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Sheriff Aaron Mackey #1
Where the Bullets Fly
WINNER OF THE PEACEMAKER AWARD
Surrounded by ranches, farms, and precious metal mines, the town of Dover Station, Montana is ripe for the plucking. It's up to Sheriff Aaron Mackey to keep the peace--and keep the dregs of humanity from trying to make a killing . . .
WHERE THE BULLETS FLY, VENGEANCE REIGNS
If anyone can smell an investment opportunity, it's railroad men and big city bankers. They're not the kind of folks that Sheriff Mackey is used to dealing with. But greed is greed, and if anyone knows how money can drive men to murder, it's the sheriff of a boomtown like Dover Station. But when Mackey is forced to gun down a pair of saloon rats, it brings a powderkeg of trouble--with a quick-burning fuse of vengeance named Alexander Duramont. This bloodthirsty psychopath wants to kill the sheriff for killing his buddies. And he plans to get his revenge using a highly combustible mix of fire, fear, and dynamite . . .
Mackey's not sure how he's going to stop this blood-crazed lunatic.
But it's going to be one heck of an explosive and very violent showdown . . .
"Hard to put down . . . because of the gritty and stylish narrative, the virtually nonstop action."
-- Publishers Weekly on Terrence McCauley's Sympathy for the Devil
Surrounded by ranches, farms, and precious metal mines, the town of Dover Station, Montana is ripe for the plucking. It's up to Sheriff Aaron Mackey to keep the peace--and keep the dregs of humanity from trying to make a killing . . .
WHERE THE BULLETS FLY, VENGEANCE REIGNS
If anyone can smell an investment opportunity, it's railroad men and big city bankers. They're not the kind of folks that Sheriff Mackey is used to dealing with. But greed is greed, and if anyone knows how money can drive men to murder, it's the sheriff of a boomtown like Dover Station. But when Mackey is forced to gun down a pair of saloon rats, it brings a powderkeg of trouble--with a quick-burning fuse of vengeance named Alexander Duramont. This bloodthirsty psychopath wants to kill the sheriff for killing his buddies. And he plans to get his revenge using a highly combustible mix of fire, fear, and dynamite . . .
Mackey's not sure how he's going to stop this blood-crazed lunatic.
But it's going to be one heck of an explosive and very violent showdown . . .
"Hard to put down . . . because of the gritty and stylish narrative, the virtually nonstop action."
-- Publishers Weekly on Terrence McCauley's Sympathy for the Devil
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2018
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654 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 1, 2023
Great story premise, Ex war-hero, who was dishonorably charged because of meting out justice to another man who deserved it…then moves to a small western town and takes the Sheriff job no one else wants. He’s got pneumonia and had just been about on death’s door, but Aaron Mackey is tough as nails. Even though he’s about to cough up a lung and can barely stand up, he’s always a fighter for justice and keeping the town safe, taking no crap from big mouths. His heart though is caring in a very respectful way of women…it doesn’t matter whether it was his wife who treats him badly, or the soiled doves in town. But most especially for a woman he loves, but can’t be with.
A group of five rowdies come in one day and start causing a lot trouble. He gives them a way out, but their mouths are bigger than their brains, and their guns are slower slower than his and his deputy’s. Hence, the ignoramuses earn them a place in his “garden” (the cemetery).
Now the former rowdies boss don’t seem to like what has happened to his men - sequentially the whole town is threatened, many are killed, no one is safe - man woman or baby, women are taken hostage, and much of this town is burned by a man that has the personal axe to grind with the Sheriff.
The story started to drag for me about 65% through - wished it had been shorter. However, the audio version with Rodney J. Turner is one of my favorite narrators and he brings it on home.
3.5 Stars rounded up.
A group of five rowdies come in one day and start causing a lot trouble. He gives them a way out, but their mouths are bigger than their brains, and their guns are slower slower than his and his deputy’s. Hence, the ignoramuses earn them a place in his “garden” (the cemetery).
Now the former rowdies boss don’t seem to like what has happened to his men - sequentially the whole town is threatened, many are killed, no one is safe - man woman or baby, women are taken hostage, and much of this town is burned by a man that has the personal axe to grind with the Sheriff.
The story started to drag for me about 65% through - wished it had been shorter. However, the audio version with Rodney J. Turner is one of my favorite narrators and he brings it on home.
3.5 Stars rounded up.
December 19, 2018
Engrossing Western adventure with complex characters
Darker than I expected, but then I don't think of that as a criticism. Definitely a page turner. Highly recommended.
Darker than I expected, but then I don't think of that as a criticism. Definitely a page turner. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2018
Where Bullets Fly” by Terrence McCauley opens in Dover Station, Montana, 1888.
McCauley Immediately paints a familiar picture of life in the old west with its lack of medical care, debilitating illness, uncontrolled rowdiness, questionable morals (by today’s standards) dependence on alcohol, and general lack of manners. The world moves by stage and rail while the city is concerned with mining and logging rather than improving infrastructure as evidenced by buckboards across boards the muddy thoroughfare that served as streets.
Gun violence is rampant, and the response and retaliation is immediate. One day someone shows up looking for the unfortunate victims of a recent midtown shoot-out.
The action is conversation driven, and readers find well-defined characters that fit with today’s expectation of society at the time. The presence of veterans of the “War Between The States” provides a diverse and colorful cast. The plot and conversation and hit on every detail associated with the era right down to the sheriff’s rocking chair and the town cemetery behind the blacksmith’s shop.
Crime is crime, no matter the setting, and justice, well justice is tempered by society.
I received a copy of “Where the Bullets Fly” from Terrence McCauley, Kensington Books, Pinnacle, and NetGalley. There is drama, excitement, and sarcastic humor on every page. I am not a regular reader of “Western” fiction, but the “Old West” is all over classic television, and now it is reappearing in novels. Fans will love this book.
“Sheriff Aaron Mackey had just finished another coughing jag when he heard the ruckus carry up Front Street from the Tin Horn Saloon. A gentle breeze carried the sounds of shouted curses and breaking glass to the jailhouse porch where Mackey sat.”
McCauley Immediately paints a familiar picture of life in the old west with its lack of medical care, debilitating illness, uncontrolled rowdiness, questionable morals (by today’s standards) dependence on alcohol, and general lack of manners. The world moves by stage and rail while the city is concerned with mining and logging rather than improving infrastructure as evidenced by buckboards across boards the muddy thoroughfare that served as streets.
Gun violence is rampant, and the response and retaliation is immediate. One day someone shows up looking for the unfortunate victims of a recent midtown shoot-out.
“My associates and I have come to town looking for some friends of ours who have gone missing.”
The action is conversation driven, and readers find well-defined characters that fit with today’s expectation of society at the time. The presence of veterans of the “War Between The States” provides a diverse and colorful cast. The plot and conversation and hit on every detail associated with the era right down to the sheriff’s rocking chair and the town cemetery behind the blacksmith’s shop.
Crime is crime, no matter the setting, and justice, well justice is tempered by society.
“I promised you justice. Never said anything about it being white man’s justice.”
I received a copy of “Where the Bullets Fly” from Terrence McCauley, Kensington Books, Pinnacle, and NetGalley. There is drama, excitement, and sarcastic humor on every page. I am not a regular reader of “Western” fiction, but the “Old West” is all over classic television, and now it is reappearing in novels. Fans will love this book.
November 13, 2018
As far as story... this is a great story and a fun read. Relatively fast paced, plenty of action, violence... all around great read. I would have loved to give it more stars... but this publishing house should be ashamed of themselves. While the story was top notch... I got frustrated with the multiple and I do mean MULTIPLE typos, grammatical errors and duplicate words and phrases. Someone sitting behind their desk didn't do their job... and I almost put the book away several times. Glad I stuck with it though, as once again, if you can overlook endless typos, the story itself is pretty great.
April 12, 2022
I Just Got Done Reading This Book Called Where the Bullets Fly By Terrence McCauley. He is Kind of New Writer. I Love His Writing.I Look Forward to See The Next in the Series. Lots of Drama and Suspense Don't Forget Gun Shooting. I Love Westerns Books. I Know the Author Too. He is a Good Guy. Good Job Terrence
April 15, 2019
A Fine Western
Mr. McCauley does a fine job of bringing the Old West to life in Where the Bullets Fly. An ex-cavalry hero, now sheriff, tries to save his town from a marauding band of outlaws. An enjoyable book with enough action and grit right up to the final page. Recommended.
Mr. McCauley does a fine job of bringing the Old West to life in Where the Bullets Fly. An ex-cavalry hero, now sheriff, tries to save his town from a marauding band of outlaws. An enjoyable book with enough action and grit right up to the final page. Recommended.
July 1, 2022
I’ve read seven Terrence McCauley books, and I’m a fan. This is the first in the Aaron Mackey series and I plan to read the entire series. McCauley is a great storyteller and his writing style keeps the reader engaged and entertained!
October 1, 2018
TITLE: Where The Bullets Fly: A Sheriff Aaron Mackey Western
AUTHOR: Terrence McCauley
GENRE: Western
PAGES: 296
Once upon a time, I spent close to two years reading nothing but westerns. From revenge westerns, to cowhand westerns, to gunslingers, even romance, I pretty much nailed every type of western there is to read. That being said, it is pretty much hard to surprise me with a western.
Enter Terence McCauley.
The first thing I noticed in this book is the hero is recovering from a bout of pneumonia. I’ve seen a lot in westerns, but I have to say this is the first time I have seen the hero of the book down with pneumonia at the onset of the book. Sure, I’ve seen gunshot wounds, knife wounds, even arrow wounds, and the fever related to infection, but pneumonia? This is a first. What made it even better is the sheriff suffered for a while in the book with the after effects of the illness. It was not like “I have pneumonia and boom I am healed!” No, the sheriff suffered for a while with the debilitating effects.
The book opens with a shootout, leaving five men dead. The leader of these men takes it personally and soon, the town is under siege. Bullets fly, dynamite is used, the local whorehouse is burned down and the women are taken hostage, along with the sheriff’s love. Against the wishes of the townsfolk, the sheriff goes on the trail of this madman, to get back the women and to make sure he can never do this to another town somewhere down the road.
What Terrence McCauley does well is he let the movie unfold in my mind. The writing is sharp and has just enough description without beating it to death. The action is satisfying and necessary to the story. The resolution of the story is also satisfying and it left room for a sequel.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Would I give it as a gift, because let’s face it, the holiday season is just around the cornet? Yes! Do I want to read the next one in the series? Oh yeah! The bad thing is I have to wait until March of 2019!
This is one of the better westerns I have read in a while. I am hoping for a long series out of this one.
5 out of 5 bookmarks!
AUTHOR: Terrence McCauley
GENRE: Western
PAGES: 296
Once upon a time, I spent close to two years reading nothing but westerns. From revenge westerns, to cowhand westerns, to gunslingers, even romance, I pretty much nailed every type of western there is to read. That being said, it is pretty much hard to surprise me with a western.
Enter Terence McCauley.
The first thing I noticed in this book is the hero is recovering from a bout of pneumonia. I’ve seen a lot in westerns, but I have to say this is the first time I have seen the hero of the book down with pneumonia at the onset of the book. Sure, I’ve seen gunshot wounds, knife wounds, even arrow wounds, and the fever related to infection, but pneumonia? This is a first. What made it even better is the sheriff suffered for a while in the book with the after effects of the illness. It was not like “I have pneumonia and boom I am healed!” No, the sheriff suffered for a while with the debilitating effects.
The book opens with a shootout, leaving five men dead. The leader of these men takes it personally and soon, the town is under siege. Bullets fly, dynamite is used, the local whorehouse is burned down and the women are taken hostage, along with the sheriff’s love. Against the wishes of the townsfolk, the sheriff goes on the trail of this madman, to get back the women and to make sure he can never do this to another town somewhere down the road.
What Terrence McCauley does well is he let the movie unfold in my mind. The writing is sharp and has just enough description without beating it to death. The action is satisfying and necessary to the story. The resolution of the story is also satisfying and it left room for a sequel.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Would I give it as a gift, because let’s face it, the holiday season is just around the cornet? Yes! Do I want to read the next one in the series? Oh yeah! The bad thing is I have to wait until March of 2019!
This is one of the better westerns I have read in a while. I am hoping for a long series out of this one.
5 out of 5 bookmarks!
April 8, 2019
Return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear...Remember that line? If so, let me know.
LOL
The author has been to our library to launch his James Hicks New York spy series. A lovely guy.
Couldn't resist trying a cowboy novel though it's not my genre and was sure I'd not like it. Wrong!
I loved it. The more I got into it the better it got. Brought back the days of my childhood when I loved so so many cowboys. I pictured the town of Dover Station, all wood with "boardwalks" for sidewalks and tie-ups for horses, carriages, et al. The saloons, the "ladies of the night", the drunks.
Sheriff Aaron Mackey and his Deputy Billy Sunday are so in sync from working together in the cavalry that they make a perfect team for the job. Mackey has great common sense, so missing in today's world.
So, in his job, he can gun down those who don't "keep the peace" and he guns down two saloon rats. This brings great trouble to the town, trouble being Darabont, a psychopath who wants to kill Mackey for killing his buddies. And he threatens to get his revenge. Mackey needs to stop him but he's not sure how until he is. Very explosive. And dare I say very fun going back in time to a different time. Thanks Terrence.
LOL
The author has been to our library to launch his James Hicks New York spy series. A lovely guy.
Couldn't resist trying a cowboy novel though it's not my genre and was sure I'd not like it. Wrong!
I loved it. The more I got into it the better it got. Brought back the days of my childhood when I loved so so many cowboys. I pictured the town of Dover Station, all wood with "boardwalks" for sidewalks and tie-ups for horses, carriages, et al. The saloons, the "ladies of the night", the drunks.
Sheriff Aaron Mackey and his Deputy Billy Sunday are so in sync from working together in the cavalry that they make a perfect team for the job. Mackey has great common sense, so missing in today's world.
So, in his job, he can gun down those who don't "keep the peace" and he guns down two saloon rats. This brings great trouble to the town, trouble being Darabont, a psychopath who wants to kill Mackey for killing his buddies. And he threatens to get his revenge. Mackey needs to stop him but he's not sure how until he is. Very explosive. And dare I say very fun going back in time to a different time. Thanks Terrence.
March 8, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the main characters and the story was original. There was more action - drama and fighting than anything else. I would have appreciated more depth of the main characters-they all have interesting back stories that I think the author should delve into more in future books. If he had done so in this one though, we would have either lost some of the action or had a very long book. So something to look forward to in the future. I’ll definitely pick up the next book in the series.
April 9, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this Western, a genre in which the very versatile Terrence McCauley has made himself at home. It shows the stark side of the West in much the same way that the movie "Unforgiven" did -- there is a lot of grimness here. The characters are well-drawn and developed, and the story really builds tension. I especially enjoyed the part where the town was under siege.
May 25, 2019
Never read a western before, so I figured I would give this one a shot. Easy read. To me, it read pretty simple and straightforward, just following the protagonist along almost exclusively from beginning to end. Nothing special about this book, seemed like a standard western tale. I will probably check out the sequel after knocking out some other books.
December 25, 2020
I haven’t read but three or four westerns (unless you call space operas the western of the future) because I wasn’t sure I’d take to them. This one, here, was pretty dern good. A parcel of interesting characters, impressive world building (as the fantasy people like to say), and a storyline that grabs you by the hair and drags you up and down Main Street. On to the next one!
August 5, 2018
Where the Bullets Fly is a pretty good. I will be looking out for more by Terrence McCauley.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
April 24, 2020
I thought this was a good read. It was a departure from my usual Louis l’amour shelf grab. If you enjoy westerns, I’d recommend it. It has some teeth to it and stands on its own in the genre.
March 24, 2021
Too bloody.
November 19, 2021
Where the Bullets Fly
Too much shooting etc and not enough story content with the main characters. Even Sheriffs have a home life or life elsewhere..
Too much shooting etc and not enough story content with the main characters. Even Sheriffs have a home life or life elsewhere..
June 20, 2022
Really enjoyed this. The writing really gets you into the scene.
March 7, 2023
Lotsa shootin'
Darn tootin'
Darn tootin'
March 14, 2023
Started off slow, but picked up really quickly. Enjoyed it immensely. Good characters and action.
December 21, 2023
Just have to read a "western" once in a while. So predictable, but yet, nostalgia is worth it.
May 27, 2024
Great story with plenty of action. I'm reading all of McCauley's westerns!
September 10, 2024
very good.
July 1, 2019
Will not break any ground, but it is a fun action-packed revenge western. If you're looking for some escapeism set in the wild West, this will be a fun read for you.
March 4, 2020
Audible Audiobook: first listening May 2019, second listening March 4, 2020
November 25, 2018
Terrence McCauley mixes his thriller/adventure skills with a western theme and comes up with a hit! When Sheriff Mackey takes down five bad guys, their trail boss takes exception and seeks revenge on the while town of Dover Station, Montana. the sheriff already has his hands full keeping his boomtown safe for the citizens and now must track down Alexander Duramont and the hostages he took to guarantee the sheriff would follow. McCauley's first book in the western genre is certainly a great one. We'll see how he follows....
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews