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Preacher & MacCallister #2
They Came to Kill
Johnstone Justice. Double Barreled.
When a legendary frontiersman teams up with a legendary mountain man, the wild west will never be the same. But first they've got to live up to their legends--or die trying . . .
THEY CAME TO KILL
There are some things in this world that can't be stopped. Like progress, a moving train, and the American Dream. When the bigwigs in Washington decide to build a transcontinental railroad to the West Coast, they need a man who's just as unstoppable to clear a path through Mexican territory. That man is Jamie MacCallister. Jamie knows it's a tough job. The territory is overrun with Apaches. The Apaches are gunning for a fight. And the first patrol sent in by the President has already been ambushed, kidnapped, and most likely killed. Jamie knows he can't take on the whole Apache nation by himself. He needs help. He needs back-up.
He needs a non-stop force of mountain-man fury who goes by the name of Preacher . . .
Live Free. Read Hard.
When a legendary frontiersman teams up with a legendary mountain man, the wild west will never be the same. But first they've got to live up to their legends--or die trying . . .
THEY CAME TO KILL
There are some things in this world that can't be stopped. Like progress, a moving train, and the American Dream. When the bigwigs in Washington decide to build a transcontinental railroad to the West Coast, they need a man who's just as unstoppable to clear a path through Mexican territory. That man is Jamie MacCallister. Jamie knows it's a tough job. The territory is overrun with Apaches. The Apaches are gunning for a fight. And the first patrol sent in by the President has already been ambushed, kidnapped, and most likely killed. Jamie knows he can't take on the whole Apache nation by himself. He needs help. He needs back-up.
He needs a non-stop force of mountain-man fury who goes by the name of Preacher . . .
Live Free. Read Hard.
- GenresWesterns
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
797 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,041 books1,392 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 38 reviews
October 27, 2021
Another exciting western adventure from Johnstone. Jamie and Preacher gather a group of frontiersmen and mountain men together to take on the savage Apaches that have been attacking railroad surveyors in The New Mexico territory. Throw in the Mexican army, some evil eastern hillbillies and some greenhorn pilgrims and you have the makings of a perfect western. A great cast of characters, well written and full of thrilling action. A perfect read for anyone looking for an entertaining and gripping western.
June 8, 2023
That was more gory than I thought it would be.
Favorite Passage:
As Kate continued working, she said, "I noticed something about this man Owen Charlton, Jamie. Like I told you, he's very easygoing and charming, but I could see something in his eyes, some sort of pain that's haunting him. Do you know anything about that?"
Jamie shook his head. "Not a blasted thing. You reckon he's sick?"
"Not physically. This strikes me as something that hurts him differently. Something in...well, his soul."
Favorite Passage:
As Kate continued working, she said, "I noticed something about this man Owen Charlton, Jamie. Like I told you, he's very easygoing and charming, but I could see something in his eyes, some sort of pain that's haunting him. Do you know anything about that?"
Jamie shook his head. "Not a blasted thing. You reckon he's sick?"
"Not physically. This strikes me as something that hurts him differently. Something in...well, his soul."
April 25, 2020
I love Preacher stories. He was my introduction to the survivalist world of the old west's mountain men, Americas hardy never-quit folks who lived off the land, got along with the Indians, and respected a life that was one with their surroundings. The mountain man called Preacher does that better than anyone. Preacher's friend, Jamie MacCalister needs the old mountain man's help. Jamie is as much a legend as Preacher:
“There’s no better fighting man west of the Mississippi. . . or east of there, either, for that matter. Jamie Ian MacCallister is one of the best-known frontiersmen in the nation, spoken of in the same breath as Kit Carson and Jim Bridger.”
The army wants Jamie to help them build the transcontinental railroad through the Apache-infested west. He agrees and puts together a team of tough folks--mostly mountain men and including Preacher--to do the job. Jamie knows that for one General, this is about more than the railroad. His son disappeared on a scouting expedition in that area and he fears he’s been taken by the Apaches. He knows if his son is still alive--however unlikely--MacCalister is the General's best chance to bring his son home.
And so starts one of the best of this series. As usual, it's filled with bits of old west wisdom:
“An unloaded gun might as well be a hammer, except you can’t drive a nail as well with it."
"Santa Fe The streets, or so the old saying went, were laid out by a drunkard on a blind mule."
"They were a nomadic people but didn’t travel much by horseback. He had been told by an old-timer that the Apaches trusted their own legs not to give out more than they trusted those of horses. They could run all day when they needed to."
If you are a Preacher fan, or a Jamie MacCalister devotee, you'll love this book.
“There’s no better fighting man west of the Mississippi. . . or east of there, either, for that matter. Jamie Ian MacCallister is one of the best-known frontiersmen in the nation, spoken of in the same breath as Kit Carson and Jim Bridger.”
The army wants Jamie to help them build the transcontinental railroad through the Apache-infested west. He agrees and puts together a team of tough folks--mostly mountain men and including Preacher--to do the job. Jamie knows that for one General, this is about more than the railroad. His son disappeared on a scouting expedition in that area and he fears he’s been taken by the Apaches. He knows if his son is still alive--however unlikely--MacCalister is the General's best chance to bring his son home.
And so starts one of the best of this series. As usual, it's filled with bits of old west wisdom:
“An unloaded gun might as well be a hammer, except you can’t drive a nail as well with it."
"Santa Fe The streets, or so the old saying went, were laid out by a drunkard on a blind mule."
"They were a nomadic people but didn’t travel much by horseback. He had been told by an old-timer that the Apaches trusted their own legs not to give out more than they trusted those of horses. They could run all day when they needed to."
If you are a Preacher fan, or a Jamie MacCalister devotee, you'll love this book.
July 14, 2023
Enjoyable Western.
Always enjoy Johnstone’s novels that include Preacher, don’t understand why he didn’t have Smoke Jensen participate in this hunt. Wish he would quit naming people who come from Tennessee as being sorry trailer trash. He must have forgotten that Tennessee gave us Davy Crockett and Sam Houston and in later days such men as Alvin York.
Always enjoy Johnstone’s novels that include Preacher, don’t understand why he didn’t have Smoke Jensen participate in this hunt. Wish he would quit naming people who come from Tennessee as being sorry trailer trash. He must have forgotten that Tennessee gave us Davy Crockett and Sam Houston and in later days such men as Alvin York.
June 18, 2020
Another great adventure with Preacher and MacCallister. As usual Preacher is rough and he and MacCallister must help an old friend and stumbles over a tinhorn couple that also gets their help. I like these old time westerns. I must thank #Pinnacle, #KensingtonBooks and #Netgalley for giving it to me,
November 4, 2022
I really enjoy Johnstone's work. He really brings his characters to life. The story was meaty, with plenty of action, and a hearty laugh or three.
June 13, 2020
It's very hard for me to choose my favorite Johnstone book series. Each series has an anchor character who sets an excellent example for the descendants coming behind them. Realistic settings with a core story of right vs wrong that is the basis of all great westerns and some very entertaining discussions along the way make these all part of a western lover's library.
But this series combines two of the best Johnstone characters, Jamie McCallister, a hard man who immigrated to the US and earned every inch of his reputation and Preacher, the original mountain man who has faced off with so many bad men and whooped their tails that just speaking his name is enough to make many turn and run. These two excellent characters join forces to protect the crews responsible for building the railroad through the Old West. There are a couple of side stories included along the way to keep everyone on their toes and looking around the next rock to check for the next set of trouble.
These books are so well written that you read through them quickly. No slow parts, no dragging a story out and repeating the same thing 20 times. All you get is an enjoyable read that will have you watching for the next title's release date. All of the series are good. Start anywhere....just start.
But this series combines two of the best Johnstone characters, Jamie McCallister, a hard man who immigrated to the US and earned every inch of his reputation and Preacher, the original mountain man who has faced off with so many bad men and whooped their tails that just speaking his name is enough to make many turn and run. These two excellent characters join forces to protect the crews responsible for building the railroad through the Old West. There are a couple of side stories included along the way to keep everyone on their toes and looking around the next rock to check for the next set of trouble.
These books are so well written that you read through them quickly. No slow parts, no dragging a story out and repeating the same thing 20 times. All you get is an enjoyable read that will have you watching for the next title's release date. All of the series are good. Start anywhere....just start.
June 20, 2021
I enjoyed the first book, Frontier America - it even got me into reading more westerns. I was excited to read this second novel but was super disappointed. It was nothing like the first one. Most of the book focused on a young couple (Fletch and Clementine) with Preacher trying to help them get to California. They were boring and a waste of time!
I didn't like any of the characters at all either. I didn't even like Jamie or Preacher in this novel and I really liked the duo in Frontier America. The book was violent with a lot of senseless killing. Also the story just ended very abruptly, but that's ok because I was glad to be finished with it.
I didn't like any of the characters at all either. I didn't even like Jamie or Preacher in this novel and I really liked the duo in Frontier America. The book was violent with a lot of senseless killing. Also the story just ended very abruptly, but that's ok because I was glad to be finished with it.
October 3, 2022
A typical Preacher/McCallister story. Both Preacher and Jamie Ian McCallister are larger than life characters. They never lose a fight and never miss a shot. They both fight for what is right and are basically like a Knight from Medieval times. I enjoy these books, but they basically use the same formula for every one. If you like westerns than William W. Johnstone is the guy to go to. His books are always entertaining and usually have more than one twist thrown in. These books are quick reads that don't require a lot of heavy thinking. Looking forward to the next book where these two team up.
January 7, 2021
Preacher and McAllister are two of my favorite characters. Surprisingly good book. I say that because it seems the books have not been the same since the late Johnstone but this one was good. I did enjoy all the characters in the story line however at times it seems some parts just carried on a little too much. Also, the only other negative for me was the ending in which they found out who was the head Apache warrior, white dog. That was a little out there. Other than all that, as I mentioned before, great story and writing.
September 4, 2020
It's the magnificent fifteen!!! Another great adventure with Preacher and MacCallister. Since the US Army can't find and kill the Apaches. Jamie MacCallister can. He contacts Preacher and they get a crew together. Have a tinhorn couple and two surveyors along also. Still a very good story. Worth reading.
December 16, 2020
Another excellent William W. Johnstone western !!!
Two of my favorite characters in William W. Johnstone novels are Preacher and Jamie McAllister and here they are together in one novel. I’ve read a lot of westerns in my 72 years and I believe William W. Johnstone is one of the best.
Two of my favorite characters in William W. Johnstone novels are Preacher and Jamie McAllister and here they are together in one novel. I’ve read a lot of westerns in my 72 years and I believe William W. Johnstone is one of the best.
December 22, 2025
Jamie MacCallister has decided to take on a job when asked some of the talking heads in Washington. He tells the Army he will hire who he wants to help him with the job without any problems from the talking heads or the Army. Jamie hires Preacher and some of their Mountain Men friends to do the dangerous job. There are so many twists and turns in this one, it is hard to keep up.
July 11, 2020
A Fun And Entertaining Reading Experience!!!
Just as would be expected the amazing writing duo of William W. and J.A. Johnstone once again deliver an absolutely fun and entertaining reading experience. If you're looking for the absolute best in western/action/adventure you've come to the right place.
Just as would be expected the amazing writing duo of William W. and J.A. Johnstone once again deliver an absolutely fun and entertaining reading experience. If you're looking for the absolute best in western/action/adventure you've come to the right place.
August 12, 2020
Preacher and Jamie
Wow!that was an awesome read. I have not read about Jamie MacCallister in a long time and I always love ❤️ books 📚 with Preacher in them. Thank you for a awesome read.
Wow!that was an awesome read. I have not read about Jamie MacCallister in a long time and I always love ❤️ books 📚 with Preacher in them. Thank you for a awesome read.
October 19, 2020
Solid Western Yarn 4.5🌟
A solid western yarn with great characters, a fast paced storyline and an abundance of action makes for an entertaining read. Just what I want in a book in this genre.
A solid western yarn with great characters, a fast paced storyline and an abundance of action makes for an entertaining read. Just what I want in a book in this genre.
November 16, 2020
Another great western thriller by the Johnstone’s!
As usual I thoroughly enjoyed reading They Came to Kill and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading great westerns. It is chock full of edge of your seat action.
As usual I thoroughly enjoyed reading They Came to Kill and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading great westerns. It is chock full of edge of your seat action.
June 11, 2023
Fairly Good
A typical good guys verse bad guys western. Much was predictable, but the story was nicely delivered. A couple of situations were a little tough to believe, but hardly took anything away from the overall good story.
A typical good guys verse bad guys western. Much was predictable, but the story was nicely delivered. A couple of situations were a little tough to believe, but hardly took anything away from the overall good story.
July 5, 2023
A great series
Another excellent tale with plenty of action and intrigue. The story is fast-paced with so many twists and turns you can't put it down. Looking forward to book 3 of the series.
Another excellent tale with plenty of action and intrigue. The story is fast-paced with so many twists and turns you can't put it down. Looking forward to book 3 of the series.
November 16, 2023
preacher and MacCallister continue in pre civil War west
A great story, bandits, hill folk trying to kidnap their sister, Apache’s and Mexican Army all facing off with Preacher, Dog, and Ian MacCallister.
A great story, bandits, hill folk trying to kidnap their sister, Apache’s and Mexican Army all facing off with Preacher, Dog, and Ian MacCallister.
July 11, 2024
Jamie and Preacher, What a Team!
There hasn't been a Preacher book I haven't loved and when you team him with "Dog" and "Horse" and then add Jamie Ian MacCallister, you're in for a major good time. These two make one heck of a frontier team. Enjoy!!
There hasn't been a Preacher book I haven't loved and when you team him with "Dog" and "Horse" and then add Jamie Ian MacCallister, you're in for a major good time. These two make one heck of a frontier team. Enjoy!!
July 16, 2020
I love Preacher! It was a little different to have a rough and tumble man who owned the book as much as the mountain man, but I'd suggest reading this of you like either main character!
August 6, 2020
Another great read from William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone and the Preacher and MacCallister series, They Came to Kill. I highly recommend it with a five stars.
September 15, 2020
Interesting read lite and predictable
Good change from my regular authors
Good change from my regular authors
October 13, 2020
Preacher and McCalister together.
Different than most Preacher stories. Love the way the old timers get together to help each other out as they fight apaches.
Different than most Preacher stories. Love the way the old timers get together to help each other out as they fight apaches.
February 16, 2021
Another great adventure about Preacher and Jamie.
March 27, 2021
Good
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October 20, 2021
I had to quit reading this book. It is incredibly racist and glorifies the extermination of native Americans in the southwest. I believe it should be removed from the shelves in my library.
December 23, 2021
Book 2 in the preacher and maccalister series well worth reading
April 15, 2022
Enjoyed this book. It was fun having two main characters from other series join up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews