What do you think?
Rate this book
Jonathan Crowley #5
Boomtown
There is no peace in death. Some people know that better than others, In Carson’s Point, Colorado the dead do not rest, but rise every night and try to kill whatever crosses their path. Those dead are merely the symptom of something far worse, something ancient and evil that does not care for the Europeans taking the lands, or for those who lived there before. The living do not matter, the dead are tools, the possible spawn of the pale, white thing lurking in the woods are all that is important to that dreadful force. It will kill anything that gets in its path and make living and the deceased suffer for their transgressions. Carson’s Point is on a course that leads straight to Hell, unless something comes along that can fight back against the unnatural servants of the thing that wants the boomtown destroyed. The wizard, Albert Miles, is in town for reasons all his own, escaping the latest terrors he’s spread across the land. He might well be able to save the town, but if he does he’ll exact a terrible price. The new sheriff has his work cut out for him. There are savages waiting outside the town, dead things crawling from the grave, bad men set on taking what they want and fools aplenty trying to survive the disasters coming their way until they can once again go hunting for the dreams they hope will change their lives. Jonathan Crowley could very well be the salvation that the town needs, but he has no desire to help anyone living there and has settled himself on one mission and one mission only: revenge against the soldiers that left him for dead. The Hunter has quit and no longer wants anything to do with justice for humans or stopping the evil things that feast on humanity’s sorrows. Evil grows throughout the town, mortal evil and things far worse. And when the sun sets, that evil takes root and spreads like wildfire.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
34 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
James A. Moore
230 books766 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
James A. Moore was the award winning author of over forty novels, thrillers, dark fantasy and horror alike, including the critically acclaimed Fireworks, Under The Overtree, Blood Red, the Serenity Falls trilogy (featuring his recurring anti-hero, Jonathan Crowley) and his most recent novels, seven Forges, The Blasted Lands, City of Wonders , The Silent Army and the forthcoming The Gates of The Dead (Book Three in the Tides of War Series) and A Hell Within, co-authored with Charles R. Rutledge.
James A. Moore was the award winning author of over forty novels, thrillers, dark fantasy and horror alike, including the critically acclaimed Fireworks, Under The Overtree, Blood Red, the Serenity Falls trilogy (featuring his recurring anti-hero, Jonathan Crowley) and his most recent novels, seven Forges, The Blasted Lands, City of Wonders , The Silent Army and the forthcoming The Gates of The Dead (Book Three in the Tides of War Series) and A Hell Within, co-authored with Charles R. Rutledge.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 18, 2019
My review of Boomtown can be found at High Fever Books.
Boomtown is a title that has been on my radar for a short while, ever since James A. Moore announced it on Facebook some time back. A weird western, fronted with cover art by Zach McCain? You’re damn right I want to read it! When Moore announced online he had ARCs ready for reviewers, I almost literally leaped at the chance to get an early look at this one.
The small, walled settlement of Carson’s Point has a problem — there’s an ancient skinwalker in the area, drawn to the mining town by old magic that he seeks to claim, in addition to killing the new settlers for taking land that is not theirs to claim. The skinwalker isn’t the only problem though; there are bandits, thieves, and murders leaving a trail of bodies behind. After a trapper brings back ten frozen bodies for burial, one of the deceased has a miraculous recovery and disappears. Jonathan Crowley isn’t like most men. For one thing, he has a serious problem staying dead or even wounded. He also possess arcane knowledge, and is unnaturally fast on the draw, pointing guns some witnesses would claim he didn’t possess seconds earlier. He’s also the only hope Carson’s Point has, even if he doesn’t want to help. Still, Crowley finds himself drawn into the escalating violence as he seeks revenge for his own murder, and then finds himself in even more dire straights as the days progress.
Crowley is a recurring character in Moore’s large body of work, having previously appeared in the currently out-of-print Serenity Falls trilogy and 2017’s One Bad Week (also from Haverhill House), although Boomtown was my first introduction to the man. Thankfully, Boomtown functions well as a stand-alone title, and going back to the wild days of the American west makes this a highly accessible entry-point for newcomers to Crowley’s adventures. In fact, this is a great introduction to Crowley and my only regret is that so much of Moore’s backlist is currently out of print that tracking down the bulk of his past appearances could be a bit of a project. I dug Crowley a lot — the dude’s kind of built on the Wolverine template, with his rapid healing, asocial tendencies, and penchant for swift and wicked violence — and I certainly aim to read more about him, and hope to track down some used copies of the prior books.
On the Weird Western front…well, Moore certainly doesn’t skimp there either. Carson’s Point is positively littered with all kinds of supernatural hijinks, although the primary nuisance here is the skinwalker and his creations. The skinwalker is able to reanimate the dead and he calls forth a band of Native Americans slaughtered by former soldiers now resting easy in the settlement. Although there are zombies aplenty in Boomtown, in the case of the Native American undead Moore puts a nifty little spin on this trope that really helps separate them from your usual pack of shambling brain-eaters, which I appreciated greatly.
Boomtown is a dark and very effective work of wild west horror, and Carson’s Point is densely populated with monsters, both human and otherwise. American expansion and settlement into the west was certainly a perilous and tumultuous period of US history, to put it lightly, and Moore doesn’t shy away from the violent and inhumane aspects of the era. While several women fall victim to rape and children are counted among the murdered, Moore never writes such scenes in a salacious, leering, or gratuitous manner. Even spared the grisly details, one depiction of a helpless child’s murder managed to hit hard. Sensitive readers may still wish to prepare themselves, although, thankfully, such mentions of sexual assault and child death are kept very brief and directly to the point. Boomtown does not offer a romanticized view of the American west, but a gritty horror story of predators and prey, and, in keeping true to the period being written of, the violence that ensues.
Boomtown is a title that has been on my radar for a short while, ever since James A. Moore announced it on Facebook some time back. A weird western, fronted with cover art by Zach McCain? You’re damn right I want to read it! When Moore announced online he had ARCs ready for reviewers, I almost literally leaped at the chance to get an early look at this one.
The small, walled settlement of Carson’s Point has a problem — there’s an ancient skinwalker in the area, drawn to the mining town by old magic that he seeks to claim, in addition to killing the new settlers for taking land that is not theirs to claim. The skinwalker isn’t the only problem though; there are bandits, thieves, and murders leaving a trail of bodies behind. After a trapper brings back ten frozen bodies for burial, one of the deceased has a miraculous recovery and disappears. Jonathan Crowley isn’t like most men. For one thing, he has a serious problem staying dead or even wounded. He also possess arcane knowledge, and is unnaturally fast on the draw, pointing guns some witnesses would claim he didn’t possess seconds earlier. He’s also the only hope Carson’s Point has, even if he doesn’t want to help. Still, Crowley finds himself drawn into the escalating violence as he seeks revenge for his own murder, and then finds himself in even more dire straights as the days progress.
Crowley is a recurring character in Moore’s large body of work, having previously appeared in the currently out-of-print Serenity Falls trilogy and 2017’s One Bad Week (also from Haverhill House), although Boomtown was my first introduction to the man. Thankfully, Boomtown functions well as a stand-alone title, and going back to the wild days of the American west makes this a highly accessible entry-point for newcomers to Crowley’s adventures. In fact, this is a great introduction to Crowley and my only regret is that so much of Moore’s backlist is currently out of print that tracking down the bulk of his past appearances could be a bit of a project. I dug Crowley a lot — the dude’s kind of built on the Wolverine template, with his rapid healing, asocial tendencies, and penchant for swift and wicked violence — and I certainly aim to read more about him, and hope to track down some used copies of the prior books.
On the Weird Western front…well, Moore certainly doesn’t skimp there either. Carson’s Point is positively littered with all kinds of supernatural hijinks, although the primary nuisance here is the skinwalker and his creations. The skinwalker is able to reanimate the dead and he calls forth a band of Native Americans slaughtered by former soldiers now resting easy in the settlement. Although there are zombies aplenty in Boomtown, in the case of the Native American undead Moore puts a nifty little spin on this trope that really helps separate them from your usual pack of shambling brain-eaters, which I appreciated greatly.
Boomtown is a dark and very effective work of wild west horror, and Carson’s Point is densely populated with monsters, both human and otherwise. American expansion and settlement into the west was certainly a perilous and tumultuous period of US history, to put it lightly, and Moore doesn’t shy away from the violent and inhumane aspects of the era. While several women fall victim to rape and children are counted among the murdered, Moore never writes such scenes in a salacious, leering, or gratuitous manner. Even spared the grisly details, one depiction of a helpless child’s murder managed to hit hard. Sensitive readers may still wish to prepare themselves, although, thankfully, such mentions of sexual assault and child death are kept very brief and directly to the point. Boomtown does not offer a romanticized view of the American west, but a gritty horror story of predators and prey, and, in keeping true to the period being written of, the violence that ensues.
April 10, 2019
I love James A. Moore's writing. I've been reading him since UNDER THE OVERTREE which was published in 2000. He introduced an enigmatic character in that tale that I have eagerly followed ever since. That character is, of course, Jonathan Crowley. I find Crowley as memorable as King's Randall Flagg. In some ways, Crowley is more memorable than the Walkin' Dude; he is equally pervasive in Moore's writing.
There are times when Moore's writing is thoughtful and sensitive. This is not one of those times. Let me be clear; I read horror in most of its glorious forms. I hate to say I 'enjoy' books of psychological horror because they often delve into cringeworthy areas of crime and brutality. On the other hand, I do enjoy reading supernatural horror. BOOMTOWN is both supernatural and psychological. Right along with some undead (I would hesitate to call them zombies, but they do have those characteristics) beings there is quite a bit of brutality against women and children. This is not a book for the faint of heart. For me, the most compelling reason to read BOOMTOWN was anticipation of learning more about Crowley. For others, the aspect of the old west and the interaction between settlers and the native population, albeit with a supernatural twist, might be the draw.
Despite some specific scenes making my skin crawl, I would eagerly read a sequel to BOOMTOWN because it would, of necessity, add more to Crowley's story right alongside a glimpse of the darker side of old west history.
There are times when Moore's writing is thoughtful and sensitive. This is not one of those times. Let me be clear; I read horror in most of its glorious forms. I hate to say I 'enjoy' books of psychological horror because they often delve into cringeworthy areas of crime and brutality. On the other hand, I do enjoy reading supernatural horror. BOOMTOWN is both supernatural and psychological. Right along with some undead (I would hesitate to call them zombies, but they do have those characteristics) beings there is quite a bit of brutality against women and children. This is not a book for the faint of heart. For me, the most compelling reason to read BOOMTOWN was anticipation of learning more about Crowley. For others, the aspect of the old west and the interaction between settlers and the native population, albeit with a supernatural twist, might be the draw.
Despite some specific scenes making my skin crawl, I would eagerly read a sequel to BOOMTOWN because it would, of necessity, add more to Crowley's story right alongside a glimpse of the darker side of old west history.
March 13, 2019
I received an ARC copy of the book.
Boomtown is another segment of James A. Moore's anti-hero, Jonathan Crowley. Jonathan just wants to be left alone with time for his studies, however he's obligated to help when asked. He has to be asked, tho. That's the rule. He doesn't have to like it, and usually doesn't, but he has to help at that point.
Carson's Point is a somewhat typical gold rush town that's suddenly trying to cope with multiple dead bodies, criminals, paranormal creatures, and Jonathan Crowley. I don't want to give away too much of the storyline, but I'll say that Jonathan is surprised a few times by the novelty of what he's dealing with, and that's something different for him (and us). Usually he already knows exactly what to do, and this time, he really doesn't.
The story is more gruesome than other James A. Moore stories I've read, but it all fits the narrative. There's no 'gore for the sake of gore' going on here.
There's a few points where my file could have used another run-thru for editing, but it's just awkward phrases or superfluous words. Not too distracting.
Overall, this is a solid entry in Jonathan Crowley's life-and-times, and a really good read.
Boomtown is another segment of James A. Moore's anti-hero, Jonathan Crowley. Jonathan just wants to be left alone with time for his studies, however he's obligated to help when asked. He has to be asked, tho. That's the rule. He doesn't have to like it, and usually doesn't, but he has to help at that point.
Carson's Point is a somewhat typical gold rush town that's suddenly trying to cope with multiple dead bodies, criminals, paranormal creatures, and Jonathan Crowley. I don't want to give away too much of the storyline, but I'll say that Jonathan is surprised a few times by the novelty of what he's dealing with, and that's something different for him (and us). Usually he already knows exactly what to do, and this time, he really doesn't.
The story is more gruesome than other James A. Moore stories I've read, but it all fits the narrative. There's no 'gore for the sake of gore' going on here.
There's a few points where my file could have used another run-thru for editing, but it's just awkward phrases or superfluous words. Not too distracting.
Overall, this is a solid entry in Jonathan Crowley's life-and-times, and a really good read.
May 20, 2019
Have I been tricked again?
I read the reviews (perhaps not all or as carefully as I should) and looked where ever I could imagine, and there was no indication that this book was any thing other than a STANDALONE novel! However, it ended with enough loose or dangling threads to stitch together at least another novel.
That being said, I was dragged along willy-nillly to the cataclysmic end in record time. Great story telling up to the point where the guy holding the flashlight under his chin says "that's enough for tonight. Let's finish it up next camping trip".
I read the reviews (perhaps not all or as carefully as I should) and looked where ever I could imagine, and there was no indication that this book was any thing other than a STANDALONE novel! However, it ended with enough loose or dangling threads to stitch together at least another novel.
That being said, I was dragged along willy-nillly to the cataclysmic end in record time. Great story telling up to the point where the guy holding the flashlight under his chin says "that's enough for tonight. Let's finish it up next camping trip".
April 17, 2019
TITLE: Boomtown
AUTHOR: James A. Moore
GENRE: Weird West/Horror
PAGES: 258
I love westerns. I love weird westerns even more. Ever since the days of “Wild Wild West” on television, I have been on the lookout for weird westerns. I can tell I am not the only one, given the latest offerings in the genre. When I heard that James A. Moore, and author known for horror and dark fantasy, was turning his eye towards the weird west, I knew I had to get my hands on this book!
Welcome to Carson’s Point, Colorado, where the dead do not rest. Instead the dead rise from their graves on a nightly basis and devour anything that crosses their path. This is symptomatic of a far greater evil, one that does not care about the living or the dead. This evil entity can be stopped, the only problem is the people that can stop it have problems of their own and really do not care to lift a finger to stop it.
Okay, I realize that I really gave an over-simplified synopsis of this book, but to tell any more would be spoiling the fantastic read ahead of you. What I can tell you without spoiling this book is buckle up and get ready for one hell of a ride! The writing is fast paced and so sharp that it may cut your fingers as you turn the page, even if you have an e-reader!
If you are a western fan, get this book!
If you are a horror fan, get this book!
If you are a fantasy fan, get this book!
Bottom line, GET THIS BOOK!
5 out of 5 terrified bookmarks!
AUTHOR: James A. Moore
GENRE: Weird West/Horror
PAGES: 258
I love westerns. I love weird westerns even more. Ever since the days of “Wild Wild West” on television, I have been on the lookout for weird westerns. I can tell I am not the only one, given the latest offerings in the genre. When I heard that James A. Moore, and author known for horror and dark fantasy, was turning his eye towards the weird west, I knew I had to get my hands on this book!
Welcome to Carson’s Point, Colorado, where the dead do not rest. Instead the dead rise from their graves on a nightly basis and devour anything that crosses their path. This is symptomatic of a far greater evil, one that does not care about the living or the dead. This evil entity can be stopped, the only problem is the people that can stop it have problems of their own and really do not care to lift a finger to stop it.
Okay, I realize that I really gave an over-simplified synopsis of this book, but to tell any more would be spoiling the fantastic read ahead of you. What I can tell you without spoiling this book is buckle up and get ready for one hell of a ride! The writing is fast paced and so sharp that it may cut your fingers as you turn the page, even if you have an e-reader!
If you are a western fan, get this book!
If you are a horror fan, get this book!
If you are a fantasy fan, get this book!
Bottom line, GET THIS BOOK!
5 out of 5 terrified bookmarks!
April 21, 2019
I love weird westerns and this is one of the weirdest. A fast page turner of a horror novel. Loved it.
Read
July 4, 2020Review soon!
March 29, 2019
I can't recall another author who can write of walking dead men, blasphemous sorceries, Native American legends come to life, immortal hunters, and neverending horror--and still elicit chuckles in the reader with subtly unannounced humor. Then, too, is Mr. Moore's complete obviation of the need for suspension of disbelief. As in others of his books, the reader is immediately absorbed and immediately believing.
BOOMTOWN is a "Weird Western". There's a lot of violence and grabby greediness and political incorrectness which we might expect from the culture of the day (the era of the American Civil War) but there's so much more. Skinwalkers and animated dead men; monsters which might even make Lovecraft quail; and an immortal Hunter, Jonathan Crowley, who is neutral in character, neither good nor bad nor in-between. In this era he is in effect a 19th century scientist like Darwin or Alfred North Whitehead, traveling the globe seeking out flora and fauna to study.
I can't imagine any reader not adoring BOOMTOWN, but I especially recommend it to aficionados of horror, grimdark fantasy, and Weird fiction.
BOOMTOWN is a "Weird Western". There's a lot of violence and grabby greediness and political incorrectness which we might expect from the culture of the day (the era of the American Civil War) but there's so much more. Skinwalkers and animated dead men; monsters which might even make Lovecraft quail; and an immortal Hunter, Jonathan Crowley, who is neutral in character, neither good nor bad nor in-between. In this era he is in effect a 19th century scientist like Darwin or Alfred North Whitehead, traveling the globe seeking out flora and fauna to study.
I can't imagine any reader not adoring BOOMTOWN, but I especially recommend it to aficionados of horror, grimdark fantasy, and Weird fiction.
November 7, 2020
I am now a fan of weird westerns--thanks to this book. More Moore.
September 4, 2019
This was a great read. It is western with supernatural elements. The plot was a little busy, there are lots of twists and turns but I liked that, you never know what will happen next. I look forward to another book with the two central characters. I think it is better than the Steven King book I am currently reading, “Joyland”.
May 12, 2019
James A. Moore is an incredible writer - he has the ability to create believable worlds with real characters.
July 6, 2021
I had first encountered Moore’s antihero Jonathan Crowley and his version of the Skinwalker in the first Snafu book. After being immensely intrigued by that story, I met up with Crowley again in Snafu: Unnatural Selection. This character had me so intrigued, I thought I would read through Boomtown. I was not disappointed. Moore has concocted an explosive mix of fantasy, mysticism, Lovecraftian vibe type western and mixed it with heaping helpings of body horror. The lore and world building are superb. As for Jonathan Crowley, he is like an older, grumpier version of John Constantine with the distinguishing feature of a killer (literally) smile. My only real complaint with Boomtown is the book tended to slow down into a slog at points. I highly recommend this one.
July 15, 2020
Excellent read!
Boomtown
Triggers for sexual assault, child death (Little detail given thankfully). Only a little bit in the beginning. Nothing too much. Some grammar errors. No biggie there.
I found the authors style of writing confusing at times. I'd have to reread sentences more than once to understand what he was saying.
That being said, I loved the book! Especially Crowley and Slate. Definitely looking forward to reading more by this author!
Boomtown
Triggers for sexual assault, child death (Little detail given thankfully). Only a little bit in the beginning. Nothing too much. Some grammar errors. No biggie there.
I found the authors style of writing confusing at times. I'd have to reread sentences more than once to understand what he was saying.
That being said, I loved the book! Especially Crowley and Slate. Definitely looking forward to reading more by this author!
June 17, 2019
This was a ton of fun, and very easy reading - which, as Nathanial Hawthorne once is said, is "damn hard writing." I now have another character I must catch-up on: Jonathan Crowley. Full review soon on CDonline.
October 5, 2020
Gobsmacked. Never used that word before.
I just found Mr Crowley and Mr Slate and Mr Moore. My overwhelming fear is I will not find them again. Literally could not put it down. An imagination that is God given and completely wonderfully abnormal.
I just found Mr Crowley and Mr Slate and Mr Moore. My overwhelming fear is I will not find them again. Literally could not put it down. An imagination that is God given and completely wonderfully abnormal.
June 8, 2021
Excellent!
I gave only four stars because of the editing errors. There are too much to give five stars, even if the story itself deserves five. Mr. Crowley is a fascinating character, and the relation with his albino companion is strangely just perfect!
I gave only four stars because of the editing errors. There are too much to give five stars, even if the story itself deserves five. Mr. Crowley is a fascinating character, and the relation with his albino companion is strangely just perfect!
July 29, 2019
An excellent weird western.
February 22, 2022
Great story telling once again. I really hope that the author continues writing for this character.
July 16, 2023
Started out strong but got very repetitive toward the end and seemed to drag to the conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews