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Matt Bannister Western #5
The Eckman Exception
WELCOME TO BRANSON, OREGON WHERE NOT EVERYTHING IS AS IT SEEMS. U.S. Marshal Matt Bannister has returned to identify two dead bodies burned in a cabin as Catherine Eckman and her husband Nathan Webster. However, Pick Lawson does not trust Matt and is on a mission to prove he is lying for his own personal gain… Matt Bannister is looking forward to a spending a weekend with Felisha Conway who is coming to town for a wedding. His weekend is turned upside down when his dear friend Christine goes missing, and he finds himself under investigation by a Pinkerton Detective for intentionally misleading the missing persons case of Catherine Eckman. Death, kidnapping and lies are just the start in book five of the best-selling western series by Ken Pratt!
- GenresWesterns
400 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2019
705 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Ken Pratt
36 books21 followersKen Pratt worked to make a living, but his passion has always been writing. Having a busy family, the only "free" time he had to write was late at night getting no more than five hours of sleep a night. He has penned several novels that are being published along with several children stories as well. Ken Pratt says, "If you want something bad enough, you'll sacrifice something else to get it. I sacrifice sleep. I do not write to be a best seller or for wealth, I write to bring hope into the lives of the hopeless and encourage the disheartened through the lives of the characters and God's providence in my stories. There is always 'Hope' and that is the purpose of my books."
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2020
Matt looks forward to spending time with Felicia who is arriving so that they can determine if they are suited for one another. Felicia is angry that Matt attends his law enforcement duties and especially when it involves the kidnapping of Christine, the dance hall favorite. There is tension among the characters as the kidnappers believe that Christine is an heiress. The parents, Eckmans, are robbed and the husband is killed. One of the kidnappers had written to the Eckman's that Matt had lied about the death of their heiress daughter. The Eckman's enforcers are determined to destroy Matt but they were killed in an attempt to capture Christine. The remnants of the Eckman family leave by carriage to return to California.
Felicia is unable to reconcile herself with the role that Matt must play as a US Marshall and permanently breaks off their relationship. Matt is very sad he did love her.
Ken Pratt is an excellent writer with a good sense of character development in both the good and evil individuals. There is violence, good overcoming evil and demonstration of faith throughout.
I would recommend this book as an excellent story.
Felicia is unable to reconcile herself with the role that Matt must play as a US Marshall and permanently breaks off their relationship. Matt is very sad he did love her.
Ken Pratt is an excellent writer with a good sense of character development in both the good and evil individuals. There is violence, good overcoming evil and demonstration of faith throughout.
I would recommend this book as an excellent story.
March 7, 2021
Romance gone awry!
In the previous book I wanted more Matt Bannister—now I am not so sure. Some men are real dolts In love and romance. Of course it is the author that created all the circumstances and stupidity here. He ruined a wonderful lady,Felicia, and made her into a bitter jealous woman. Made every moment Matt had with her into cheating and untrustworthy situation. I thought that little boy Dillon was such a cute little boy and would make a worthy son for Matt. I’m not sure I like Christine either. I read the review for the 7th book and he is still not married. GIVE MATT A GOOD WOMAN! The story was pretty good but did you have to make so much stuff up to destroy a relationship. Ridiculous!
In the previous book I wanted more Matt Bannister—now I am not so sure. Some men are real dolts In love and romance. Of course it is the author that created all the circumstances and stupidity here. He ruined a wonderful lady,Felicia, and made her into a bitter jealous woman. Made every moment Matt had with her into cheating and untrustworthy situation. I thought that little boy Dillon was such a cute little boy and would make a worthy son for Matt. I’m not sure I like Christine either. I read the review for the 7th book and he is still not married. GIVE MATT A GOOD WOMAN! The story was pretty good but did you have to make so much stuff up to destroy a relationship. Ridiculous!
July 27, 2021
Felisha is coming to town and Christine is already there. Matt doesn't see this as a problem. Matt's a lawman and that comes first. When Christine is mistaken for Catherine Eckman, she is kidnapped. That doesn't leave Matt any time for Felisha. Add to that, one of the kidnappers is killed by Matt, right in front of her and Felisha thinks she made a mistake. Eckmans are coming to town also, because they think their daughter is here, even though Matt had written them to tell them their daughter had died. Oh, and Matt is under investigation by Pinkertons. Excellent story!
March 4, 2025
Very Fine, Multilayered Western
Matt Bannister is clueless about women. Integrity, competence, and his Christian faith are central to who he is. These characteristics land him in the soup in this excellent Western. Matt is a very fine man, but not a perfect one. There’s plenty of suspense and action, but also character development. I like the author’s skilled use of multiple points of view in his writing. I don’t like Christine, but Matt sets himself up by not establishing boundaries.
Matt Bannister is clueless about women. Integrity, competence, and his Christian faith are central to who he is. These characteristics land him in the soup in this excellent Western. Matt is a very fine man, but not a perfect one. There’s plenty of suspense and action, but also character development. I like the author’s skilled use of multiple points of view in his writing. I don’t like Christine, but Matt sets himself up by not establishing boundaries.
August 25, 2020
I have been reading the Matt Bannister, Deputy Marshal series and it has been totally enjoyable. Each book can be read alone but I highly recommend you take up the entire series as many aspects of the storylines will let you peek back into the lives of various characters from previous books. Totally intriguing views of the code of the west and their way of life.
October 23, 2020
Matt Bannister goes back to Branson hoping to get his life on track. He wants to be sure Felicia and he share the same goals for the future and if they are a good match. Felicia’s jealousy is difficult for Matt to understand and things begin to unwind.
I started reading the Bannister series with book #1. The end of each book makes me anxious to begin reading the continuing saga.
I started reading the Bannister series with book #1. The end of each book makes me anxious to begin reading the continuing saga.
April 6, 2021
Disappointed
Have now read books 1 - 4. This one is the poorest. The story-line good, characters good but proofing is terrible. Either the submitted manuscript was poorly proofed along the way to printing or the first print copy wasn't proofed at all (or ignored). Example: sons-in-law (plural) instead of son-in-law's (possessive).
Have now read books 1 - 4. This one is the poorest. The story-line good, characters good but proofing is terrible. Either the submitted manuscript was poorly proofed along the way to printing or the first print copy wasn't proofed at all (or ignored). Example: sons-in-law (plural) instead of son-in-law's (possessive).
August 1, 2021
Not My Favorite, But….
This book is not my favorite by any means of this series. It has more guts and gore. But it’s still a good book to read. Matt Bannister still puts his comical twist in on teasing his friend and sister like William does.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.
This book is not my favorite by any means of this series. It has more guts and gore. But it’s still a good book to read. Matt Bannister still puts his comical twist in on teasing his friend and sister like William does.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.
March 22, 2022
Maybe not the best.
Still a very good book. The plot was a little weak, but the story was well thought out. I really enjoy his books, especially the series! Keep doing what you do best Ken, I am behind you all the way. Thanks for the personal family moments you include, great job!
Still a very good book. The plot was a little weak, but the story was well thought out. I really enjoy his books, especially the series! Keep doing what you do best Ken, I am behind you all the way. Thanks for the personal family moments you include, great job!
March 19, 2020
Another great Christian western. I loved it. Lots of action inspiration and a few laughs. I thought I was going to read a little before going to sleep. I couldn't put it down and finished it before turning off the light.
February 28, 2020
Rating
Very good book. Hope to read more of his writings. I enjoy his books very much. I like the christen teaching. Even though it gets vilent
Very good book. Hope to read more of his writings. I enjoy his books very much. I like the christen teaching. Even though it gets vilent
May 20, 2020
The Eckman Exception (Matt...
Fred this book last year sometime. Did not realize I had read when I ordered it again. Enjoyed it again looking for another Matt B. Book.
Fred this book last year sometime. Did not realize I had read when I ordered it again. Enjoyed it again looking for another Matt B. Book.
July 9, 2020
Great read.
Excellent read, lots of errors in the script for sure. But it's a page turner. I like his stories for the most part.
Excellent read, lots of errors in the script for sure. But it's a page turner. I like his stories for the most part.
September 2, 2020
Love and loss
This story started out slowly and increased in interest as it progressed. The good guy wins but he also looses.
This story started out slowly and increased in interest as it progressed. The good guy wins but he also looses.
October 9, 2020
Christine!!!
This book was another classic story by Mr.Pratt. But in my opinion there was to much Christine and not enough Rory!!
This book was another classic story by Mr.Pratt. But in my opinion there was to much Christine and not enough Rory!!
June 20, 2022
Better than the rest
I love this series! It's so heartwarming and close to Jesus it brings years to my eyes reading these stories. Can't wait to read the next one.
I love this series! It's so heartwarming and close to Jesus it brings years to my eyes reading these stories. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 19, 2023
Really enjoyed this series so far. Can't wait to read more is this saga.
September 29, 2019
WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO, FELICIA
U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister of Branson, Missouri and the City has a Sheriff Tim Wright, whom Marshal Bannister doesn't like him nor does he respect him. A young socialite Sarah Eckman from Sacramento, California has disappeared, in fact, she eloped with an Army Private named Nathan whom her family despised. Her father wanted her to marry a shipping magnate family's son. The father was greedy for more power and money. He eventually wanted to totally control all shipping and ship building on the West coast. just plain greedy and a bully.
U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister is expecting his lady friend Felicia Watson, whom he loves, but that love will be tested when her son Dillon is kicked in the chest by a foul mouth bruising bounty hunter named Jim Hexum, who needs a bath.
Jim Hexum and Pick Lawson, two losers who tried to extort money from the Eckman family for the return of their only child/daughter Sarah. These two numb-skulls kidnapped the wrong woman. They also tried to set U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister up by writing to the Eckman family that the body they buried wasn't their daughter, but a hoax set up by Marshal Bannister so that he could collect the ten thousand dollars reward. It all backfired.
Everyone there are Bible quotations, they aren't overly done. What I mean it's not overpowering, but interesting it peaks your interest to read the full verses in the Bible. Also remember that the Bible was the only reading material the majority of folks owned in the West. Jealousy, envy was strongly projected in this Western. There was a strong 💪dislike projected towards U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister, but it didn't stop or hinder him carrying out his duties as a protector of the innocent. So kind folks set back relax and read about these different personalities and the plot as it thickens. I would like to hear 👂more about U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister, U.S. Deputy Trent did they get married??just nosy gold aren't you??
U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister of Branson, Missouri and the City has a Sheriff Tim Wright, whom Marshal Bannister doesn't like him nor does he respect him. A young socialite Sarah Eckman from Sacramento, California has disappeared, in fact, she eloped with an Army Private named Nathan whom her family despised. Her father wanted her to marry a shipping magnate family's son. The father was greedy for more power and money. He eventually wanted to totally control all shipping and ship building on the West coast. just plain greedy and a bully.
U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister is expecting his lady friend Felicia Watson, whom he loves, but that love will be tested when her son Dillon is kicked in the chest by a foul mouth bruising bounty hunter named Jim Hexum, who needs a bath.
Jim Hexum and Pick Lawson, two losers who tried to extort money from the Eckman family for the return of their only child/daughter Sarah. These two numb-skulls kidnapped the wrong woman. They also tried to set U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister up by writing to the Eckman family that the body they buried wasn't their daughter, but a hoax set up by Marshal Bannister so that he could collect the ten thousand dollars reward. It all backfired.
Everyone there are Bible quotations, they aren't overly done. What I mean it's not overpowering, but interesting it peaks your interest to read the full verses in the Bible. Also remember that the Bible was the only reading material the majority of folks owned in the West. Jealousy, envy was strongly projected in this Western. There was a strong 💪dislike projected towards U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister, but it didn't stop or hinder him carrying out his duties as a protector of the innocent. So kind folks set back relax and read about these different personalities and the plot as it thickens. I would like to hear 👂more about U.S.Marshal Matt Bannister, U.S. Deputy Trent did they get married??just nosy gold aren't you??
September 22, 2019
This is one of the most endearing stories of the entire series. I was definitely impressed with the ongoing storylines from beginning to end. Never a dull moment throughout the entire story!
Definitely another five star masterpiece by Mr. Pratt, as he has Matt going from one exciting adventure after the other. Plenty of ongoing gun battles that brings justice to bear without too much left to question! Outstanding storylines that successfully portrays plenty of heartwarming and compassionate renditions of excellent western folklore adventures. Too, Mr. Pratt is a master in his selection of outstanding characters, as the definitely are befitting of their assigned roles.
There are suspenseful moments that successfully portrays plenty of exciting episodes throughout the entire book! Too, this is another outstanding family-friendly accounting of how our old American western frontier was finally established, and the good guy's camaraderie was definitely impressive!
Certainly recommend this outstanding western series to all you western addicted reader, and even those non-western enthusiasts will enjoy this compassionately outstanding portrayal of realist western adventures. Do yourselves a favor and enjoy this compassionately composed story of American justice personofied!!!😀
Definitely another five star masterpiece by Mr. Pratt, as he has Matt going from one exciting adventure after the other. Plenty of ongoing gun battles that brings justice to bear without too much left to question! Outstanding storylines that successfully portrays plenty of heartwarming and compassionate renditions of excellent western folklore adventures. Too, Mr. Pratt is a master in his selection of outstanding characters, as the definitely are befitting of their assigned roles.
There are suspenseful moments that successfully portrays plenty of exciting episodes throughout the entire book! Too, this is another outstanding family-friendly accounting of how our old American western frontier was finally established, and the good guy's camaraderie was definitely impressive!
Certainly recommend this outstanding western series to all you western addicted reader, and even those non-western enthusiasts will enjoy this compassionately outstanding portrayal of realist western adventures. Do yourselves a favor and enjoy this compassionately composed story of American justice personofied!!!😀
August 7, 2019
A KP Western Action Adventure (TEE) (MBWB - 5)
KP has penned the fifth novel in the MB western series. In this volume he has a two fold mission in progress. MB is attempting to determine who has been committing all the robberies in his assigned area. The closer he gets to a suspect the sooner that suspect turns up dead. The second phase of his mission is to protect a heiress who wishes to remain dead. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
KP has penned the fifth novel in the MB western series. In this volume he has a two fold mission in progress. MB is attempting to determine who has been committing all the robberies in his assigned area. The closer he gets to a suspect the sooner that suspect turns up dead. The second phase of his mission is to protect a heiress who wishes to remain dead. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
August 27, 2019
Another great story
For some reason I read this STORY before the book 3 that I'm now into. It's like going back in time. I loved the characters. They are very colorful. And also is a good read. I'm glad that Matt Bannister had a bigger and more present part. The only part I did not enjoy was the way it ended. Matt didn't end up with the gal I thought should have been his second love 😕
For some reason I read this STORY before the book 3 that I'm now into. It's like going back in time. I loved the characters. They are very colorful. And also is a good read. I'm glad that Matt Bannister had a bigger and more present part. The only part I did not enjoy was the way it ended. Matt didn't end up with the gal I thought should have been his second love 😕
November 6, 2019
Feed back
I have read all five of Ken Pratt's Matt Bannister books. I would recommend all five. When you start one of these books you don't want to put it down.
I have read all five of Ken Pratt's Matt Bannister books. I would recommend all five. When you start one of these books you don't want to put it down.
September 16, 2019
Bannister books 4 & 5
Matt Bannister’s fourth book was so good I quickly jumped into the fifth book. So many twists an turns than it was hard to see how they come all come together. Just the correct amount of Christian witness and testimony without preaching to the reader. Very well written and entertaining throughout.
Matt Bannister’s fourth book was so good I quickly jumped into the fifth book. So many twists an turns than it was hard to see how they come all come together. Just the correct amount of Christian witness and testimony without preaching to the reader. Very well written and entertaining throughout.
September 19, 2019
3 stars
A long clean story. Lots of detail. Plenty of violence. Plenty of gospel and testimony. The Marshall 's belief in Jesus would send him to heaven. The three rating is because the story just ends leaving several loose ends.
A long clean story. Lots of detail. Plenty of violence. Plenty of gospel and testimony. The Marshall 's belief in Jesus would send him to heaven. The three rating is because the story just ends leaving several loose ends.
August 17, 2019
Great read
This has been a very good series to read. Would highly recommend this series to all that enjoys a great western story.
This has been a very good series to read. Would highly recommend this series to all that enjoys a great western story.
August 27, 2019
Matt Bannister Western books
Just enjoy the book of Matt Bannister Western books , can't wait for #6. Need to know when # 6 comes out.
Just enjoy the book of Matt Bannister Western books , can't wait for #6. Need to know when # 6 comes out.
September 1, 2019
Incredible!!!*!
This. Book is something else it holds you from the first thing page to ?you. can't put the book down and
This. Book is something else it holds you from the first thing page to ?you. can't put the book down and
October 25, 2019
Jk
I hope this series will continue😀 I really like books that get
my attention, and keep me wanting more
Thanks
I hope this series will continue😀 I really like books that get
my attention, and keep me wanting more
Thanks
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews