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John Hawk #2
No Justice in Hell
Winner of the 2018 Spur Award for Best Paperback Western
From acclaimed storyteller Charles G. West comes a thrilling new chapter in the saga of John Hawk, an army scout with a tracker's eye, a cowboy's grit--and his own brand of justice . . .
Three desperate women. One deranged killer. No way in hell is John Hawk going to sit back and let the innocent get slaughtered. He first meets the three lovely ladies as they're fleeing in a wagon--alone--through Blackfoot country. What's their rush? They're being pursued by a wanted outlaw who wants them dead. Their only chance is to reach the Last Chance Saloon in Helena--and John Hawk is their last hope...
Hawk can track down a low-life like nobody's business. But this time he has to stay two steps ahead, keeping the ladies safe and sound until they get to the saloon. There's just one problem: the outlaw got there first. He's the notorious Zach Dubose. He's waiting for Hawk and his girls. And he's ordering them a round vengeance with a bullet chaser--and death on arrival . . .
"Rarely has an author painted the great American West in strokes so bold, vivid, and true."
--Ralph Compton
From acclaimed storyteller Charles G. West comes a thrilling new chapter in the saga of John Hawk, an army scout with a tracker's eye, a cowboy's grit--and his own brand of justice . . .
Three desperate women. One deranged killer. No way in hell is John Hawk going to sit back and let the innocent get slaughtered. He first meets the three lovely ladies as they're fleeing in a wagon--alone--through Blackfoot country. What's their rush? They're being pursued by a wanted outlaw who wants them dead. Their only chance is to reach the Last Chance Saloon in Helena--and John Hawk is their last hope...
Hawk can track down a low-life like nobody's business. But this time he has to stay two steps ahead, keeping the ladies safe and sound until they get to the saloon. There's just one problem: the outlaw got there first. He's the notorious Zach Dubose. He's waiting for Hawk and his girls. And he's ordering them a round vengeance with a bullet chaser--and death on arrival . . .
"Rarely has an author painted the great American West in strokes so bold, vivid, and true."
--Ralph Compton
309 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 24, 2018
163 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Charles G. West
71 books75 followersCharles G. West first arrived on the western literary scene in March, 1998 with his first novel, Stone Hand, published by Penguin under their Signet imprint. The book was the first of a three-book series, featuring Jason Coles, master tracker. The public response to those first three books called for more western fiction by West, and as of January 2014, Signet has published forty-five.
Inspired in his youth by great adventure authors like A.B. Guthrie and Vardis Fisher, West has always sought to be true to the men and women who braved the dangers of the savage frontier that was ultimately forged to become the American west. Novels by Charles G. West are classified as historical/westerns due to his diligent research in his subject matter, choosing to weave his fiction into the fabric of the actual places and events, being true to the times as well as the people. As a result, his protagonists are usually not heroes, but are often called upon to perform heroic deeds.
Insisting that his protagonists must be instilled with a sense of fairness in addition to courage. West readily admits that many of the characters in his books are patterned after his two sons, both of whom are graduates of the University of Montana, one still lives in Kalispell, Montana - and is the source of much of the author's detail on the ways of the mountain man. Both sons share West's love for the Big Sky Country.
Presently, the author resides in Ocala, Florida with his wife, Ronda, whose name is found on the dedication page of every West novel.
Inspired in his youth by great adventure authors like A.B. Guthrie and Vardis Fisher, West has always sought to be true to the men and women who braved the dangers of the savage frontier that was ultimately forged to become the American west. Novels by Charles G. West are classified as historical/westerns due to his diligent research in his subject matter, choosing to weave his fiction into the fabric of the actual places and events, being true to the times as well as the people. As a result, his protagonists are usually not heroes, but are often called upon to perform heroic deeds.
Insisting that his protagonists must be instilled with a sense of fairness in addition to courage. West readily admits that many of the characters in his books are patterned after his two sons, both of whom are graduates of the University of Montana, one still lives in Kalispell, Montana - and is the source of much of the author's detail on the ways of the mountain man. Both sons share West's love for the Big Sky Country.
Presently, the author resides in Ocala, Florida with his wife, Ronda, whose name is found on the dedication page of every West novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 18, 2019
This is a routine western with lots of action, almost too much action to be very believable. In fact, the character of Zack Dubose is so mean, it's a wonder he didn't shoot himself. West is a good writer, but he has a way to go to challenge Kelton or L'Amour. Recommended to western fans.
March 13, 2025
2.5 stars.
A solid beginning.
It was good, but felt sort of repetitive. It seems I have read three westerns in a row where our hero is escorting women across a long travel. Maybe that had something to do with my enjoyment of the novel. I will definitely try another of this authors books but hopefully it steers clear of the last three books I read. There’s gotta be more to westerns than helping people get to their destination.
A solid beginning.
It was good, but felt sort of repetitive. It seems I have read three westerns in a row where our hero is escorting women across a long travel. Maybe that had something to do with my enjoyment of the novel. I will definitely try another of this authors books but hopefully it steers clear of the last three books I read. There’s gotta be more to westerns than helping people get to their destination.
January 22, 2020
No Justice in Hell is the title of Charles G. West’s paperback western staring tracker and cowboy hat-wearing hero John Hawk. I used to enjoy reading Louis L’Amour when I was younger so I thought I would mosey on over to the ole library and round up the winner of the 2018 Spur Award for Best Paperback Western for a gander, hoss.
Yes, there is no justice in Hell. There is also no kittens, no tacos, no Netflix, and no ice water. (There is interestingly enough a Starbucks, but man their line is long long long.) In this novel there is no justice for those looking for an interesting story, memorable characters, or well-constructed action. Charles G. West is the author and I can only imagine that the G in his name stands for “Gee I should have paid more attention to my writing teacher at the community college.” A strange middle name for sure, but absolutely apropos if this horse opera of his is any indication. His character, John Hawk is flat and one dimensional. The story, (Hawk stumbles across three prostitutes on the run, they are fleeing a murderously jealous husband and his gang of outlaws. He helps the working gals reach the next town but when the husband catches up blood is split and Hawk must now be the pursuer with only vengeance and two six-shooters as his companions) is repetitive and tedious.
Now I like a good pulp novel as much as the next guy, but outside of a terrific title this book is a disappointment on many different levels. Recreationally, spiritually, physically, sexually, and mentally, it will crush your hope and belief in the goodness of mankind. No Justice in Hell is insulting to anyone who reads. Seriously, No Justice in Hell is stepping all over your band new white shoes, it is calling your mother unspeakable names, and pouring your Pina Colada over your head in front of your date. It is that insulting. Two stars for the title though, man I love that title.
Yes, there is no justice in Hell. There is also no kittens, no tacos, no Netflix, and no ice water. (There is interestingly enough a Starbucks, but man their line is long long long.) In this novel there is no justice for those looking for an interesting story, memorable characters, or well-constructed action. Charles G. West is the author and I can only imagine that the G in his name stands for “Gee I should have paid more attention to my writing teacher at the community college.” A strange middle name for sure, but absolutely apropos if this horse opera of his is any indication. His character, John Hawk is flat and one dimensional. The story, (Hawk stumbles across three prostitutes on the run, they are fleeing a murderously jealous husband and his gang of outlaws. He helps the working gals reach the next town but when the husband catches up blood is split and Hawk must now be the pursuer with only vengeance and two six-shooters as his companions) is repetitive and tedious.
Now I like a good pulp novel as much as the next guy, but outside of a terrific title this book is a disappointment on many different levels. Recreationally, spiritually, physically, sexually, and mentally, it will crush your hope and belief in the goodness of mankind. No Justice in Hell is insulting to anyone who reads. Seriously, No Justice in Hell is stepping all over your band new white shoes, it is calling your mother unspeakable names, and pouring your Pina Colada over your head in front of your date. It is that insulting. Two stars for the title though, man I love that title.
June 9, 2025
The first three chapters are good, and hold my interest. From chapters 4 to 10, the book was slow as molasses. It was around chapter 11, that the book picked up its pace again. The ending was epic, it's a slog, but don't give up on it. I liked all the traveling, the hunting, the part with the buffalo, only until the hunt was on for the outlaws. Definitely read this book, if you're interested in westerns, and if you have read the first book in this series. I'd give this book, a solid 4.5 out of five stars.
July 12, 2025
Where the bullet is law.
where a good whore and her daughter whore get treated like.....whores.
where a guy named Red is a bad guy.
where another bad guy lives near Stinky Creek.
I did believe the part about how the army worked on driving the Indians away in order to steal their land.
where a good whore and her daughter whore get treated like.....whores.
where a guy named Red is a bad guy.
where another bad guy lives near Stinky Creek.
I did believe the part about how the army worked on driving the Indians away in order to steal their land.
February 6, 2021
Robbers and Indians and whores and the man with the hawk-feathered hat. what more could you ask for!?
May 7, 2018
HAWK' S RED FEATHER
What a lot of action, lots of human emotions displayed. John Hawk, scout for the Army fulfilling a promise to a young girl who was murdered by a trio of men who held no respect for themselves or others.
Everyone settle down and relax with a large glass of iced tea to a western adventure, that you will enjoy. It's all western no sexual interludes, but it's on the women's mind.. Just a good western adventure.
What a lot of action, lots of human emotions displayed. John Hawk, scout for the Army fulfilling a promise to a young girl who was murdered by a trio of men who held no respect for themselves or others.
Everyone settle down and relax with a large glass of iced tea to a western adventure, that you will enjoy. It's all western no sexual interludes, but it's on the women's mind.. Just a good western adventure.
June 20, 2018
A great well written series
that I hope he continues to write many more of.
Hawk always gets his man plus it's a pleasure to read a well edited book. I've read too many westerns, some of which I've been unable to finish due to poor writing etc.
Charles G. West has quickly become one of DH'S and mine favorite western authors.
that I hope he continues to write many more of.
Hawk always gets his man plus it's a pleasure to read a well edited book. I've read too many westerns, some of which I've been unable to finish due to poor writing etc.
Charles G. West has quickly become one of DH'S and mine favorite western authors.
December 14, 2018
Good reading even if you don't consider yourself a western reader.
The characters are brought to life with the authors imagination and ability to make us see what he imagined. Totally enjoyable reading. Can't wait for the next book.
The characters are brought to life with the authors imagination and ability to make us see what he imagined. Totally enjoyable reading. Can't wait for the next book.
August 10, 2020
Charles G. West is fast becoming one of my favorite western authors. He tells a solid western story without a lot of fluff and such. The story is compelling and though his books are longer than the traditional western novel he manages to maintain the novel's tension and keep the plot moving forward. The western flavor is solid, from the food, the camping, the horseback riding, the exploration, and even the mixture of whites and Indians. Solid stuff.
The only real complaint that I have is that the hero continually whistles for his horse and the horse always responds. This would be a very RARE training experience-- I won't suggest it is impossible-- but horses are not necessarily dogs-- But it just seems a bit contrived.
Well, the bad guys all seem pretty much the same from novel to novel. Abusive narcissists. I can imagine that would be true of bad guys-- but after awhile, except for the girth and size, they all seem pretty much the same.
The hero is interesting. A gentle soul with rough edges. A man who seeks to help others, and doesn't want to just murder the bad guys... however-- doesn't hesitate to kill them. And, he doesn't always get to do them in. This only adds to the realism. He isn't a gunfighter, though he does shoot people, usually with his winchester rifle.
West's stuff is engaging. The female characters met along the way are real and portrayed.
The only real complaint that I have is that the hero continually whistles for his horse and the horse always responds. This would be a very RARE training experience-- I won't suggest it is impossible-- but horses are not necessarily dogs-- But it just seems a bit contrived.
Well, the bad guys all seem pretty much the same from novel to novel. Abusive narcissists. I can imagine that would be true of bad guys-- but after awhile, except for the girth and size, they all seem pretty much the same.
The hero is interesting. A gentle soul with rough edges. A man who seeks to help others, and doesn't want to just murder the bad guys... however-- doesn't hesitate to kill them. And, he doesn't always get to do them in. This only adds to the realism. He isn't a gunfighter, though he does shoot people, usually with his winchester rifle.
West's stuff is engaging. The female characters met along the way are real and portrayed.
February 8, 2024
No Justice in Hell, Charles West (western)
Jeff Book Review #270
The sequel to the fun "Hell Hath No Fury" (my review #230), "No Justice in Hell" finds our hero scout protagonist John Hawk now helping some women escape from some bad men and then it turns into a manhunt and revenge tale.
While the first novel was quite good, this sequel just can't help itself and the first half has narrative upon narrative about the various "hookers with hearts of gold" and their abuse and abusers in an attempt to get the reader all amped up for Hawk's eventual vengeful path so we can vicariously take pleasure in the bad men's eventual deaths. We're introduced to no fewer than five different hookers by name and situation and they are all just wonderful sweethearts, apparently, and it is just so stupid.
The second half dials it back a bit and gets back to Hawk's adventures in the west, scouting for the army while still hunting the bad guys. There are some odd side adventures that don't do much for the story. This one is bad enough that it makes me suspect that maybe even the prior book, which I enjoyed, wasn't actually any good.
Verdict: Lame, tropey, bad western.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
Jeff Book Review #270
The sequel to the fun "Hell Hath No Fury" (my review #230), "No Justice in Hell" finds our hero scout protagonist John Hawk now helping some women escape from some bad men and then it turns into a manhunt and revenge tale.
While the first novel was quite good, this sequel just can't help itself and the first half has narrative upon narrative about the various "hookers with hearts of gold" and their abuse and abusers in an attempt to get the reader all amped up for Hawk's eventual vengeful path so we can vicariously take pleasure in the bad men's eventual deaths. We're introduced to no fewer than five different hookers by name and situation and they are all just wonderful sweethearts, apparently, and it is just so stupid.
The second half dials it back a bit and gets back to Hawk's adventures in the west, scouting for the army while still hunting the bad guys. There are some odd side adventures that don't do much for the story. This one is bad enough that it makes me suspect that maybe even the prior book, which I enjoyed, wasn't actually any good.
Verdict: Lame, tropey, bad western.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: R
May 10, 2018
Amazing, the end even brought a tear. Charles G. West is a wonderful storyteller and world creator, I was really looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed. This story is a well-crafted tale, filled with urgency and action, the desire for retribution and the lonely undercurrent of a world changing forever. Hawk is a true grit fashioned hero, a superb woodsman in the wilderness, he scouts for the army when the need arrises. He is not seeking fame but allows his own sense of personal morals, right versus wrong, to influence his desicisions.
The need for such a decision arrises, a score must be settled and there is only one man to do the job. John Hawk has it to do, and do it he will.
Charles G West is one of my favorite Western authors, I look forward to every book and I hope he continues to write for a very long time. I will continue to buy and support each new book and recommend him to any other avid readers.
The need for such a decision arrises, a score must be settled and there is only one man to do the job. John Hawk has it to do, and do it he will.
Charles G West is one of my favorite Western authors, I look forward to every book and I hope he continues to write for a very long time. I will continue to buy and support each new book and recommend him to any other avid readers.
March 16, 2019
John Hawk is a part time Army scout, part time lawman, part time bounty hunter and a full time do gooder. When he comes upon a wagon with three ladies that are definitely running from something, it didn't matter that they were prostitutes. Turns out one of them is married to a no good skunk who is on their trail. He sees them safely into town, but they were quickly followed by the husband, Dubose, and his two cronies. One of the ladies ends up getting killed and the sheriff shot in the gut, but Hawk did get a bullet into Dubose before they got away. Most of the book has him tracking them down. Not an easy task, since they split up. Even more excitement ensues when John is ask to scout for an Army troop that is escorting a mining payroll and there is an attempted hold up. The bad guys are captured, but get away. More tracking for Hawk.
May 27, 2018
Very entertaining. Hawk is a man that stands on his own, finishes the jo he sees as his destiny, altho that word is used in the book.The end was somewhat predictable but it did bring emotion to me.
I would read more of the Hawk but the author has priced me out of his Kindles or books. ( my eyes won't let me read any books)
West does spin a tangled tail in addition Hawk walks away from women I would really enjoy spending time with altho I have not had the pleasure of women brave enough to tangle with the old west.
I encourage you to read Mr. Wes's novels if you can afford to.
I have read over 100 novels on my Kindle and each time I open it up desert dust puffs out….
I would read more of the Hawk but the author has priced me out of his Kindles or books. ( my eyes won't let me read any books)
West does spin a tangled tail in addition Hawk walks away from women I would really enjoy spending time with altho I have not had the pleasure of women brave enough to tangle with the old west.
I encourage you to read Mr. Wes's novels if you can afford to.
I have read over 100 novels on my Kindle and each time I open it up desert dust puffs out….
February 19, 2021
Doing what's right
This is the second book in the Hawk series and Hawk is still a scout for the Army, still not getting along with LT. Meade and due to certain circumstances Hawk has taken an extended leave from his Scout job. Hawk seems more developed and talks more.
Hawk comes across a woman, her daughter, and another young female alone in the wilderness, in Indian country, and on their way to Helena, so being Hawk, he offers to escort them safely on their way. The three accept and the story begins.
This was the second western I've read and have definitely enjoyed. I recommend this book to others that enjoy this genre.
Good Reading
This is the second book in the Hawk series and Hawk is still a scout for the Army, still not getting along with LT. Meade and due to certain circumstances Hawk has taken an extended leave from his Scout job. Hawk seems more developed and talks more.
Hawk comes across a woman, her daughter, and another young female alone in the wilderness, in Indian country, and on their way to Helena, so being Hawk, he offers to escort them safely on their way. The three accept and the story begins.
This was the second western I've read and have definitely enjoyed. I recommend this book to others that enjoy this genre.
Good Reading
November 16, 2020
If you read the first book you know who Hawk is. even if you didn't read the first book in the series you can read this book and not be lost. To describe the book in one word. that word would be GREAT! It is a story with more turns then the West Virginia turn pike. Just when you think you know the ending you discover you were wrong and you are turning pages to find out what is happening next. I don't know if Mr. West is a better author then Louis L'Amour, but if he isn't he is a darn close second.
May 23, 2022
Westerns often follow familiar tropes and this novel is no different. However, it is entertaining and has a compelling enough story to keep you engaged and caring about what happens. All in all, a very entertaining read when you need some escape reading involving the old West! I will keep reading the adventures of John Hawk. The books are well written and there are no glaring problems with either the setting, the people or the events. Good summer book!!
June 26, 2019
This book about life in the early days of the west will make readers thankful for what they have currently. The story was a true western tale with robbers, gun fights, riding horses, Indians, and more. This author paints the picture and the readers adds the color. copy right 2018 351 pages
January 21, 2021
Writer needs to Ride
Typical romantic cowboy story written by a person who doesn't know Guns or horses. Horses cannot do 50 miles a day more than once a month! Wagons think 25 miles is a good day.
Typical romantic cowboy story written by a person who doesn't know Guns or horses. Horses cannot do 50 miles a day more than once a month! Wagons think 25 miles is a good day.
February 15, 2021
Good Story
I really enjoyed this Western fast paced story. Hawk is a brave
and resourceful Army scout. He decides to take care of matters not related to his Army job. At true man of conscience, and kindness which puts him on the owl hoot trail to chase down bandits. Great ending!
I really enjoyed this Western fast paced story. Hawk is a brave
and resourceful Army scout. He decides to take care of matters not related to his Army job. At true man of conscience, and kindness which puts him on the owl hoot trail to chase down bandits. Great ending!
April 25, 2021
Very good
Very good read. Good story line, intriguing twists and satisfying conclusion. I love heroes of the west, when men (some men) had respect for women and a strong moral compass.
Very good read. Good story line, intriguing twists and satisfying conclusion. I love heroes of the west, when men (some men) had respect for women and a strong moral compass.
November 17, 2021
What a incredibly great storyline!
Loved this book, though you start to wonder why he never gets the girl. This one was really good, had a few to many of those hot nails back in the day too!
Loved this book, though you start to wonder why he never gets the girl. This one was really good, had a few to many of those hot nails back in the day too!
December 24, 2023
Great
This was a great follow up to a great beginning of this series! I love the character Hawk and find him very interesting. We learn a little more about him in each book. I'm starting book three NOW, and I'm looking forward to it!
4 1\2 stars 🌼🌼🌼🌼
This was a great follow up to a great beginning of this series! I love the character Hawk and find him very interesting. We learn a little more about him in each book. I'm starting book three NOW, and I'm looking forward to it!
4 1\2 stars 🌼🌼🌼🌼
January 19, 2019
Outstanding!
Great Story! This story is so enjoyable. It is especially rewarding in the sense that punishment for evil was swift in those days.
Great Story! This story is so enjoyable. It is especially rewarding in the sense that punishment for evil was swift in those days.
March 18, 2019
A really good western.
September 15, 2019
Excellent book
This was a very good book, it kept me interested all the way thru the book, I noticed that the next book from this Author is out but it is priced to high for me.
This was a very good book, it kept me interested all the way thru the book, I noticed that the next book from this Author is out but it is priced to high for me.
April 7, 2020
Rcsva13
Great reading hope that there will be more great reads in this series. I'm going to be looking forward to the next book
Great reading hope that there will be more great reads in this series. I'm going to be looking forward to the next book
November 20, 2020
Faithful decisions
Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned or an ego challenged! There will be justice in hell each one getting just what he earned .
Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned or an ego challenged! There will be justice in hell each one getting just what he earned .
December 3, 2020
Good read
Good characters. Plenty of action Descriptions of places make it seem like you are right there. Great job. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Good characters. Plenty of action Descriptions of places make it seem like you are right there. Great job. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews