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Zeb Clemens #1
The Beast of Devil's Creek
Deputy Marshal Zebadiah Clemens can't die.
After the Civil War came to a close, Zeb decided to head west to raise cattle and a family if he could manage it. No sooner did he step off the train in Texas, a stray bullet knocked him senseless. Believing he'd somehow cheated death, he gave up on his peaceful plans and became a lawman.
A lawman with a secret. And an edge.
After migrating farther west into the New Mexico Territory, he expected to find the usual run-of-the-mill outlaws―not a strange woman watching him from the edge of his dreams. Meanwhile, stories of an inhuman monster attacking people in the nearby town of Devil's Creek begin making their rounds. Even crazier, Zeb feels compelled to hunt it―all while dealing with a murderous gang of outlaws and the missing boy of a waitress Zeb has taken a shine to.
He might be imagining it all―or still unconscious with a head wound―but with his luck, it's probably real.
After the Civil War came to a close, Zeb decided to head west to raise cattle and a family if he could manage it. No sooner did he step off the train in Texas, a stray bullet knocked him senseless. Believing he'd somehow cheated death, he gave up on his peaceful plans and became a lawman.
A lawman with a secret. And an edge.
After migrating farther west into the New Mexico Territory, he expected to find the usual run-of-the-mill outlaws―not a strange woman watching him from the edge of his dreams. Meanwhile, stories of an inhuman monster attacking people in the nearby town of Devil's Creek begin making their rounds. Even crazier, Zeb feels compelled to hunt it―all while dealing with a murderous gang of outlaws and the missing boy of a waitress Zeb has taken a shine to.
He might be imagining it all―or still unconscious with a head wound―but with his luck, it's probably real.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2021
223 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
686 books1,727 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 16, 2021
Unusually good
There are some authors that you read and know within the first paragraph that you are in for an incredible ride. Koontz, John Sandford, David Baldacci, Tess Gerritson are a few writers that draw you into their tale of whatever from the first page. J.R. Rain ( with or without Mathew Cox) is that good. This story was engrossing from the first paragraph. So different, so interesting. I hope there is more of Deputy Marshal Zen Clemons in the future.
There are some authors that you read and know within the first paragraph that you are in for an incredible ride. Koontz, John Sandford, David Baldacci, Tess Gerritson are a few writers that draw you into their tale of whatever from the first page. J.R. Rain ( with or without Mathew Cox) is that good. This story was engrossing from the first paragraph. So different, so interesting. I hope there is more of Deputy Marshal Zen Clemons in the future.
January 26, 2025
While I've never been a reader that took pleasure in reading about the "old west" or reading westerns in general, I was very much surprised by this book. This book came to me as a free download from the Kindle store for Booktober 2024, and while I initially planned on passing it by in favor of something more up my alley (like true crime or fantasy), I couldn't say no to the gun-slinging cowboy juxtaposed against a desert sky on the cover. It wasn't just some fancy cover-art that had me hooked: the tone of voice and POV used in this novel brings the reader in immediately, and you know from the first few pages that it will be a book that you just can't put down. Or, at least, that's how it was for me.
U.S. Deputy Marshall Zebediah Clemens is an interesting MMC, to say the least. After a rough start to his adventures in The West, post-Civil War, he finds himself on the right side of the law doing his best to keep the peace and wake up each morning with fewer holes in his body than "the other guys." Queue the need for a bit of adventure and our MMC's first main villains. I especially appreciated how fleshed-out the world building was in this book. I have found that with smaller settings (like a single town, for example) we lose a bit of the world-building that makes said town feel like it belongs on the map or in the world that we know in the back of our minds must exist. This novel and its characters are written in such a way that you lose the illusion of "the end of the map" in the story and delve into the robust setting of an old-world mining town. There is a wonderful balance of humor, gun-slinging, justice, and supernatural interference from the other side that makes this book is a great introductory read for this author.
I very much plan on checking out the rest of the series when I get a hankering for the old west. I'm excited to see what Zeb gets himself into. 🙂
U.S. Deputy Marshall Zebediah Clemens is an interesting MMC, to say the least. After a rough start to his adventures in The West, post-Civil War, he finds himself on the right side of the law doing his best to keep the peace and wake up each morning with fewer holes in his body than "the other guys." Queue the need for a bit of adventure and our MMC's first main villains. I especially appreciated how fleshed-out the world building was in this book. I have found that with smaller settings (like a single town, for example) we lose a bit of the world-building that makes said town feel like it belongs on the map or in the world that we know in the back of our minds must exist. This novel and its characters are written in such a way that you lose the illusion of "the end of the map" in the story and delve into the robust setting of an old-world mining town. There is a wonderful balance of humor, gun-slinging, justice, and supernatural interference from the other side that makes this book is a great introductory read for this author.
I very much plan on checking out the rest of the series when I get a hankering for the old west. I'm excited to see what Zeb gets himself into. 🙂
October 22, 2025
Weird West
I started this book knowing I was going to be in the hospital for a procedure for about a week. I finished it in two days.
I like western stories with just a touch of the supernatural the kind that Louis L’Amour supposedly always wanted to write but never really got around to until Haunted Mesa. I usually will start a “weird west “ story and by the time I find out the “hero “ is an undead vampire wizard gunslinger I’ve had enough and will stop reading. This story has a realistic hero, realistic monster and a good subplot. I highly recommend it for guys like me who want a little more realism in their weird fantasy
I started this book knowing I was going to be in the hospital for a procedure for about a week. I finished it in two days.
I like western stories with just a touch of the supernatural the kind that Louis L’Amour supposedly always wanted to write but never really got around to until Haunted Mesa. I usually will start a “weird west “ story and by the time I find out the “hero “ is an undead vampire wizard gunslinger I’ve had enough and will stop reading. This story has a realistic hero, realistic monster and a good subplot. I highly recommend it for guys like me who want a little more realism in their weird fantasy
April 9, 2022
Supernatural Western
This is definitely a twist on any western you've ever read or listen to Zeb is a deputy marshal unlike anything you've heard of you see he can't die. Zeb has a mission that only "The Lady" as he calls her has privy to knowing what happened and why he is so far immortal. This was definitely a fun read it had suspense, and was action packed with a supernatural twist. The book may be long but it will keep you entertained and will give you a few laughs here and there. This is my honest unbiased review.
This is definitely a twist on any western you've ever read or listen to Zeb is a deputy marshal unlike anything you've heard of you see he can't die. Zeb has a mission that only "The Lady" as he calls her has privy to knowing what happened and why he is so far immortal. This was definitely a fun read it had suspense, and was action packed with a supernatural twist. The book may be long but it will keep you entertained and will give you a few laughs here and there. This is my honest unbiased review.
October 21, 2022
Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🔰
Another will written fantasy world 🌎 haunting horror ghost 👻 👀 western adventure thriller novel by J. R. Rain ☔ and Matthew S. Cox (Zeb Clemens book 1). About Zeb Clemens who could not stay dead. He is a deputy U.S. Marshal in a small town when the diamond 💎 gang shows up ☝ and a beast is making miners disappear a Devils Creek and the fun begins. I would recommend this series and authors too readers of fantasy haunting thriller mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to Alexa. 2022 😮👒😈
Another will written fantasy world 🌎 haunting horror ghost 👻 👀 western adventure thriller novel by J. R. Rain ☔ and Matthew S. Cox (Zeb Clemens book 1). About Zeb Clemens who could not stay dead. He is a deputy U.S. Marshal in a small town when the diamond 💎 gang shows up ☝ and a beast is making miners disappear a Devils Creek and the fun begins. I would recommend this series and authors too readers of fantasy haunting thriller mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to Alexa. 2022 😮👒😈
April 8, 2024
A Good Example of Old Western Horror
The team of Cox and Rain have done a great job in introducing us to Zeb Clemens, a man with a mission after miraculously surviving a bullet to the head. Of course, there is much more to it than that. So the tale goes on dealing with a large gang of outlaws as well as a beast that has terrorized a town and the silver mines that surround it and the action doesn’t stop once it gets started.
So enjoy this tale of the Old West filled with western action and an otherworldly monster. I did.
The team of Cox and Rain have done a great job in introducing us to Zeb Clemens, a man with a mission after miraculously surviving a bullet to the head. Of course, there is much more to it than that. So the tale goes on dealing with a large gang of outlaws as well as a beast that has terrorized a town and the silver mines that surround it and the action doesn’t stop once it gets started.
So enjoy this tale of the Old West filled with western action and an otherworldly monster. I did.
July 24, 2024
finished it, so it wasn’t terrible
⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
Not good enough for 3 stars. Definitely won’t bother reading anything else by this author. A different kind of story, but lacking much in the way of entertainment.
⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
Not good enough for 3 stars. Definitely won’t bother reading anything else by this author. A different kind of story, but lacking much in the way of entertainment.
June 3, 2021
Extremely different western, but fun reading
No idea what to expectbut what I got was far from it. Almost a cross between western, supernatural and almost quasi-religious.
Beside that, it was a good book to pass an evening with. It was well written, enjoyable (to me anyway) and I honestly hope there is more to come.
Thank you
No idea what to expectbut what I got was far from it. Almost a cross between western, supernatural and almost quasi-religious.
Beside that, it was a good book to pass an evening with. It was well written, enjoyable (to me anyway) and I honestly hope there is more to come.
Thank you
June 8, 2021
Fun Western, with a twist!
I wasn't expecting a fun easy going honest deputy marshal that couldn't die. Reminded me of Louis L'Amour from the vernacular. It is a quick read, but could be a nice series if the authors go for sequels.
I wasn't expecting a fun easy going honest deputy marshal that couldn't die. Reminded me of Louis L'Amour from the vernacular. It is a quick read, but could be a nice series if the authors go for sequels.
August 3, 2021
I’ve read a lot of books by JR Rain and they are usually good this book was horrible. I gave it one star because you cannot do 1/2 stars. Don’t waste your money or time. It was so over explaining that I had to speed read to get to the end will not be reading book 2
April 1, 2022
The Beast
The first in a new series and it’s good. Zeb sort of reminds me of Captain Jack Harkness (you either know the character or not) but set in the wild west. I loved the characters and the story and am looking forward to the next book.
The first in a new series and it’s good. Zeb sort of reminds me of Captain Jack Harkness (you either know the character or not) but set in the wild west. I loved the characters and the story and am looking forward to the next book.
January 27, 2024
Keeps your heart racin'.
Good old fashion western with a twist. Plenty of delightful characters and a well crafted story. You definitely root for the MC and hope he gets the lady and her young son.
Good old fashion western with a twist. Plenty of delightful characters and a well crafted story. You definitely root for the MC and hope he gets the lady and her young son.
January 27, 2024
Really good
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's as it says a Western but with a supernatural difference. Zeb Clemens is a Deputy Marshall with a bit of something Supernatural. He is the good against evil, be it human or other. I can't wait to read the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's as it says a Western but with a supernatural difference. Zeb Clemens is a Deputy Marshall with a bit of something Supernatural. He is the good against evil, be it human or other. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 22, 2024
Yes… I did it… I went to a genre I’ve never read before, but WOW… SOOOO GOOD. Supernatural Thriller Western?!?! Oh Yeah, it’s got it all. Definitely a Must Read, I’m literally reading book 2. Trust me, step out of your comfort zone and give it a try. I’m so impressed!!!
July 1, 2024
The Beast of Devil's Creek
This was a good book with a good story line,about a deputy Marshall who couldn't die, well couldn't stay dead. He would get killed then come back to life,for some unknown reason.
This was a good book with a good story line,about a deputy Marshall who couldn't die, well couldn't stay dead. He would get killed then come back to life,for some unknown reason.
October 24, 2024
Great Read!
A Western thriller like none other! Didn't know JR or Matt had it in them. Ha Ha! Truly enjoyed it. You don't want to miss this series. I'm headed for the next book right now.
A Western thriller like none other! Didn't know JR or Matt had it in them. Ha Ha! Truly enjoyed it. You don't want to miss this series. I'm headed for the next book right now.
June 29, 2025
This could be just a typical western read, but for Zeb Clemens coming back to life after being shot more than once and a supernatural beast.
This is a good read, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This is a good read, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 2, 2025
Wow !
I usually don't read Western but also glad this was recommended to me. The plot is original, the story extremely well written and the characters well drawn. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I usually don't read Western but also glad this was recommended to me. The plot is original, the story extremely well written and the characters well drawn. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 16, 2021
Best western ever!
The book leaves you hoping there’s another book after this one. It’s captive, entertaining and everything a syfy should be but with a western spin. Love it. Hope there’s a second book…
The book leaves you hoping there’s another book after this one. It’s captive, entertaining and everything a syfy should be but with a western spin. Love it. Hope there’s a second book…
July 15, 2021
The Beast of Devil’s Creek
This was a rollicking, fun read! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys both the old West & the paranormal.
This was a rollicking, fun read! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys both the old West & the paranormal.
July 15, 2021
Westerns now?
And what a great ride. Loved the characters. Can’t wait for more adventures. Love y’all’s stories, way better entertainment than TV.
And what a great ride. Loved the characters. Can’t wait for more adventures. Love y’all’s stories, way better entertainment than TV.
August 8, 2021
About Time!
I've been waiting for a while to find another horror series set in the old west. I was not disappointed! Great fun! I can't wait for the next book. 4 plus stars.
I've been waiting for a while to find another horror series set in the old west. I was not disappointed! Great fun! I can't wait for the next book. 4 plus stars.
April 28, 2022
Okay
This story would have been excellent except for one thing. The author goes into way, way too much detail about things that have nothing to do with the plot.
This story would have been excellent except for one thing. The author goes into way, way too much detail about things that have nothing to do with the plot.
July 3, 2022
Riveting supernatural western
Great tale of a U.S.Marshall called to duty not only for his country, but also for the dimension. The Old West has never been this interesting.
Great tale of a U.S.Marshall called to duty not only for his country, but also for the dimension. The Old West has never been this interesting.
August 13, 2022
A very nice read
Nice story and interesting. It was little light on the part were the main character never used his rifle and only relied on a single Colt.
Nice story and interesting. It was little light on the part were the main character never used his rifle and only relied on a single Colt.
March 9, 2024
I reckon this is a good book!
These two authors writing a story together gives us the readers some great results! It is not too complex, yet filling.
These two authors writing a story together gives us the readers some great results! It is not too complex, yet filling.
February 16, 2025
Not exactly
What I have read from these guys, but it’s 2:25 am and I had to finish it before I went to bed.
What I have read from these guys, but it’s 2:25 am and I had to finish it before I went to bed.
Read
July 31, 2025DNF. I spent way too much of my precious reading time trying to get interested in this book.
January 14, 2026
Quirky Western
Fantastic authentic period novel...very entertaining. I will continue to read this author. It is a virtual vacation from today's reality.
Fantastic authentic period novel...very entertaining. I will continue to read this author. It is a virtual vacation from today's reality.
Read
August 1, 2022Get Out Of Death Free Card ... Unlimited?
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read more!
Zeb wanted to move out West and become a rancher and find a good woman to settle down with and start a family until a narrow escape from death brought The Lady into his life. Then he decided too be a Deputy Marshal because it seemed like the thing to do when you can't die. Or at least when you don't stay dead. He was pretty content with his new life until he met Laura and Heath... They have him rethinking the family bit he used to see in his future. What does The Lady want with him? How many times can he cheat death? Will he ever be able to tell Laura the truth?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy a bit of the supernatural in their historical westerns with a dash of romance and plenty of suspense and action :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read more!
Zeb wanted to move out West and become a rancher and find a good woman to settle down with and start a family until a narrow escape from death brought The Lady into his life. Then he decided too be a Deputy Marshal because it seemed like the thing to do when you can't die. Or at least when you don't stay dead. He was pretty content with his new life until he met Laura and Heath... They have him rethinking the family bit he used to see in his future. What does The Lady want with him? How many times can he cheat death? Will he ever be able to tell Laura the truth?
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy a bit of the supernatural in their historical westerns with a dash of romance and plenty of suspense and action :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews