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Jeb & Zach #2
Zach's Gold: A Classic Western Adventure
Zach hunted for gold.Claim-jumpers hunted for Zach.After they found him, they wished they hadn’t!Jeb stayed in Eagle Pass, but Zach followed his dream from the Union POW camp to find gold. The first person he met warned him, “There ain’t no law in South Park, Colorado.”“This ain’t my problem. I’m staying clear of this mess,” Zach muttered, as he rode from the slap-dash mining town.The claim-jumpers tried to rough-up a lad not old enough to shave. Zach stopped them and gave a warning to leave him and the miner alone.The claim-jumpers tried to gang-up on a miner in town. He warned them again.The claim-jumpers mauled a miner guarding Zach’s gear and stole his mule.Zach found the two claim-jumpers leading his mule. He sent their body’s home with a note, “Horse and Mule thieves die when caught.”Zach told the miners, “I warned them twice. I don’t give a third warning.”It’s a turnaround for the taciturn and solitary Zach.Can he convince the miners to consolidate to protect their gold claims?What will the claim-jumpers do when they learn Zach stands in their way?Will the miners follow Zach’s lead? In the midst of this, will Zach find his gold?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2018
282 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Frank Kelso
12 books368 followersFrank Kelso grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, the origin of the Santa Fe Trail. Historic sites, monuments, and statues abound highlighting the journey west, including the Wagons West, Pioneer Women and the Indian Scout located on the bluffs overlooking the wide Missouri. Writing western themed books fit in with his upbringing. Frank has won numerous prizes for his writing. Most recently, Frank’s short story, “Tibby’s Hideout” in The Posse anthology that Frank edited and published. He won the Silver Medal for the Will Rogers Medallion Award for 2017 and was a finalist for the Western Fictioneer’s Peacemaker Award. Frank’s full length novels have received acclaim and have 50+ reviews. Zach's Gold, the 2nd book in the Jeb & Zach series begun in California Bound was released in Nov 2018. Juan’s Revenge, the 3rd book in the Jeb & Zach series is due in January 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 28, 2018
Zach believes in 3-strikes and you're out!
In his usual habit, Zach stopped for a drink in the first saloon he came past in gold country. Inside, he stopped claim-jumpers from roughing a lad not old enough to shave. The jumper wanted to carry the fight outside where Zach shot him. The claim-jumpers kept coning at Zach and his friends. He'd warn them twice, but the third time sent them to the undertaker.
The author describes the natural beauty of the upland basin of South Park and the natural obstacles in finding gold among the action. Zach helps the other miners stand up for themselves and resist the claim-jumpers. When it looks like he turned the tables on the gang of claim-jumpers, they decide to go for the biggest pot of gold in South Park. While Zach sensed they were up to something, he didn't figure it'd be that big. The gang got away with the stealing the gold, but could they get away from a determined and vengeful Zach. When asked how far he'd chase the gang, Zach replied, "To the gates of Hell."
Action-packed western adventure!
In his usual habit, Zach stopped for a drink in the first saloon he came past in gold country. Inside, he stopped claim-jumpers from roughing a lad not old enough to shave. The jumper wanted to carry the fight outside where Zach shot him. The claim-jumpers kept coning at Zach and his friends. He'd warn them twice, but the third time sent them to the undertaker.
The author describes the natural beauty of the upland basin of South Park and the natural obstacles in finding gold among the action. Zach helps the other miners stand up for themselves and resist the claim-jumpers. When it looks like he turned the tables on the gang of claim-jumpers, they decide to go for the biggest pot of gold in South Park. While Zach sensed they were up to something, he didn't figure it'd be that big. The gang got away with the stealing the gold, but could they get away from a determined and vengeful Zach. When asked how far he'd chase the gang, Zach replied, "To the gates of Hell."
Action-packed western adventure!
May 14, 2019
In the wild, action-filled first book of the series, civil veterans Jeb and Zach make a heroic journey across Rio Grande border to free Becky, Jeb’s niece, from border raiders. Kelso and Woods write with great panache and style, bringing the western landscape of the era alive in California Bound. They are funny and poignant at once but spare little detail while describing violent action.
Zach and Jeb are classic American heroes: witty, brave, and highly resourceful: they slug their way through dangerous situations with style and flamboyance and hold readers’ imagination well—taking the reader on a gritty journey along fading country roads, scattered towns, and across the border.
The villains are typical western villains: cattle rustling, horse stealing, cold-blooded rowdy men with a mean streak of male chauvinism.
The second book, Zach’s Gold is Zach’s exploratory journey into the pristine Colorado mountains in search of gold, and it pits him against a gang of rowdy claim jumpers. Cowboys, miners, claim jumpers are heroes here, and the story is packed with a solid punch of action and a healthy dose of violence. Zach is a darling: the gunslinging cowboy is fast with his fist, guns, and wits as usual, but he possesses a good business head on his shoulders as well. The book lacks the flamboyance of the earlier book in the series but still a solid read.
In Juan’s Revenge, the duo’s valour is tested once again as they fight the vengeful attack of Miguel Cortiña, the elder brother of the border raider who got killed after kidnapping Jeb’s niece in the first book in the series. Kalso and Woods bring the same flamboyance and flair to this compelling adventure that has made the first book in the series highly entertaining. Most of the characters from California Bound make a pleasant comeback in this third installment. There’s a dash of romance and unforeseen tragedy, and in the character of Becky readers witness a fiery heroine.
Kalso and Woods have an expert eye for witty dialogues, humorous asides, and write tense scenes of action. A greatly enjoyable series that fans of the western will devour in no time.
Zach and Jeb are classic American heroes: witty, brave, and highly resourceful: they slug their way through dangerous situations with style and flamboyance and hold readers’ imagination well—taking the reader on a gritty journey along fading country roads, scattered towns, and across the border.
The villains are typical western villains: cattle rustling, horse stealing, cold-blooded rowdy men with a mean streak of male chauvinism.
The second book, Zach’s Gold is Zach’s exploratory journey into the pristine Colorado mountains in search of gold, and it pits him against a gang of rowdy claim jumpers. Cowboys, miners, claim jumpers are heroes here, and the story is packed with a solid punch of action and a healthy dose of violence. Zach is a darling: the gunslinging cowboy is fast with his fist, guns, and wits as usual, but he possesses a good business head on his shoulders as well. The book lacks the flamboyance of the earlier book in the series but still a solid read.
In Juan’s Revenge, the duo’s valour is tested once again as they fight the vengeful attack of Miguel Cortiña, the elder brother of the border raider who got killed after kidnapping Jeb’s niece in the first book in the series. Kalso and Woods bring the same flamboyance and flair to this compelling adventure that has made the first book in the series highly entertaining. Most of the characters from California Bound make a pleasant comeback in this third installment. There’s a dash of romance and unforeseen tragedy, and in the character of Becky readers witness a fiery heroine.
Kalso and Woods have an expert eye for witty dialogues, humorous asides, and write tense scenes of action. A greatly enjoyable series that fans of the western will devour in no time.
April 1, 2019
Another great story by Frank Kelso. His stories about the western frontier are incredible and intriguing. His main character in this story is Zack. Zack spent time in his young life workin his granny’s gold mine. He has the muscles to go with the hard work. After the war of the states is over Zack travels to mountain towns planning to possibly look for a gold claim. What he finds instead are dried up mines and old miners. The miners are being harassed by claim jumpers. Zack takes matters into his own hands. He helps the miners and then finds a claim for himself. I love these western stories and plan to keep reading them.
February 17, 2019
If you like Western history in the 1800s, gold mining, and rugged miners then you will love this book. Zach is the main character who is too smart, talented, and lucky to be true. There are many details about gold mining, the landscape is well described, and there are many characters to keep track of. Well-written and edited.
March 13, 2019
Interesting story line
Like story. Characters fit together & work well. Story has a good flow. Story is better when you have a cowboy background & worked with some cowboys from the late 1800’s. It’s like real living some of the old bunkhouse tails the old timers told.
Like story. Characters fit together & work well. Story has a good flow. Story is better when you have a cowboy background & worked with some cowboys from the late 1800’s. It’s like real living some of the old bunkhouse tails the old timers told.
March 20, 2019
Good story - Good writing
Realistic characters living in believable circumstances makes this book an enjoyable read. Great to read of historically accurate places and terrain, adding to the overall realism. Great plots and sub-plots provide anticipation and action. Well done!
Realistic characters living in believable circumstances makes this book an enjoyable read. Great to read of historically accurate places and terrain, adding to the overall realism. Great plots and sub-plots provide anticipation and action. Well done!
April 27, 2019
Worthwhile
Enjoyed it. Good story, neat characters, good writing and worthwhile of your time. Sequels for all the characters. Recommend and like the authors say of telling a story.
Enjoyed it. Good story, neat characters, good writing and worthwhile of your time. Sequels for all the characters. Recommend and like the authors say of telling a story.
December 9, 2020
Gold Fever
A well written and action packed western incorporating a good portion of the history of mining.
Zach comes to Colorado to mine for gold. He finds friendships more precious than gold among the Colorado miners.
This is a story of adventure and of friendship. A story of men working together for the betterment of all.
You will experience claim jumpers, night riders, outlaws, narrow escapes and lots of great western action.
I loved the characters Zach, Henri, Matt, Cameron, Jefferson and all the others . The history was interesting and the book kept me reading.
A well written and action packed western incorporating a good portion of the history of mining.
Zach comes to Colorado to mine for gold. He finds friendships more precious than gold among the Colorado miners.
This is a story of adventure and of friendship. A story of men working together for the betterment of all.
You will experience claim jumpers, night riders, outlaws, narrow escapes and lots of great western action.
I loved the characters Zach, Henri, Matt, Cameron, Jefferson and all the others . The history was interesting and the book kept me reading.
September 29, 2019
A FK. Western Action Adventure (ZG) (TJ/ASH - 2)
FK. has penned a western action adventure which begins with Jen becoming Sheriff and Zack going on to California to own for gold. When Zack arrives in the gold. fields he see how dangerous it is for the miners working their claims. He is robbed and settled the problem quickly. Then he tried to form a combine of miner for safety. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
FK. has penned a western action adventure which begins with Jen becoming Sheriff and Zack going on to California to own for gold. When Zack arrives in the gold. fields he see how dangerous it is for the miners working their claims. He is robbed and settled the problem quickly. Then he tried to form a combine of miner for safety. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
October 6, 2019
Once again Frank Kelso amazed me with a powerful and wonderful story!
This made the third book in a week I inhaled. Love his writing and the details he put in each one! I felt like I was sitting across the dinner table once again as my grandpa told stories of working in the desert mines when he first came out here. Really looking forward to the next Jeb and Zach book!
This made the third book in a week I inhaled. Love his writing and the details he put in each one! I felt like I was sitting across the dinner table once again as my grandpa told stories of working in the desert mines when he first came out here. Really looking forward to the next Jeb and Zach book!
November 1, 2019
A very enjoyable series.
As a fan of the "Old West" and Western genre of literature, I thoroughly enjoy this series of books. Believable, vivid characters. Good story line and sub plots. A must read for any Western fan!
As a fan of the "Old West" and Western genre of literature, I thoroughly enjoy this series of books. Believable, vivid characters. Good story line and sub plots. A must read for any Western fan!
January 13, 2019
Macy's Gold;
If you are interested how to get gold out ground. This is the book for. you. Lots of good old fashioned gun fights too.
If you are interested how to get gold out ground. This is the book for. you. Lots of good old fashioned gun fights too.
October 28, 2019
Great author. Love his books
November 16, 2019
Another winner
The good guys are good, the bad ones truly evil, just like the westerns of the golden age of TV. Well worth the read
The good guys are good, the bad ones truly evil, just like the westerns of the golden age of TV. Well worth the read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews