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The Reckoning
Ike McAlister returns home to Kansas after the Civil War, his soul bruised and empty. Worse, his parents have been killed by Quantrill’s raiders who are still on the loose. No stranger to death and destruction, he vows to run the killers down. A clue leads him to the high plains of Colorado, but when his sister, Sue, disappears from there, his world quickly spins out of control. In the midst of this turmoil, a feisty landlady sparks an attraction, the only good thing in Ike’s life. Racing against time, he must make a deadly choice. If he continues to pursue the killers, Sue will likely never be found. But if he veers off to find his sister, the killers’ trail will go cold. Which track to follow? Will the love of family triumph in his broken heart, or will it be the passionate hate of revenge?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2016
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Mike Torreano
14 books31 followersI write traditional western mysteries and historical fiction, sweet reads with a thread of romance.
My inspiration has always been Zane Grey, who I started reading in fifth grade. His vivid descriptions put me riding right along with the good guys and bad guys amid the red sandstone formations of the Painted Desert.
I'm also drawn to The Code of the West, which laid out right and wrong for many parts of the Old West that didn't have any other law. Our country could sure use some of those timeless values today.
My first historical, Fireflies at Dusk. was released in November 2023.
My inspiration has always been Zane Grey, who I started reading in fifth grade. His vivid descriptions put me riding right along with the good guys and bad guys amid the red sandstone formations of the Painted Desert.
I'm also drawn to The Code of the West, which laid out right and wrong for many parts of the Old West that didn't have any other law. Our country could sure use some of those timeless values today.
My first historical, Fireflies at Dusk. was released in November 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 10, 2016
A true western with gunfights, trails to ride, camaraderie and evil men to thwart.
Set just after the Civil War this story tells the story of Ike McAlister, his brother Rob and his sister Sue. Their parents were killed by bushwhackers and revenge is on their mind. They have one name, Manning, they are searching for and the evil man must pay his dues for the wrong he has done.
With a trip to Colorado, new people to interact with, mysteries to solve and then Sue having disappeared the tale becomes more complex and a gang of good “guys” now pursue men and answers and the location of Sue.
Fun to read – it took me back to reading my father’s copies of Louis L’Amour and other western authors. I would like to thank NK author services for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Set just after the Civil War this story tells the story of Ike McAlister, his brother Rob and his sister Sue. Their parents were killed by bushwhackers and revenge is on their mind. They have one name, Manning, they are searching for and the evil man must pay his dues for the wrong he has done.
With a trip to Colorado, new people to interact with, mysteries to solve and then Sue having disappeared the tale becomes more complex and a gang of good “guys” now pursue men and answers and the location of Sue.
Fun to read – it took me back to reading my father’s copies of Louis L’Amour and other western authors. I would like to thank NK author services for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2016
Mike Torreano transports readers to the old west in THE RECKONING. The characters spring to life through hard-boiled dialogue and non-stop action in a fast moving story. Torreano is a fine writer whose intimate understanding of the west shines though in a gritty tale that was difficult to put down. I don’t normally read Westerns. However, the blend of mystery with Western became addicting and I look forward to Torreano’s next novel. I definitely recommend THE RECKONING.
January 8, 2021
This was my first Western novel, bringing about a pleasant surprise from my previous opinion that these books are “men’s books”! I loved how the lead character, Ike McAllister, took us on his journey that included glimpses into the civil war, tough farm life in the 1800s, confrontations with Indians, even interactions with a strong and opinionated lady. And then, perhaps for female readers like me, the author throws in some romance - well done Mike!
However, what I loved most was his very successful use of adjectives and verbs to describe scenery and characters; I smelled the pine forests, shivered during the snowy trek, held my breath numerous times when I thought “this is the end!”His description of the South Park area was well researched, beautifully and vividly described, so it was very easy to see myself right next to Ike in the 1800s! Absolutely a joy to read from beginning to end.
However, what I loved most was his very successful use of adjectives and verbs to describe scenery and characters; I smelled the pine forests, shivered during the snowy trek, held my breath numerous times when I thought “this is the end!”His description of the South Park area was well researched, beautifully and vividly described, so it was very easy to see myself right next to Ike in the 1800s! Absolutely a joy to read from beginning to end.
May 12, 2022
THE RECKONING by Mike Torreano is a classic Western story with plenty of action and plenty of heart. I especially enjoyed Ike McAlister’s growing understanding of the dark fire of vengeance and how it can consume a person. While all the characters were a joy to read, I have to admit Professor Hugh Walnutt, “of the London Walnutts” was one of my favorite secondary characters. The Professor had some great tongue-in-cheek lines. Another aspect of the story I relished was the setting. I’m quite familiar with the South Park/Fairplay area, and I got such a kick out of the author’s description of this part of Colorado. All in all, this was a great read!
July 2, 2021
This is a western set after the civil war. It moves quickly and listening to the audiobook was a pleasure.
All in all it was a pleasant surprise. I received this audiobook for free and leave an unbiased opinion.
All in all it was a pleasant surprise. I received this audiobook for free and leave an unbiased opinion.
July 23, 2022
Westerns would not be my genre, but I met the author, and he was also attending a library event I was attending and selling his books. The characters and the story were very engaging, and now I will be reading a second western to see how life turns out for the good guys (and gals!)
December 16, 2023
This was an enjoyable read, though I haven't read a Western for many years.
At times, it was a bit rough and I paused for a week or so to read something else, but I came back to it.
Definitely worth reading.
At times, it was a bit rough and I paused for a week or so to read something else, but I came back to it.
Definitely worth reading.
September 8, 2016
THE RECKONING
By Mike Torreano
5 stars
A modern day Zane Grey tale
Ike McAlister returns home to Kansas after the Civil War, his soul bruised and empty. He learns that Quantrill’s raiders has killed his parents, among many other murders for they become the scourge of the South at the end of the war. Ike is determined to find the leader, although he is not sure of his name. He has a sister Rose and a brother Rob. A clue leads him to the high plains of Colorado, and Rose goes first, finds a job with a woman who makes and sells hats, and attempts to find out all she can about this wealthy man who has recently established a large ranch in this area. She writes a letter to her brother Ike monthly so he will know she is all right. Ike had been wounded several times while a soldier, and so Rob decides he will go where Sue is and hire out for that big rancher, and perhaps he can find out if this is the man they are looking for. The rancher’s foreman is a man name Kelly and he is vicious mean. Everyone tries to stay out of his way.
Kelly tries to capture Sue and rape her, but she shoots him with a small gun, but only scratches his face, and he shoots her in the stomach and leaves her to die. The balance of the story is a typical western with lots of shooting, hard living and drinking, finding the ex-leader of the raiders, and searching to find out what happened to Sue when he doesn’t hear from her any more. Then throw in an Indian tribe, an old man who is now an alcoholic but knows the habits of the Indian, and a couple of widows who are both lonely and looking for a husband, which adds a little romance.
It is a good plot, usual to old fashioned western stories, but moves right along and is most entertaining. I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
By Mike Torreano
5 stars
A modern day Zane Grey tale
Ike McAlister returns home to Kansas after the Civil War, his soul bruised and empty. He learns that Quantrill’s raiders has killed his parents, among many other murders for they become the scourge of the South at the end of the war. Ike is determined to find the leader, although he is not sure of his name. He has a sister Rose and a brother Rob. A clue leads him to the high plains of Colorado, and Rose goes first, finds a job with a woman who makes and sells hats, and attempts to find out all she can about this wealthy man who has recently established a large ranch in this area. She writes a letter to her brother Ike monthly so he will know she is all right. Ike had been wounded several times while a soldier, and so Rob decides he will go where Sue is and hire out for that big rancher, and perhaps he can find out if this is the man they are looking for. The rancher’s foreman is a man name Kelly and he is vicious mean. Everyone tries to stay out of his way.
Kelly tries to capture Sue and rape her, but she shoots him with a small gun, but only scratches his face, and he shoots her in the stomach and leaves her to die. The balance of the story is a typical western with lots of shooting, hard living and drinking, finding the ex-leader of the raiders, and searching to find out what happened to Sue when he doesn’t hear from her any more. Then throw in an Indian tribe, an old man who is now an alcoholic but knows the habits of the Indian, and a couple of widows who are both lonely and looking for a husband, which adds a little romance.
It is a good plot, usual to old fashioned western stories, but moves right along and is most entertaining. I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
October 31, 2016
I seldom read novels, generally too engrossed in reading as much History as I can in the time that I have left.
However.......I am a sucker for the Old West, have read everything that Louis L'Amour ever wrote including his Autobiography, which I find to be a great lesson in self education and life experience. This background drew me to Mike Torreano's "The Reckoning", a story based in Kansas and the South Park region of Colorado, an area that I have explored for decades and love dearly.
Clearly written, extremely well researched, The Reckoning is a book that I could not put down. The story line begins in post Civil War Lawrence, Kansas, and grows from the famous and murderous Quantrill raid of Lawrence that killed over 100 innocents.
The storyline is fluid and tightly woven, the ending unpredictable and surprising, the characters true individuals that I want to know more about.
All in all a damn fine book which hopefully will spur some sequels.
However.......I am a sucker for the Old West, have read everything that Louis L'Amour ever wrote including his Autobiography, which I find to be a great lesson in self education and life experience. This background drew me to Mike Torreano's "The Reckoning", a story based in Kansas and the South Park region of Colorado, an area that I have explored for decades and love dearly.
Clearly written, extremely well researched, The Reckoning is a book that I could not put down. The story line begins in post Civil War Lawrence, Kansas, and grows from the famous and murderous Quantrill raid of Lawrence that killed over 100 innocents.
The storyline is fluid and tightly woven, the ending unpredictable and surprising, the characters true individuals that I want to know more about.
All in all a damn fine book which hopefully will spur some sequels.
September 29, 2016
The Reckoning is a mystery, wrapped in a detective story, inside a western. Thirsting for revenge on the killers of his parents, Ike McAllister, a tough veteran of the Civil War, follows his missing sister to the mountains around Cottonwood, Colorado. There he has to sort through a cast of vivid characters to separate friend from foe and gather clues that will lead him to his missing sister--before it is too late.
Mike Torreano has written a rip-roaring romp of vengeance, villains and violence, baked in western lore, basted in mystery and sprinkled with humor throughout. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Mike Torreano has written a rip-roaring romp of vengeance, villains and violence, baked in western lore, basted in mystery and sprinkled with humor throughout. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 19, 2016
As a historian, Mike Torreano deftly paints a picture of life in the old west. His attention to detail from the local boarding house and hat shop to life on the trail gives a realistic portrayal of the west we tend to glamorize. Torreano develops his characters well to the point where you either empathize with them or look forward to their demise. His military background is evident in the sounds of war that continue to haunt Ike. The storyline of The Reckoning makes you want to know what's around the next page and to the next book from this author. 9/5/16 Louise Carlson
October 31, 2016
This is a true western adventure story written in the spirit of the iconic writer, Zane Grey. The writing makes the Colorado surroundings so vivid one can smell the pines in the air. Winter in the Rockies made me shiver. Great mystery that Ike, Rob and Sue unraveled. Anyone loving a well written western with poker playing tough guys, shoot-em-ups in the streets, trekking through snowy mountain passes with a splash of romance will love this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five stars.
September 19, 2016
The Reckoning follows the journey of Ike McAlister as he and his siblings search for vengeance for the murder of their parents. Torreano's easy flowing dialogue and colorful cast of supporting characters round out this western tale.
I don't typically read westerns. However, I truly enjoyed The Reckoning. Torreano writes a story of self-discovery and redemption filled with humor and action. A very fun read!
I don't typically read westerns. However, I truly enjoyed The Reckoning. Torreano writes a story of self-discovery and redemption filled with humor and action. A very fun read!
February 15, 2018
Westerns are outside my usual range of reading. Luckily, I picked this up at a book signing to meet the local-author Popsugar prompt for 2018. I really enjoyed meeting the author, who's a bit of a cowboy, himself. This is a good read - engaging, smooth-flowing, entertaining all the way. It took me back to childhood days of watching Bonanza, The Ponderosa, Rawhide, Gunsmoke, and Wagon Train and reading a smattering of Zane Grey books, when salty cowboys and fiesty women made frontier living exciting. I was a little confused on the very first page as to why an outlaw being shot at would stop instead of galloping away, and later I thought it odd that a Kansas farmer (albiet with the rough-living experience of the Civil War) knew an awful lot about navigating and surviving high Rockies in the winter, but that didn't detract from a good mystery/adventure/light romance. Looking forward to more from Torreano - his flavor of storytelling will be a good addition to my go-to's.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews