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Never Too Old Westerns #1
Old: A Western
Old man, old horse, old rifle. And an outspoken orphan child needin' protection.
I'm the ex-lawman, Lyle Frakes, and this is the story of how I met little Mary, and our trip from Deadwood to Cheyenne. It's filled with gunfights and fistfights, road agents and cut-throats - bad men just begging for the swift hand of Justice.
But it's also the story of that bright little orphan, and how she changed my life for the better. And how me and Horse ain't alone any more.
So grab your saddle and rifle - and let's hit the trail.
It's another action packed Western from the pen of J.V. James - and as usual, more twists and turns than you can shake a Winchester at.
I'm the ex-lawman, Lyle Frakes, and this is the story of how I met little Mary, and our trip from Deadwood to Cheyenne. It's filled with gunfights and fistfights, road agents and cut-throats - bad men just begging for the swift hand of Justice.
But it's also the story of that bright little orphan, and how she changed my life for the better. And how me and Horse ain't alone any more.
So grab your saddle and rifle - and let's hit the trail.
It's another action packed Western from the pen of J.V. James - and as usual, more twists and turns than you can shake a Winchester at.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2021
961 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 16, 2021
What a Joy to Read
Okay. There's killing here, a lot of it. But there's a whole lot of tenderness that goes with it, not that the narrator lets that get in the way of the story much.
I won't tell the plot because you can probably get the idea of it from the book blurb. And the book ought to let you in on that better than me.
The story is full of western tropes, and I felt like I'd read this story before, even though I haven't read that many westerns. I've seen western movies, of course. Who hasn't?
What kept me reading was the pitch perfect narration as Lyle Frakes tells the whole thing. He stumbles through his words, making a few apologies for his use of the vernacular. And I learned a thing or two about how folks lived from day to day back in those wild times. I really did.
I tried to put the book down more than once when it was getting too late and I needed to get some shut eye. But I had to know what was going to happen in the next chapter, don't you know. And the chapters weren't long at all. Just one more, or three.
A lot of times, I was eager to know if the characters were going to be alive after what was going to happen actually happened. Would the bad guys get away with it? Would Lyle Frakes really make everything better like any upstanding hero would, even though the man was far from perfect?
And little Mary Wilson, with whom he's shackled for most of the book is as winsome and full of pluck as anybody could want.
Spoiler alert: it all comes out right in the end. And, boy howdy, does it come out right! It's too good to be true, and Lyke Frakes tells you so himself. But that's why we read fiction: to revel in what we want life to be, even when it's more than a little bit uglier along the way.
Well, it comes out right but ends a little chaotic, as life does most of the time, giving rise to the idea that I need to read the next book in the series, which I've already bought and paid for.
Guess I better get to reading.
But not right now. It's late, and these old bones need their sleep.
Okay. There's killing here, a lot of it. But there's a whole lot of tenderness that goes with it, not that the narrator lets that get in the way of the story much.
I won't tell the plot because you can probably get the idea of it from the book blurb. And the book ought to let you in on that better than me.
The story is full of western tropes, and I felt like I'd read this story before, even though I haven't read that many westerns. I've seen western movies, of course. Who hasn't?
What kept me reading was the pitch perfect narration as Lyle Frakes tells the whole thing. He stumbles through his words, making a few apologies for his use of the vernacular. And I learned a thing or two about how folks lived from day to day back in those wild times. I really did.
I tried to put the book down more than once when it was getting too late and I needed to get some shut eye. But I had to know what was going to happen in the next chapter, don't you know. And the chapters weren't long at all. Just one more, or three.
A lot of times, I was eager to know if the characters were going to be alive after what was going to happen actually happened. Would the bad guys get away with it? Would Lyle Frakes really make everything better like any upstanding hero would, even though the man was far from perfect?
And little Mary Wilson, with whom he's shackled for most of the book is as winsome and full of pluck as anybody could want.
Spoiler alert: it all comes out right in the end. And, boy howdy, does it come out right! It's too good to be true, and Lyke Frakes tells you so himself. But that's why we read fiction: to revel in what we want life to be, even when it's more than a little bit uglier along the way.
Well, it comes out right but ends a little chaotic, as life does most of the time, giving rise to the idea that I need to read the next book in the series, which I've already bought and paid for.
Guess I better get to reading.
But not right now. It's late, and these old bones need their sleep.
July 17, 2021
Lyle is not old but he's up there in years but when he rescues a child on the trail Mary he gets all protective of her and cares for her like her father
Lyle and Mary have many adventures on the trail and come away just fine. They fight danger all around them just to make it to Cheyenne supposedly for her Mary to go it back to the orphanage. But becoming friends with sheriff Kyle learns things about the orphanage that are terrible and must rescue Mary from the orphanage. So Lyle and the sheriff decide to go in together and rescue Mary as they go in the door of the orphanage they are met with the manager waving a scattergun at them. This is no good for they both will die and so will marry if the manager has his way. The manager wants more money lyles already given him $300 which is a lot back in that era. But the manager is greedy and wants more. They finally whittled the price down to $600 instead of a thousand. As Lyle goes out to get the money Mrs Benson the manager's wife follows him out with the gun in their hand that she's taking from the sheriff's holster. She presses the gun into Lyle's hand and says to kill the manager he's evil and he will kill the girl first chance he gets. He's killed in the past and he won't stop now to get what he wants which is more money. Lyle takes the gun and waits at the window which misses Benson points out and waits for the perfect opportunity. He thumps on the side of the house which is the orphanage and waits until the manager turns toward him and then blows his brains out. Mrs Benson runs inside and checks to see the Mary is safe and the sheriff is safe. They both are.
Lyle and Mary have many adventures on the trail and come away just fine. They fight danger all around them just to make it to Cheyenne supposedly for her Mary to go it back to the orphanage. But becoming friends with sheriff Kyle learns things about the orphanage that are terrible and must rescue Mary from the orphanage. So Lyle and the sheriff decide to go in together and rescue Mary as they go in the door of the orphanage they are met with the manager waving a scattergun at them. This is no good for they both will die and so will marry if the manager has his way. The manager wants more money lyles already given him $300 which is a lot back in that era. But the manager is greedy and wants more. They finally whittled the price down to $600 instead of a thousand. As Lyle goes out to get the money Mrs Benson the manager's wife follows him out with the gun in their hand that she's taking from the sheriff's holster. She presses the gun into Lyle's hand and says to kill the manager he's evil and he will kill the girl first chance he gets. He's killed in the past and he won't stop now to get what he wants which is more money. Lyle takes the gun and waits at the window which misses Benson points out and waits for the perfect opportunity. He thumps on the side of the house which is the orphanage and waits until the manager turns toward him and then blows his brains out. Mrs Benson runs inside and checks to see the Mary is safe and the sheriff is safe. They both are.
June 26, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable read! Lyle Frakes is an old lawman. Don't call him old, though as it gets him riled up. He gets riled up a lot. An unfortunate incident meant he had to light a shuck out of Deadwood, leaving behind his best friend, who is married to the love of his life. He happens upon a wagon where a couple is mistreating 9 year old Mary. They aren't her parents and were planning on selling her in Deadwood. They won't be doing any more planning. Lyle wants to go to CA, but first he needs to make sure Mary gets back to the orphanage safely. Mary is a precocious child, something she would readily admit to. They become quite attached to each other. You will need to read the book to see what adventures they get into on the way to the orphanage and what happens once they get there. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I did.
July 18, 2021
Wonderful!
I absolutely loved this book. Everything about it can only be described with superlatives. Yes, it's a fantasy, but set against a realistic, well researched background and featuring a wealth of beautifully drawn characters, it captivates from the start and continues to deliver til the last page.
Stylistically, it is a sort of "True Grit mets Deadwood" with a touch of Cat Ballou thrown in as seasoning. The voices of the protagonists are a joy, and the language is truly masterful. I have no idea why this hasn't been made into a film yet. It hardly needs converting into a screenplay, just camera notes adding.
This is a wonderful read and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.
I absolutely loved this book. Everything about it can only be described with superlatives. Yes, it's a fantasy, but set against a realistic, well researched background and featuring a wealth of beautifully drawn characters, it captivates from the start and continues to deliver til the last page.
Stylistically, it is a sort of "True Grit mets Deadwood" with a touch of Cat Ballou thrown in as seasoning. The voices of the protagonists are a joy, and the language is truly masterful. I have no idea why this hasn't been made into a film yet. It hardly needs converting into a screenplay, just camera notes adding.
This is a wonderful read and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.
March 23, 2021
Fun Read
For some reason, there is only one star available for rating a four star book, but it is a 4 **** rating I give this story.
A fun read, it's also funny in so very many ways. "Old" humor, old time philosophy couched in funny ways, and a precocious little girl who uses "10 dollar words" and expressions that will get a chuckle.
If you're old enough to have seen the movie, "Blazing Saddles", you'll like this book. If you like this book and haven't seen "Blazing Saddles", check for it on Hulu, HBO, etc., until you find it. Beans and a drunken horse are only a couple of the things you'll laugh at.
For some reason, there is only one star available for rating a four star book, but it is a 4 **** rating I give this story.
A fun read, it's also funny in so very many ways. "Old" humor, old time philosophy couched in funny ways, and a precocious little girl who uses "10 dollar words" and expressions that will get a chuckle.
If you're old enough to have seen the movie, "Blazing Saddles", you'll like this book. If you like this book and haven't seen "Blazing Saddles", check for it on Hulu, HBO, etc., until you find it. Beans and a drunken horse are only a couple of the things you'll laugh at.
September 8, 2023
An old cool western!
Loved the old coot, Lyle Frakes and his rescue of the orphan, Mary Wilson. Their adventures and travel develop into a father daughter relationship. A tough crusty old man, former lawman, has a tender heart for a nine year old orphan. Mary was adopted by an evil couple that was on their way to sell her to a rich man in Deadwood for a thousand dollars. The couples wagon was waylaid by 3 road agents and Lyle comes to save the day. With a young child there are plenty of amusing moments. Even Love at the end.
Loved the old coot, Lyle Frakes and his rescue of the orphan, Mary Wilson. Their adventures and travel develop into a father daughter relationship. A tough crusty old man, former lawman, has a tender heart for a nine year old orphan. Mary was adopted by an evil couple that was on their way to sell her to a rich man in Deadwood for a thousand dollars. The couples wagon was waylaid by 3 road agents and Lyle comes to save the day. With a young child there are plenty of amusing moments. Even Love at the end.
May 1, 2021
He Done Good.
As I read this author for the first time it kick a memory of a time long past of another author. Who told the story of Holden Caulfield. The Writing style is similar And well done.I greatly enjoyed the story and it's presentation Over a few weeks That happened to an older man and young lady with class. The next phase is to read the next book in line. As a young man of 73 that is Precisely What I intend to do.Thank you Mr. James for story well told.
As I read this author for the first time it kick a memory of a time long past of another author. Who told the story of Holden Caulfield. The Writing style is similar And well done.I greatly enjoyed the story and it's presentation Over a few weeks That happened to an older man and young lady with class. The next phase is to read the next book in line. As a young man of 73 that is Precisely What I intend to do.Thank you Mr. James for story well told.
May 22, 2021
New author to me
It took quite a few chapters to fall into his style of writing. Almost ditched it a few times, thinking this is arduous and not fun. But, thankfully as the characters developed I finally hit a rhythm with him. And kept on reading. Not many plot twists or surprises in this book. Just a good old story set in the old west. Yet not really a typical western. Gave him 5 stars because once getting into his style, it was a very interesting tale.
It took quite a few chapters to fall into his style of writing. Almost ditched it a few times, thinking this is arduous and not fun. But, thankfully as the characters developed I finally hit a rhythm with him. And kept on reading. Not many plot twists or surprises in this book. Just a good old story set in the old west. Yet not really a typical western. Gave him 5 stars because once getting into his style, it was a very interesting tale.
June 4, 2022
Refreshingly Entertaining
I never put it down, from the 1st to last word. When an author can move you from tears to good old belly laughs and exciting entertainment with a rough and tumble western novel, then that is for me storytelling at its best.
I'm in my late (really late) 70s and have been an avid reader most of my adult life, so thank you Mr. J.V. James. Excellent ending with Gertrude.
I never put it down, from the 1st to last word. When an author can move you from tears to good old belly laughs and exciting entertainment with a rough and tumble western novel, then that is for me storytelling at its best.
I'm in my late (really late) 70s and have been an avid reader most of my adult life, so thank you Mr. J.V. James. Excellent ending with Gertrude.
September 30, 2023
Old: A Western (Never Too Old Western Book 1)
This was one helluva book, lots and lots of action packed scenes, lots of drama throughout this book, lots of mysteries solved, sexy characters and moments, especially when you least expect them! Definitely a must read, excitement galore and lots of fun and interesting stories about the people who live there. So don't miss this one for sure you will not be disappointed! 📚🤠🐝🎶
This was one helluva book, lots and lots of action packed scenes, lots of drama throughout this book, lots of mysteries solved, sexy characters and moments, especially when you least expect them! Definitely a must read, excitement galore and lots of fun and interesting stories about the people who live there. So don't miss this one for sure you will not be disappointed! 📚🤠🐝🎶
June 11, 2021
Lyle's ultimate reward
A very well written story about an old retired cowboy who saves and ultimately ends up adopting a young orphaned girl in the wild west. A lot of fights, shootouts, and many tender moments between the retired lawman and the young girl. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Westerns.
A very well written story about an old retired cowboy who saves and ultimately ends up adopting a young orphaned girl in the wild west. A lot of fights, shootouts, and many tender moments between the retired lawman and the young girl. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Westerns.
June 28, 2021
An old lawman defends himself and finds a charming young girl needing help.
Excellent characters and a fascinating story as a mix of the old west, frontier justice, and human kindness are guaranteed to bring a smile to any face. Beautifully written with page-turning action. Well worth the time.
Excellent characters and a fascinating story as a mix of the old west, frontier justice, and human kindness are guaranteed to bring a smile to any face. Beautifully written with page-turning action. Well worth the time.
August 11, 2021
Did Shakespeare Write Westerns?
Mixing eloquent language and western vernacular, J. V. James takes us on an adventure that twists and turns in every chapter. Just when you think you have figured out the next move, a new turn in the road appears. Loved the characters, the plot and the language. Ready to read the next installment...
Mixing eloquent language and western vernacular, J. V. James takes us on an adventure that twists and turns in every chapter. Just when you think you have figured out the next move, a new turn in the road appears. Loved the characters, the plot and the language. Ready to read the next installment...
September 10, 2021
My thoughts and old-fashioned words
I grew up on. I understand most of the vernacular Mr. James uses and it does my old heart good to read them. The plot is similar to another one I read recently, but I'm not going to speculate on which one came 1st; mainly because this one is different and hugely entertaining and I do love a good Western!
I grew up on. I understand most of the vernacular Mr. James uses and it does my old heart good to read them. The plot is similar to another one I read recently, but I'm not going to speculate on which one came 1st; mainly because this one is different and hugely entertaining and I do love a good Western!
December 2, 2021
greatness in a book
What a delight. At the outset I thought it would be another pseudo cowboy. Not my cup of tea at all but as I read-on I became enraptured.,as the story developed I noticed a silent cheer at each accomplishment. Mary made such a difference bringing life and humanity to the tale. All the way to it’s not so final conclusion I was hooked.
What a delight. At the outset I thought it would be another pseudo cowboy. Not my cup of tea at all but as I read-on I became enraptured.,as the story developed I noticed a silent cheer at each accomplishment. Mary made such a difference bringing life and humanity to the tale. All the way to it’s not so final conclusion I was hooked.
February 3, 2021
Great book
Loved the writing technique and the building of the characters. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I surely appreciate his writing skills. Looking forward to reading another one.
Loved the writing technique and the building of the characters. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I surely appreciate his writing skills. Looking forward to reading another one.
February 12, 2021
Western
Old: A Western is book one of the series by J. V. James. I liked the characters of this story. There was the western drama we all love but there's also some humor and some sadness.
Old: A Western is book one of the series by J. V. James. I liked the characters of this story. There was the western drama we all love but there's also some humor and some sadness.
February 26, 2021
Old ( 1 )
This was a great action packed adventure that covered everything you could ever imagine to be in a good western. The story was just about everything in your heart and adventure,but not too far off track.
This was a great action packed adventure that covered everything you could ever imagine to be in a good western. The story was just about everything in your heart and adventure,but not too far off track.
April 15, 2021
Marvelous excellent!
Love the language, love the girl that was a dream and an angel herself. Although, he should have taught the two to shoot. The next one is going to be eagerly read. Write more!!
Love the language, love the girl that was a dream and an angel herself. Although, he should have taught the two to shoot. The next one is going to be eagerly read. Write more!!
April 30, 2021
A western in the spirit of the princess bride
And just as good. I'm highly impressed. A quiet man who is brave, wise, rough around the edges, and yes, old by western standards, saves a little girl and starts on a wondrous journey with a great ending. Highly recommended for all readers.
And just as good. I'm highly impressed. A quiet man who is brave, wise, rough around the edges, and yes, old by western standards, saves a little girl and starts on a wondrous journey with a great ending. Highly recommended for all readers.
May 8, 2021
The adventures of Lyle a crusty old coot and the orphan he rescued are full of action. The characters were believable the story line fresh. This was a good reading experience for me. Will be looking for more books written by this author.
May 29, 2021
Delightful
Have fun reading this delightful story as a man lives through his heroic present while telling his past as though it is a fairy tale he must accept. You’ll fall in love with these characters.
Have fun reading this delightful story as a man lives through his heroic present while telling his past as though it is a fairy tale he must accept. You’ll fall in love with these characters.
June 1, 2021
ABSOLUTELY loved
This is one of those you don’t want to put down a delightful story of life and death and a beautiful story of a delightful child since I’m old, parts of it aren’t hard to identify with
This is one of those you don’t want to put down a delightful story of life and death and a beautiful story of a delightful child since I’m old, parts of it aren’t hard to identify with
June 1, 2021
Best one in a long time...
Couldn't hope but identify with the old sheriff and the chemistry and connection between him and the girl absolutely will draw you in. You will love this story. Didn't care much for the footnotes...unnecessary.
Couldn't hope but identify with the old sheriff and the chemistry and connection between him and the girl absolutely will draw you in. You will love this story. Didn't care much for the footnotes...unnecessary.
August 17, 2021
Excellent.
Excellent story. Loved the characters and the storyline.Definitely will be buying more of this author. The time seem to be accurate and I don't remember any profanity in here.
Excellent story. Loved the characters and the storyline.Definitely will be buying more of this author. The time seem to be accurate and I don't remember any profanity in here.
September 6, 2021
Great read!
This book was a complete surprise. I like western books but this one kept me utterly engrossed until the very end. This author is new to me but I plan on reading all his books.
This book was a complete surprise. I like western books but this one kept me utterly engrossed until the very end. This author is new to me but I plan on reading all his books.
September 7, 2021
Old is not 60
It is the book once you start you don’t want to quit till it’s over with.
I myself enjoy this type of reading
You have a gift on book writhing of this type
Keep on keeping on for us OLD FOLK
I am78 now and enjoyed it
It is the book once you start you don’t want to quit till it’s over with.
I myself enjoy this type of reading
You have a gift on book writhing of this type
Keep on keeping on for us OLD FOLK
I am78 now and enjoyed it
October 20, 2021
Old, a matter of prospective.
Fun book. Wonderful characters, fun adventures and loads of good advice and examples. Mr. James draws you in and keeps you there with his tale, happily.
Fun book. Wonderful characters, fun adventures and loads of good advice and examples. Mr. James draws you in and keeps you there with his tale, happily.
November 10, 2021
Old and young
I enjoyed the story. The fast pace of the story. The special closeness of Lyle and Mary. The hardship of that time in history, helped build this country. Thanks for a nice read.
I enjoyed the story. The fast pace of the story. The special closeness of Lyle and Mary. The hardship of that time in history, helped build this country. Thanks for a nice read.
November 13, 2021
Ok to GREAT
It took me some time to get into the book, but after the first few chapters I couldn’t put it down. I love the relationship between the old lawman and the child. I will definitely read the next book.
It took me some time to get into the book, but after the first few chapters I couldn’t put it down. I love the relationship between the old lawman and the child. I will definitely read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews