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The Jackals #1
The Jackals
Johnstone. Keeping the west wild.
FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.
IT MAY ALSO SEND THEM STRAIGHT TO HELL.
Alone, these justice fighters are dangerous enough. Together they're a wild bunch known as the Jackals. Now, national bestselling authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone are turning them loose . . .
With Apaches on the prod, ex-cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan, bounty hunter Jed Breen, and ex-Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch take shelter in a West Texas way station--along with a hot-as-a-pistol female bound for the gallows, a spiteful newspaper editor, and a coward with $50,000 who promises them five grand if they'll deliver his blood-soaked stash to his wife.
Turns out, Indians might be the least of the problems for the trio, soon to be known as the Jackals. The loot's stolen property of the vengeful Hawkin gang, and these prairie rats are merciless, stone-cold killers. And the brother of the man the woman killed wants to butcher her himself rather than watch her swing. McCulloch, Keegan, and Breen are ready for a showdown--but the Jackals may not live to spend that $5,000.
Live Free. Read Hard.
FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.
IT MAY ALSO SEND THEM STRAIGHT TO HELL.
Alone, these justice fighters are dangerous enough. Together they're a wild bunch known as the Jackals. Now, national bestselling authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone are turning them loose . . .
With Apaches on the prod, ex-cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan, bounty hunter Jed Breen, and ex-Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch take shelter in a West Texas way station--along with a hot-as-a-pistol female bound for the gallows, a spiteful newspaper editor, and a coward with $50,000 who promises them five grand if they'll deliver his blood-soaked stash to his wife.
Turns out, Indians might be the least of the problems for the trio, soon to be known as the Jackals. The loot's stolen property of the vengeful Hawkin gang, and these prairie rats are merciless, stone-cold killers. And the brother of the man the woman killed wants to butcher her himself rather than watch her swing. McCulloch, Keegan, and Breen are ready for a showdown--but the Jackals may not live to spend that $5,000.
Live Free. Read Hard.
359 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 29, 2019
515 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,055 books1,396 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 25, 2021
I have read The Jackals by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone. This is a different type of western because there is not any real hero. We get to follow several different characters through a journey towards a violent encounter in the wild. I really liked this one just because it's different and the characters are really well written. The storyline is also good. What can I say? I am a sucker for westerns. If you want to read this series be aware that part two is soon out and one should always read series in order.
January 4, 2021
3 men, an ex-cavalry sergeant, an ex-Texas ranger and a bounty hunter have been labeled as jackals by a spiteful newspaper editor due to their violent disruptive natures. The 3 so-called jackals’ paths have led them to a far flung Texas way station where they now find themselves under siege from an army of bloodthirsty Apaches. Holed up with them are a murderess on her way to the gallows, a cowardly bank robber, a Shakespearean actor and the afore mentioned newspaperman. The rest is edge-of-your-seat thrills, nail biting, bloody western violence as the disparate strangers find themselves in a showdown of epic proportions.
February 23, 2019
Title:The Jackals
Author: William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone
Pages:400
Genre:western
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pub: Jan 29 ,2019
book synopsis
FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.
IT MAY ALSO SEND THEM STRAIGHT TO HELL.
Alone, these justice fighters are dangerous enough. Together they're a wild bunch known as the Jackals. Now, national bestselling authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone are turning them loose . . .
With Apaches on the prod, ex-cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan, bounty hunter Jed Breen, and ex-Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch take shelter in a West Texas way station--along with a hot-as-a-pistol female bound for the gallows, a spiteful newspaper editor, and a coward with $50,000 who promises them five grand if they'll deliver his blood-soaked stash to his wife.
Turns out, Indians might be the least of the problems for the trio, soon to be known as the Jackals. The loot's stolen property of the vengeful Hawkin gang, and these prairie rats are merciless, stone-cold killers. And the brother of the man the woman killed wants to butcher her himself rather than watch her swing. McCulloch, Keegan, and Breen are ready for a showdown--but the Jackals may not live to spend that $5,000.
My thoughts
rating: 5
Would I recommend it? yes , in fact I did a buddy read with one of my friends since she never read a western or one of his books
Will I read any more by them? yes
OMG this book reminds me of my 2 all time favorite westerns that I watched with my Dad while growing up and still love to watch to this day , and which 2 may you ask will I'll tell you:
Stagecoach 1939 starting John Wayne, Claire Trevor,Donald Meek , Thomas Mitchell,and many more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKa0e...
Lost Of The Comanches 1953 starting: Broderick Crawford, Barbara Hale, Johnny Stewart, Lloyd Bridges,and many more as well
https://youtu.be/n5kN3YcbJ9Y
What more can you want in a western, gunfights, outlaws, indians , and heroes that fight for the just of rightness even if they do bend the law a little , its a story of how the west was like , and won and its all bought to life by the writing of William W.Johnstone and J.A.Johnstone. So set back and enjoy the ride when you pick up one of their books because its action from the every first page to the very end, and their never let you down , or so far they've never let me down, with that said I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read and review it , exchange for my honest opinion.
Author: William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone
Pages:400
Genre:western
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pub: Jan 29 ,2019
book synopsis
FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.
IT MAY ALSO SEND THEM STRAIGHT TO HELL.
Alone, these justice fighters are dangerous enough. Together they're a wild bunch known as the Jackals. Now, national bestselling authors William W. and J.A. Johnstone are turning them loose . . .
With Apaches on the prod, ex-cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan, bounty hunter Jed Breen, and ex-Texas Ranger Matt McCulloch take shelter in a West Texas way station--along with a hot-as-a-pistol female bound for the gallows, a spiteful newspaper editor, and a coward with $50,000 who promises them five grand if they'll deliver his blood-soaked stash to his wife.
Turns out, Indians might be the least of the problems for the trio, soon to be known as the Jackals. The loot's stolen property of the vengeful Hawkin gang, and these prairie rats are merciless, stone-cold killers. And the brother of the man the woman killed wants to butcher her himself rather than watch her swing. McCulloch, Keegan, and Breen are ready for a showdown--but the Jackals may not live to spend that $5,000.
My thoughts
rating: 5
Would I recommend it? yes , in fact I did a buddy read with one of my friends since she never read a western or one of his books
Will I read any more by them? yes
OMG this book reminds me of my 2 all time favorite westerns that I watched with my Dad while growing up and still love to watch to this day , and which 2 may you ask will I'll tell you:
Stagecoach 1939 starting John Wayne, Claire Trevor,Donald Meek , Thomas Mitchell,and many more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKa0e...
Lost Of The Comanches 1953 starting: Broderick Crawford, Barbara Hale, Johnny Stewart, Lloyd Bridges,and many more as well
https://youtu.be/n5kN3YcbJ9Y
What more can you want in a western, gunfights, outlaws, indians , and heroes that fight for the just of rightness even if they do bend the law a little , its a story of how the west was like , and won and its all bought to life by the writing of William W.Johnstone and J.A.Johnstone. So set back and enjoy the ride when you pick up one of their books because its action from the every first page to the very end, and their never let you down , or so far they've never let me down, with that said I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read and review it , exchange for my honest opinion.
April 8, 2019
First, I thank Goodreads and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. This in no way impacted my review.
The Jackals is another William Johnstone (along with J.A.) western that grabs you by the scruff of your neck and throws you on an untamed rone for an exciting and nail-biting adventure.
From encounters with Apache Indians, to unpredictable twists amongst a rag-tag cast of characters, this tale is one to read if you enjoy the western genre. While there is a notable level of grit and violent interactions amongst the protagonists and their foes, little of it is excessive.
"Nobody lives forever" is more of a guiding mantra as the book really hits its pace in the latter chapters. I won't divulge any details, but suffice to say, the ultimate outcome is not one that I suspected until the very end.
The Jackals is another William Johnstone (along with J.A.) western that grabs you by the scruff of your neck and throws you on an untamed rone for an exciting and nail-biting adventure.
From encounters with Apache Indians, to unpredictable twists amongst a rag-tag cast of characters, this tale is one to read if you enjoy the western genre. While there is a notable level of grit and violent interactions amongst the protagonists and their foes, little of it is excessive.
"Nobody lives forever" is more of a guiding mantra as the book really hits its pace in the latter chapters. I won't divulge any details, but suffice to say, the ultimate outcome is not one that I suspected until the very end.
"Boys, boys, boys. Won't you three ever learn? the thespian said. "Not everyone in this lawless West of your United States happens to be a jackal."
December 21, 2018
In J.A. Johnstone's The Jackals (Penguin Random House 2019), three violent men--strangers, each taught by life to have no fear of violence when used as a tool for justice, end up fighting for their lives with only each other to rely upon. Each was in a law enforcement job that wanted them tame and forgiving--civilized--and failed. Fate brought them together, locked into an Arizona stagecoach station, with no way out, under attack by Apaches bent on eradicating the white invaders, starting with the group huddled in the small though well-fortified building. With the three "jackals" was a Thespian, a female headed for the gallows, a bank robber who has turned on his partners, and the newspaper writer who disdainfully named the three 'Jackals'--meaning scum. No one knows they are there so there is no cavalry riding to the rescue. With their bullets running out, all they have left is their wits. The solutions they devise are quirky and highly creative with no reason to work. They wouldn't even try them if they weren't so desperate.
There's no give-up in the three jackals so be ready for one surprise after another.
There's no give-up in the three jackals so be ready for one surprise after another.
January 14, 2022
Pretty good action Western with a few problems. First, the first half of the novel follows several characters that don't know each other all doing their own thing. This makes the first half of the book feel very scattered and a bit chaotic.
This leads to the next problem. There are quite a few characters (and this being the first book in the series, we don't know anything about them) and not very many characters get great characterizations. The side characters are all different enough to get an idea about (a Shakespearean actor, the only woman in the story, a slimy newspaper writer) but the three main characters (the jackals) were more or less interchangeable.
This leads to the next problem. There are quite a few characters (and this being the first book in the series, we don't know anything about them) and not very many characters get great characterizations. The side characters are all different enough to get an idea about (a Shakespearean actor, the only woman in the story, a slimy newspaper writer) but the three main characters (the jackals) were more or less interchangeable.
August 27, 2019
Progressive western may be an oxymoron. And this here book The Jackals (3 stars) ain’t no progressive western. Chances are, if you’re reading this review, you don’t care about any of that and might even be annoyed by any attempt at changing the standard western tropes, no matter how accurate or inaccurate they may be. But just in case, I should warn anyone that cares: this book has Native Americans portrayed unfairly, it has scalpings, horse murdering, people murdering, and all sorts of other slurs and injustices that in today’s media could get your twitter account blown up with all sorts of outrage. That said, it’s a decent yarn, if thin, and for readers drawn to the cover, it will probably do the trick. Personally, I had a hard time with some of the portrayals, but was mostly able to shake them off as I believe they were intended: as set pieces and not as an individual’s values.
On the other hand, there’s nothing especially noteworthy about The Jackals. It’s like walking into a cheap diner, ordering a hamburger, getting a hamburger, eating it, and leaving. You don’t get on your phone and tell people to have one of the hamburgers at so and so’s, but you don’t stand outside warning people away either. At the same time, the woman wearing high heels with a Pomeranian stuffed in her Channel bag that just walked in probably won’t like it as much as the leather clad biker wearing a dog collar. As far as stereotypes go, you probably know which one you favor.
The writing waffles between a handful of ‘wow, that was actually well done’ to several head-slappers that almost had me quit. Granted, I went in with the expectations that I’d DNF this at page 50. This book kept me reading when I thought it wouldn’t, and ultimately and somewhat guiltily, I have to confess I enjoyed it. If another one crossed my path, I’d probably read it.
Thanks Goodreads and the publisher for the free review copy.
On the other hand, there’s nothing especially noteworthy about The Jackals. It’s like walking into a cheap diner, ordering a hamburger, getting a hamburger, eating it, and leaving. You don’t get on your phone and tell people to have one of the hamburgers at so and so’s, but you don’t stand outside warning people away either. At the same time, the woman wearing high heels with a Pomeranian stuffed in her Channel bag that just walked in probably won’t like it as much as the leather clad biker wearing a dog collar. As far as stereotypes go, you probably know which one you favor.
The writing waffles between a handful of ‘wow, that was actually well done’ to several head-slappers that almost had me quit. Granted, I went in with the expectations that I’d DNF this at page 50. This book kept me reading when I thought it wouldn’t, and ultimately and somewhat guiltily, I have to confess I enjoyed it. If another one crossed my path, I’d probably read it.
Thanks Goodreads and the publisher for the free review copy.
February 27, 2019
Three justice fighters work very hard, singularly and then together when it comes to a hair-raising opportunity. The three include an ex-Texas Ranger, Matt McCulloch, bounty hunter Jed Breen and an ex-cavalry sergeant Sean Keegan. The three definitely make an unlikely trio, but the danger they face is real, so they must work together.
Facing Apaches and a spiteful group of bandits led by Jake Hawkin are keeping them busy. Lots of shooting going on. After all, it is the Old West. After taking shelter in a stagecoach station, one of the people they run into is a man with $50,000 cash he had in his possession. The man offers the Jackals $5,000 cash if they will deliver the bundle to his wife.
The aforementioned Hawkin gang just might be more dangerous to the Jackals than the Apaches. The $50,000 was their stolen cash. They will mow down anyone in their path to get their money back. Will the three men live long enough to claim the reward? The danger is ever present as it seems the small group are on their own without any help from other sources.
This is my first ever western fiction read. The story was full of action and it put in mind the many westerns I watched while I was growing up. It was a terrific story, very descriptive and well-told, and I eagerly turned pages with bated breath to see if they would survive and end up with the reward. Although I have never read anything by William W. Johnstone, I admit to being thoroughly impressed that he has penned over 300 books. J A. Johnstone is the nephew of the prolific author. They have co-authored several books together. I look forward to my next adventure by this pair.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Facing Apaches and a spiteful group of bandits led by Jake Hawkin are keeping them busy. Lots of shooting going on. After all, it is the Old West. After taking shelter in a stagecoach station, one of the people they run into is a man with $50,000 cash he had in his possession. The man offers the Jackals $5,000 cash if they will deliver the bundle to his wife.
The aforementioned Hawkin gang just might be more dangerous to the Jackals than the Apaches. The $50,000 was their stolen cash. They will mow down anyone in their path to get their money back. Will the three men live long enough to claim the reward? The danger is ever present as it seems the small group are on their own without any help from other sources.
This is my first ever western fiction read. The story was full of action and it put in mind the many westerns I watched while I was growing up. It was a terrific story, very descriptive and well-told, and I eagerly turned pages with bated breath to see if they would survive and end up with the reward. Although I have never read anything by William W. Johnstone, I admit to being thoroughly impressed that he has penned over 300 books. J A. Johnstone is the nephew of the prolific author. They have co-authored several books together. I look forward to my next adventure by this pair.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 14, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. A good Western with plenty of vibes of some old western movies with John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, etc. Well worth a read if you're into good western adventure
April 30, 2019
This was actually a decent book. It didn't follow the normal Johnstone recipe, which made it refreshing.
Ex cavalry sergeant, bounty Hunter and ex Texas ranger form an alliance can face of an Apache attack.
They are hiding in stagecoach station with a thief on the run with money, a female Gambler heading to the gallows, a Shakespearean actor, and a nasty little man who is a news reporter.
In my opinion the book felt a little too long, however it could be pointed out that it is a new series with three new protagonist.
These three men are heroic, but they are not perfect men. Each of them have their own flaws.
This has the makings of a fun and different series.
Ex cavalry sergeant, bounty Hunter and ex Texas ranger form an alliance can face of an Apache attack.
They are hiding in stagecoach station with a thief on the run with money, a female Gambler heading to the gallows, a Shakespearean actor, and a nasty little man who is a news reporter.
In my opinion the book felt a little too long, however it could be pointed out that it is a new series with three new protagonist.
These three men are heroic, but they are not perfect men. Each of them have their own flaws.
This has the makings of a fun and different series.
May 4, 2021
The 3 Jackals
A newspaper reporter writes an article about 3 men who are hard livers and real fighters. They are a bounty hunter, a rancher turned to a ranger after his family is killed and a military man. The story is a round a bank robbery which brings all these characters, and more, together. They are trapped and in a fight with Indians together in a stagecoach stop. The interaction of each provides a fascinating story and you can hardly but the book down because you have to find out how they are going to survive and who is really the good and who is bad one in this story.
A newspaper reporter writes an article about 3 men who are hard livers and real fighters. They are a bounty hunter, a rancher turned to a ranger after his family is killed and a military man. The story is a round a bank robbery which brings all these characters, and more, together. They are trapped and in a fight with Indians together in a stagecoach stop. The interaction of each provides a fascinating story and you can hardly but the book down because you have to find out how they are going to survive and who is really the good and who is bad one in this story.
July 15, 2025
Even at 4 stars it was still a good read. Started a little differently with stories around each man before they finally came together.
That was when the story and the excitement really kicked off. Holed up inside a waystation with Apache outside, a woman who is meant to hang, inside, along with a cowardly thief who stole $50,000 from the Hawkin gang who want it back.
Then there is the newspaper man who thinks very little of the three men he has dubbed as 'Jackals'.
Now it is all down to fate. Who will die, what will happen to the money, and who will survive the bloody siege.
Overall, the book was well written and the story interesting. Would recommend it to western lovers.
That was when the story and the excitement really kicked off. Holed up inside a waystation with Apache outside, a woman who is meant to hang, inside, along with a cowardly thief who stole $50,000 from the Hawkin gang who want it back.
Then there is the newspaper man who thinks very little of the three men he has dubbed as 'Jackals'.
Now it is all down to fate. Who will die, what will happen to the money, and who will survive the bloody siege.
Overall, the book was well written and the story interesting. Would recommend it to western lovers.
April 15, 2019
Ism very thankful for have receiving this book through a give away. Normally I don’t read this genre and perhaps that has impacted my rating. This is a good book, not great but not bad. Very reminiscent of spaghetti western non stop action. However, there is not a lot of depth to the characters. The one female in the story (outside of prostitutes) had potential but... was killed off. So, I’m bit conflicted. It was enjoyable at least.
August 14, 2019
Could not put the book down. Truly an excellent story with real characters that keep you wanting to see what will happen next, will the Indians win, will they escape? type of what
Wow, excellent book. Type you don't want to put down. Three completely different heros you want to have on your side. Oh, there's always a woman, but this one, well, she's special! What will happen to her, she is a player. Very enjoyable read. Recommend
Wow, excellent book. Type you don't want to put down. Three completely different heros you want to have on your side. Oh, there's always a woman, but this one, well, she's special! What will happen to her, she is a player. Very enjoyable read. Recommend
July 27, 2021
This an origin story. If you enjoy those, then you'll enjoy this I think. As the series is pretty new, not really sure where it's going to go. Also, I'm not sure who all will be included in future books, but know there is one on the way. I have a hard time following a lot of main characters just as myself, so if you can handle lots of characters, then you'll be ok.
April 4, 2019
I liked this book. It was different but the characters were interesting. It kept me spell-bound and looking forward to going back to the story as soon as I could. Lots of fighting, bloodshed, and shooting. Great western.
December 28, 2021
This was the best book ever!
I couldn't help but think of the movie Stagecoach as I read this book, if only the movie was like this book! Loved it! I was in hopes that Stanhope would get a happy ending, after all, she was defending herself.
I couldn't help but think of the movie Stagecoach as I read this book, if only the movie was like this book! Loved it! I was in hopes that Stanhope would get a happy ending, after all, she was defending herself.
April 19, 2022
A good action western
As usual these books are well written with a lot of forethought as to how the storyline will come together. It also makes you want to read the next book in line.
As usual these books are well written with a lot of forethought as to how the storyline will come together. It also makes you want to read the next book in line.
March 27, 2023
The Jackals
This book is just one in the plethora of William Johnstone books I have read and I have found all of them quite absorbing. I particularly enjoy his various Series i.e. Preacher, first Mountain Man etc but they are all excellent.
This book is just one in the plethora of William Johnstone books I have read and I have found all of them quite absorbing. I particularly enjoy his various Series i.e. Preacher, first Mountain Man etc but they are all excellent.
December 17, 2018
I really enjoyed The Jackals by William W Johnstone. I am giving it four and a half stars and highly recommend it.
January 2, 2019
A great read. Really enjoyed this book. I won this book through goodreads.
March 18, 2019
Another good western by Johnstone. Filled with action and several plots and twists in these plots. It kept me interested and entertained.
March 19, 2019
I love all of Johnston's books .
December 20, 2019
A great western! I haven’t read one in awhile and I’m so glad I got this one. Wonderful characters and really interesting story. I sincerely hope they write another with these same characters
March 29, 2021
Not sure what it was about this book. The characters didn't click and the action was humdrum. Even with a somewhat surprising ending, I can't recommend this book to anyone.
July 10, 2021
Long run for a short slide. Rambling plot. So So characters. But, keep with it til the end. Did this as an audio book.
November 20, 2021
Review on the Kackals
Was very slow and I almost stopped reading it, but I’m glad I didn’t as the story picked up the pace with twists and turns. Good story!
Was very slow and I almost stopped reading it, but I’m glad I didn’t as the story picked up the pace with twists and turns. Good story!
May 1, 2022
Action Packed
This book will keep you turning page after page. The action never stops. However there is a certain mount of v
Comic relief in the story with a surprise ending,
This book will keep you turning page after page. The action never stops. However there is a certain mount of v
Comic relief in the story with a surprise ending,
January 5, 2024
While an interesting plot line, I found the story dragged at times. could have been horter.
May 11, 2024
The book was okay a lot of gunfights and Indians fighting and double crosses by bank robbers and horse thieves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews