What do you think?
Rate this book
The Jensen Brand #1
The Jensen Brand
In this western series opener by two bestselling authors, a brother and sister team up to save their family and take down cattle rustlers.
JENSEN PROUD. JENSEN TOUGH. It’s the dawn of a new century. But on the vast Sugarloaf Ranch not much has changed since legendary gunfighter Smoke Jensen and his wife Sally tamed the land two decades ago. Raising cattle is still a dangerous business—and just as deadly as ever. When Smoke is injured swapping bullets with some cow thieves, Sally puts out a call for help to Matt, Ace, and the rest of the Jensen clan. But time is running out. The bloodthirsty rustlers are ready to strike again—and there are lots more of them. And the Sugarloaf’s last defense is Smoke and Sally’s next of kin… Enter the Jensen twins. Denise and her brother Louis have just returned home from their schooling in Europe. Louis is studying to be a lawyer and is too sickly to defend the ranch. But Denise is to the manor born—she can ride like a man, shoot like her daddy, and face down the deadliest outlaws like nobody’s business. And there’ll be plenty opportunity to prove she’s got Jensen blood in her veins—cold, deadly, and playing for keeps…
JENSEN PROUD. JENSEN TOUGH. It’s the dawn of a new century. But on the vast Sugarloaf Ranch not much has changed since legendary gunfighter Smoke Jensen and his wife Sally tamed the land two decades ago. Raising cattle is still a dangerous business—and just as deadly as ever. When Smoke is injured swapping bullets with some cow thieves, Sally puts out a call for help to Matt, Ace, and the rest of the Jensen clan. But time is running out. The bloodthirsty rustlers are ready to strike again—and there are lots more of them. And the Sugarloaf’s last defense is Smoke and Sally’s next of kin… Enter the Jensen twins. Denise and her brother Louis have just returned home from their schooling in Europe. Louis is studying to be a lawyer and is too sickly to defend the ranch. But Denise is to the manor born—she can ride like a man, shoot like her daddy, and face down the deadliest outlaws like nobody’s business. And there’ll be plenty opportunity to prove she’s got Jensen blood in her veins—cold, deadly, and playing for keeps…
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2017
425 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,041 books1,392 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 27, 2021
Great story! Smoke and Sally Jensen have 2 kids who have finished school, coming back home to the ranch (from London) to live with them. They happen to be twins, a boy and girl in their young 20’s now. Louis is a lawyer, and Denise (Denny) is a rough and tough beautiful kick a$$ woman…a sharp chip off her ol’ dad’s block in every way!
Cattle Rustlers are causing problems, the very existence of the whole family is threatened,Smoke’s been shot, but never count out the Jensen’s, even if it’s a a woman in disguise who’s has to take the lead in the fight!
The audiobook narration by Danny Campbell lacked interesting character voices. Voices not varied even among genders. Narration read just like a script; felt as if lack of enthusiasm. I hope Johnstone and company might consider a different narrator in future.
However, I loved the story well enough to give it 5 stars on story merit.
Cattle Rustlers are causing problems, the very existence of the whole family is threatened,Smoke’s been shot, but never count out the Jensen’s, even if it’s a a woman in disguise who’s has to take the lead in the fight!
The audiobook narration by Danny Campbell lacked interesting character voices. Voices not varied even among genders. Narration read just like a script; felt as if lack of enthusiasm. I hope Johnstone and company might consider a different narrator in future.
However, I loved the story well enough to give it 5 stars on story merit.
July 14, 2017
I’ve been a Louis L’Amour reader forever. He wasn’t just a writer of western fiction, he was an artist. His books are classics and no one has approached his storytelling magic.
Hopeful of finding the Sacketts, Chandrys, or Kilkennys, I decided to read a western by the late William W. Johnston (some call him a clone of L’Amour) because I miss those characters. “The Jensen Brand” is a resurrection of Johnston’s writing, carried on by his nephew, J.A. Johnstone. It’s an okay book and a noble attempt at trying to emulate L’Amour’s command of the art but it just doesn’t happen. The Jensens are not the Sacketts.
The story lacks vision, the characters are stereotypical, and the dialogue is sophomoric. The action is carried off fairly well but there are too many attempts at bolstering the story with unlikely scenarios. I generated a lukewarm liking to the novel because there was, at least, an earnest effort at making it readable.
Johnstone emulates L’Amour by keeping his characters in deep trouble and eliminating blue language and rowdy sexual encounters. But, the rancher was a cliché, the daughter, a firebrand too taken by her own spunk, and the other characters were as familiar as an old hat. I could never get enthused with the storyline, probably trying to look for too much.
June 7, 2023
A fun start to a new series. Much like the other Johnstone series - western adventure, some humor, interesting if cliched characters. You know exactly what’s going to happen and how it is going to end but it’s still a great ride.
March 4, 2025
One of the best books i have read by William W Johnstone, can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 20, 2017
I loved this book! Being honest I usually don't include western books in my book hauls. But definitely It was quite surprised by this book that I couldn't stop reading. It was really entertaining and easy to read. It was so interesting to see a female character playing such a strong role. I would absolutely recommend this book!
Thanks for this giveaway!
Thanks for this giveaway!
September 26, 2017
Fantastic start 2 a new series!!
September 4, 2017
The Saga Continues!
This book was a page turner. I had been waiting to read about Denny and Louis for a while, and this installment in the Jensen series did not disappoint. I was very taken by Denny as a no-nonsense, take-charge daughter intent on making her own way in the world. Even with her tough resolve, her family loyalty was all Jensen to a T. Louis was a surprising counterpoint, and I loved their relationship. Expect cameos from a few fond characters, and a very emotional story about saving Sugarloaf Ranch. If you love Johnstone's books already, chances are you will love this one. If you are just starting into this world, this is a good introduction. Hope to see a lot more of these characters in future books!
This book was a page turner. I had been waiting to read about Denny and Louis for a while, and this installment in the Jensen series did not disappoint. I was very taken by Denny as a no-nonsense, take-charge daughter intent on making her own way in the world. Even with her tough resolve, her family loyalty was all Jensen to a T. Louis was a surprising counterpoint, and I loved their relationship. Expect cameos from a few fond characters, and a very emotional story about saving Sugarloaf Ranch. If you love Johnstone's books already, chances are you will love this one. If you are just starting into this world, this is a good introduction. Hope to see a lot more of these characters in future books!
July 11, 2017
Always enjoyable to read a book with an intelligent woman as the star.
January 7, 2020
A good start to a new series. Well-written and interesting. I look forward to further books in this series. I do like that the Jensen family of Sugarloaf Ranch has some interesting characters.
September 23, 2017
readAuthentic western
Loved every page. I have read a lot of western novels, but Mr. Johnstone is becoming a favorite of mine. Keep up the great work. Loved all the characters and the story line held my interest.
Loved every page. I have read a lot of western novels, but Mr. Johnstone is becoming a favorite of mine. Keep up the great work. Loved all the characters and the story line held my interest.
September 13, 2017
Although not often mentioned and seemingly oft forgotten, Smoke and Sally have twin Children. Denise and Louis. Denise is a Tom-Boy while Louis has severe health problems and will never be the rough and tough son of the wild west's hero.
This takes place in 1901, the kids are home from being raised by Sally's family in England.
Pearlie is now retired
Cal is the Foreman
In a nut shell, bad guys show up, kill, steal cattle and repeat. We learn how bad they are.
Sheriff Carson is getting old, close to retirement - just as he is thinking this US Marshal Brice Rogers shows up
(Telegraphing maybe?)
Smoke is shot - telegrams are sent to Matt, Luke, Ace and Chance
Denise and Brice do not get along
Denise is a fast gun too
Denise goes after bad guys, so does Brice
I think I saw this movie with Roy Rogers For what is is worth
Good triumphs over evil
Looks like a new series has started
Oh, Denise and Brice don't get along -wink wink-
This takes place in 1901, the kids are home from being raised by Sally's family in England.
Pearlie is now retired
Cal is the Foreman
In a nut shell, bad guys show up, kill, steal cattle and repeat. We learn how bad they are.
Sheriff Carson is getting old, close to retirement - just as he is thinking this US Marshal Brice Rogers shows up
(Telegraphing maybe?)
Smoke is shot - telegrams are sent to Matt, Luke, Ace and Chance
Denise and Brice do not get along
Denise is a fast gun too
Denise goes after bad guys, so does Brice
I think I saw this movie with Roy Rogers For what is is worth
Good triumphs over evil
Looks like a new series has started
Oh, Denise and Brice don't get along -wink wink-
July 9, 2017
Received a free advanced copy for honest review.
This book is a continuation of the Jensen family saga. If you like books about the frontier, cattle rustlers and strong characters you will enjoy this book. It includes the next generation of the Jensen family, mainly Smoke Jensen's daughter Sally. She is feisty and strong and it is up to her to help her family after hew father is seriously injured by a gang of cattle rustlers hell bent on destroying the family. I enjoyed this book. It had plenty of action and strong characters that will do what needs to be done.
This book is a continuation of the Jensen family saga. If you like books about the frontier, cattle rustlers and strong characters you will enjoy this book. It includes the next generation of the Jensen family, mainly Smoke Jensen's daughter Sally. She is feisty and strong and it is up to her to help her family after hew father is seriously injured by a gang of cattle rustlers hell bent on destroying the family. I enjoyed this book. It had plenty of action and strong characters that will do what needs to be done.
Read
August 23, 2017Well done Jo, like the way Denny was the focus and hope to see more of her. Also please do not tie her with Brice right away, if ever, let her live and breathe as the daughter of Smoke Jensen. Love Louis and his insecurities, I look forward to his becoming more then even he can imagine.
Give this book a shot and watch Smokes kids grow as the next Jensen hero's.
Give this book a shot and watch Smokes kids grow as the next Jensen hero's.
July 3, 2017
Awesome Read
Wow! What a great book this is. Has a lot of action as you oiled expect from Smoke. But his daughter is one tough little lady. I sure hope there will be ore onDenise and the Marshall. I look forward to reading more on this couple. Thank you Jo for a awesome read.
Wow! What a great book this is. Has a lot of action as you oiled expect from Smoke. But his daughter is one tough little lady. I sure hope there will be ore onDenise and the Marshall. I look forward to reading more on this couple. Thank you Jo for a awesome read.
July 10, 2017
A New Generation of Jensens
4 stars. Sometimes it's nice to just knock the dust from your boots, settle into that rocking chair on the front stoop, and enjoy a kick-ass western. A new generation of Jensens attracting trouble? That purely adds to the pleasure.
4 stars. Sometimes it's nice to just knock the dust from your boots, settle into that rocking chair on the front stoop, and enjoy a kick-ass western. A new generation of Jensens attracting trouble? That purely adds to the pleasure.
July 4, 2017
A descent western. But, nothing exceptional except Denise Jensen (Smoke's daughter) was the main character. Every usual nuance and pattern were found within the book. An OK read
July 30, 2017
A great western
This one started early and never let up.I love it when it is easy to keep up with the characters as this book is written,thumbs up.
This one started early and never let up.I love it when it is easy to keep up with the characters as this book is written,thumbs up.
August 31, 2017
Outstading!
This was an interesting and enjoyable tale of the old west written by a great author. He is my favorite writer of this genre.
This was an interesting and enjoyable tale of the old west written by a great author. He is my favorite writer of this genre.
September 1, 2017
Smoke Jensen and the gang; great read sitting in the hotel during Hurricane Harvey evacuation!
May 14, 2018
As has mostly been consistently the case, the first of the very many Johnstone Clan book series is very good. The books have more depth and better characters. This one is no exception.
The story is introducing even more character's to the Smoke Jensen series. The characters have been mentioned in the series over the multi-dozens of Smoke books, but never fleshed out beyond mere mentions. The two of focus here are still not as fleshed out as others have been in the past. The writer expects the reader to accept the shallow staging.
Oddly, it's the bad guy who is extremely well written. This is one of the first Johnstone books since the early part of the Smoke series that the bad guy really comes across as threatening beyond a list all of the bad things the bad guy had done. The technique the writer used to enhance the threat I usually see by the most skilled writers. I wonder why such techniques weren't used to the two characters introduced.
The story is standard for the Johnstone Clan, but a nice diversion of the nearly identical stories that have been repeated ad nauseum in the Smoke series. It's a linear story with no surprises and a mostly expected ending.
For Johnstone Clan followers of the Smoke Jensen series this is a milestone of introducing the weird disappearance of the Jensen children. The explanations given to their being gone is ridiculous. Especially as other children are brought in by the Jensens over the 3 decades of the 'Last Mountain Man' series.
Bottom line: i recommend this book: 6 out of 10 points.
The story is introducing even more character's to the Smoke Jensen series. The characters have been mentioned in the series over the multi-dozens of Smoke books, but never fleshed out beyond mere mentions. The two of focus here are still not as fleshed out as others have been in the past. The writer expects the reader to accept the shallow staging.
Oddly, it's the bad guy who is extremely well written. This is one of the first Johnstone books since the early part of the Smoke series that the bad guy really comes across as threatening beyond a list all of the bad things the bad guy had done. The technique the writer used to enhance the threat I usually see by the most skilled writers. I wonder why such techniques weren't used to the two characters introduced.
The story is standard for the Johnstone Clan, but a nice diversion of the nearly identical stories that have been repeated ad nauseum in the Smoke series. It's a linear story with no surprises and a mostly expected ending.
For Johnstone Clan followers of the Smoke Jensen series this is a milestone of introducing the weird disappearance of the Jensen children. The explanations given to their being gone is ridiculous. Especially as other children are brought in by the Jensens over the 3 decades of the 'Last Mountain Man' series.
Bottom line: i recommend this book: 6 out of 10 points.
February 26, 2020
Ranch owner, Smoke Jensen, gets injured in a cattle rustling incident that leaves him unable to go after the men who injured him. Smokes twins have returned from college and his daughter decides to go after them.
I can't say that the story is especially inventive as far as westerns are concerned. This is a quick read that is mainly action sequences and nature scenes. I do like a little more character development, but I'm not sure this is where I'm going to find it. Also, although I read westerns as a teen, I'm realizing that the way women are portrayed in these novels is pretty irritating.
In short, it's a quick western that will give you that story. I didn't hate it, nor did I love it. For my friends who enjoy a western, I'd recommend it if they want something light and easy.
I can't say that the story is especially inventive as far as westerns are concerned. This is a quick read that is mainly action sequences and nature scenes. I do like a little more character development, but I'm not sure this is where I'm going to find it. Also, although I read westerns as a teen, I'm realizing that the way women are portrayed in these novels is pretty irritating.
In short, it's a quick western that will give you that story. I didn't hate it, nor did I love it. For my friends who enjoy a western, I'd recommend it if they want something light and easy.
February 26, 2020
Ranch owner, Smoke Jensen, gets injured in a cattle rustling incident that leaves him unable to go after the men who injured him. Smokes twins have returned from college and his daughter decides to go after them.
I can't say that the story is especially inventive as far as westerns are concerned. This is a quick read that is mainly action sequences and nature scenes. I do like a little more character development, but I'm not sure this is where I'm going to find it. Also, although I read westerns as a teen, I'm realizing that the way women are portrayed in these novels is pretty irritating.
In short, it's a quick western that will give you that story. I didn't hate it, nor did I love it. For my friends who enjoy a western, I'd recommend it if they want something light and easy.
I can't say that the story is especially inventive as far as westerns are concerned. This is a quick read that is mainly action sequences and nature scenes. I do like a little more character development, but I'm not sure this is where I'm going to find it. Also, although I read westerns as a teen, I'm realizing that the way women are portrayed in these novels is pretty irritating.
In short, it's a quick western that will give you that story. I didn't hate it, nor did I love it. For my friends who enjoy a western, I'd recommend it if they want something light and easy.
November 26, 2022
This is the first book in The Jensen Brand, and it does not fail to keep the saga of Smoke and Sally going at high speed. There is the introduction of Smoke's two children, a son who has health issues but is very smart and a daughter who is a feisty outdoorswoman. Denise, the daughter, gets wrapped up trying to find and infiltrate a gang of rustlers to look like a man. She is successful, to a point, and with the help of the new Marshall, who also infiltrates the gang, they bring all to a conclusion: a quick and exciting read.
April 4, 2022
This is the first book of the series and it’s a wild one. If you enjoy gun fights, catching the bad guys, running a ranch and what might be friendship to more, this book is for you. Denise and Louis Jensen are twins but she is the rough rider and he is the attorney business person. There are smiles at the bravery of Denise and tension when things go wrong. She is the wild child! Thanks for a great read. Loved it!
September 19, 2025
I was looking for a novel about Smoke Jensen, not a novel where a girl becomes the most feared gunfighter in the west in less than a week. My expectations were all off. I've read plenty of pro-feminist novels that are great, but this felt like a bait and switch. I actually liked Smoke's daughter's personality, but i was having a difficult time suspending my disbelief that no one seems to know that this new, unknown gunfighter is a beautiful woman.
October 1, 2025
The Sugarloaf is being hit by a gang, whose leader is dead set on not only killing Smoke, but wiping out his whole family. The wild card is the Twins are on their way home to stay and the daughter Denny is hell on wheels. When Smoke takes a bullet and is bed stricken, he puts a call-out for Matt, and Chance and Chance to help protect the ranch and Family. But Denny takes it upon herself to find out where the gang is held up and wipe out as many as she can.
October 2, 2019
A great western story.
I love stories by William W Johnstone and J A Johnstone and especially Smoke Jensen stories. I think the Jensen Brand is booming to be my new favorite. It has it all action, suspense, a little romance in the story of the old west. I hope there will be many more coming.
I love stories by William W Johnstone and J A Johnstone and especially Smoke Jensen stories. I think the Jensen Brand is booming to be my new favorite. It has it all action, suspense, a little romance in the story of the old west. I hope there will be many more coming.
March 3, 2024
24-28. I enjoy Johnstone's Westerns. Unfortunately this one was a bit predictable. It still had several action sequences that completely engulfed my imagination. I think I will read the next book in the series to see what happens next. I borrowed this e-book from the Sacramento Public Library through the Hoopla app.
March 6, 2025
This was a book I picked up from my parents over the holiday needing something to read. On one hand it was interesting to see what a modern day western writer writes about the "wild west", and the other there were a lot of tropes. I did enjoy the heroine as a tough cowgirl. One the fence (pun intended) on whether to continue the series.
May 6, 2018
Great writing! I recommend this book to anyone who likes westerns.
Great reading. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read westerns. I enjoy all of
Dusty Richards books.
Great reading. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read westerns. I enjoy all of
Dusty Richards books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews