of eyewitness testimony that was obviously convenient and suspect, but it also just made it kind of a combative read. We don't know what actually happened, but we also were never vested enough in the players to care either way.
Verdict: A good setup with a focused plotline but I have to admit it is kind of boring. Just not a well-told or well-paced story, and the tropey treatment of the Mexican and hooker characters are eyeroll-inducing.
Jeff's Rating: 2 / 5 (Okay)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
December 17, 2017
A FATHER'S LOVE
A unending western adventure constantly moving. A father's love for his only living child, a son. Fast moving adventure lots of action.
Anyone who loves a good western will truly enjoy this one..it's the TEXAS RANGERS..these men never give up. Hard riding and shooting trying to keep the great state of TEXAS free of owlhoots, left over Johnny rebs..you know the ones who can't/won't surrender.
A unending western adventure constantly moving. A father's love for his only living child, a son. Fast moving adventure lots of action.
Anyone who loves a good western will truly enjoy this one..it's the TEXAS RANGERS..these men never give up. Hard riding and shooting trying to keep the great state of TEXAS free of owlhoots, left over Johnny rebs..you know the ones who can't/won't surrender.
March 9, 2018
The Rattlesnake Season (Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger Book 1)
I really liked the character of Josiah. He was a man of many facets who had learned the necessity of thinking before acting on whatever situation was happening at the time. It was a mind twisting type of western full of action and devious curves that you just don't see coming. I'll be reading 📚 more from this man.!!BRAVO 👏👏.
I really liked the character of Josiah. He was a man of many facets who had learned the necessity of thinking before acting on whatever situation was happening at the time. It was a mind twisting type of western full of action and devious curves that you just don't see coming. I'll be reading 📚 more from this man.!!BRAVO 👏👏.
April 12, 2021
This is the beginning of the historical fiction series of the Texas Rangers. I believe that Mr. Sweazy has done an excellent job keeping to the actual events of the time. Josiah Wolfe is a wonderful main character who believes in honor and integrity as he helps search for a murderer who once was his friend.
November 5, 2017
Law enforcement of early 1800's
Liked the story of a lawman struggling g to make a life for him and son after wife and two daughters die from the flu.
Liked the story of a lawman struggling g to make a life for him and son after wife and two daughters die from the flu.
December 6, 2018
Excellent!
This is an exciting and enjoyable book though editing could have been better done. The good plot more than made up for this!
This is an exciting and enjoyable book though editing could have been better done. The good plot more than made up for this!
December 28, 2024
Characters abound....
like a confused.collectof.photos stuffed in a drawer. Sorting them wasn't hard but it took some focus.
The strength of this book is the details surrounding the plotline as the story unfolds. I'm looking forward to the next one.
like a confused.collectof.photos stuffed in a drawer. Sorting them wasn't hard but it took some focus.
The strength of this book is the details surrounding the plotline as the story unfolds. I'm looking forward to the next one.
March 1, 2010
Larry's first novel is a great example of his talent as a writer. The book takes us to 1874 in Texas, and a tale of a former ranger who has lost his wife and daughters to 'the fever'. He leaves his very young son in the care of a nanny and goes off to re-join the unit he was once attached to. His first assignment is to help assure the delivery of a desperate killer, and one time friend, to prison and a certain hanging. Full of good facts and plenty of good western excitement. My kind of western.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews