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John Hawk #3
Montana Territory
From Spur Award-winning author Charles G. West comes a blistering tale of the American West, where guns are the law, good men are outnumbered--and sudden death is a way of life . . .
MASSACRE IN MONTANA
Raised among the Blackfoot, John Hawk is a valuable asset to the US Army. As a military scout at Fort Ellis, he is able to cross the line between two worlds--and help keep the peace. But when he disobeys a direct order from his commander, Hawk is immediately dismissed from his post.
That was the army's first mistake.
The second was losing track of a small mule train en route to Helena. At the request of his former lieutenant, Hawk leaves his cabin on the Boulder River to help find the missing party. The mule train, it appears, was ambushed by a savage gang of outlaws. Most of the travelers were murdered. Only a few survived to tell the tale. And now it's up to Hawk to stalk the killers across the lawless Montana territory--alone. No backup. No calvary. No mercy . . .
"Rarely has an author painted the great American West in strokes so bold, vivid, and true."
--Ralph Compton
MASSACRE IN MONTANA
Raised among the Blackfoot, John Hawk is a valuable asset to the US Army. As a military scout at Fort Ellis, he is able to cross the line between two worlds--and help keep the peace. But when he disobeys a direct order from his commander, Hawk is immediately dismissed from his post.
That was the army's first mistake.
The second was losing track of a small mule train en route to Helena. At the request of his former lieutenant, Hawk leaves his cabin on the Boulder River to help find the missing party. The mule train, it appears, was ambushed by a savage gang of outlaws. Most of the travelers were murdered. Only a few survived to tell the tale. And now it's up to Hawk to stalk the killers across the lawless Montana territory--alone. No backup. No calvary. No mercy . . .
"Rarely has an author painted the great American West in strokes so bold, vivid, and true."
--Ralph Compton
291 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 28, 2020
About the author
Charles G. West
70 books77 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 19, 2020
John Hawk is an independent man who knows his job of scouting for the Army backwards and forwards but when his personality clashes with Lieutenant Meade who is in charge of the scouts at Fort Ellis the result is Hawk being fired. Well, that's okay because he can go to his cabin and get it all snugged in ready for winter with the supplies and food he will need. That stage of events doesn't last long when Lieutenant Matthew Conner comes to the cabin to convince Hawk to go with him on a search for a wagon train that has disappeared. A church group was on their way to Helena to settle there and build a church. Hawk knows he will be irritating Lieutenant Meade if he takes this scouting job but somebody needs to find where that group went so Hawk agrees.
This is the third book in this series featuring John Hawk. I enjoyed this story of the old West and spent long pauses from reading to try to visualize just how intimidating that vast territory must have been for town people who took the chance to travel through it to, hopefully, make their dreams come true. Charles West doesn't spend much time on descriptions of the weather or even the physical landscape but I could picture the difficulties Hawk was having with no trouble. Hawk is a very likeable character if you are fond of upright, honest, independent people who want to do what's right. If they can help somebody along the way, well that's just fine. Even Hawk's horse, Rascal, has dimension as he is written by Mr. West and I enjoyed the interactions between man and horse.
In these days of isolation due to the coronavirus it's great to know there is a genre of books I can count on to give me pleasure and let me hold reality at bay for a time. This was an enjoyable reading experience and I am looking forward to reading more about John Hawk and Rascal. Two chapters from Massacre at Crow Creek Crossing: A Cole Bonner Western are included at the end of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Pinnacle for an e-galley of this novel.
This is the third book in this series featuring John Hawk. I enjoyed this story of the old West and spent long pauses from reading to try to visualize just how intimidating that vast territory must have been for town people who took the chance to travel through it to, hopefully, make their dreams come true. Charles West doesn't spend much time on descriptions of the weather or even the physical landscape but I could picture the difficulties Hawk was having with no trouble. Hawk is a very likeable character if you are fond of upright, honest, independent people who want to do what's right. If they can help somebody along the way, well that's just fine. Even Hawk's horse, Rascal, has dimension as he is written by Mr. West and I enjoyed the interactions between man and horse.
In these days of isolation due to the coronavirus it's great to know there is a genre of books I can count on to give me pleasure and let me hold reality at bay for a time. This was an enjoyable reading experience and I am looking forward to reading more about John Hawk and Rascal. Two chapters from Massacre at Crow Creek Crossing: A Cole Bonner Western are included at the end of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Pinnacle for an e-galley of this novel.
June 22, 2020
In this third of Charles West's John Hawk Westerns series, Montana Territory (Pinnacle 2020), John Hawk is fired from his army scouting job over a disagreement with a petty small minded officer about tracking. The officer dislikes Hawk anyway so not much chance he'd ever agree with him. Maybe because Hawk was raised by Indians, maybe something else. Whatever the reason, Hawk doesn’t mind too much because it gives him time to fix his cabin up before winter sets in, do things he’s been meaning to do but hasn't had time. He's one of the Army's best trackers so is always working. 'Being fired' doesn't last long. A different army officer, this one a friend, begs Hawk to return when the fort commander's son disappears with a group of Quakers travelling to set up a new church. That happened weeks ago but Hawk takes on the job anyway, as a personal favor. He quickly finds that most of the group was slaughtered, maybe by Indians, and their money stolen. A small group escaped and points Hawk the right direction. When tracking the murderers takes too long, the Army pulls the plug but Hawk isn't willing to. If he does, who will bring justice to these well-meaning peaceful folk?
A fast-moving plot, good character development, an appealing theme, all wrapped around an excellent main character--John Hawk. Overall, another great Western you will enjoy.
A fast-moving plot, good character development, an appealing theme, all wrapped around an excellent main character--John Hawk. Overall, another great Western you will enjoy.
June 27, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
MONTANA TERRITORY by author Charles G. West is the 3rd book in the “John Hawk” series that follows the life of the rugged frontiersman who is employed by U.S. Army as a scout and is respected by most who know him well, but not by the commander of the post that he reports to.
Hawk quietly accepts his tongue lashing and being fired as he has an unusual ability to maintain his composure when most could not, and uses the unemployment opportunity provided to trap, hunt, & make needed repairs to his cabin and to put away food for the winter.
Unexpectedly, he receives an offer to scout for an expedition to locate a missing group of settlers who’s disappearance is of concern to a high ranking military official, and the search for the missing group of men, women & children begins with Hawk leading the way.
John Hawk attracts the unwanted attention of many due to his appearance that looks more like an Indian than a white man, as he has lived among the natives of two different tribes and has formed his own opinions that aren’t often embraced by most of the whites he comes across.
Can Hawk find the missing group and those responsible if they’ve met with foul play, and will his long list of others that wish him harm prove to be more than he can handle?
Good western novel with a solid lead character who is easy to like as a champion of those in trouble, and specially those who are discriminated against and in need of his assistance.
4 stars.
MONTANA TERRITORY by author Charles G. West is the 3rd book in the “John Hawk” series that follows the life of the rugged frontiersman who is employed by U.S. Army as a scout and is respected by most who know him well, but not by the commander of the post that he reports to.
Hawk quietly accepts his tongue lashing and being fired as he has an unusual ability to maintain his composure when most could not, and uses the unemployment opportunity provided to trap, hunt, & make needed repairs to his cabin and to put away food for the winter.
Unexpectedly, he receives an offer to scout for an expedition to locate a missing group of settlers who’s disappearance is of concern to a high ranking military official, and the search for the missing group of men, women & children begins with Hawk leading the way.
John Hawk attracts the unwanted attention of many due to his appearance that looks more like an Indian than a white man, as he has lived among the natives of two different tribes and has formed his own opinions that aren’t often embraced by most of the whites he comes across.
Can Hawk find the missing group and those responsible if they’ve met with foul play, and will his long list of others that wish him harm prove to be more than he can handle?
Good western novel with a solid lead character who is easy to like as a champion of those in trouble, and specially those who are discriminated against and in need of his assistance.
4 stars.
August 31, 2020
Charles G. West writes crackerjack western novels. The fact that he won the Spur award for best novel in 2018 for the first in the John Hawk series is indicative of that fact. The fact that I've read all three of the novels in this series and went looking for more should indicate that I'm going to be a fan.
John Hawk is an army scout. Half of the time he is on bad side of Lt. Meade, who seems to have it in for him. In this episode, Meade is responding to a complaint about Indians rustling stock, and Meade is insistent that there is a whole herd of cows being driven off by the Indians. When Hawk points out that all of the sign indicates only one or two hunters killing only a single cow Meade responds by firing him.
On his way home, Hawk comes across an Indian maiden who had been kidnapped by white men. They try to kill him and Hawk ends up taking the maiden home. He is known among the Indians and there is no conflict. In fact, in all three books, Hawk manages to meet up with some Indians and West does an excellent job describing the plight of the starving Indians both on and off the reservation. Before long, Hawk is recruited by the army to find a missing mule-train of Quaker farmers and discovers that they have been attacked by outlaws. Even after the army stops looking for the outlaws, Hawk is pursuing them in hopes of helping set things right.
West does an excellent job of painting the west as a tumultuous and lawless land. Hawk doesn't head straight into a fight like a lot of heroes, and he considers his strategy carefully. He kills, but he doesn't care for it. He considers his moral position. He acts. And, unlike many westerns where the hero does all of the killing or his sidekick, the bad guys often run afoul of other realistic western characters who do them in.
Thus far, there are three books in this series and it appears by this title's conclusion at least another is planned. Hawk's pragmatic way of looking at problems and life are intriguing and the pacing of the books is, at times, breakneck. The dialogue is always good, but the bad guys always seem somewhat the same. They are either no-account cowards, or out-and-out murderous scum with no regard for life. One comical moment appeared in this title when one of the outlaws had to return to the hideout cabin because he had left his false teeth behind. A really nice touch.
West is a fine author. His description of terrain and streams, etc. is always interesting. His descriptions offer word pictures that are clear and powerful.
If you like westerns, this is a series for you.
John Hawk is an army scout. Half of the time he is on bad side of Lt. Meade, who seems to have it in for him. In this episode, Meade is responding to a complaint about Indians rustling stock, and Meade is insistent that there is a whole herd of cows being driven off by the Indians. When Hawk points out that all of the sign indicates only one or two hunters killing only a single cow Meade responds by firing him.
On his way home, Hawk comes across an Indian maiden who had been kidnapped by white men. They try to kill him and Hawk ends up taking the maiden home. He is known among the Indians and there is no conflict. In fact, in all three books, Hawk manages to meet up with some Indians and West does an excellent job describing the plight of the starving Indians both on and off the reservation. Before long, Hawk is recruited by the army to find a missing mule-train of Quaker farmers and discovers that they have been attacked by outlaws. Even after the army stops looking for the outlaws, Hawk is pursuing them in hopes of helping set things right.
West does an excellent job of painting the west as a tumultuous and lawless land. Hawk doesn't head straight into a fight like a lot of heroes, and he considers his strategy carefully. He kills, but he doesn't care for it. He considers his moral position. He acts. And, unlike many westerns where the hero does all of the killing or his sidekick, the bad guys often run afoul of other realistic western characters who do them in.
Thus far, there are three books in this series and it appears by this title's conclusion at least another is planned. Hawk's pragmatic way of looking at problems and life are intriguing and the pacing of the books is, at times, breakneck. The dialogue is always good, but the bad guys always seem somewhat the same. They are either no-account cowards, or out-and-out murderous scum with no regard for life. One comical moment appeared in this title when one of the outlaws had to return to the hideout cabin because he had left his false teeth behind. A really nice touch.
West is a fine author. His description of terrain and streams, etc. is always interesting. His descriptions offer word pictures that are clear and powerful.
If you like westerns, this is a series for you.
February 10, 2021
I’ve read a lot of fantasy and science fiction, and one of the terms that comes up in reviews of those books is “world building”. Does the author do a good job of world building so that you, the reader, lose yourself in it, feel like a part of it. So, with that said, I think West has done a very good job of world building. I know next to nothing about the history of the old west, the territories, gun slingers, outlaws, towns popping up. The handful of westerns I’ve read so far mostly happen in the Montana territory, so that must have been a pivotal area of expansion as settlers moved west. So, if the world building is mostly historical and accurate, it’s fun getting an education as I read about it through a well written novel. I’m certainly getting hooked on westerns, that’s fer dern sure!
September 6, 2023
Nice Cozy Story in the Old West
I rarely read Westerns. Usually it is when I need a break from the historical fiction and action/adventure novels I love that I will find a Western novel and lose myself. This was a nice cozy story. By "cozy" I mean the plot was fairly predictable. I really enjoyed the detail in which Mr. West includes. I had no trouble envisioning the settings, seeing the characters, and feeling the action. I had to laugh when I read the name of one of the store owners -- Franklin Pierce (I wondered where he moved to after he served as President). If you like Westerns, or even if you are not a fan, read this book. It is well-written.
I rarely read Westerns. Usually it is when I need a break from the historical fiction and action/adventure novels I love that I will find a Western novel and lose myself. This was a nice cozy story. By "cozy" I mean the plot was fairly predictable. I really enjoyed the detail in which Mr. West includes. I had no trouble envisioning the settings, seeing the characters, and feeling the action. I had to laugh when I read the name of one of the store owners -- Franklin Pierce (I wondered where he moved to after he served as President). If you like Westerns, or even if you are not a fan, read this book. It is well-written.
July 29, 2020
When it becomes painfully obvious that the Army does not appreciate his experience, or his attitude, John Hawk parts company and heads home. But his unemployment is cut short when he is tasked to find a missing wagon party. When found, the wagon party's total destruction by outlaws will leave John Hawk to track and avenge the marauders.
Charles G West has developed a hero in John Hawk. He's rough around the edges and very sure of his skills so tends to speak his mind when he should not. John lives in a west where the strong take care of the weak and no crime goes unpunished. An excellent example of what a great western should be.
Charles G West has developed a hero in John Hawk. He's rough around the edges and very sure of his skills so tends to speak his mind when he should not. John lives in a west where the strong take care of the weak and no crime goes unpunished. An excellent example of what a great western should be.
May 13, 2023
Entertaining Western
This is the first book by Charles G. West that I have read but it will not be the last. John Hawk was doing what he felt was right and necessary even when others felt what they did was enough or as much as they could do. Along the way of bringing killers to justice he ended up helping more people in need of help when the situation seemed hopeless to them. Very entertaining read and not too long.
This is the first book by Charles G. West that I have read but it will not be the last. John Hawk was doing what he felt was right and necessary even when others felt what they did was enough or as much as they could do. Along the way of bringing killers to justice he ended up helping more people in need of help when the situation seemed hopeless to them. Very entertaining read and not too long.
June 27, 2024
Stop at Book2!
This 3rd Hawk becomes a doddering self preserving careful man half way through, and completely spoils what has gone before.
We know how the series will end, but I feel that this mid-book episode changes my feel for the hero, I imagine to extend a long novelette into a book.
I would have given 2 stars, but I believe West is a good author, in command of most of his stand alone novels, but on this example, failing to deliver in serial form
This 3rd Hawk becomes a doddering self preserving careful man half way through, and completely spoils what has gone before.
We know how the series will end, but I feel that this mid-book episode changes my feel for the hero, I imagine to extend a long novelette into a book.
I would have given 2 stars, but I believe West is a good author, in command of most of his stand alone novels, but on this example, failing to deliver in serial form
November 29, 2020
John Hawk book 3 was as good as 1 and 2 if not better. Spoiler alert--I just wish that Hawk would make one of those women happy that care for him so much. Reading this book, again was like going to the movies on a Saturday afternoon at the old Crafton theater.
As usual, just when you think you know what is going to happen, t doesn't. I guess I'll try another of West's books.
As usual, just when you think you know what is going to happen, t doesn't. I guess I'll try another of West's books.
March 4, 2021
Another Good Hawk Western
This is the third and final book with John Hawk and he tracks a band of five outlaws. Hawk seems to open more in this book, didn't want this series to end. It's a good story and Hawk serves justice even though he isn't a lawman. I recommend this book to others that have read the previous two. Good Reading.
This is the third and final book with John Hawk and he tracks a band of five outlaws. Hawk seems to open more in this book, didn't want this series to end. It's a good story and Hawk serves justice even though he isn't a lawman. I recommend this book to others that have read the previous two. Good Reading.
August 6, 2023
John Hawk, a military scout out of Fort Ellis. Came upon a massacre on a bluff of a bunch of Quakers who were heading toward a new home, money in their saddlebags to build a church; 28 men, women, and children left for the buzzards, and six survivors leaped to the river to escape. It came to Hawk to find these killers and bring them to justice, one way or another. This is a very good series. I love the characters and the narrator.
March 14, 2025
Having read the other two books in this series I knew what I was in for....an entertaining Western adventure with a larger than life hero. My early reading life was liberally populated with Louis L'Amour books and these books remind me of those days....which is a good thing. There isn't really much more to say other than my hearty recommendation to read these books!
February 22, 2021
Hawk
Drinks coffee, scouts, chases bad guys,kills bad guys, wears a feather in his hat,chases Sophie, drinks more coffee after shooting deer. Whistles for Rascal...rides off into the sunset 🌇
Same story ,every book 📖 .
Drinks coffee, scouts, chases bad guys,kills bad guys, wears a feather in his hat,chases Sophie, drinks more coffee after shooting deer. Whistles for Rascal...rides off into the sunset 🌇
Same story ,every book 📖 .
November 19, 2021
I really loved this series!
Loved John Hawk and his big buckskin in this series! I hope there will be many more, maybe as a guide? Looking forward to reading more of this author's books!
Loved John Hawk and his big buckskin in this series! I hope there will be many more, maybe as a guide? Looking forward to reading more of this author's books!
October 5, 2022
The life and times of John Hawk. The third book in the series. Don't know if there will be a fourth one or not. Pretty good story although I started to get a little tired of it around 70% through. Not a fast-paced story, just sort of drones on.
May 24, 2023
2 1/2 stars, not a terrible book but not very remarkable. The biggest peeve for me was this guy who is supposedly the greatest tracker around but he is constantly unable to track people because the plot requires it.
September 26, 2020
Charles G. West's third installment from his John Hawk series, Montana Territory, was a pretty good read. I would be interested in reading more by this author in the future. Four and a half stars.
November 6, 2020
Montana Territory
Enjoyed this book very much look forward to more books 📚 by Charles West. All his books will keep you reading.
Enjoyed this book very much look forward to more books 📚 by Charles West. All his books will keep you reading.
April 24, 2021
I want more! Another great read but I would have liked one more chapter with Hawk returning to marry the girl.
April 22, 2022
Good
Good reading and worth your time. If it was perfect many a five, but than what is perfect. Well written
Good reading and worth your time. If it was perfect many a five, but than what is perfect. Well written
Read
May 5, 2022Just a good western to get lost in.
July 17, 2022
Entertaining read! I enjoyed it!
December 26, 2022
John Hawk makes a good hero!
March 30, 2023
I really, really enjoyed this. I suspect it would have been hard not to give it five stars if I'd read the previous books in the series. I didn't realize it was part of a series at first.
August 20, 2023
Great story of the West
A very Good read. Felt like I was there on a horse at times. Brought the old west to life.
A very Good read. Felt like I was there on a horse at times. Brought the old west to life.
December 15, 2023
I like this John Hawk character. And the stories are engaging
September 28, 2025
A bit long winded. But another good finale. I would like to see another book with a happy ending for the sketchy romance, but looks like that is not going to happen.
July 17, 2025
From the moment Hawk gets fired from scouting for the army, it leads him on a wild adventure. Winter flower and her sister, morning sky are out in the woods, less than a day away on foot from their reservation. They encounter these two men, which intended on sexually assaulting them. Morning sky is too young, but winter flower is not. They tie her up, but not strongly. Morning sky is instructed by winter flower, to run back to the reservation, and so she escapes. One of the men tries to sexually assault Winterflower, but she easily pushes him off because he was very drunk. This hawk comes flying over, dropping a feather on her leg. She takes that as a sign of her opportunity to escape, and she does escape, while those two men were shooting at the birds. She encounters John Hawk, in this raspberry bush. he invites her out to have coffee, eventually she does come out from hiding. She tells him everything, and in the end, those two men who harassed winter flower and morning sky were put to an end with his Winchester 73. Winter flower is successfully returned to her reservation, and the two of them exchanged feathers. You don't know what to expect from this book, every chapter in it has suspenseful parts. You will not want to put down this book near the end of it, I stayed up till 12:30 a.m. on July 10, 2025. In this fashion I finished this book. The end of this book left me wanting a little epilogue, definitely read this book. I rate this book, a solid five out of five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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