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Ben Savage, Saloon Ranger #1
Buzzard's Bluff
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. WILDER THAN EVER. Welcome to the Lost Coyote Saloon. Saddle up to the bar and order a whiskey. Play a few hands of poker. But don’t make any trouble. The new owner is savage. Ben Savage. Once a Texas Ranger, he’s always cocked and ready for some fool to come looking for payback . . .EAT, DRINK, AND BE WARY When Ben Savage receives a telegram informing him that an old friend died—and left him his saloon—he’s not sure what to think. Western saloons are as wild as it gets, full of rowdy ranchers and cocky cowboys, high-stakes gamblers and low-life drifters, hard liquor and easy women. Then there’s the occasional outlaw gang. But when Savage travels to Buzzard’s Bluff, Texas, to check out his inheritance, he meets the saloon’s lovely manager, Rachel Baskin, and has a change of heart. As an experienced lawman, he figures he can run a decent establishment. Keep things friendly, peaceful, and orderly. There’s just one as a longtime Pinkerton agent, Ben has made a lot of enemies. And some of them are bound to turn up in his saloon—thirsty for whiskey . . . and revenge . . . Live Free. Read Hard.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2020
579 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,040 books1,390 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 56 reviews
March 20, 2021
Ben Savage, a renowned Texas Ranger, receives news he has inherited the Lost Coyote Saloon in the small Texas town of Buzzard’s Bluff. The plot is predictable- Ben soon runs afoul of Daniel Dalton, rancher and owner of the Golden Rail the other saloon in town and his nefarious plans to take over Buzzard’s Bluff are right out of an old western movie. This fun, old style western will still have you laughing and cheering as Ben thwarts one attempt after another from the bad guys sent to take him down.
April 26, 2020
In the Johnstone's Buzzard's Bluff, part of their newest series, Ben Savage Saloon Ranger, Ben Savage is an excellent US Marshall, has been for twelve years, but when he inherits a saloon from a fellow retired US Marshall, he decides to travel to the small town of Buzzard's Bluff, check out the saloon, and see if it is time to settle down. With the unlikely name of Buzzards Bluff, he takes over managing the Lost Coyote Saloon, making the current female manager a 50/50 partner. He quickly ends up in a battle with the other saloon on town for supremacy. This isn't what Ben wants. His desire is to simply run a good business that is good for the town, but this other saloon has a different goal: to drive the Lost Coyote out of business.
This is another excellent Western you won't want to miss from the Johnstone’s.
This is another excellent Western you won't want to miss from the Johnstone’s.
November 12, 2020
1st in series of 2. A fun, clean, western. Great characters! Ben Savage, and his Lost Coyote Saloon family, are just cool! William Johnstone is quickly becoming one of my favorite western authors.
October 22, 2021
Another interesting series by William Johnstone. I love the premise: Texas Ranger inherits a saloon in a small remote town and runs into a big cattle rancher/competing saloon owner that is wanting to control the town. The character of Ben Savage (the main character) was great and his supporting cast were interesting. I just wish they would have been more developed and involved than the stereotypical characters that they were. Rachel Baskin, for example, his business partner could have added so much more to the story than just being the person who typically greeted him when he returned to the saloon and managed his books. He also missed an opportunity with Ben's sidekick, Tuck Tucker, who was a fun character, but instead was portrayed like the typical 'Walter Brennan" side-kick from the old westerns (I'm dating my age here...lol).
There was a fair amount of action and several of the "bad guys" really added to the story. But again, I feel that a couple of the storylines involving these villains had potential that was squandered for a simple solution or an unsatisfying resolve. Especially the former Texas Ranger partner of Ben's, Billy. I was so looking forward to a big showdown/finale with him and it seemed a big let down to see it missed. Also, the late addition of Pitt Ramsey was especially intriguing and could have added a lot of fun to the story (he could have been a whole story line, on his own), but the quick demise of this potentially cool bad guy was disappointing, to say the least.
The story felt 'choppy' to me, like a bunch a great ideas for encounters (and could have made for separate story lines for upcoming books) were haphazardly crammed into this story. However, despite my criticisms, I really did enjoy the read. I love the character, Ben Savage as the saloon owner and the "back up" to the town sheriff, cleaning up the riff-raff. I just hope that the future installments let the story develop a little more. But as I said, overall, a good read; a solid 3 stars. Just my 2 cents! :)
There was a fair amount of action and several of the "bad guys" really added to the story. But again, I feel that a couple of the storylines involving these villains had potential that was squandered for a simple solution or an unsatisfying resolve. Especially the former Texas Ranger partner of Ben's, Billy. I was so looking forward to a big showdown/finale with him and it seemed a big let down to see it missed. Also, the late addition of Pitt Ramsey was especially intriguing and could have added a lot of fun to the story (he could have been a whole story line, on his own), but the quick demise of this potentially cool bad guy was disappointing, to say the least.
The story felt 'choppy' to me, like a bunch a great ideas for encounters (and could have made for separate story lines for upcoming books) were haphazardly crammed into this story. However, despite my criticisms, I really did enjoy the read. I love the character, Ben Savage as the saloon owner and the "back up" to the town sheriff, cleaning up the riff-raff. I just hope that the future installments let the story develop a little more. But as I said, overall, a good read; a solid 3 stars. Just my 2 cents! :)
October 18, 2020
Ben Savage Texas Ranger inherits a saloon from a retired Texas Ranger who has passed on. Pretty much fast paced, but did get tired that the character, Ben Savage never screwed up and did anything wrong.
April 13, 2023
Texas Ranger inherits Saloon. Shenanigans ensue. Never really read a western before but i've watched countless film’s and tv shows. Very predictable tale with an invincible hero but still entertaining to read.
November 11, 2020
Ben Savage is a Texas Ranger, in Austin. He receives a telegram that he has inherited a saloon in Buzzard's Bluff, which is two days south. When he goes to check it out, it is not what he expects. He knows nothing about running a saloon, but Rachel, the manager of the Lost Coyote Saloon does. Not being a dummy, Ben quickly makes her a co-owner. It is a nice quiet place most of the time. There is one other saloon in town where the rowdies are welcomed. It is owned by Daniel Dalton, who also owns a large cattle ranch. He is determined to take over the town and the Lost Coyote Saloon is in his way. If he can get rid of Ben Savage, it should be easy. All that does is get a lot of his men killed or wounded.
February 14, 2022
One of my favorite kinds of fiction—it’s all about the characters!
This book is pretty formulaic, as far as action stories go. People keep trying to kill this guy, and they keep failing. I’d give the book a much lower rating, were it not for the characters—not only Ben Savage himself, but the townspeople as well. There’s a lot of time spent waiting for schemes to come to fruition, or lack thereof, but Savage’s interaction with the other patrons and staff of his saloon make the pages fly by. Don’t get me wrong; there’s a good deal of gunfightin’ to be had here, and some fisticuffs as well. But what’s making me look forward to the next book in the series are the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in these pages.
This book is pretty formulaic, as far as action stories go. People keep trying to kill this guy, and they keep failing. I’d give the book a much lower rating, were it not for the characters—not only Ben Savage himself, but the townspeople as well. There’s a lot of time spent waiting for schemes to come to fruition, or lack thereof, but Savage’s interaction with the other patrons and staff of his saloon make the pages fly by. Don’t get me wrong; there’s a good deal of gunfightin’ to be had here, and some fisticuffs as well. But what’s making me look forward to the next book in the series are the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in these pages.
July 27, 2020
The tradition continues. The name Johnstone is synonymous with quality writing and excellent stories while they maintain the western genre of good men setting examples for generations to come. BUZZARD"S BLUFF is the first in a new series, excellent news for readers who enjoy a straight forward story of how the west was settled. I've been a Johnstone fan ever since my uncles introduced me to them many years ago. Now I recommend them to everyone I know. Treat yourself, read Buzzard's Bluff then pass it on to someone you know who loves a good story.
October 22, 2022
A Solid Western
I read both books in the Ben Savage series. I think Ben is a solid, decent character; but lacks the drive of most regular men. He apparently has no interest in female companionship; which makes him a unicorn. The other characters, which are plenty; seem real to life. Both plots are action packed and keep you engaged in the story line. The scene settings are a little light for me. I could have used more both in town and in the country. I would consider reading a future book in the series.
I read both books in the Ben Savage series. I think Ben is a solid, decent character; but lacks the drive of most regular men. He apparently has no interest in female companionship; which makes him a unicorn. The other characters, which are plenty; seem real to life. Both plots are action packed and keep you engaged in the story line. The scene settings are a little light for me. I could have used more both in town and in the country. I would consider reading a future book in the series.
March 14, 2024
This was my first read in the western genre. I don't know why I haven't read more in the genre. It was a welcome change from what I normally read. I normally read Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, Lee Child, James Patterson, and many others in the thriller genre. I enjoyed the story of Ben Savage and I look forward to continuing the series. I may branch out from here and read some Louis L'Amour. My grandfather enjoyed reading his novels, so I may have to check it out. I recommend Buzzard's Bluff to anyone!
June 21, 2022
Ben Savage is a good Texas Ranger, but he has been at it quite a while. On his return from search for a couple of stage robbers, he finds out that he has inherited a saloon in all places Buzzard Bluff, Texas. As his retirement begins, he faces another problem, someone wants to put him out of business. J. A. Johnstone does a good job writing under his uncle’s name. The characters are endearing and action nonstop.
March 28, 2023
Awesome! This author has done a marvelous job of depicting the world of a Texas Ranger, his semi-retirement and his new world of half owner of a Saloon. Of course, his world as a Ranger has given him enemies and some of them come calling. I loved his “family” of workers in the Saloon; I felt the total honesty and dedication to his job as a Ranger; and I loved his gift to Annie. Thanks for a great read! Live Free. Read Hard.
August 4, 2024
I listened to this to complete the Concord NH Public Library Ultimate Book Nerd challenge! 50 books since 1/1/24! The western category was my nemesis. I abandon the first book I tried, but this one was more manageable. It’s hard to read some genres that are out of your typical wheelhouse. While I don’t love it and it’s unlikely to stay with me, I can appreciate it for what it is, so 2-1/2 stars and UBN2024 done! (Going to attempt a 2nd round! 🤪)
June 28, 2020
This is a good introduction, to what I hope, is a successful new western series. The cast of characters were all very interesting and I really enjoyed Ben Savage as the lead for the series. My only problem with the book is that The ending was very abrupt. It was a little underwhelming when the rest of the novel was fast paced, yet Well developed.
July 29, 2020
Buzzard's Bluff is a brand new series from William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone. It is about the texas ranger Ben Savage and how he inherits a saloon. It was an entertaining story and I look forwar to the next one. I have said it before and I'll say it again I'm a sucker for westerns. I must thank #Netgalley and #Pinnacle and #KensingtonBooks for giving me this arc. If you like the good guys good and the bad guys slow... This is for you.
September 9, 2020
Poorly plotted narrative of a Texas Ranger turned saloon owner. Most of the characters, and all of the women, are cardboard cutouts with little to say, less to do and no discernible motivation. Perhaps the next installment will fix this, but I will not be reading further. This is one of the only non-Louis L’Amour westerns I have read. Perhaps my standards were set too high.
November 8, 2020
Another great western by the Johnstones. If you enjoy reading great westerns as I do then you’ll absolutely love Buzzards Bluff!
As always when it comes to Johnstone westerns, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Buzzards Bluff and highly recommend it. It is highly entertaining and chock full of great action.
As always when it comes to Johnstone westerns, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Buzzards Bluff and highly recommend it. It is highly entertaining and chock full of great action.
March 3, 2021
Ben Savage, Texas Ranger, inherits a saloon from a former Ranger mentor. Will he quit the Rangers to become a bar owner? This is the first book in a series for Ben Savage, and it gets off to a rousing start. Great cast of interesting characters populate the book and drive the narrative. I enjoyed it. I won't tell you Ben's decision, you will have to read the book yourself.
July 20, 2020
Old- Timey Western Feel
I haven't read a lot of Westerns. I thought it sounded good, but I need to stick with contemporary genres. This turned out to be far more violent than expected. Writing is straight forward and protagonist is intelligent.
I haven't read a lot of Westerns. I thought it sounded good, but I need to stick with contemporary genres. This turned out to be far more violent than expected. Writing is straight forward and protagonist is intelligent.
August 28, 2020
A good old-fashioned cowboy story. Bad guys are bad, good guys are good.
Texas Ranger inherited a saloon and typical cowboy action happens.
It was a refreshing straightforward classic Western. The best part was the twist in the last chapter.
Texas Ranger inherited a saloon and typical cowboy action happens.
It was a refreshing straightforward classic Western. The best part was the twist in the last chapter.
October 31, 2020
What a good book. Johnstone at his best. Ranger Ben Savage inherits a saloon and finds that being a saloon owner is more dangerous than being a ranger. If you like a kick butt main character with action in spades, you will really like this book.
November 5, 2020
I didn’t like it. It was just repeat after repeat of the same scenario. Not really any mystery. Maybe it was just a development of characters but certainly not one of my favourite William W Johnstone's better stories.
February 17, 2021
The Johnstones have once again written a fine well written and exciting western.
Ben Savage is a as brave and honorable and handsome as any of the heroes of the old West. A good read.
Ben Savage is a as brave and honorable and handsome as any of the heroes of the old West. A good read.
October 27, 2022
Johnstone and company has struck again very good
Very good book. Looks like the Johnstone team has struck again can't wait for the next book this is a total different story then smoke or preacher. Can't wait for the next book to come out no spoilers here
Very good book. Looks like the Johnstone team has struck again can't wait for the next book this is a total different story then smoke or preacher. Can't wait for the next book to come out no spoilers here
January 31, 2023
not up to Johnstone’s standard.
For introducing a new character, a better effort could have been written. Dialogues were frequently boring, more like filler in what could have been a good story.
For introducing a new character, a better effort could have been written. Dialogues were frequently boring, more like filler in what could have been a good story.
April 10, 2023
A new series that started off great
This series just started off with a bang and didn't stop. It's fast-paced action and adventure makes the pages go bye quickly. I'm looking forward to starting on book two.
This series just started off with a bang and didn't stop. It's fast-paced action and adventure makes the pages go bye quickly. I'm looking forward to starting on book two.
July 12, 2023
Great book
Ben Savage is a true gentleman and a great Texas Ranger. Being from Texas, it took the Rangers to settle the great state. Can't wait for the next book. You must purchase this book, because you won't regret it.
Ben Savage is a true gentleman and a great Texas Ranger. Being from Texas, it took the Rangers to settle the great state. Can't wait for the next book. You must purchase this book, because you won't regret it.
July 25, 2020
Texas ranger
What a fun read this was with Ben dealing with crooks and finally having a home. Seeing how the bad guys didn't get away with crime.
What a fun read this was with Ben dealing with crooks and finally having a home. Seeing how the bad guys didn't get away with crime.
August 12, 2020
Fine book that I won in a free giveaway. Book read well an had suspence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews