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Rattler's Law, Volume 2
IT’S UP TO A PART-TIME DEPUTY TO STAND UP FOR THE LAW AND DELIVER JUSTICE.
Wild Bill Hickok may be gone, but Abilene is still a wild and woolly cowtown in need of a strong marshal to bring law and order to its streets. That man is Lucas Flint . . . a legendary lawman sometimes known as the Rattler because of his swift and deadly speed with a Colt .45. Together with his deputy, dashing young gunfighter Cully Markham, Lucas Flint will take on any challenge that threatens the safety of the town and its people that he’s sworn to protect.
As a blizzard rages on the Kansas plains, an old buffalo hunter is caught in the crossfire between a Sioux war party and a clan of bank-robbing killers. A fortune in Confederate gold lures outlaws to Abilene. A young gunslinger bent on vengeance has a startling secret. A prize bull, a hard-bitten rancher, and a gang of thieves prove to be an explosive mixture for Cully Markham. A deadly Fourth of July celebration provides more than one kind of fireworks. A man sworn to uphold the law instead launches a reign of terror. A trio of mail order brides arrives in Abilene, but they bring flying lead rather than matrimonial bliss.
Rattler's Law, Volume Two includes: Buffalo Hunter, Rebel Gold, Devil With a .38, Hell on the Hoof, Gundown, Killer With a Badge, Six-Gun Wedding, and Big Fifty Justice.
Wild Bill Hickok may be gone, but Abilene is still a wild and woolly cowtown in need of a strong marshal to bring law and order to its streets. That man is Lucas Flint . . . a legendary lawman sometimes known as the Rattler because of his swift and deadly speed with a Colt .45. Together with his deputy, dashing young gunfighter Cully Markham, Lucas Flint will take on any challenge that threatens the safety of the town and its people that he’s sworn to protect.
As a blizzard rages on the Kansas plains, an old buffalo hunter is caught in the crossfire between a Sioux war party and a clan of bank-robbing killers. A fortune in Confederate gold lures outlaws to Abilene. A young gunslinger bent on vengeance has a startling secret. A prize bull, a hard-bitten rancher, and a gang of thieves prove to be an explosive mixture for Cully Markham. A deadly Fourth of July celebration provides more than one kind of fireworks. A man sworn to uphold the law instead launches a reign of terror. A trio of mail order brides arrives in Abilene, but they bring flying lead rather than matrimonial bliss.
Rattler's Law, Volume Two includes: Buffalo Hunter, Rebel Gold, Devil With a .38, Hell on the Hoof, Gundown, Killer With a Badge, Six-Gun Wedding, and Big Fifty Justice.
- GenresWesterns
1361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2021
228 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 7, 2023
A couple of years ago I was introduced to a volume of eight western novels featuring the character of Lucas Flint, newly arrived marshal of Abilene Kansas, and known as “The Rattler” for his lightning-fast draw. Those eight books proved to be a rich tapestry of interrelated yarns encompassing an entire cast of towns people including deputies, saloon owners, church leaders, schoolteachers, a female doctor, and assorted others. Much like a long-running television series of yesteryear, new arrivals populate each story, like guest stars if you will. Some are hard-working honest folks looking for a better life while others are seeking fortune of a different kind and don’t care about how they get it. Those eight books were wonderful reads and taken together formed a real saga of western life during those times.
I knew there was a second volume to be had, another eight novels that carried on that saga and it has been at the top of my TBR list ever since. This year, I tackled it, choosing to read one story every month or thereabouts in order to stretch out the experience. Alas, today, I find myself in early September, and have just turned the page on the final story. It’s bittersweet to be honest. These stories are every bit as good as the first volume and maybe even a little more interconnected. It was a true joy to revisit the characters and see them respond to new threats and opportunities. But, at least as of this writing, there are no more.
This volume sees the rise of a dastardly villain, Jason Kent, whose far-reaching plots are the stuff of real conflict. His villainy lasts through many of these stories, and one begins to wonder if he’ll ever meet his match. Author James Reasoner writes multi-dimensional characters even if that means showing vulnerabilities and, in this series, Lucas Flint doesn’t always come out on top. Many of the stories see other characters take center stage and ultimately are the ones to see justice served although Flint’s guiding hand is always present. But in the end, it is the ensemble cast that makes these books work so well.
Those readers looking for an “adult” western need to look elsewhere but those wanting a good story with well-drawn characters, traditional western style, plenty of action, and interesting plots need look no further.
I hope for more of these books someday but will not hold my breath. With sixteen books available over two collections, I can easily go back and dip into them now and again and relish the experience of this delightful series once again. Highly recommended.
I knew there was a second volume to be had, another eight novels that carried on that saga and it has been at the top of my TBR list ever since. This year, I tackled it, choosing to read one story every month or thereabouts in order to stretch out the experience. Alas, today, I find myself in early September, and have just turned the page on the final story. It’s bittersweet to be honest. These stories are every bit as good as the first volume and maybe even a little more interconnected. It was a true joy to revisit the characters and see them respond to new threats and opportunities. But, at least as of this writing, there are no more.
This volume sees the rise of a dastardly villain, Jason Kent, whose far-reaching plots are the stuff of real conflict. His villainy lasts through many of these stories, and one begins to wonder if he’ll ever meet his match. Author James Reasoner writes multi-dimensional characters even if that means showing vulnerabilities and, in this series, Lucas Flint doesn’t always come out on top. Many of the stories see other characters take center stage and ultimately are the ones to see justice served although Flint’s guiding hand is always present. But in the end, it is the ensemble cast that makes these books work so well.
Those readers looking for an “adult” western need to look elsewhere but those wanting a good story with well-drawn characters, traditional western style, plenty of action, and interesting plots need look no further.
I hope for more of these books someday but will not hold my breath. With sixteen books available over two collections, I can easily go back and dip into them now and again and relish the experience of this delightful series once again. Highly recommended.
June 9, 2021
Great book again!
Lucas Flint, the Rattler, Marshall and apointed Sheriff is up to his neck in outlaws and confidence men trying to take control of Abilene and Dickinson county. Lead is flying everywhere. You should read this book.
Lucas Flint, the Rattler, Marshall and apointed Sheriff is up to his neck in outlaws and confidence men trying to take control of Abilene and Dickinson county. Lead is flying everywhere. You should read this book.
April 13, 2021
James Reasoner – Rattler’s Law Series Vol Two – Reviewed 4/12/21 – Read 4/6-11/21
The exciting and continuing stories of Marshall Lucas Flint and Deputy Marshall Cully Markham.
In the first story of Buffalo Hunter, we follow along with the terror that Laura Bradford endured. Her husband and his two younger brothers had established a large cattle spread, but that was only part of what they did. Originally, the ranch was just to be their hideout between robberies. When they left this time, they had told the women and children that this was to be their last robbery. They figured that they had amassed enough money that with the ranch and its profits they would not have to fall back on their owlhoot ways.
Shortly after they left the ranch, the girls were preparing dinner when Laura went to the front door to enjoy the evening. She spotted movement in the yard but knew that the hands were both in the barn. Then all hell broke loose when a renegade Indian named Talon with his small band of followers broke through their defenses. They raped the women, except Laura, brutally killed, and hacked the other bodies to pieces. Laura had been knocked unconscious when they broke through the door, but when she finally came too, she found out that their leader Talon had decided to keep her as his woman.
And the terror begins…
This volume includes Buffalo Hunter, Rebel Gold, Devil With a .38, Hell on the Hoof, Gundown, Killer with a Badge, Six-Gun Wedding, and Big Fifty Justice.
What did I like? Here we are with eight more stories of the adventures of the famous Lucas Flint and Cully Markham, which we learned from Volume one were marshals for the town of Abilene, Kansas. Lucas Flint had gained the nickname of “The Rattler” due to his lightning-fast draw and Cully is almost as fast. The two make an excellent team, with Lucas’s teaching Cully all of the tricks of the trade. Cully is a fast learner even though he is a little hardheaded at times, but it finally sinks in and all makes sense to him. He even surprises himself at times when he realizes what Flint was trying to pound into his head. They don’t leave us out in the cold as the two of them battle the bad guys, help the good ones, and enact law into the wild cattle town of Abilene as civilization arrives in the west.
What will you like? Again “Rattler’s Law” will thrill, amaze, excite, have you sighing, yahooing, screaming, loving, and exasperating. Terror abounds, love conquers, justice flourishes and surprises will astound you. James astonishes us with his storylines that read like everyday life, giving us a view of the past. Descriptions including details for the animals, landscapes, historical facts, weaponry, clothing, and all things of this era, turning on the mind's eye. So, get ready for another amazing James Reasoner western read that gives you plenty to keep the midnight oil burning for a few days.
• File Size: 5032 KB
• Print Length: 11752 pages
• Publication Date: 3/24/2021
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• ASIN: B08X1G58QC
• Genre: Classic Fiction Anthologies & Collections, Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic American Fiction
The exciting and continuing stories of Marshall Lucas Flint and Deputy Marshall Cully Markham.
In the first story of Buffalo Hunter, we follow along with the terror that Laura Bradford endured. Her husband and his two younger brothers had established a large cattle spread, but that was only part of what they did. Originally, the ranch was just to be their hideout between robberies. When they left this time, they had told the women and children that this was to be their last robbery. They figured that they had amassed enough money that with the ranch and its profits they would not have to fall back on their owlhoot ways.
Shortly after they left the ranch, the girls were preparing dinner when Laura went to the front door to enjoy the evening. She spotted movement in the yard but knew that the hands were both in the barn. Then all hell broke loose when a renegade Indian named Talon with his small band of followers broke through their defenses. They raped the women, except Laura, brutally killed, and hacked the other bodies to pieces. Laura had been knocked unconscious when they broke through the door, but when she finally came too, she found out that their leader Talon had decided to keep her as his woman.
And the terror begins…
This volume includes Buffalo Hunter, Rebel Gold, Devil With a .38, Hell on the Hoof, Gundown, Killer with a Badge, Six-Gun Wedding, and Big Fifty Justice.
What did I like? Here we are with eight more stories of the adventures of the famous Lucas Flint and Cully Markham, which we learned from Volume one were marshals for the town of Abilene, Kansas. Lucas Flint had gained the nickname of “The Rattler” due to his lightning-fast draw and Cully is almost as fast. The two make an excellent team, with Lucas’s teaching Cully all of the tricks of the trade. Cully is a fast learner even though he is a little hardheaded at times, but it finally sinks in and all makes sense to him. He even surprises himself at times when he realizes what Flint was trying to pound into his head. They don’t leave us out in the cold as the two of them battle the bad guys, help the good ones, and enact law into the wild cattle town of Abilene as civilization arrives in the west.
What will you like? Again “Rattler’s Law” will thrill, amaze, excite, have you sighing, yahooing, screaming, loving, and exasperating. Terror abounds, love conquers, justice flourishes and surprises will astound you. James astonishes us with his storylines that read like everyday life, giving us a view of the past. Descriptions including details for the animals, landscapes, historical facts, weaponry, clothing, and all things of this era, turning on the mind's eye. So, get ready for another amazing James Reasoner western read that gives you plenty to keep the midnight oil burning for a few days.
• File Size: 5032 KB
• Print Length: 11752 pages
• Publication Date: 3/24/2021
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• ASIN: B08X1G58QC
• Genre: Classic Fiction Anthologies & Collections, Louis L'Amour Westerns, Classic American Fiction
December 23, 2021
Quite a book!
This is the second western book I have ever read (the first being Rattles law vol. one)
I've been an avid reader for years, just never found myself with Westerns. I really enjoyed the stories and how they wound around each other. I came to really enjoy the various characters in this volume. Since the Vol. I Rattles law I read a few Zane Gray's and again felt my attention vastly held. Don't know why in the multitude of books I have read that no Westerns have ever grabbed my attention. Rattles Law was a good place to start. I learned more about the time period, the law and lack thereof, I learned a great deal about Western Frontier and perhaps how difficult this time period was, how beautiful the frontier was and all the mixes of types of people involved. Perhaps it is late discovering this genre at the age of 63.I don't know but I am glad it has added to my interests.
This is the second western book I have ever read (the first being Rattles law vol. one)
I've been an avid reader for years, just never found myself with Westerns. I really enjoyed the stories and how they wound around each other. I came to really enjoy the various characters in this volume. Since the Vol. I Rattles law I read a few Zane Gray's and again felt my attention vastly held. Don't know why in the multitude of books I have read that no Westerns have ever grabbed my attention. Rattles Law was a good place to start. I learned more about the time period, the law and lack thereof, I learned a great deal about Western Frontier and perhaps how difficult this time period was, how beautiful the frontier was and all the mixes of types of people involved. Perhaps it is late discovering this genre at the age of 63.I don't know but I am glad it has added to my interests.
October 13, 2021
good series
If only the author would have kept track of the names of his characters - using the originals in the story line in one sentence- then different ones for the same folks in the next paragraph, then switching back to the correct names in the next on occassio. And maybe a better geographical sense of the country involved - sometimes indicating directions the opposite of the intended destination in the story. It’s taken me close to 2 weeks to read both volumes in this series, which for me is a bit more time than normally would. Perhaps dividing the 2 into 3,4 or 5 shorter volumes would have made it an easier read.
If only the author would have kept track of the names of his characters - using the originals in the story line in one sentence- then different ones for the same folks in the next paragraph, then switching back to the correct names in the next on occassio. And maybe a better geographical sense of the country involved - sometimes indicating directions the opposite of the intended destination in the story. It’s taken me close to 2 weeks to read both volumes in this series, which for me is a bit more time than normally would. Perhaps dividing the 2 into 3,4 or 5 shorter volumes would have made it an easier read.
December 9, 2024
One of the best series I've read!
I absolutely loved this series! I had read Rattle d's Law, Volume one and knew the characters, although he adds characters in each book I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the town. If you don't think you want to read the complete series it's written in a way that you can just jump into any book and read it as a stand alone book. By the end of the series I was disappointed that I had no more books with these characters in them! I've already picked out some books by James Reasoner that I will read in the future. I highly recommend this series!!
Hoss
I absolutely loved this series! I had read Rattle d's Law, Volume one and knew the characters, although he adds characters in each book I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the town. If you don't think you want to read the complete series it's written in a way that you can just jump into any book and read it as a stand alone book. By the end of the series I was disappointed that I had no more books with these characters in them! I've already picked out some books by James Reasoner that I will read in the future. I highly recommend this series!!
Hoss
March 24, 2021
Expect Great Entertainment!
While many westerns focus on one or two traditional themes, Reasoned folks in all the realistic blanks to make readers feel they're there! Realistic people and scenes of the early frontier era make for great reading. A slight distraction is the author's exaggeration of fund's capabilities.
While many westerns focus on one or two traditional themes, Reasoned folks in all the realistic blanks to make readers feel they're there! Realistic people and scenes of the early frontier era make for great reading. A slight distraction is the author's exaggeration of fund's capabilities.
March 28, 2021
REALLY DISAPPOINTING
You left too much undone in the relationship between Flint and Rose. It left me in anguish. I'm sorry but I'm just a romantic at heart and the Introduction of that Kent fellow only left me in a quandary!!! I kept waiting for you to reintroduce the relationship of Fluent and rose! YUCK!!!!
You left too much undone in the relationship between Flint and Rose. It left me in anguish. I'm sorry but I'm just a romantic at heart and the Introduction of that Kent fellow only left me in a quandary!!! I kept waiting for you to reintroduce the relationship of Fluent and rose! YUCK!!!!
April 14, 2021
Rattler's Law, 2
This was an exceptional collection of stories that are all really good reads. These stories are all related and sequential in their order, which makes it hard to put down. The volume makes it so you have to finish one before going on. I'm sure you will enjoy this collection.
This was an exceptional collection of stories that are all really good reads. These stories are all related and sequential in their order, which makes it hard to put down. The volume makes it so you have to finish one before going on. I'm sure you will enjoy this collection.
July 8, 2021
I Like It
I like this collection of short stories about a fictional Marshal of Abilene, KS. With its jump in time from story to story it's easy to see that, although a law officers life can be fraught with danger, there are times when the only action is keeping drunks under control.
I recommend this series for readers who like Western adventure
I like this collection of short stories about a fictional Marshal of Abilene, KS. With its jump in time from story to story it's easy to see that, although a law officers life can be fraught with danger, there are times when the only action is keeping drunks under control.
I recommend this series for readers who like Western adventure
June 6, 2021
I enjoyed this series of books. Has good western action, the stories continue on from volume 1 and each story follows the other in order. This second volume has more to do with the character of Leander Bullfinch which makes the series even more enjoyable.
July 24, 2021
Terrrriiiifffffic
Thank you, James Reasoner, for these stories. So much fun, adventure, and good feelings in these tales. I’m glad I discovered this author, he has given me many pleasurable stories.
Thank you, James Reasoner, for these stories. So much fun, adventure, and good feelings in these tales. I’m glad I discovered this author, he has given me many pleasurable stories.
August 22, 2021
Very good western stories that will keep you reading for hours.
I enjoyed the book even though at times I thought I would never get to the end of the book. The stories were enjoyable and kept my interest. Thank you James Reasoner for the enjoyment.
I enjoyed the book even though at times I thought I would never get to the end of the book. The stories were enjoyable and kept my interest. Thank you James Reasoner for the enjoyment.
September 22, 2021
Even better than volume 1
Mr. Reasoned, please write a volume 3 of this series. I loved every story thus far and want more of your interesting plots. This last story with the twist at the end is my favorite. You are by far my favorite western author. Keep on writing.
Mr. Reasoned, please write a volume 3 of this series. I loved every story thus far and want more of your interesting plots. This last story with the twist at the end is my favorite. You are by far my favorite western author. Keep on writing.
October 18, 2021
Good stories
Sometimes there were a lot of different scenarios going at once but you could wade thru them pretty good. Both of the volumes were great stories. Strong characters and good plots. Keep up the good work
Sometimes there were a lot of different scenarios going at once but you could wade thru them pretty good. Both of the volumes were great stories. Strong characters and good plots. Keep up the good work
November 30, 2021
Rattler’s Law is western fiction at its finest!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rattler’s Law and highly recommend it to anyone who, like myself, loves reading great Western fiction. Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rattler’s Law and highly recommend it to anyone who, like myself, loves reading great Western fiction. Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat
February 9, 2022
RealGood read for anyone willing to follow not only the action, but day to day life in the West!
Sometimes the stories had a bit of a slump in. However the manner in which they picked up always surprised with a good plot. We worth the read!!
Sometimes the stories had a bit of a slump in. However the manner in which they picked up always surprised with a good plot. We worth the read!!
September 24, 2022
A truly different set of stories
I liked the way the author weaved all of the stories together like a quilt with each story explanding on the characters as you read each tale. Great writing!
I liked the way the author weaved all of the stories together like a quilt with each story explanding on the characters as you read each tale. Great writing!
December 17, 2022
Amazing
Reasoner seems to have a lot of writing talent. While it seemed unusual to have this many stories combined under one cover, it was truly an incredible reading experience. Kind of sad Now that it is finished, but I am looking forward to reading more of his works.
Reasoner seems to have a lot of writing talent. While it seemed unusual to have this many stories combined under one cover, it was truly an incredible reading experience. Kind of sad Now that it is finished, but I am looking forward to reading more of his works.
January 25, 2023
I enjoyed these books very much,they are down to earth and have a great a
Peal to us who love Western without all the foul language and sexual innuendo usually attached with today's writings. I will enjoy more of Mr Reasoner,s writings
Peal to us who love Western without all the foul language and sexual innuendo usually attached with today's writings. I will enjoy more of Mr Reasoner,s writings
June 14, 2023
great reading
This one keeps you guessing. One point Mr. Reasoner missed was, I forget which book it was stated, but Saguaro cacti only grows in Arizona there is none in Kansas or any other state.
This one keeps you guessing. One point Mr. Reasoner missed was, I forget which book it was stated, but Saguaro cacti only grows in Arizona there is none in Kansas or any other state.
January 2, 2024
Great Series
I must say that these two collections are some of the best I have ever read. The author weaves the characters and stories together very masterfully and it was absolutely great reading. Highly recommend these two books
I must say that these two collections are some of the best I have ever read. The author weaves the characters and stories together very masterfully and it was absolutely great reading. Highly recommend these two books
March 25, 2021
James Reasoner is rapidly becoming one of my preferred authors .
May 15, 2021
Good book
Read all of them books in order to really enjoy it. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
Read all of them books in order to really enjoy it. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
May 21, 2021
Loyalty wins again
This this was of the best western stories I have had the pleasure of reading!! Stories within stories that were all excellent reading
This this was of the best western stories I have had the pleasure of reading!! Stories within stories that were all excellent reading
June 18, 2021
Great escape to the past
The second trilogy takes off in a fast pace we can barely catch are breath when we left off from the first one tales aplenty does not disappoint
The second trilogy takes off in a fast pace we can barely catch are breath when we left off from the first one tales aplenty does not disappoint
July 21, 2021
I have read Rattiers law volume one and two.
These are some of the best books I have read. I hope that another is written and Flint finally marries Rose.
These are some of the best books I have read. I hope that another is written and Flint finally marries Rose.
November 25, 2021
nice read
Mister Reasoner tells a good story. Very interesting. He does get the names wrong a few times , I wouldn’t mind proof reading for him. :)
Mister Reasoner tells a good story. Very interesting. He does get the names wrong a few times , I wouldn’t mind proof reading for him. :)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews