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Matt Bannister Western #8
Ballenger
Welcome back to Branson, Oregon where murder, love and obsession lurk behind every corner.
U.S. Deputy Marshal Matt Bannister is troubled by the cruel and unnatural death of miner Leroy Haywood. There are no witnesses or clues of any kind, just a very slow and horrible murder…unlike any Matt had seen before. He suspects Wu-Pen – the President of the Chinese Benevolent Association and a powerful man in the Chinese community – but has no way of proving it. When Leroy’s friend Roger is murdered, Matt again suspects Wu-Pen but, there is no evidence.
Martin Ballenger is a good-looking young man who moves to Branson with his mother and younger sister. When Martin sees dancer Edith Williams, he is infatuated by her beauty and her sad smile. His obsession turns violent when he discovers his soulmate is pregnant with another man’s baby.
Matt is a fighter, a killer and a tough man who isn’t afraid to stand his ground against anyone, but sometimes…prayer is our only weapon.
Disclaimer: While this series is classified as Christian fiction this title does include violence that may be upsetting to some.
U.S. Deputy Marshal Matt Bannister is troubled by the cruel and unnatural death of miner Leroy Haywood. There are no witnesses or clues of any kind, just a very slow and horrible murder…unlike any Matt had seen before. He suspects Wu-Pen – the President of the Chinese Benevolent Association and a powerful man in the Chinese community – but has no way of proving it. When Leroy’s friend Roger is murdered, Matt again suspects Wu-Pen but, there is no evidence.
Martin Ballenger is a good-looking young man who moves to Branson with his mother and younger sister. When Martin sees dancer Edith Williams, he is infatuated by her beauty and her sad smile. His obsession turns violent when he discovers his soulmate is pregnant with another man’s baby.
Matt is a fighter, a killer and a tough man who isn’t afraid to stand his ground against anyone, but sometimes…prayer is our only weapon.
Disclaimer: While this series is classified as Christian fiction this title does include violence that may be upsetting to some.
- GenresWesterns
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2020
621 people are currently reading
24 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 11, 2020
Great writing
As always Ken Pratt unleashed another great story. Matt Bannister is one of my favorite characters ever! I am a fan of Pratt's writings, which are all great stories that will not disappoint.
As always Ken Pratt unleashed another great story. Matt Bannister is one of my favorite characters ever! I am a fan of Pratt's writings, which are all great stories that will not disappoint.
June 13, 2020
Mr. Pratt went to above and beyond in this compelling rendition of his Matt Bannister, as the story was one exciting episode after the other. No slow downs in this story. Definitely great job once again, and anxiously awaiting the next exciting release!!!
Five stars and more, says it all! Challenger was a rouge lawman, and was completely of his rocker, as he apparently had no concept of right and wrong. Outstanding storylines throughout the entire story, and Matt had his handful since the useless Sheriff failed to control his Deputies, and the town! The character selections could not have been any better portrayed, as they continuously fulfilled their assigned roles to perfection, from beginning to end.
Challenger went too far when he involved Matt's fiance, Christine, in one of his ongoing rampages and it was Katy bar the door after that! There is no lack of outstanding entertaining western revelations throughout this compelling western folklore masterpiece, and enough ongoing gunfighting episodes to appease anyone's desired expectations. Read all of the Matt Bannister stories, and this one certainly puts the "icing on the cake," as there is never a dull moment from beginning to end!😃
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated, and outstandingly motivated western masterpiece to everyone, but you dyed in the wool western enthusiasts will certainly find yourselves completely mesmerized by Matt's unending desire to bring justice, once more, to his beloved area of responsibility! I assure you, you will find it hard to put the story aside until the final paragraph has been read! Yes!! Even you non-western readers will find yourselves completely engrossed from beginning to end!!!😃
Five stars and more, says it all! Challenger was a rouge lawman, and was completely of his rocker, as he apparently had no concept of right and wrong. Outstanding storylines throughout the entire story, and Matt had his handful since the useless Sheriff failed to control his Deputies, and the town! The character selections could not have been any better portrayed, as they continuously fulfilled their assigned roles to perfection, from beginning to end.
Challenger went too far when he involved Matt's fiance, Christine, in one of his ongoing rampages and it was Katy bar the door after that! There is no lack of outstanding entertaining western revelations throughout this compelling western folklore masterpiece, and enough ongoing gunfighting episodes to appease anyone's desired expectations. Read all of the Matt Bannister stories, and this one certainly puts the "icing on the cake," as there is never a dull moment from beginning to end!😃
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated, and outstandingly motivated western masterpiece to everyone, but you dyed in the wool western enthusiasts will certainly find yourselves completely mesmerized by Matt's unending desire to bring justice, once more, to his beloved area of responsibility! I assure you, you will find it hard to put the story aside until the final paragraph has been read! Yes!! Even you non-western readers will find yourselves completely engrossed from beginning to end!!!😃
June 10, 2020
Sylvia Ballenger, her son, and daughter have moved into the Dogwood Shacks in Branson, Oregon. With little money, her son Martin gets a job as a deputy. Martin falls for Edith, a dance hall girl, even though she is courting Paul.
The story has lots of excitement and complicated action. From Chinatown murders to retaliation, Matt Bannister, the Marshall investigates with no proven suspects. The storyline has some dark moments with violence, but also uplifting times of faith. This, after all, is a western, which most contain some type of violence.
The characters are well-developed with a diversity of traits from good to bad. The book kept me on the edge of my seat, with unexpected twists and the ending wrapped up nicely.
Another great Matt Bannister novel. I can't wait to read the next one.
I received an ARC and voluntarily choose to review it.
The story has lots of excitement and complicated action. From Chinatown murders to retaliation, Matt Bannister, the Marshall investigates with no proven suspects. The storyline has some dark moments with violence, but also uplifting times of faith. This, after all, is a western, which most contain some type of violence.
The characters are well-developed with a diversity of traits from good to bad. The book kept me on the edge of my seat, with unexpected twists and the ending wrapped up nicely.
Another great Matt Bannister novel. I can't wait to read the next one.
I received an ARC and voluntarily choose to review it.
December 3, 2021
The Ballengers come to town, Martin, his mom and young sister. Martin gets a job as a Deputy Sheriff. He becomes infatuated with Edith over at the dance hall and reverts to stealing money to get tickets to dance with her. Things kind of go downhill from there. Meanwhile, in China Town, plans are being made to bring justice to the murderers of two Chinese workers, that go acquitted at trial. This might not sit right with Matt.
July 27, 2020
Great reading!
I have read all 8 of the Matt Bannister books and have enjoyed each of them. In fact I would forget to make dinner or do my chores. Thank you for your great stories. I’m looking forward to reading more of the Bannister series. Your other books are also great reading.
I have read all 8 of the Matt Bannister books and have enjoyed each of them. In fact I would forget to make dinner or do my chores. Thank you for your great stories. I’m looking forward to reading more of the Bannister series. Your other books are also great reading.
February 17, 2021
A Very good book to read
You must read the whole book to get the whole story of real love of a mother. The action of one person has been against the whole community and brought the whole community back together through the church and forgiveness of the family of that one person. GOD love for those who believes
in him is showed once again!
You must read the whole book to get the whole story of real love of a mother. The action of one person has been against the whole community and brought the whole community back together through the church and forgiveness of the family of that one person. GOD love for those who believes
in him is showed once again!
March 15, 2022
Miracles of love
Christine has stood by Matt as a friend for months. They finally begin courting officially when a truly unbalanced man moves to town. She is is shot and one of her best friends killed, all because of an unscrupulous town SHERIFF.
Will the sheriff ever get what he should in life or will that judgement be left strictly to GOD?
I hope to find out soon.
Christine has stood by Matt as a friend for months. They finally begin courting officially when a truly unbalanced man moves to town. She is is shot and one of her best friends killed, all because of an unscrupulous town SHERIFF.
Will the sheriff ever get what he should in life or will that judgement be left strictly to GOD?
I hope to find out soon.
June 21, 2022
Excellent Story
The story is really good! I couldn't put the book down. However, I struggled a bit weeding through a lot of dropped words, incorrect punctuation and grammar errors. So far, the Matt Bannister series has been wonderful. This great series proves that Ken Pratt is as dedicated to spinning a good yarn as he is to the Lord above.
The story is really good! I couldn't put the book down. However, I struggled a bit weeding through a lot of dropped words, incorrect punctuation and grammar errors. So far, the Matt Bannister series has been wonderful. This great series proves that Ken Pratt is as dedicated to spinning a good yarn as he is to the Lord above.
May 11, 2024
Great Books
I just finished book 8 and it was a wonderful story. A story of death, forgiveness, faith, and strength in the Lord. Matt Bannister series are wonderful. Please pick up a book from this series and you will find yourself so engaged you can't put any of the book down. Worth the time and recommend this author.
I just finished book 8 and it was a wonderful story. A story of death, forgiveness, faith, and strength in the Lord. Matt Bannister series are wonderful. Please pick up a book from this series and you will find yourself so engaged you can't put any of the book down. Worth the time and recommend this author.
June 10, 2020
This Western Has It All!
Ken Pratt creatively develops this most entertaining tale into a mixture of early frontier racial prejudices, mixed with some good guys, some bad guys and some kind of in the fence, sprinkled with several romances! A little something for everyone.
Ken Pratt creatively develops this most entertaining tale into a mixture of early frontier racial prejudices, mixed with some good guys, some bad guys and some kind of in the fence, sprinkled with several romances! A little something for everyone.
June 23, 2020
Especially good at this time
A western town. No Indians. A love story. Two “races” live here. Neither is perfect. But they are learning to live together. Matt Bannister is a Christian man who is very fair
A western town. No Indians. A love story. Two “races” live here. Neither is perfect. But they are learning to live together. Matt Bannister is a Christian man who is very fair
August 30, 2020
Top Notch Series
Another great Matt Bannister US Marshal novel. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, however I am hoping there is a 9th one in the works regarding Oscar vs. Wu Pen....and a glimpse into Matt and Christines future.
Another great Matt Bannister US Marshal novel. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, however I am hoping there is a 9th one in the works regarding Oscar vs. Wu Pen....and a glimpse into Matt and Christines future.
April 14, 2022
Good
Thro this book is written by the same author it is not as rewarding or satisfying. It could be because of the killing of so many innocents it leaves you wondering where is God through all of this. The plot is still good and well
worth the time to read it.
Thro this book is written by the same author it is not as rewarding or satisfying. It could be because of the killing of so many innocents it leaves you wondering where is God through all of this. The plot is still good and well
worth the time to read it.
Read
June 10, 2020Very interesting book
June 10, 2020
This is not one of the better Matt Bannistr stories. Matt doesn't come across as a strong law inforcement officer and it seemed his faith impeaded his thinking in getting the bad guys locked up.
June 19, 2020
Great novel again!
Love Ken party's books. Especially the Matt Bannister series. I've read them all and enjoyed every one. I highly recommend all his books.
Love Ken party's books. Especially the Matt Bannister series. I've read them all and enjoyed every one. I highly recommend all his books.
July 15, 2020
Great
This was a great book from start to finish. Glad to see Christian in the book . That make it so great.
This was a great book from start to finish. Glad to see Christian in the book . That make it so great.
August 16, 2020
Enjoyed
I'm only in the first few chapters and the explanation of the birds and need is awesome. I hope to remember this to pass it on to teens. Great job.
I'm only in the first few chapters and the explanation of the birds and need is awesome. I hope to remember this to pass it on to teens. Great job.
August 28, 2020
Disappointment
At the beginning I was disappointed in how long it took to explain the different characters lives. I almost did not continue reading the story.
At the beginning I was disappointed in how long it took to explain the different characters lives. I almost did not continue reading the story.
September 11, 2020
Ballenger 8
This was a pretty good read that was a bit long winded in places,where it needent be. The characters were well defined and presented.
This was a pretty good read that was a bit long winded in places,where it needent be. The characters were well defined and presented.
September 12, 2020
A great Christian read
I love the Christian westerns. Still lots of action and romance but with some scripture thrown in hope you keep writing
I love the Christian westerns. Still lots of action and romance but with some scripture thrown in hope you keep writing
October 28, 2020
Excellent book. I shows all about abuse and how a christian should handle it. I enjoy reading that type of book. Thanks and keep them coming.
November 20, 2020
God's will .
This story is a good example of God's will to be known to us and the world how great his love is for us.
This story is a good example of God's will to be known to us and the world how great his love is for us.
July 12, 2021
FAIR WESTERN
The book is just a fair western. There’s mis-spelling and there’s way to much of a religious overtone for me in the story. Story repeats its self over and over.
The book is just a fair western. There’s mis-spelling and there’s way to much of a religious overtone for me in the story. Story repeats its self over and over.
October 27, 2021
Enjoyed book
October 7, 2023
This was an ok book. Probably my least favorite in the series so far.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews