Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen

by David Milton McGowan, Tracy Wandling (Illustrator)

Sully Wheeler doesn’t care why his cattle are disappearing. He doesn’t care why but it has to stop. Perhaps it’s the cost of hiding from his past, but who would steal from a one-time gunfighter?The NW Mounted Policeman that Sully contacted appeared more intent on stopping vigilante action than in stopping theft. If that proves to be the case, Sully will recover his own property, even if it takes gunfire to do it.Who is this Mountie, anyway? Is he a cop or something else entirely? Is he working to support the crown, leave the crown or actually do something for the settlers?And while we’re talking about that Mountie, isn’t he spending too much time with that newspaper lady?

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2020

About the author

David Milton McGowan (D. M. McGowan) is a novelist who occasionally writes rhymes and songs. His stories generally contain Canadian themes since he believes his birth-land doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves for its contribution to the world. In addition the neighbors often receive denunciations that could be equally applied to Canada despite a benevolent reputation and only acceptance of that history might precipitate change.
He has been a cowboy, forest fire fighter, heavy equipment operator, farmhand, gardener, road musician and businessman. He has many years’ experience in the welding/fabrication industries and as a commercial driver. He has lived in several areas in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and played music in much of North America. He and Karen are the proud seniors to four children and eight grand-children.
Dave has several published novels, both digital and print, is presently expanding his recorded or audible offerings (narrated by the author) and several short stories some available separately and some compiled in collections. Most work, even a few contemporary shorts can be classified as Western Fiction or Historical Fiction and will include Adventure, Mystery and the building of the Canadian West.

Reviews

[Goodness CN · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen by David Milton McGowan falls under the Western book genre. It focuses primarily on the life of a retired gunfighter who hopes to live a quietly settled life in his ranch as a cattle rancher and soon finds himself plunged into a series of suspenseful but exciting events. The story unfolds when our protégé, Sully, who has lived a previously quiet, and peaceful life on the frontier for a few years wakes up one morning to notice the theft of some of his cattle; and the actions he takes. However, after law enforcement takes time to intervene Sully considers returning to his old way, gun fighting, and this spiral into a chain of unpredictable events.

I love how the book is about capturing the spirit of the American West. With its down-to-earth characters like Sully Wheeler or Tom Miller; a frontier landowner, who will stop at nothing to protect what's his too, and Mounty Theason; a simple but dedicated law enforcer who ensures he reaches the bottom of several occurrences on Wheeler's land Gilmore, a good friend, and neighbor ready to have a target on his back just to help Sully. What begins as simple theft soon escalates into something more sinister and way more about cattle teaching Sully how to trust and lean on others.

The author, David Milton McGowan, vividly shows readers how life on a Western frontier, especially as a cattle rancher. A rugged and demanding existence; from early mornings and long, physically taxing days spent tending to the animals, branding, and herding them across expansive grassland. In addition, cattle ranchers had to face harsh weather, unpredictable water sources, and the constant threat of predators and rustlers. The book helps readers see and understand the delicate balance of being on an open range and coexisting with the harsh realities of a demanding occupation.

I recommend this book for lovers of suspenseful books, Western literature, and history. It focuses on life in the American Old West, during the late 19th century, and discusses realistically themes related to frontier life, cowboys, law enforcers, thieves, and the challenges of settling the western frontier.

I give this book a 5 out of 5-star rating for depicting the regular lives and challenges the characters face in the Western frontier. It also gave me a healthy dose of history in a well-written and interesting way.

[G. W .Bookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen by David Milton McGowan is the kind of book that reminded me why I’ve always loved old Western stories. It made me feel like I was right there on the open land, where life was tough and you had to fight for what was yours. The main character, Sully Wheeler, is a man trying to leave his past behind and live a quiet life, but trouble comes knocking when someone starts stealing his cattle. I felt for Sully because sometimes in life, no matter how much you try to avoid problems, they find you anyway.

I really liked the way the writer showed how important friends and neighbors are in hard times. Sully has good people around him like Gilmore, who are ready to stand by him when things get dangerous. I also liked the character of Mountie Theason, a simple lawman trying to do his job right, even when things get messy. It reminded me of how, in real life, not everything is clear or easy — sometimes you don’t know who to trust, and you have to make tough choices.

This book touched me because it made me think about how we all carry pieces of our past, and sometimes we have to face them head-on. I connected with Sully’s stubborn nature and his struggle to ask for help. It made me remember times when I tried to handle everything alone, and how good it feels when someone finally stands beside you. The story isn’t just about stolen cattle — it’s about trust, friendship, and standing up for yourself when it matters most.

I would tell anyone who likes simple, honest stories about people, their struggles, and old Western life to read this book. It’s not too complicated and keeps you interested till the end. If you enjoy stories about strong friendships, hard work, and fighting for what’s right, Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen is a book you should give a try. I really enjoyed it, and I think you might too.

[Lydia Efobi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ensues with a retired gunfighter, Sully Wheeler, who is peeking to stop the rustling of his cows. His sole goal is to end the malicious theft that keeps occurring. A relatively amiable character emerges, showing Edward Theason with the flustered objective in his employment in aiding Sully.

This book opens the reader's mind to an array of questions. Is Theason interested in halting the theft Sully complained about, or is he more immersed in vigilante? Read this book to find out.

The idea of wanting to steal from a one-time gunfighter yields an unusual plot. Nevertheless, the uniqueness of the book is not an unseating one. Instead, it generates a shift from conventional storylines, birthing a new wave of thrill, action, and satisfaction.

Content density is one of the many amiable qualities of this book. The author writes using descriptive language that is relatively wordy yet produces enjoyable prose. His style is relaxed yet striking. He takes charge of his word bank and interchanges breathtaking diction while partly infusing Canadian writing style.

Another quality of the book is chapter succession. Its progression from mid-chapter to the end was extraordinary.

Nonetheless, the only trouble with this book is that it does not spike interest in the first chapters. The opening chapters feel like a rush of events, leaving the reader to find his bearing. However, the suspense ripens as you proceed, leaving you wanting more and more.

Ultimately, the book was engaging and exceptionally well-edited. The content had a solid relation to the title. Thriller buffs or anyone looking to explore an exotic plot should grab a copy of this book. I am rating the book a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Rakhi (New Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you enjoy discovering stories that instantly pull you in and won’t let go?

This book, Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen, blends history, mystery, and action in a way that feels incredibly real.

This book is a gripping and unforgettable read.

The highlight I loved about this book is the way suspense and western grit have been mixed with a clever narrative. The storyline is packed with tension, curiosity, and just enough unpredictability to keep pages turning.

The author has once again impressed with his ability to paint vivid scenes and build realistic conflicts. The writing is crisp, well-paced, and filled with authentic atmosphere, drawing you straight into the world without overloading you with details.

This book is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys fast-moving western tales, layered with intrigue and quiet intensity. I found this book to be emotionally rich and thoughtfully structured, and it stayed with me even after I’d closed it.

The author's writing feels effortless, with dialogues that carry weight and scenes that unfold like cinema. What’s truly impressive is the way complexity is hidden in simple words.

I can’t wait to read more books written by David Milton McGowan.

Overall, an addictive, sharp, and thrilling read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen by David Milton McGown, begins with Sully Wheeler, a former gunfighter, looking to stop the rustling of his cattle. He is “retired” and hoping to stay quietly settled. Then comes the arrival of Constable Edward Theason, with unclear intent in his assistance in helping Sully. There are a few other characters that also infuse this story with interest. Most important to me as a reader, I found both Sully and the Mountie Theason highly likeable characters. If you enjoy a suspenseful western, you will like this book. (I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.)

[Linda Fast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Canadian story written by a Canadian author. It took me quite awhile to read this book as there were so many other things going on in my life. I picked up the book and then laid it down and so it continued. The book was not thrilling but it was very interesting and I plan on reading it over again in the winter and devote the time to which the book deserves.
The characters were believable as well as the events that happened.

[Rebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy westerns even if they are based out of Canada ;-) This was just as good as William Johnstone, Louis L'Amour, Zane Grey. I'm looking forward to other stories by Mr. McGowan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Books Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Making of Jake McTavish, I decided to read Gunfighters, Thieves and Lawmen and I'm glad I did. This story is thrilling, suspenseful and action-packed and I loved it. The characters are very likable and interesting. I absolutely recommend this western!