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Death & Texas #1
Death & Texas
The great state of Texas is a land of opportunity. For outlaws. And horse thieves. And cattle rustlers. Not to mention, bank robbers, train robbers, and anything-that-ain't nailed down robbers. The state's governor, Richard B. Hubbard, is at the end of his rope. He wants to clean up Texas once and for all--and he's desperate enough to try something crazy: hire a man who can do what the Texas Rangers can't. A man not tied down by a wife or children.
Or Rules. Who's not afraid to go outside the law. Who will protect the good people of Texas at any cost--and put the blast on anyone who gets in his way...
He needs a man like Cullen McCabe, a small town sheriff.
Or Rules. Who's not afraid to go outside the law. Who will protect the good people of Texas at any cost--and put the blast on anyone who gets in his way...
He needs a man like Cullen McCabe, a small town sheriff.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
154 people are currently reading
1900 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,040 books1,390 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 23, 2024
The Governor of Texas has his hands full with complaints from the citizens of the State about lawlessness and corruption running rampant. But the Texas rangers are stretched thin, and they just can’t be everywhere to solve the problems. The idea is born to hire a man, make him a special agent with authority, who will go in to this cities and towns and end the problems.
Cullen McCabe is just that man. Former Sheriff of a small town, he has the knowledge, skill, and lightning swiftness of his Winchester rifle and his guns to face anyone… even the deadliest of outlaws (and crazies).
This is fast paced, and a heck of a read! The character McCabe is a strong, yet humble and likable. Great character development in the rest of story. I was completely invested from the start! Recommended!!
Cullen McCabe is just that man. Former Sheriff of a small town, he has the knowledge, skill, and lightning swiftness of his Winchester rifle and his guns to face anyone… even the deadliest of outlaws (and crazies).
This is fast paced, and a heck of a read! The character McCabe is a strong, yet humble and likable. Great character development in the rest of story. I was completely invested from the start! Recommended!!
October 20, 2019
"Death and Texas" is one of the new series from the estate of William W. Johnstone. Typical with all the new series J.A. Johnstone and the publisher churn out using uncredited ghost writers, they usually are good or very bad and surprisingly this one was good.
It's set in Texas, you have the main character Cullen McCabe a former sheriff of Sundown, whose wife and kids were killed by a gang, he tracked everyone of the gang down and hung them.
He moved onto to Two Forks, while building a cabin, he receives a telegram about coming to San Antonio where he becomes a special agent for the governor, he'll get sent into put an end to situations of violence where it be easier to do and using the Texas Rangers aren't an option.
Typical with the Western genre, "Death and Texas" checks off all the boxes you want with a western, good verse evil, a likable lead character, and of course evil gets conquered in the end.
Definitely a worthy read, think readers will like Cullen McCabe, it's one where you wish William W. Johnstone wrote it and a shame that they just don't publish using the J.A. name.
It's set in Texas, you have the main character Cullen McCabe a former sheriff of Sundown, whose wife and kids were killed by a gang, he tracked everyone of the gang down and hung them.
He moved onto to Two Forks, while building a cabin, he receives a telegram about coming to San Antonio where he becomes a special agent for the governor, he'll get sent into put an end to situations of violence where it be easier to do and using the Texas Rangers aren't an option.
Typical with the Western genre, "Death and Texas" checks off all the boxes you want with a western, good verse evil, a likable lead character, and of course evil gets conquered in the end.
Definitely a worthy read, think readers will like Cullen McCabe, it's one where you wish William W. Johnstone wrote it and a shame that they just don't publish using the J.A. name.
April 25, 2023
Death and Texas
Another awesome book on McCabe. I really like this series I hope there will be many more on this Special Agent Cullen McCabe. Thank you Johnstone’s for a awesome read.
Another awesome book on McCabe. I really like this series I hope there will be many more on this Special Agent Cullen McCabe. Thank you Johnstone’s for a awesome read.
May 27, 2022
This is a glorified Western worth all the hype and 4 stars! I liked McCabe for his honorable persuit and disliked Nathan Dixon and his hateful, crazy ways. This is worth the read if you ever come across it, pick up! It's worth the time!
About the book:
Special Agent Cullen McCabe is on at act of duty for official business on behalf of Texas Governor, Hubbard. Cullen is sent to Bonnie Creek to settle a dispute with the trying of an upcoming town but the land is settled neighborly to Nathan Dixon and his cattle ranch. When Cullen wonders into town its nothing but suspicion and mystery to the town folks and trying to figure him out. They think of him as a law man or a gunslinger but every time someone tries to question him about it and seek answers they seem to get no where. Cullen isn't your average talker and they don't know what he's up to. The phrase "just passing through" usually means one night but to the towns surprise he's there for several days. And during his stay he has stirred up some trouble and excitement between himself and the Double D ranchers and one at a time gunning them out. Nathan Dixon is mad as hell and seeks Cullen for himself only to find the large mans cult .44 to him and chased out of town. When Nathan can't seem to talk his ranch hands into killing Cullen to get the job done so he can take over the land for his cattle and have that town for himself, he seeks out a gunslinger by the name of Deacon Pratt. Pratt out on the hunt finds himself shot but Cullen and this puts Dixon with 4 ranch hands and in a loco state of mind. Dixon turns on his own and this puts Cullen on alert as he's tried to get Dixon to settle the peace and end the war. However, Dixon isn't so lucky in his meeting with Cullen and finds himself severely injured until his last breath. Now gone it is up to the rest of what is left of Double D ranch to forfeit their war and become neighborly with Bonnie Creek once and for all. When Cullen feels that his work is done, he packs up his bags and horses and heads out of town and leaves the rest of the town up to their own defense in hopes that things settle well between them and the Double D. When Cullen reports back in Austin to Hubbard about his visit to Bonnie Creek and his assignment there, he is relieved of duty to take some time off. Afterwards, the town had written to the governor warning of their help and when they received no reply it was time to write again to let them know their dispute was settled and the governor then replied back with their new knowledge of the mysterious man called Cullen McCabe was in fact, Special Agent Cullen McCabe!
About the book:
Special Agent Cullen McCabe is on at act of duty for official business on behalf of Texas Governor, Hubbard. Cullen is sent to Bonnie Creek to settle a dispute with the trying of an upcoming town but the land is settled neighborly to Nathan Dixon and his cattle ranch. When Cullen wonders into town its nothing but suspicion and mystery to the town folks and trying to figure him out. They think of him as a law man or a gunslinger but every time someone tries to question him about it and seek answers they seem to get no where. Cullen isn't your average talker and they don't know what he's up to. The phrase "just passing through" usually means one night but to the towns surprise he's there for several days. And during his stay he has stirred up some trouble and excitement between himself and the Double D ranchers and one at a time gunning them out. Nathan Dixon is mad as hell and seeks Cullen for himself only to find the large mans cult .44 to him and chased out of town. When Nathan can't seem to talk his ranch hands into killing Cullen to get the job done so he can take over the land for his cattle and have that town for himself, he seeks out a gunslinger by the name of Deacon Pratt. Pratt out on the hunt finds himself shot but Cullen and this puts Dixon with 4 ranch hands and in a loco state of mind. Dixon turns on his own and this puts Cullen on alert as he's tried to get Dixon to settle the peace and end the war. However, Dixon isn't so lucky in his meeting with Cullen and finds himself severely injured until his last breath. Now gone it is up to the rest of what is left of Double D ranch to forfeit their war and become neighborly with Bonnie Creek once and for all. When Cullen feels that his work is done, he packs up his bags and horses and heads out of town and leaves the rest of the town up to their own defense in hopes that things settle well between them and the Double D. When Cullen reports back in Austin to Hubbard about his visit to Bonnie Creek and his assignment there, he is relieved of duty to take some time off. Afterwards, the town had written to the governor warning of their help and when they received no reply it was time to write again to let them know their dispute was settled and the governor then replied back with their new knowledge of the mysterious man called Cullen McCabe was in fact, Special Agent Cullen McCabe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
Don't read a lot of western Novel, used to read fantasy but got a little tired by the genre.
Really enjoy this one, the only reason a don't give 5 stars is only because it's a oneshot kind of book, I not sure I will read it again because nothing special or unique about it.
Typical hero, big fellow always thinking ahead the bag guy. Always giving a warning before shooting, most of the time is already aiming is Winchester on th guy before warning the bag guy... they still goes for their guns anyway and get shots.
Never was in real danger in the stories, so you don't have big gun fight. Shooting is more realistic, only a few shoots.
Maybe not the best, but It was a good timing for me to read this one so I enjoy it as a good 'fast-food' novel as good as any generic sci-fi/fantasy out there.
Don't know yet if I will buy the next Cullen McCabe books but if you feel for an easy quick read I can recommend this one if you like the genre.
May 18, 2022
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway a couple months ago and I was a little hesitant to start it because I have never read a western novel before. Death & Texas took me a bit by surprise. The story was fairly predictable but it was still entertaining and written well enough to keep me coming back. Most of the characters felt one-dimensional which I heard is common for westerns. Other than the main character, Cullen McCabe, all I really knew about the other characters was their name and profession. Although I felt no real connection between any of the characters, I still found myself rooting for the people of Bonnie Springs against the ruthless Nathan Dixon and his band of outlaws. I can't see myself reading many more westerns in the future, but I still enjoyed this read and I'm glad I was able to expand my horizons a bit more.
April 21, 2022
I really enjoy William W. Johnstone books and this one does not disappoint. Cullen McCabe, gave up being a sheriff to hunt down the men who murdered his family. Now that he has succeded, he's not sure what he is going to do. That's when he gets a telegram from the Governor of Texas's office. They have a job for him, which is to be a special law man for the state, and he is to go into areas that the Texas Rangers don't have time. His first assignment is to Bonnie Creek, where a rancher is trying to destroy the small town so he can enlarge his ranch. McCabe arrives in Bonnie Creek, but doesn't tell them the real reason he's there. Between his presence and the town getting a backbone, they fight to keep their town. What all happens will keep you entertained.
August 24, 2022
Local library finally got this book as an eBook. The first 50% of the story is very good, the last half not as good. Started getting a little boring. Kind of runs on the same track only this time a mad rancher wants to take over a town, get rid of it so he can have more cattle where the town is. His men can’t kill the hero of the story, so he hires an assassin. Of course, we all know how that turns out.
June 23, 2023
Well written tale
The author has done a great job in bringing a truly unique bunch of strong characters in a fast paced and action packed tale with so many twists and turns it made me keep turning the pages. I definitely recommend this book and the series to follow.
The author has done a great job in bringing a truly unique bunch of strong characters in a fast paced and action packed tale with so many twists and turns it made me keep turning the pages. I definitely recommend this book and the series to follow.
June 26, 2023
really really good
Could’nt put it down went totally deaf ( so my wife said) it’s a while since a book had me in its grasp had to charge my reader twice now to find something to follow on
Could’nt put it down went totally deaf ( so my wife said) it’s a while since a book had me in its grasp had to charge my reader twice now to find something to follow on
October 7, 2023
A very good Western, filled with cowboys, town's people, and cattle. I appreciate the side romances without blatant detail. I borrowed this e-book from the Sacramento Public Library through the Libby app.
October 8, 2023
Pleasant read
This book is not the usual genre I would read but I really enjoyed it, the slow methodical quite lawman getting the job done,it bought back memories of me sitting with my Grandfather watching his favourite movies.
This book is not the usual genre I would read but I really enjoyed it, the slow methodical quite lawman getting the job done,it bought back memories of me sitting with my Grandfather watching his favourite movies.
December 27, 2023
This was a solid western, with a good protagonist, and decent group of side characters, and a villain that needs to be stopped. There wasn't much flair to this novel and the antagonist was just your run-of-the-mill robber baron (akin to villain in Open Range).
January 28, 2024
Such a good reprieve from the more serious books. I guess I would have to say that really a good western is my go to Reed’s when I need a break. I mentioned this before, just reminds me of a soap opera, one that I could have opinions on but can’t take it serious. Give my brain a rest, good break.
April 28, 2025
If you are in the mood for a Gunsmoke type story, where there’s a strong lawman keeping the peace, this book is for you. I enjoyed reading this and recommend it to any that are looking for a good old fashioned western.
November 24, 2021
As always I enjoyed the storyline and the characters
March 3, 2022
His books are always great
March 22, 2022
recommend
Liked the story line. Good cast of characters. He didn’t,t use bragging rights to describe himself. Very stoic. There didn’t seem to be anyone his equal….my hero!!!
Liked the story line. Good cast of characters. He didn’t,t use bragging rights to describe himself. Very stoic. There didn’t seem to be anyone his equal….my hero!!!
June 10, 2022
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway a couple months ago. I really enjoy William W. Johnstone books and this one does not disappoint.
Liked the story line. Good cast of characters.
Liked the story line. Good cast of characters.
August 7, 2022
A new story worth reading
This was an outstanding story. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Can I have another. I sincerely hope there will be more.
This was an outstanding story. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Can I have another. I sincerely hope there will be more.
October 9, 2022
Very fun read, a little Western here and there does the soul some good.
February 23, 2023
Really good book
Was surprised by this book, it kept me interested all the way thru from beginning to the last page. I am hoping there will more of this character to follow.
Was surprised by this book, it kept me interested all the way thru from beginning to the last page. I am hoping there will more of this character to follow.
February 28, 2023
Good book
I was very intrigued by this book. Belt my attention and enjoyed the storyline built by Mr. Johnstone. His characters were likeable or easy to dislike! Recommended read.
I was very intrigued by this book. Belt my attention and enjoyed the storyline built by Mr. Johnstone. His characters were likeable or easy to dislike! Recommended read.
May 3, 2023
It's a good read
I enjoyed reading this book. There was plenty of action. I would recommend this
book to everyone. I think the Johnstone fans will enjoy reading this book
I enjoyed reading this book. There was plenty of action. I would recommend this
book to everyone. I think the Johnstone fans will enjoy reading this book
September 30, 2023
Death and Texas
Good story. Nice defined hero with troubled past taking on new adventures. He interacted well with the town and got them through their crisis.
Good story. Nice defined hero with troubled past taking on new adventures. He interacted well with the town and got them through their crisis.
September 30, 2023
Hard to put down.
A good story. A good man doing a lawman's job in a way that is not as predictable as a lot of westerns.
A good story. A good man doing a lawman's job in a way that is not as predictable as a lot of westerns.
October 2, 2023
the story always ends too soon lol
An excellent read as always. Love the characters and the storyline. Pure enjoyment. Nothing like a good western to make the day a little better.
An excellent read as always. Love the characters and the storyline. Pure enjoyment. Nothing like a good western to make the day a little better.
October 6, 2023
Very good book
October 17, 2023
Very good
Very good and hope it moves on. I enjoyed reading and sure hope u do also. I do hope you enjoy
Very good and hope it moves on. I enjoyed reading and sure hope u do also. I do hope you enjoy
October 20, 2023
Hell raising and greed....
Enjoyed the premise and the characters throughout my read. If you enjoy a well written wild west tale, then you will find this book well worth your time.
Enjoyed the premise and the characters throughout my read. If you enjoy a well written wild west tale, then you will find this book well worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews